Soccerlens.com

Transfer Rumors (12 June 08): Larsson to Newcastle, Frings to Arsenal, Carvalho could leave Chelsea, Villa put the squeeze on Liverpool for Barry and more

Just like David Villa might have made himself more money, and potentially earned himself about 27,000 transfer links, with his hat trick against Russia, Turkey’s Arda Turan might have Galatasaray hiking up his value after that late cracker to beat Switzerland on Wednesday. Prepare to pay up, Newcastle.

Pardon my language, but here we motherf—-in, g–d—, bloody f—in go again. So, Aston Villa want 14 million for Gareth Barry, and Liverpool want to offer 15 up-front and another three in add-ons. Should be enough, right? Wrong. Martin O’Neill and Villa want close to 20 million now.

Rumor Rating: 5 – I’ll say it, because Rafa Benitez likely wants to, but he can’t, at least aloud. I know you don’t want to let your star man go, but is this becoming a game to you, Martin? Is it? Is Barry worth the hassle–and the 20 million pounds?

Fresh off of beating Manchester United for Aaron Ramsey, Arsenal could try to do the same with Blackburn’s Roque Santa Cruz, as the Daily Mail is saying that the Gunners could be lining up a 10 million pound bid for him

Rumor Rating: 3 – A move for Santa Cruz might hinge on whether Emmanuel Adebayor stays or goes, and that’s up for debate at this point.

Why is that? AC Milan have reportedly agreed personal terms with the Togolese talisman, but Milan VP Adriano Galliani says that Arsenal haven’t even bothered to reply to their inquiry letter.

Rumor Rating: 2 – Wonder why that is, Mr. Galliani? Maybe Arsenal don’t want to sell him? Has he thought about that possibility?

The Sun says that Arsenal, still in the search for a replacement for Mathieu Flamini, are interested in Werder Bremen’s Torsten Frings, who could be available for around 4 million pounds.

Rumor Rating: 3 – Frings is 31, so while he isn’t a youngster by any means, his experience on both club and international level would be a big asset for Arsenal’s young players.

Chelsea’s Ricardo Carvalho says that he’d love to work with former coach Jose Mourinho again, and he’ll also be discussing his future with Peter Kenyon once Euro 2008 ends.

Rumor Rating: 3 – Carvalho’s 30, so he could be looking for a new challenge, even if familiar face Luis Felipe Scolari is set to be his new manager at Chelsea.

Sporting’s Miguel Veloso has put Europe’s top clubs on alert after saying that he wants to leave the club after Euro 2008.

Rumor Rating: 5 – He’ll cost a pretty penny, but that won’t stop the likes of Manchester United and potentially Arsenal to go after the midfielder.

Inter are reportedly very close to sealing a deal for Roma star Mancini, who was up for sale after failing to extend his contract past the summer 2009 expiration date.

Rumor Rating: 5 – Well, look at that. Get rid of one Mancini, bring another one in.

Bayern Munich’s Lukas Podolski, who’s off to a fantastic start at Euro 2008, is set to discuss his future with Jurgen Klinsmann

Rumor Rating: 3 – Podolski didn’t get regular starts at Bayern thanks to the partnership of Miroslav Klose and Luca Toni, and he has only 19 goals in two seasons at the club, but his scoring record on international level (27 goals in 49 appearances, and he’s only 23) shows what he’s capable of if he’s on his ‘A’ game. If he does decide to leave, he’ll have no shortage of suitors.

Newcastle are after Birmingham midfielder Sebastian Larsson, but Birmingham are not willing to part with him.

Rumor Rating: 1 – They reportedly offered 4.2 million pounds for the 23-year old, but he’s expected to be a vital part of Alex McLeish’s plans for next season’s push for promotion back to the Premier League.

According to The Sun, Portsmouth are reportedly in for Reading’s Nicky Shorey and could make a 3.5 million pound move for the England defender.

Rumor Rating: 3 – Reading would no doubt like to hold on to Shorey, and therefore could hold out for a little more. But, if Portsmouth (or West Ham, who made a 5 million pound offer in January) make the right offer, then he could go.

Middlesbrough, looking to add more young talent to their midfield, are making a 4.25 million pound swoop for PSG’s Didier Digard.

Rumor Rating: 4 – With the talent that Boro already have in midfield and with who they’ve been linked with (Digard, Michael Bradley), midfield looks to be a strength for Gareth Southgate for the foreseeable future.

Wigan reportedly lead the race for Rennes and Ghana midfielder John Mensah, who could cost the Latics around 7 million pounds.

Rumor Rating: 4 – It might seem like a lot for Wigan to pay for a player, but he’s experienced both domestically and internationally (54 caps for Ghana).

So, that’s it for today’s rumors. Are you sick of the Barry saga already? What do you think of Adebayor and AC Milan? Where will Veloso land?

Chime in, chip in, and I’ll be back tomorrow!

Topics: AC Milan, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Bayern Munich, Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers, Bundesliga, Chelsea, English Championship, English Premier League, Football Transfers, Inter Milan, Liverpool, Middlesbrough, Newcastle United, Portsmouth, Roma, Serie A, Wigan