With the Premier League kicking off this weekend, and none of the big three sagas looking like happening, it's desperation time for the transfer gossip spinners.
We don't mean to pick on the Star, but they've followed up yesterday's ground-braking Gareth Bale smiling picture special with one of Samuel Eto'o in a Chelsea shirt.
Beneath the photo, the article reads:
"The Cameroon striker, who is interested in a Stamford Bridge move, dons a Chelsea shirt for the first time.
But don't get too excited, it's only a Starsport impression!"
Oh, you!
However, the Star is not alone in putting out some ridiculous stories today. The Daily Mail report that Manchester United coaches Phil Neville and Steve Round attended Portugal's 1-1 draw with the Netherlands on Wednesday, to scout that unknown prospect, Cristiano Ronaldo. Expect David Moyes to get the following report:
"Strengths: Powerful runner with amazing trickery and pace. Very strong in the air and a potent goal threat. Weaknesses: doesn't track back and petulant attitude. Recommendation: Player would be a great addition to squad. Will require bid of over £100m. Likely to annoy Eamon Dunphy."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0VXl3KMMtg
In actual transfer news, Liverpool are favourites to sign £30 million Anzhi midfielder Willian, after telling ESPN Brazil that he would be open to moving to Anfield, according to several papers. Tottenham are also interested, while Manchester United are rumoured to be entering the race too. United are also being offered Mesut Özil for £40 million, according to the Mail. The offer doesn't appear to be from Real Madrid, mind you, but by "Özil's representatives". Because they have that power apparently.
Ajax midfielder Christian Eriksen has dropped a "transfer bombshell" on pursuers Liverpool and Tottenham, by saying he wants to move to a Champions League club, reports the Express. Spurs are still interested in signing Roma's £20 million striker Erik Lamela, according to the Telegraph, concluding that Spurs could only be willing to spend that much money if they expect a big windfall from Gareth Bale moving to Real.
Elsewhere, Arsenal target Luiz Gustavo has signed for Wolfsburg, while Swansea will not let go of Michu; Liverpool have agreed a loan deal for left-back Aly Cissokho from Valencia; Darren Bent is on the verge of joining Fulham, who are also interested in Spurs midfielder Scott Parker, after he had looked set to be reunited with Harry Rednapp at QPR; and Southampton have had a bid accepted for Roma striker Pablo Osvaldo.
