Playing for 90’s transfer gossip column, bringing you all the attest news and rumours of ins and outs in the world of the Premier League and abroad, brought to you by co-editor Kevin Kelly. Today we hear of Stoke City’s audacious move for Xherdan Shaqiri, and much more.
Stoke Agree Shaqiri Fee
Sky Sports, among others, today reported that Stoke City have agreed a £12m fee to sign Xherdan Shaqiri from Internazionale. Mark Hughes’ side attempted to sign the attacking midfielder from Bayern Munich in January but the Switzerland international opted to join Inter on a four-and-a-half year deal understood to be worth £16m.
However, he made just eight league starts during the second half of the season, scoring just once in Serie A, and the Italian club are now prepared to move him on. Personal terms are yet to be agreed with the player and may yet pose a stumbling block to sign the player.
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West Brom edging closer to Matt Phillips deal
According to the Daily Mirror West Bromwich Albion are making headway in their pursuit of QPR winger Matt Phillips and have also offered a new contract to coach Gerry Francis. The 24-year-old, Matt Phillips has become Tony Pulis’ top transfer target and lengthy negotiations with QPR appear to be paying dividends.
QPR were looking for around £7 million for a player who was bought from Blackpool two years ago for £5million.Pulis is also keen to keep Francis at The Hawthorns.
Francis is out-of-contract after joining Albion in the middle of January in a move that saw Paul Jewell quit after just a few days at the helm. There have been reports that Francis has been in talks with QPR about re-joining the Loftus Road club.
Liverpool prepared to sell Lambert as West Brom eye striker
According to the Liverpool Echo Liverpool striker Rickie Lambert is the subject of interest from West Brom. The big frontman, who is expected to leave Anfield this summer, is wanted by Baggies boss Tony Pulis. Lambert has also been linked with Queens Park Rangers and Premier League new boys Bournemouth.
The 33-year-old turned down a £5million transfer to Aston Villa back in February but is now resigned to moving on in search of regular first-team football. With Divock Origi and Danny Ings arriving to bolster Brendan Rodgers’ attacking options and the club pursuing a deal for Christian Benteke, Liverpool are looking to off-load Lambert, as well as fellow strikers Mario Balotelli and Fabio Borini.
Falcao agrees to 130k-a-week Chelsea Deal
According to the London Evening Standard have a agreed a deal to take Ramadel Falcao on loan from Monaco for the upcoming season, a deal worth 130,000 per week. Meanwhile the Blues continue to consider whether to increase their offer for Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.
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The deal for Falcao was held up while the forward, who scored just four goals for Manchester United last season, played for Colombia at the Copa America.
But after being knocked out by Argentina at the weekend, the deal is now ready to be completed. The 29-year-old has already been instructed to join up with his Chelsea team-mates at their pre-season training camp in Montreal on July 19 — four days after the squad flies out.
With regards to Begovic Chelsea are still not sure whether Begovic will be involved after Stoke rejected a £6million offer yesterday. Stoke are looking for £10m for the 28-year-old, who has been lined up as Petr Cech’s replacement.