There Is Only One Sinnacle

Going to be a crazy day

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has targeted Newcastle forward Andy Carroll as a replacement for Torres and is prepared to spend £30m to lure the 22-year-old to Anfield. the Sun

Sorry about the Sun reference Liverpool fans. Spend that 30 million elsewhere Liverpool. Liverpool should focus of developing their own Andy Carroll. The problem with British transfers is your always paying more than what the player is worth. There is no way Carroll is twice the player Giampaolo Pazzini is.

Chelsea are preparing to smash the British transfer record with a £50m offer for Liverpool striker Fernando Torres. Daily Telegraph

The Merseysiders will only allow Torres to join Chelsea if they can secure the services of Nicolas Anelka in return. ESPNsoccernet

40 million and Anelka can go along way in remaking the club.

As they prepare for life without Torres, Liverpool are ready to make an £18m swoop for Aston Villa’s Ashley Young – as well as finalising the transfers of Ajax striker Luis Suarez and Blackpool midfielder Charlie Adam. the Guardian

With Aston Villa spending 18 million on Darren Bent it will take more to get Ashley Young. (again the make up you play for English players) Charlie Adam better be sold today for his sake.

Tottenham have had a £38.5m bid for Atletico Madrid forward Sergio Aguero rejected. Sky Sports

Life isn’t great for Atletico Madrid right now but they did manage to tie down Aguero to a new contract. Not exactly build for the English game.

Villarreal have rebuffed Tottenham’s advances for former Manchester United striker Giuseppe Rossi. The north London side have had a £30m bid rejected. IMScouting

Another player who deservely got tied down to a new contract. Great goal yesterday.

Redknapp may turn his attention to £16m-rated Bayern Munich frontman Mario Gomez.
Full story: Caught Offside

With the move Gomez is scoring goals for fun this season wonder if Liverpool are kicking themselves for letting Gomez slip away. Bayern Munich wisely kept on to him then and will contiune to do so now.

Midfielder Stephen Ireland, who has found himself our of favour at Aston Villa, will seal a loan move to Newcastle, with a view to completing a permanent deal in the summer. Daily Mirror

Ireland needs to get his act together or he is quickly going to waste all that talent.

Striker Tuncay has been offered a way out of Stoke, with Wolfsburg, managed by former England boss Steve McClaren, offering £4m for his services. the Sun

Tuncay should be quite happy playing in Germany.

Former Manchester United number two Carlos Queiroz has reportedly agreed to take over as manager of Brazilian club Vasco da Gama. Daily Mail

They might as well announce Vasco da Gama as the new feeder club to Manchester United.

I don’t see Fernando Torres leaving Liverpool as the end of the world. I do think Liverpool should cash in on a player who isn’t interested in playing for them anymore. What I really wanted to point out is how idol worship is almost foolish in top flight soccer. I can’t blame someone for loving a player who plays well for their favorite club. That passion drives football I get that but come on Fernando Torres didn’t grow up wanting to play for Liverpool and Liverpool only. Torres grew up in the Atletico Madrid system and when it came time to leave, he did. Now if Torres is willing to leave his boyhood club you can be assured he has no problem leaving Liverpool.

Realistically who can blame Fernando Torres for wanting to leave? A footballer has 5 prime years between the ages of 24 and 29. It really is wishful thinking to except one of the game’s best strikers to give up three years as Liverpool rebounds from the Hicks and Gillett era. Players care about money and playing for the team with the best chance of winning and right now Liverpool isn’t in that spot. Sure being adored by the fans are great but it rarely stops a player from leaving.

While it’s a loss for Liverpool, it’s not the end of the world. King Kenny who can deliver this sppech better than anymore needs to remind these players what playing for Liverpool is all about and anyone who isn’t committed to that needs to have their agent call the club and get moved on. Now the challenge will be how to spend that money wisely, even if they have to wait until the summer to do it.

As a neutral I love this. I was getting bored with European soccer. Instead of the big four in England you really only have the big one in Manchester United with the other clubs having massive questions they need to answer. Barcelona is 7 points up on Real Madrid, A.C Milan is a comfortable 4 points up on Napoli and Borussia Dortmund are 11 points up in the Bundesliga. With all this transfer drama I’m loving the return of big bad Chelsea and if they wrap up a deal for Torres I wonder what Manchester City will be thinking as they alright spent 30 million on Edin Džeko only to see Torres find himself on the market.

Poor Sven

Chelsea are attempting to stage a massive transfer coup with a dramatic £60m bid for Torres.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Liverpool’s American owners, Fenway Sports Group, have dismissed the British transfer record bid out of hand. Full story: the Guardian

Look what the cat dragged in only a couple of days before the transfer deadline. I can’t see Torres leaving even if he makes a Mascherano like fuss about it but it sure makes it a field day for the papers.

West Ham have rejected Tottenham’s offer of Robbie Keane plus £2m in return for midfielder Scott Parker, but negotiations are set to continue. Daily Telegraph

This is Robby’s story…..that line from Special One TV is what I think about whenever Robbie Keane name is mentioned.

Tottenham are ready to make a second bid to snatch Everton skipper Phil Neville before Monday’s transfer deadline. Daily Mirror

Just a weird transfer rumour. There is something to be said for having a winner like Neville around but there isn’t much left in the tank so slapsh a couple of million on him.

Days after inspiring Birmingham City to a place in the Carling Cup final, striker Nikola Zigic could be about to go on loan to Racing Santander. talkSPORT

With former Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins coming in it looks like Zigic is heading out.

Sunderland have turned their attention to Wigan striker Hugo Rodallega as they look to replace Darren Bent. Full story: Metro

Sunderland are still interested in Richardo Fuller for some reason but Rodallega would make a better albeit more expensive replacement.

Fulham are looking to buy Spurs midfielder Niko Kranjcar after a deal to buy winger Shaun Wright-Phillips from Manchester City fell through. Metro

Knanjcar gets to stay in the same city, that must appeal to him. Plus he may actually see the pitch again.

United could be looking to Lyon’s France international goalkeeper Hugo Lloris as a long-term successor to Van der Sar. Full story: Metro

De Gea, Netherlands’ Maarten Stekelenburg and Germany stopper Manuel Neuer make up United’s three-man shortlist. Full story: Daily Telegraph

Like every one of the goalies mentioned.

Uruguayan Suarez, who impressed at last year’s World Cup, is known to be keen to complete the move to Anfield, although the transfer may not go through now until summer at the earliest as Liverpool’s owners are refusing to pay inflated prices in January. Goal.com

The Liverpool owners have no problem paying inflated prices for MLB free agents mind you. I’ve said many times that January isn’t the best time to buy but these Liverpool owners need to make some sort of statement and back it up with cash. Losing out on Suarez means having a lot of explaining to do.

Sebastien Bassong insists he will not be leaving Tottenham this month after holding talks with manager Harry Redknapp over his future at the club. I said to him [Redknapp] what I thought, how I saw the things and he gave me answers,” Bassong told French newspaper Le Figaro. “I will remain in Tottenham. I belong to Spurs.” Full story: Le Figaro

You also belong on the bench.

Chelsea’s move for Benfica defender David Luiz is on the verge of collapse. The Blues are refusing to meet the Portuguese club’s asking price of £30m. the Sun

Too late in the end for Luiz to stay. I’m sure part of him already feels like a Chelsea player. If its a matter of a couple of dollars here or there it’s going to get down. If it’s a 5 million dollar difference, well then it’s a problem. Chelsea would also have some explaining to do if this deal doesn’t get done.

Barcelona and Manchester United are vying for the signature of Ajax defender Gregor van der Wiel. The 22-year-old full-back won the Johan Cruyff award in 2010, a yearly accolade handed out to the best player in Dutch football. Insidefutbol.com

Dani Alves out, Gregor van der Wiel in.

Turkish side Konyaspor have made an offer for Blackburn forward El-Hadji Diouf, although his agent says his first preference is to remain in England. Daily Mail

Can’t believe any club is willing to talk on this career loser both as a person and player.

Aston Villa defender Curtis Davies could be on his way across town to bitter rivals Birmingham, with midfielder Sebastian Larsson going in the opposite direction. Daily Mirror

I like Larsson but Birmingham would win this deal.

Liverpool defender Paul Konchesky could be offered a way out of his nightmare time at Anfield with a return to Fulham on loan. Daily Mirror

His nightmare? More like the fans of Liverpool nightmare.

Blackburn’s on loan striker Roque Santa Cruz has released a charity single to help underprivileged children in his home country Paraguay. The 29-year-old recorded the song Let Your Love Shine with Dutch singer Beate Alexandra. Roque Santa Cruz foundation

I’m sure Manchester City felt like they are donating to charity every time they paid Santa Cruz’s wages.

In Canada the media has been going on about the Great One Wayne Gretzky turning 50 today. It’s all deserved as he pretty much is royality up here but do you know who the great one shares his birthday with?

That’s right the Great One shares the same birthday as the Special One. Sadly the Canadian media doesn’t go on about it like they should but I will. Happy Birthday Jose Mourinho.

Oh the fact that Wayne Gretzky turns 50 years old makes me feel really old. You know what else makes me feel really old? I was listening to Papa Don’t Preach on the radio a couple of days ago (don’t ask) when it hit me. The baby Madonna got knocked up with would be graduating college this year. How depressing is that? Another thing which I took from this song. What if this was actually a real kid who heard this song. When you hear the line “I’m keeping my baby” how is the kid ever going to have a normal relationship with her Nonno (grandfather for you non Italian’s out there) knowing that he wanted his daughter to take a clothes hanger to the baby? That would be a lot of back tracking on Danny Aiello part who rocked the wife beater in this video.

Blackpool have put a £12m price tag on their want-away captain Charlie Adam, while Seasiders boss Ian Holloway is eyeing Derby midfielder Paul Green as a possible replacement. Daily Mirror

Sir Alex Ferguson doesn’t miss a trick. Loved how he said Charlie Adam’s corner kicks alone are worth 10 million to help drive out the price. Considering Adam is making a buck and a quarter compared to the average EPL player plus he gets a cut in any transfer fee it’s time Liverpool or Aston Villa offer 8 million and it’s time for Adam to force Blackpool’s hand.

Real Madrid are ready to make an offer for Manchester United defender Patrice Evra as his future at Old Trafford looks increasingly uncertain. (the Times)

Marcelo has done nothing wrong playing left back this year at Real Madrid. Considering Evra is close to turning 30 Real Madrid should pass on him.

Sunderland are set to make a £3.5m offer for West Ham forward Frederic Piquionne.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Piquionne isn’t one of the players West Ham can sell so this rumour isn’t going anywhere.

Aston Villa have asked Tottenham to name their price for midfielder Jermaine Jenas.
Full story: the Sun

This makes a ton of sense. Jenas needs a new team and Aston Villa would be a great landing spot.

Chelsea have offered midfielder Nemanja Matic to Benfica as part of the deal to sign defender David Luiz. Daily Telegraph

25 million and Matic for Luiz. Let’s wrap this up.

Newcastle want to complete the loan signing of Aston Villa midfielder Stephen Ireland before the end of the transfer window. Daily Mirror

Well, it makes no sense doing it after the transfer window closes now does it.

Arsenal are lining up a £12m offer for Paris St Germain’s central defender Mamadou Sakho.
Full story: Metro

Sakho would look really good in an Arsenal uniform. This would be the move I’d make if I was Wenger.

Ruud van Nistelrooy has responded to Hamburg SV’s refusal to allow the striker to join former club Real Madrid by insisting he will not extend his contract when it runs out at the end of the season. (Hamburger Morgenpost newspaper, 1054 GMT)

Yeah I know this isn’t EPL related but been meaning to touch upon this for awhile. On one hand I can understand Hamburg not wanting to let van Nistelrooy go. Despite his age Hamburg isn’t going to find a player better in front of goal. On the other hand it’s Real Madrid, the same club who let Ruud leave on a free transfer last year. Return the favour with Real Madrid kicking in a few millions for the trouble. If Ruud stays I doubt he’ll be happy anyway.

Real Madrid are keen to sign Manchester City’s Emmanuel Adebayor after missing out on re-signing Hamburg striker Ruud van Nistelrooy (Marca, 0900 GMT).

I’d tired of hearing about Adebayor rumours. After sulking his way out of Arsenal I’m not feeling sorry for him.

Chelsea defender Alex could leave Stamford Bridge for AC Milan as the Londoners step up their bid to sign Benfica centre-back David Luiz. Metro

I’d be saying a prayer if I was lined up in a wall with Alex taking a free kick.

Liverpool’s attempt to sign striker Luis Suarez from Ajax has ended in failure, according to reports in the Netherlands. talkSPORT

I’m not even sure Liverpool need Suarez but either way watch for this to go down to the wire.

Wolfsburg manager Steve McClaren has offered £6m for Liverpool’s Milan Jovanovic.
Full story: talkSPORT

Really? 6 million for a player who signed as a free transfer during the summer? I’d pack Jovanovic bags myself if I was in charge of Liverpool.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that the club will make an offer for Lille midfielder Eden Hazard. Metro

Lille will then confirm that the offer is too low.

Arsenal’s Carlos Vela is on the verge of joining Valencia after a deal was agreed in London last week, according to reports in Spain. talkSPORT

Good move for Valencia if this becomes a reality. Vela is worth taking a gamble on.

Birmingham’s 6ft 7in Serbian striker Nicola Zigic could be heading back to former side Racing Santander after failing to impress at St Andrew’s. Daily Mirror

I liked Zigic but it seems like he only plays well at Racing Santander.

Sepp Blatter has been at Fifa for too long and needs to be replaced as president, according to the Asian Football Confederation president Mohamed Bin Hammam. the Guardian

Watch for Mohamed Bin Hammam to be found in a truck of a car.

Chelsea hope to finalise the £26m transfer of 23-year-old centre-back David Luiz from Benfica in the next 24 hours. Daily Mail

Ok, I’ve said many times before how Portuguese clubs don’t sell mid season but hey 26 million can change people’s mind. With Benfica out of the Champions League and 8 points back of Porto guess they have decided it’s time to cash in on David Luiz.

Reds manager Kenny Dalglish could be ready to bid for Paris St Germain striker Guillaume Hoarau, who would cost the Anfield club about £6m. footylatest.com

Somewhere David N’Gog isn’t happy.

Blackpool captain Charlie Adam wants to join Liverpool before the transfer window closes on 31 January but faces a bitter fight with the Tangerines over his departure. Liverpool are prepared to pay up to £5m for the 25-year-old. Daily Mirror

I’m shocked Adam hasn’t forced a move yet. Considering he can triple his salary there is only so much time to be patience.

However, Blackpool manager Ian Holloway thinks Liverpool’s valuation of his prized asset Adam is “derisory” and “insulting”. Daily Mirror

Another reason I’d force a move is to stop Ian Holloway from going on about this in the press.

Tottenham must stump up £18m if they want to sign former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder Lassana Diarra, 25, from Real Madrid. Daily Mail

Diarra plays a lot more than Gago. Beside it’s not set in stone Diarra would see anymore playing time with Tottenham.

Meanwhile, Spanish side Real Madrid are pondering a loan deal for Tottenham’s 29-year-old forward Roman Pavlyuchenko as the short-term answer to their current striker crisis. Footylatest.com

I liked Pavlyuchenko even when he was riding the bench but he isn’t going to Real Madrid.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is determined to clinch the £4m signing of Stoke City striker Ricardo Fuller on Monday. Daily Mirror

I wouldn’t be excited about Fuller coming in to help replace Darren Bent if I was a Sunderland fan.

Manchester City’s unwanted striker Emmanuel Adebayor is ready to fly to Monaco to seal a £9m switch to his old club. Daily Mirror

Big drop in football but living in Monaco must be nice.

Sunderland are preparing to make an audacious bid for Porto’s £30m-rated striker Givanildo Vieira de Souza, 24, better known as Hulk. Footylatest.com

Of course the money is right but I can assure you Porto isn’t selling mid season. Plus I doubt Hulk would even go to Sunderland considering he has a bright future ahead of him.

Manchester United midfielder Anderson has no intention of cutting off his dreadlocks because it would reduce him to tears. He stated: “My hair is my life.” Daily Mirror

One of the few times I wish football was like North American sports. Anderson and Rooney for Benzema and Diarra? Who says no? Most likely Manchester United but they would think long and hard about it.