Gary Jacob gives his verdict on the latest transfer gossip
Chelsea made a resounding statement of intent last night when they launched a £45 million bid for Sergio Ag?ero, the Atl?tico Madrid striker.
Ag?ero has been coveted by some of Europe’s top clubs, but Carlo Ancelotti hopes to conclude his first transfer since taking over as manager to make up for the disappointment of being unable to sign Kak?, who joined Real Madrid.
The 21-year-old has cut a reputation as one of the most skilful second strikers around and could potentially be an excellent foil for Didier Drogba. He scored 17 goals last season to boot.
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Off the pitch, he gained fame when he paired up with Giannina, daughter of his Argentina coach, Diego Maradona, and they had a baby boy in February. Benjamin was taken to his first game at the age of two weeks and watched his father score twice as Atl?tico beat Barcelona.
Pini Zahavi has been brokering the deal with Peter Kenyon, the chief executive, showing that the Israeli super-agent has strengthened his influence in Chelsea’s biggest transfers.
The offer is likely to include payments based on appearances and success at Stamford Bridge, and is some way below the £51.5 million buyout clause that Ag?ero has in his Atl?tico contract.
Chelsea held talks at the weekend with Jos? Segui, who works for IMG, Ag?ero’s representative. The sticking point could be his salary demands of about £100,000 a week net, which Chelsea are unwilling to meet.
Alexandre Pato, the AC Milan and Brazil forward, has left the door open for a move to Chelsea, and a reunion with his former coach after saying that his future will be resolved this month.
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The 19-year-old, who scored 15 timkes for Milan last season, said: “Before I decide my future, I want to talk to Ancelotti and then Milan officials. He is an extraordinary man. It’s thanks to Ancelotti that I have been able to emerge at AC Milan.”
Decent bets
Rafael Benítez has conceded that he is working under financial constraints but wants to sign several players, which may include Glen Johnson, the Portsmouth right back, and David Silva, the Valencia attacking player.
The Liverpool manager said: “We knew that the [financial] situation was not fantastic,” He added that Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano, the midfield players, will not be leaving.
Seville will drop their legal action against Tottenham Hotspur if the North London club are willing to lower their valuation of Didier Zokora.
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The Spanish side had an offer of £5.8 million turned down for the Ivory Coast midfield player, with Tottenham wanting £7.5 million.
Seville are seeking £1.5 million compensation for the departure of Juande Ramos, their former coach, who moved to White Hart Lane two years ago and a court case is scheduled to begin in Spain next Tuesday.
Tottenham have been given fresh hope that they can sell Darren Bent to Sunderland after the striker appeared to have a change of heart over moving to the North East.
Aston Villa have inquired about Benoît Cheyrou, the Marseilles defensive midfield player. Fabricio Coloccini, the Newcastle United central defender, has been offered to Marseilles.
Dead cert
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Giovanny Espinoza is awaiting a visa before he can complete a move to Birmingham City. The Ecuadorean defender, 32, is expected to sign a two-year deal after a nominal fee was agreed with Sporting Club Barcelona.