THE WORLD CUP is a distant memory at this stage meaning Premier League enthusiasts only have transfer speculation, pre-season friendlies and the odd European fixture to keep you going until the season starts in a couple of weeks. However, QPR boss Harry Redknapp, a man who knows a thing or two about buying and selling players, is here to help us with a daily round-up of the biggest and best rumours from around Europe.
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Michu: The deal’s been done a while, but Napoli today unveiled Swansea’s bargain Spaniard as he begins a season-long loan in Serie A.
Toffees get stuck into Besic: The entire UK media agree that Bosnia Herzogivina midfielder Muhamed Besic is ‘close’ to completing a move to Everton. It’s difficult to argue when the 21-year-old is already hanging out with Roberto Martinez’ squad.
Lampard to Melbourne: We’d be shocked – SHOCKED – if New York City’s newest signing simply spent the next eight months waiting on the next MLS season to start. ‘Arry says the nephew will link up with David Villa in Manchester City’s other pet project in Melbourne once he’s bored of his holidays.
Didier back in blue? It’s crazy, but it looks more and more likely that Chelsea will replace old man Lamps with old man Drogba.
Now for the less glamorous news, Fiorentina have confirmed the signing of Argentine defender Jose Maria Basanta from Monterrey. Great.
Mathieu Valbuena is hot proterty right now. What with France being brilliant for a game or two last month. Both Arsenal and Liverpool are said to be interested in the little Marseille maestro, but he definitely won’t be going to Dynamo Moscow. His agent called that particular rumour “Bullshit”.
Reds race for Gaitan? The Mirror say that Brendan Rodgers and Diego Simeone are arm-wrestling for the right to sign Benfica’s Nicolas Gaitan. £45 million should be no bother to John Henry this summer.
Atleti like little pea: So, along with apparently chasing Gaitan, the La Liga Champions are also said to be interested in signing Javier Hernandez from Manchester United as Chicharito is worried that LVG will prefer Danny Welbeck as his third-choice striker.
Bendtner….: The lad Nicklas is holding clubs over Europe to ransom as he seeks a new permanent deal after running down the clock on loan deals away from Arsenal. It says here that Frankfurt want no part in him after he asked for 30k-per-point bonus on top of his wages.
Van Dijk following the flag: Celtic defender Virgil Van Dijk is reportedly keen on joining up with Ronald Koeman at Southampton. No sign of any love going back towards Glasgow though.
Vidal to United? No chance, according to Arturo himself. The Chilean says he is still on his holliers and while he can’t promise he’ll stay in Turin, he’s no interest in going to Old Trafford.
Parking the Varane: Real Madrid’s brilliant young central defender Rafa Varane is apparently unhappy with his wages with the La Liga giants and ‘could be on his way to Chelsea’. Nothing a nice new contract with the European Champions wouldn’t sort out.
Iker Casillas, to thrifty Arsenal: Spanish outlet Sport sound pretty confident, but while we’re sure Madrid wouldn’t mind getting the former good ‘keeper off their books, that doesn’t mean Arsenal want to spend £7m over five years to do Real a favour.
