Lots to catch up on in the transfer market this week: once again, Manchester City’s Sven Goran-Eriksson has been the busiest manager in the EPL, splashing down an estimated $34 million on three new players: Croatian international Vedran Corluka, Spaniard Javier Garrido and Brazilian Copa America star Elano. Bulgarian striker Valeri Bojinov is also rumored to be on his way to City from Fiorentina. Earlier on Thursday, Man United agreed to a $12 million fee with Newcastle for Red Devils striker/midfielder Alan Smith. The Magpies are also after Brazilian defender Cacapa while inching closer by the day to a $12 million sale of unhappy Kieron Dyer to West Ham. The Hammers continue to be busy this summer. Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen is rumored to be negotiating a move right now. Back at United, the Carlos Tevez saga looks to be headed for High Court, as the Old Trafford club continues to hold defender Gabriel Heinze hostage.
In Italy, AC Milan is reportedly tabling $20 million to sign 17-year-old Internacional sensation Alexandre Pato, while also keeping one eye on Real Madrid striker Julio Baptista. Spanish champion Real, meanwhile, won’t let its Kaka dreams die, and is apparently ready to offer Milan Baptista, Antonio Cassano and $70 million in exchange for the Brazilian wizard. Milan maintains Kaka is still a no-go.
Failing that, Real hopes it can at least land Chelsea’s Arjen Robben, especially after losing out to crosstown rival Atletico Madrid for the $12 million signature of Jose Antonio Reyes. After Robben turned down a contract extension from Chelsea, his father hinted that he may yet move to the Bernabeu. Should that happen, Chelsea is likely to make up for Robben’s departure by signing Sevilla’s Brazilian fullback, Dani Alves.