HERE ARE THE good, the bad, and the unlikely football moves being talked about today…
Pepe appears to be making the move from Real Madrid to Besiktas on a free transfer, after the Spanish giants released him last month.
The Portugal defender has reportedly signed a three-year-deal with the Turkish champions following speculation that the transfer was imminent.
He spent 10 years at Real Madrid, picking up three La Liga titles as well as three Champions Leagues along the way.
Injury problems however, reduced him to just 18 appearances last season.
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Pepe was also linked with Paris Saint-Germain but nothing materialised from the rumours.
Ireland’s Cyrus Christie is reportedly getting close to a move out of Derby County.
Reports indicate that Middlesbrough are keen to secure his signature, having revised their offer after they had a bid rejected yesterday.
Christie endured a difficult time from Derby fans earlier this season.
The defender was castigated after he suggested that he can be the best full-back in the Championship “on my day,” in an interview with The Irish Sun.
Christie published his response to the criticism in a tweet, which has since been deleted.
“Apologies for having some self belief, astonishing to see so many of my own fans/supporters abuse me who clearly didn’t want to read the article properly,” he wrote at the time.
Lionel Messi has renewed his commitment to Barcelona, after signing a contract extension that will keep him at the Spanish club until 2021.
The news will bring relief to Barcelona fans, following some speculation that he could be leaving the side, this after first joining the academy as a 13-year-old in 2000.
The Argentine will sign the new deal when he returns to Barcelona for pre-season duty.
Harry Redknapp has expressed some fondness for retired Ireland international, Robbie Keane, who he coached at Spurs.
Redknapp was reunited with Keane at Michael Carrick’s Manchester United testimonial in June, and praised his performance after the game.
Keane has been a free agent since leaving LA Galaxy in 2016, and although Redknapp did not confirm any intention to bring Keane to Birminham City, he was impressed with what he saw.
“I haven’t spoken to Robbie really other than that game. Robbie is a player you would love to have around your football club.
“He is just a fantastic professional footballer.”
Talk of a Wanye Rooney’s possible return to Everton continues to gain momentum.
The Sun’s Neil Custis writes that the 31-year-old could be back with the Merseyside club by the end of the week, after falling out of favour with Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho.
The report indicates that Rooney is willing to move to Everton on a free transfer, while also retaining his £250,000 weekly wage on a two-year deal, with the option of adding of adding a further year.
Alexandre Lacazette’s move to Arsenal appears to be nearing completion.
Sources at Sky Sports claim he has undergone a medical at the London club, and is expected to sign a five-year deal soon.
The move from Lyon could end up being worth £52m over the course of his contract.
It also looks as though Antonio Rudiger’s switch from Roma to Chelsea could be edging ever closer, following reports that both sides have agreed on a deal worth an estimated £34m.
Rudiger’s arrival would boost Chelsea’s defensive options, following the departures of Nathan Ake (Bournemouth), and former captain John Terry (Aston Villa).
24-year-old Rudiger made 40 appearances for Roma across all competitions last season.
Retro Deal of the Day: Thierry Henry to Barcelona
It’s 10 years since Arsenal legend Thierry Henry made the move to Barcelona on a four-year deal at the age of 29.
After falling to the Spanish side in the 2006 Champions League final, Henry eventually tasted European success in a Barcelona shirt three seasons later.
On the domestic front, Henry also enjoyed La Liga and Copa del Rey triumphs during his time at Barcelona.
The Frenchman worked under Pep Guardiola during his time there. Reflecting on his experience under the current Man City boss, Henry told The Football Republic (TFR)
“He’s intense, he wants to dominate, he wants to control everything, he wants to know everything and be in charge of everything.
“He’s just intense, so you just have to be ready to cope with that.”
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