Author: Craig Muncey

http://gty.im/474557030 Reports in Italy suggest that Pepe Reina is set to join Napoli from Bayern Munich. The 32 year old was previously on loan to Napoli for a season from Liverpool, Reina helped Napoli win the Coppa Italia the season he was there. The 33 times capped Spanish international, spent 9 seasons at Liverpool, before Simon Mignolet was brought in to replace him, he then went to Napoli on loan, before a permanent move to Bavarian giants Bayern Munich in 2014. At Bayern, Reina was second choice to Manuel Neuer, arguably the best keeper in the world, and Reina only…

http://gty.im/475506926 The ongoing summer saga that is Petr Cech and his possible move from Chelsea seems to be gathering pace today, following a picture that his fellow Czech Republic international player, Tomas Rosicky has put on Instagram. The picture shows Cech and Rosicky with arms around each other and a message saying welcome to Arsenal. It has been widely reported that Cech wants to remain in London, and Arsenal are reported to be interested, fee that has been reported is £11 million and are reported to be willing to pay Cech, £100,000 a week to get their man. Of course…

http://gty.im/477358834 Goal.com are reporting that Paris St Germain are closely monitoring the situation with Angel Di Maria, if the Parisian club do not acquire their number one summer target, Paul Pogba. Di Maria, is currently participating in the Copa America with Argentina, has been linked with a move away from Manchester United for quite a few months now, following his last summer move from Real Madrid for £59.7 million. The Argentinian played 27 matches for United last season, scoring 3 goals, but never played again following his sending off against Arsenal in March. He has won 62 caps for Argentina…

http://gty.im/477133812 According to reports in the Daily Mail today, Manchester City are lining up a bid of £30 million for Arsenal and England international Jack Wilshere. This is the second young English star that Manchester City are being linked with the other being Raheem Sterling, and seems to be a change in strategy by the club to inject some youth and homegrown players into their system, potentially seeing players ageing and top European players needing a blend. The 23 year old has made 100 appearances for Arsenal to date with 6 goals, has worked his way through the Arsenal academy,…

http://gty.im/477449092 It has been confirmed today that Danish international centre back Simon Kjaer has joined Turkish side Fenerbahce for a fee reported at £5.4 million. The 50 times capped, 26 year old defender has previously played for Palermo, Wolfsburg, Roma and most recently French club Lille, where he has been for last 2 seasons. The centre back has been linked with a number of premiership club over recent years but nobody has taken the next step. The player is well regarded and on the international scene and has built a very strong defensive partnership with ex Liverpool defender, Daniel Agger,…

http://gty.im/474614770 Goal are reporting that Chelsea are keen to acquire the services of Stoke City goalkeeper, Asmir Begovic if Petr Cech leaves Chelsea as is expected this summer. The Bosnian international keeper is 27 years old, and has 1 year left on his current contract at Stoke where he has been first choice goalkeeper since 2010 making 160 appearances and 1 goal! Goal scored against Southampton after only 13 seconds. The player is believed to be interested in the move, however has some concerns over being a second choice keeper to Thibaut Courtois. Chelsea have offered a lucrative salary and…

http://gty.im/473510136 Rangers announced today the appointment of Mark Warburton as manager and ex Rangers player and captain, David Weir as assistant manager. Both were previously the management team at Brentford, where they did a fantastic job with the club, taking them into the Championship on a shoe string budget and a playing squad of 24 players in total, these type of restrictions and still getting success no doubt attracted the owners of Rangers, who all know are restricted by finances currently. Indeed Rangers released 11 players at the end of the season, and both Warburton and Weir have stated that…

http://gty.im/467695992 Iago Aspas is set to return to his boyhood club Celta Vigo from Sevilla according to reports in Spain. The 27 year old striker was only bought by Sevilla last month, after they exercised their option to buy him after being loaned to them by Liverpool. However, Sevilla have decided to sell after the player only scored 2 goals in 16 starts for the club last season. Aspas made his name at Celta Vigo, and indeed it was his performances for the club that caught Liverpool’s eye and made them part with £7 million in 2013. Aspas scored 12…

http://gty.im/472757450 Daily Mirror are reporting today that Tottenham Hotspur are the first club to show a firm interest for Burnley defender Kieran Trippier. It is widely believed that within Trippier’s contract is a £3.5 million release clause, and Spurs may well take up the option to activate it. The 24 year old right back has been linked since the end of the season with Liverpool and Southampton, and is believed to be keen to a return to the Premiership following Burnley’s relegation last season. Trippier had 12 assists in the Championship for Burnley in 2013-2014 season and 4 assists last…

http://gty.im/469599182 Today was the day that a number of Premiership clubs announced a list of their respective players released as out of contract and not being offered new deals, there were some household well respected names within those lists, however the one that caught my eye was Abou Diaby who has been released by Arsenal. Diaby, 29 year old midfielder has been besieged by injuries for a number of years, currently he is out injured with a cruciate ligament injury, and has only made 2 appearances in 2 years, so can totally understand after 9 years at being at Arsenal…