Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers has reacted quickly to the shock departure of goalkeeper Dorus De Vries with a raid on his former club, Watford. Following the Dutchman's free transfer move to Wolves on Wednesday, Rodgers has immediately submitted a £1.7m bid for England U21 stopper Scott Loach.
Loach first broke into the Hornets' first XI under Rodgers and is thought to be keen on a move to South Wales to boost his international prospects. A pal of Loach told us: "Scotty has looked at the goalkeeping resources for England and they're thin on the ground to say the least. He reckons playing in the Premier League for a struggling side will do him wonders; look at Joe Hart, he went to Birmingham and now he's the number one."
Watford's new manager Sean Dyche is understandably keen to keep Loach but understands that financial issues at Vicarage Road may well force his hand; indeed, Dyche's acceptance of the situation was key to him being given the job ahead of the likes of Paul Ince, Andy Hessenthaler and Iain Dowie. Should Loach make the move to the Premier League new boys, Watford will immediately be in the market for a keeper themselves, and the merry-go-round could see them turn to Stephen Bywater, who is out of favour at Derby and is unlikely to make a return to Cardiff City, where he spent the latter part of last season on loan.
Wednesday 22 June 2011
Saturday 18 June 2011
I Wanna Get Hessed For Success
Following the departure of boss Malky Mackay to Cardiff City (as exclusively revealed by The Insider a fortnight ago), Watford have made an early start in appointing his successor by approaching Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler. Hessenthaler was a popular player at Vicarage Road in the early 1990s and has been sounded out by chairman Graham Taylor about a move back to the Hertfordshire club. The pint-sized manager has emotional ties to the Gills but would find it difficult to turn down a move to the second tier, with the new ambitious owners pledging in an injection of funds to bolster the young squad.
The move for Hessenthaler comes after Taylor's original target, Brian Horton, turned down the chance to join the club as he is thought to be close to gaining a coaching role at an as yet unnamed Premier League club in the Midlands. A source close to Taylor told us: "Graham thinks that Andy has what it takes to develop these youngsters and make a real play-off push this season. He's a born winner and that's important to us."
Hessenthaler could make a move for young Norwich forward Cody McDonald should he take up the reigns at the Hornets. McDonald played under him last season at Priestfield and is not thought to have a long term future at Carrow Road.
The move for Hessenthaler comes after Taylor's original target, Brian Horton, turned down the chance to join the club as he is thought to be close to gaining a coaching role at an as yet unnamed Premier League club in the Midlands. A source close to Taylor told us: "Graham thinks that Andy has what it takes to develop these youngsters and make a real play-off push this season. He's a born winner and that's important to us."
Hessenthaler could make a move for young Norwich forward Cody McDonald should he take up the reigns at the Hornets. McDonald played under him last season at Priestfield and is not thought to have a long term future at Carrow Road.
Tuesday 14 June 2011
Bennett Blow Bursts Boro's Bubble
A turbulent summer is set to hit the Riverside Stadium in the coming weeks as England U21 star Joe Bennett is in advanced talks with Newcastle United over a £3.5m transfer. Boro's increasing financial troubles have meant that the sale of star players is necessary while they remain committed to paying the likes of Kris Boyd, who has little prospect of moving anywhere, £30,000 a week. Bennett starred for the Teessiders last season and this move has added further fuel to the growing rumours of Tony Mowbray's imminent departure to Birmingham City.
Mowbray is dismayed that he is being asked to sell a player who he nurtured last season after being ignored by Gordon Strachan and feels that the fee vastly undervalues Bennett. However, cashflow difficulties mean that Newcastle's willingness to pay the full fee up front has won the day and it is now down to the player to agree personal terms. Magpies boss Alan Pardew has earmarked Bennett as a replacement for Jose Enrique, who is homing in on a £12m move to Liverpool.
There is however brighter news for the Boro faithful as a potential crowd-pleasing replacement has been identified by the scouting staff. Former Boro favourite Franck Queudrue is available on a free transfer following current club RC Lens' relegation from the French top flight and he has had initial discussions with chairman Steve Gibson about a return to his former stomping ground. Meanwhile, Mowbray is expected to hold a crisis meeting at the club on Friday to discuss his future.
Mowbray is dismayed that he is being asked to sell a player who he nurtured last season after being ignored by Gordon Strachan and feels that the fee vastly undervalues Bennett. However, cashflow difficulties mean that Newcastle's willingness to pay the full fee up front has won the day and it is now down to the player to agree personal terms. Magpies boss Alan Pardew has earmarked Bennett as a replacement for Jose Enrique, who is homing in on a £12m move to Liverpool.
There is however brighter news for the Boro faithful as a potential crowd-pleasing replacement has been identified by the scouting staff. Former Boro favourite Franck Queudrue is available on a free transfer following current club RC Lens' relegation from the French top flight and he has had initial discussions with chairman Steve Gibson about a return to his former stomping ground. Meanwhile, Mowbray is expected to hold a crisis meeting at the club on Friday to discuss his future.
Monday 13 June 2011
The Graham-Horton Show
With rumours escalating that Watford boss Malky Mackay is set to swap the delights of Hertfordshire for South Wales and Cardiff City, the Hornets have acted quickly to sound out potential replacements. Chairman Graham Taylor believes that a steady hand on the tiller is vital as the club looks to stabilise itself financially after a rocky few years and has therefore turned to experience in the form of ex-Manchester City manager Brian Horton.
Horton was a key part of Hull City's charge to the Premier League in 2008 and is highly regarded within the game, and his knowledge of running a club on a shoestring is thought to be key to Taylor's choice. A pal of the ex-England supremo told us: "Brian's not a fashionable appointment, but we've had our fill of young bucks coming here and using the club as a stepping stone. We want someone who's going to stick with us and become a real Watford hero. His connections in the game at this level are second to none."
The Vicarage Road club are still hopeful that Mackay will stay, but the Scot believes that he has taken them as far as he can go and sees Cardiff as a place where he can really impose his vision on a football club. The tipping point appears to have been when the ex-Norwich centre-half was told that he would have no access to the proceeds of star striker Danny Graham's sale, which was contrary to promises made just a few short weeks ago.
Cardiff have now pinpointed Mackay as their number one target having failed to tempt Sean O'Driscoll away from Doncaster Rovers, and hope to finalise the appointment by the end of the week.
Horton was a key part of Hull City's charge to the Premier League in 2008 and is highly regarded within the game, and his knowledge of running a club on a shoestring is thought to be key to Taylor's choice. A pal of the ex-England supremo told us: "Brian's not a fashionable appointment, but we've had our fill of young bucks coming here and using the club as a stepping stone. We want someone who's going to stick with us and become a real Watford hero. His connections in the game at this level are second to none."
The Vicarage Road club are still hopeful that Mackay will stay, but the Scot believes that he has taken them as far as he can go and sees Cardiff as a place where he can really impose his vision on a football club. The tipping point appears to have been when the ex-Norwich centre-half was told that he would have no access to the proceeds of star striker Danny Graham's sale, which was contrary to promises made just a few short weeks ago.
Cardiff have now pinpointed Mackay as their number one target having failed to tempt Sean O'Driscoll away from Doncaster Rovers, and hope to finalise the appointment by the end of the week.
Tony Singing The Blues?
Birmingham City have reacted to the sudden resignation of boss Alex McLeish by lining up their first target to replace the Scot - a man who has also experienced the hotbed of Old Firm football. Acting chairman Peter Pannu has today been speaking to his counterpart Steve Gibson at Middlesbrough in an attempt to prise manager Tony Mowbray away from the Riverside. Mowbray has previously enjoyed success in the Birmingham area with West Bromwich Albion, with whom he won the Championship in 2008.
Mowbray only joined Boro last season and has impressed with his values of integrity and humility, as well as his expansive vision of football, which dragged the Teesiders away from a relegation battle. He is a hero in the area having famously captained the team in the late 1980s and early 1990s and though it would be a wrench for him to leave his beloved club, the financial constraints imposed upon him due to the lack of parachute payments in the following season have made him consider a move south.
Pannu has promised "Mogga" a warchest of up to £15m to bolster the Blues squad as they seek to make an immediate return. They have already signed Chris Burke and Marlon King, and are on the verge of sealing the signature of targetman Danny Koevermans from PSV Eindhoven. There has also been an undertaking from the City board that the likes of Ben Foster, Scott Dann and Roger Johnson will only depart if an astronomical offer comes in - a bid of £6m for Johnson from local rivals Wolves has already been flatly rejected.
The sway of European football could also tempt Mowbray as he failed to make an impact in this regard during his ill-fated spell at Celtic. Understandably, negotiations are at an early stage but the willingness of Mowbray to listen to what Birmingham have to say could point to an unlikely move.
Mowbray only joined Boro last season and has impressed with his values of integrity and humility, as well as his expansive vision of football, which dragged the Teesiders away from a relegation battle. He is a hero in the area having famously captained the team in the late 1980s and early 1990s and though it would be a wrench for him to leave his beloved club, the financial constraints imposed upon him due to the lack of parachute payments in the following season have made him consider a move south.
Pannu has promised "Mogga" a warchest of up to £15m to bolster the Blues squad as they seek to make an immediate return. They have already signed Chris Burke and Marlon King, and are on the verge of sealing the signature of targetman Danny Koevermans from PSV Eindhoven. There has also been an undertaking from the City board that the likes of Ben Foster, Scott Dann and Roger Johnson will only depart if an astronomical offer comes in - a bid of £6m for Johnson from local rivals Wolves has already been flatly rejected.
The sway of European football could also tempt Mowbray as he failed to make an impact in this regard during his ill-fated spell at Celtic. Understandably, negotiations are at an early stage but the willingness of Mowbray to listen to what Birmingham have to say could point to an unlikely move.
Fantastic Beye
QPR are on the verge of making their first signing since winning the Championship title with a free transfer swoop for out-of-favour Aston Villa right back Habib Beye. The Senegal international has barely featured for Villa since signing there two years ago and the managerless Midlanders are prepared to release him from the final year of his contract.
Hoops boss Neil Warnock has pinpointed the right back area as a key area to strengthen for the upcoming campaign; Pascal Chimbonda's short-lived spell in West London was not a success and Warnock does not see Bradley Orr as a regular starter in the Premier League. The veteran manager has moved for Beye after an approach to take Tottenham's Kyle Naughton on a season-long loan was rebuffed.
Beye will sign an initial one-year deal at Loftus Road, with a clause inserted guaranteeing him a further year if he makes more than 25 appearances next season.
Hoops boss Neil Warnock has pinpointed the right back area as a key area to strengthen for the upcoming campaign; Pascal Chimbonda's short-lived spell in West London was not a success and Warnock does not see Bradley Orr as a regular starter in the Premier League. The veteran manager has moved for Beye after an approach to take Tottenham's Kyle Naughton on a season-long loan was rebuffed.
Beye will sign an initial one-year deal at Loftus Road, with a clause inserted guaranteeing him a further year if he makes more than 25 appearances next season.
Mills and Toon?
Alan Pardew is set to raid his former club Reading for their inspirational captain, Matt Mills. The commanding centre-half is known to be keen on a move to the Premier League following the Royals' playoff heartbreak and Pardew believes that he would be an ideal partner for the rapidly improving Fabricio Coloccini. Sol Campbell has left the Magpies following the expiry of his contract, leaving them short of options at the back.
Mills is thought to be available for around £3.5m and a Toon source told us: "We've got plenty of players here who've stepped up from the Football League to the top flight and there's no reason why Matt wouldn't do the same. With a European push on the agenda for next season, it's the club to join at the moment, no doubt".
Premier League rivals Wolves and Stoke have previously been linked with the player, but the former Manchester City trainee is not keen on a move to the Midlands and has already been eyeing up properties in the North East.
Mills is thought to be available for around £3.5m and a Toon source told us: "We've got plenty of players here who've stepped up from the Football League to the top flight and there's no reason why Matt wouldn't do the same. With a European push on the agenda for next season, it's the club to join at the moment, no doubt".
Premier League rivals Wolves and Stoke have previously been linked with the player, but the former Manchester City trainee is not keen on a move to the Midlands and has already been eyeing up properties in the North East.
Tuesday 7 June 2011
Alan's Elland Return?
Speculation is increasing that former Leeds United favourite Alan Smith is set for a shock return to the West Yorkshire club - seven years after being branded "Judas" by the Elland Road faithful. Smith pledged his future to the Whites when they were relegated from the Premier League in 2004, but proceeded to sign for bitter rivals Manchester United, provoking fury from Leeds' fans.
However, with Smith being told that he is free to leave his current club Newcastle, for whom he has failed to score a single league goal since joining in 2007, tentative moves have been made to return him to his spiritual home. A source close to Smith told us: "Alan thinks it's all water under the bridge now, we're going back years here. He's a Leeds man through and through and Simon Grayson is a man after the same heart. If he can sort one or two things out with Newcastle then it's on."
Smith would be expected to play in midfield as opposed to reprising his striking role from the halcyon days of the Champions League campaign of 2000-2001. He would bring key experience to a young team and replace Bradley Johnson, who is expected to sign for Premier League new boys Norwich City in the coming days.
However, with Smith being told that he is free to leave his current club Newcastle, for whom he has failed to score a single league goal since joining in 2007, tentative moves have been made to return him to his spiritual home. A source close to Smith told us: "Alan thinks it's all water under the bridge now, we're going back years here. He's a Leeds man through and through and Simon Grayson is a man after the same heart. If he can sort one or two things out with Newcastle then it's on."
Smith would be expected to play in midfield as opposed to reprising his striking role from the halcyon days of the Champions League campaign of 2000-2001. He would bring key experience to a young team and replace Bradley Johnson, who is expected to sign for Premier League new boys Norwich City in the coming days.
Monday 6 June 2011
Dale Is Paul's Jewell In The Crown
Ipswich manager Paul Jewell will kickstart his overhaul of his Ipswich Town squad with a £2m swoop for Tranmere starlet Dale Jennings. Jennings had a stunning debut season for Rovers and has attracted the attention of various Premier League clubs, but Jewell is willing to take a big money gamble on the winger, who he believes will add much-needed pace to the Tractor Boys' attack.
The Birkenhead club are understandably loath to lose the best winger they have had at Prenton Park since the halcyon days of Pat Nevin and Johnny Morrissey, but financial issues off the pitch and the continuing reluctance of owner Peter Johnson to invest in the team mean that a "sell before you can buy" policy has been imposed on physio-turned-manager Les Parry. Jennings is the sole sellable asset that the affable Scouser has on his books and hence his departure is inevitable.
Jennings' arrival could spell the end at Portman Road for former Manchester United trainee Lee Martin. Despite his high reputation and indeed price-tag, Martin has failed to convince and is thought to have been told by Jewell that he has no future at the club. Coventry are a club looking to add extra wide options to their squad and it could be that he will be left to resurrect his career at the Ricoh Arena on a season-long loan.
The Birkenhead club are understandably loath to lose the best winger they have had at Prenton Park since the halcyon days of Pat Nevin and Johnny Morrissey, but financial issues off the pitch and the continuing reluctance of owner Peter Johnson to invest in the team mean that a "sell before you can buy" policy has been imposed on physio-turned-manager Les Parry. Jennings is the sole sellable asset that the affable Scouser has on his books and hence his departure is inevitable.
Jennings' arrival could spell the end at Portman Road for former Manchester United trainee Lee Martin. Despite his high reputation and indeed price-tag, Martin has failed to convince and is thought to have been told by Jewell that he has no future at the club. Coventry are a club looking to add extra wide options to their squad and it could be that he will be left to resurrect his career at the Ricoh Arena on a season-long loan.
Danny's Taking The Michael
New Sheffield United boss Danny Wilson has made the first steps towards ingratiating himself towards the club's fans, hostile at the appointment of the ex-Sheffield Wednesday man - by making moves towards signing former Bramall Lane hero Michael Brown. Brown left Portsmouth at the end of the season following the expiry of his contract and has shown interest in returning to the place at which he spent his best years.
Although in strictly footballing terms, Brown would still be coveted by the majority of Championship clubs, he retains an affection for the South Yorkshire club and being a wealthy man following the signing of lucrative Premier League contracts for the last seven years, has no need to merely settle for the highest bidder. Wilson sees the need to get the fans "on board" and the return of a crowd idol such as the former Tottenham and Fulham midfielder would certainly galvanise support at a club that has seemed on the verge of implosion in recent times.
Brown's wage demands are not thought to be anywhere near the level that he was earning at Portsmouth, but he has insisted that he be made captain and a clause inserted in his contract that he plays every game if fit. Blades supremo Kevin McCabe is due to visit the club this week and at his meeting with Wilson, the signing will be discussed in further detail. However, should the move fall through, Bristol City and Nottingham Forest are waiting in the wings to sign the experienced schemer.
Although in strictly footballing terms, Brown would still be coveted by the majority of Championship clubs, he retains an affection for the South Yorkshire club and being a wealthy man following the signing of lucrative Premier League contracts for the last seven years, has no need to merely settle for the highest bidder. Wilson sees the need to get the fans "on board" and the return of a crowd idol such as the former Tottenham and Fulham midfielder would certainly galvanise support at a club that has seemed on the verge of implosion in recent times.
Brown's wage demands are not thought to be anywhere near the level that he was earning at Portsmouth, but he has insisted that he be made captain and a clause inserted in his contract that he plays every game if fit. Blades supremo Kevin McCabe is due to visit the club this week and at his meeting with Wilson, the signing will be discussed in further detail. However, should the move fall through, Bristol City and Nottingham Forest are waiting in the wings to sign the experienced schemer.
Friday 3 June 2011
Angel Rangel Wrangle
Out of contract Swansea full back Angel Rangel is attracting the attention of new West Ham boss Sam Allardyce. Rangel - recently linked with the Irons' fierce rivals Millwall - sees his future in the capital. A source told us "Angel has enjoyed his time in South Wales, but sees guaranteed first team football as a priority at this stage of his career."
Allardyce is keen to recruit players known for their attractive, passing style in order to dispel the 'long ball' myth to win over the Hammers fans, and Rangel certainly fits the bill.
Allardyce is keen to recruit players known for their attractive, passing style in order to dispel the 'long ball' myth to win over the Hammers fans, and Rangel certainly fits the bill.
Big Business At Old Trafford
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has wasted no time in reacting to the Champions' League Final defeat to Barcelona by informing his chief executive David Gill of his two primary transfer targets. Bayern München midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger is top of the list, as Ferguson looks to replace the retired Paul Scholes. The German schemer has spent his entire career in Bavaria but is known to be unhappy with the direction of the club following Louis Van Gaal's departure. Schweinsteiger, who turns 27 in August, only signed a new contract with "FC Hollywood" in December but is keen to make a move to England while still in the prime of his career. However, Bayern are unwilling to part with arguably their star asset and are thought to be demanding a fee in excess of £30m. Ferguson has told Gill that this level of investment is necessary if the club is ever to challenge the likes of Barcelona at the very highest level.
The other target is former United frontman Guiseppe Rossi. The Italian-American left the club in 2007 and has excelled in La Liga with Villarreal. Having developed as a player, Ferguson is now keen to bring the 24 year old back to Manchester to replace the outgoing Dimitar Berbatov, who could be set for a return to his own former club, Tottenham Hotspur. Villarreal qualified for the Champions League but remain relative minnows in the grand scheme of European football and will not stand in Rossi's way should United stump up the £12m fee demanded.
The other target is former United frontman Guiseppe Rossi. The Italian-American left the club in 2007 and has excelled in La Liga with Villarreal. Having developed as a player, Ferguson is now keen to bring the 24 year old back to Manchester to replace the outgoing Dimitar Berbatov, who could be set for a return to his own former club, Tottenham Hotspur. Villarreal qualified for the Champions League but remain relative minnows in the grand scheme of European football and will not stand in Rossi's way should United stump up the £12m fee demanded.
Thursday 2 June 2011
Kev To Re-Tread The Yellow Brick Road
Kevin Phillips is preparing for a return to where it all started for him as a professional footballer - by signing for his former club Watford on a free transfer. The former England frontman has left Birmingham City following the expiry of his contract and is willing to postpone his mooted move into the media side of football by a year to sign a contract with the Hertfordshire club.
Watford are preparing themselves for bids for star striker Danny Graham and have therefore lined up the veteran forward as a short-term replacement. A source close to boss Malky Mackay told us: "Kev might not have the pace that he had here in his first spell, but he hasn't forgotten how to score goals. He's always had a soft spot for Watford and sees this as an ideal place to finish his career".
Phillips had hoped to gain a further deal in the Premier League, but Birmingham's relegation put paid to that, and rumoured interest from Blackburn Rovers has been laughed off by manager Steve Kean as "balderdash".
Watford are preparing themselves for bids for star striker Danny Graham and have therefore lined up the veteran forward as a short-term replacement. A source close to boss Malky Mackay told us: "Kev might not have the pace that he had here in his first spell, but he hasn't forgotten how to score goals. He's always had a soft spot for Watford and sees this as an ideal place to finish his career".
Phillips had hoped to gain a further deal in the Premier League, but Birmingham's relegation put paid to that, and rumoured interest from Blackburn Rovers has been laughed off by manager Steve Kean as "balderdash".
Howard's Way Out Of City
Leicester stalwart Steve Howard is set to leave the club this summer after being told by manager Sven-Göran Eriksson that he has no place in his plans for the coming campaign. Howard joined the Foxes in 2008 and has weighed in with a healthy number of goals, but Eriksson wishes to base his attack around former England man Darius Vassell in 2011-12, as well as hoping to sign Everton striker Yakubu on a permanent basis after his loan spell last season.
Howard has already been linked to Burnley who are in the market for a replacement for the departed Steven Thompson, and Southampton, whose manager Nigel Adkins has expressed doubts about Rickie Lambert's suitability for Championship football. Leicester are likely to ask a fee of around £400k for the targetman, a figure well within the reach of both clubs.
Howard has already been linked to Burnley who are in the market for a replacement for the departed Steven Thompson, and Southampton, whose manager Nigel Adkins has expressed doubts about Rickie Lambert's suitability for Championship football. Leicester are likely to ask a fee of around £400k for the targetman, a figure well within the reach of both clubs.
Upson Down?
Former West Ham skipper Matt Upson has been dealt a shocking blow as his agent has informed him that there is currently no Premier League interest in him following his departure from the East London club. Just 12 months ago, Upson was playing in the World Cup for England, but his stock has dipped so dramatically that even low-ranking clubs such as Wigan and Blackburn have declined to make any approach for the 32 year-old.
Upson could now be forced to take a drastic cut in salary and join his former club Birmingham City, who are expecting to lose at least one of their coveted centre-half partnership of Roger Johnson and Scott Dann. Intriguingly, another former England free agent, Lee Bowyer, could be set to make the return journey for a third spell at Upton Park, as contract talks with another of his old clubs, Leeds United, have stalled.
Upson could now be forced to take a drastic cut in salary and join his former club Birmingham City, who are expecting to lose at least one of their coveted centre-half partnership of Roger Johnson and Scott Dann. Intriguingly, another former England free agent, Lee Bowyer, could be set to make the return journey for a third spell at Upton Park, as contract talks with another of his old clubs, Leeds United, have stalled.
Wednesday 1 June 2011
Micky On The Move Again?
Port Vale fans have reacted furiously to rumours that manager Micky Adams is set to walk out for the second time in six months, with increasing speculation that he is set to take the reins at Cardiff City.
Adams left Vale Park in December after being approached by his boyhood heroes, Sheffield United, but was unable to save them from relegation to the third tier and was subsequently sacked. Vale were more than happy to re-appoint him on a three-year deal, but the ambitious manager, who took Leicester to the top flight in 2003, is keen to have another crack at breaking into the Premier League.
A pal of Adams told us: "Micky believes that he was never fully backed in his time at Leicester and he sees Cardiff as the ideal place to re-establish his reputation. Things went badly at Bramall Lane but it wasn't his fault. No disrespect to Vale but what can he do there?"
Other names linked with the Cardiff job are Glenn Roeder and Alan Curbishley, though the latter is known to be unsure about moving to South Wales.
Adams left Vale Park in December after being approached by his boyhood heroes, Sheffield United, but was unable to save them from relegation to the third tier and was subsequently sacked. Vale were more than happy to re-appoint him on a three-year deal, but the ambitious manager, who took Leicester to the top flight in 2003, is keen to have another crack at breaking into the Premier League.
A pal of Adams told us: "Micky believes that he was never fully backed in his time at Leicester and he sees Cardiff as the ideal place to re-establish his reputation. Things went badly at Bramall Lane but it wasn't his fault. No disrespect to Vale but what can he do there?"
Other names linked with the Cardiff job are Glenn Roeder and Alan Curbishley, though the latter is known to be unsure about moving to South Wales.
Sent To Coventry
Irish midfield maestro Michael Doyle is set for an emotional return to the Ricoh Arena - a mere six months after leaving.
Following Sheffield United's relegation to League One, his £12,000 per week wages have proved to be too much for the Blades and they are willing to release him from his contract to re-unite with the Warwickshire men. New Coventry boss Andy Thorn is known to have been upset with former manager Aidy Boothroyd's decision to let Doyle go and is keen to have him back in the City engine room.
Doyle, who turns 30 in August, was a fans' favourite during his previous spell at Coventry, and his 265 appearances were characterised by his non-stop commitment and energy. Thorn is in need of bolstering his midfield with the likely departure of Icelandic star Aron Gunnarsson, who is attracting interest from Blackburn and Sunderland.
Following Sheffield United's relegation to League One, his £12,000 per week wages have proved to be too much for the Blades and they are willing to release him from his contract to re-unite with the Warwickshire men. New Coventry boss Andy Thorn is known to have been upset with former manager Aidy Boothroyd's decision to let Doyle go and is keen to have him back in the City engine room.
Doyle, who turns 30 in August, was a fans' favourite during his previous spell at Coventry, and his 265 appearances were characterised by his non-stop commitment and energy. Thorn is in need of bolstering his midfield with the likely departure of Icelandic star Aron Gunnarsson, who is attracting interest from Blackburn and Sunderland.
A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Norwich striker Chris Martin has reacted furiously to manager Paul Lambert's signing of James Vaughan and his pursuits of Millwall forward Steve Morison and Peterborough star Craig Mackail-Smith, by slapping in a transfer request.
A source close to Chris said: "He can't believe that after playing a huge part in two promotions that he's just being cast aside. He doesn't want to cause trouble, but he can see that he has no future here. His days of playing in yellow are clearly over."
Martin would be a coveted purchase for the majority of Championship clubs and new Barnsley boss Keith Hill is known to be an admirer. Should the Tykes' finances allow a fee of £750k, it could well be that the frontman is on the move to Oakwell.
A source close to Chris said: "He can't believe that after playing a huge part in two promotions that he's just being cast aside. He doesn't want to cause trouble, but he can see that he has no future here. His days of playing in yellow are clearly over."
Martin would be a coveted purchase for the majority of Championship clubs and new Barnsley boss Keith Hill is known to be an admirer. Should the Tykes' finances allow a fee of £750k, it could well be that the frontman is on the move to Oakwell.
McCarthy: "Jamie has Loftus in the lurch"
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has been dealt a stunning blow as he looks to revamp his squad; Jamie O'Hara, previously understood to be on the verge of completing a permanent move to the West Midlands after a successful loan spell, is set to remain in London and join Premier League new boys QPR.
A fee of £5m had been agreed with Spurs and Wolves were happy to proceed with the deal, but an administrative error meant that the week-long deadline to complete the deal lapsed, and the Hoops have wasted no time in swooping for the midfielder. Flavio Briatore has told manager Neil Warnock that he sees the former Arsenal trainee as his marquee signing for the summer and has promised a weekly wage in excess of £50,000, which has proven too much for O'Hara to turn down, despite previous statements that he had no intention of returning to the south-east.
The disappointed McCarthy will now turn his attentions to free agent Nigel Reo-Coker, who has recently left Aston Villa following the expiry of his contract.
A fee of £5m had been agreed with Spurs and Wolves were happy to proceed with the deal, but an administrative error meant that the week-long deadline to complete the deal lapsed, and the Hoops have wasted no time in swooping for the midfielder. Flavio Briatore has told manager Neil Warnock that he sees the former Arsenal trainee as his marquee signing for the summer and has promised a weekly wage in excess of £50,000, which has proven too much for O'Hara to turn down, despite previous statements that he had no intention of returning to the south-east.
The disappointed McCarthy will now turn his attentions to free agent Nigel Reo-Coker, who has recently left Aston Villa following the expiry of his contract.
Gardner's Question Time
Lifelong Birmingham City fan Craig Gardner has been left with a dilemma - to stay with his boyhood heroes in the Championship or to sign for local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers. Gardner plumped for the Blues back in January 2010 when leaving Aston Villa, but Mick McCarthy remains a keen admirer of the goalscoring midfielder and has wasted no time in submitting a £3.25m bid. Financial problems at St Andrews mean that the bid has been immediately accepted despite the wishes of Alex McLeish to keep his key players at the club, and the choice is now entirely down to the player.
Gardner's arrival at Molineux would see an exit for David Edwards, who has been at the club since 2008. A fee of £2m would be commanded for the Welsh international and there has already been interest from Premier League new boys Swansea City, who see him as the potential heartbeat of their new look midfield, as Darren Pratley seems set to clinch a Bosman move to Bolton in the coming days.
Gardner's arrival at Molineux would see an exit for David Edwards, who has been at the club since 2008. A fee of £2m would be commanded for the Welsh international and there has already been interest from Premier League new boys Swansea City, who see him as the potential heartbeat of their new look midfield, as Darren Pratley seems set to clinch a Bosman move to Bolton in the coming days.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)