June 16 – Transfer Rumors

By: Taylor Rockwell | June 16th, 2009

Bayern Munich are claiming that Chelsea, Manchester United, and Barcelona have all made offers for French international Franck Ribéry. According to Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, the club were approached by Florentino Perez regarding the possibility of a transfer. He added, “We rejected the chance and we have no intention of selling Ribéry.” When asked if Franco FC had made an offer, he responded, “No but other clubs have done. Chelsea have lodged a bid, as have Manchester United and Barcelona. We are completely relaxed about it. The power lies with Bayern Munich.” So, just to clarify, Franck Ribery is totally not for sale. But if he were, Bayern would hold all the power. Also, he is for sale. How much do you have? That much? No. We want more.

Speaking of athletes that United probably won’t be able to sign, The Sun is reporting that Carlos Tevez won’t be crossing the border for Citeh… because he’ll be too busy signing for Carlo Ancellotti and Chelsea. The Argentinean goal scorer was strongly linked with Citeh, but, according to a source (read: someone the author made up) “Carlos was stunned to get the call from Ancelotti but also very pleased. Ancelotti did a great job selling the move and Carlos was impressed.” I wonder if the editor’s over at The Sun were as impressed by this bit of creative nonsense.

Victor Valdes is being (and apparently has been) monitored by United after contract talks between the 27 year old keeper and his Barca owners broke down. Valdes is apparently demanding £7.6million per season, which has Barca President Joan Laporta fuming. “We have a wage structure and we are not planning to change it.” He looked good in the Champions League Final when he sat motionless and watched Slave’s shots from 75 yards out roll wide, so I guess he could be a welcome addition?

United are also reported to be in for Gremio starlet Douglas Costa. I don’t know what makes him a “starlet” rather than just a “star”, but United scouts have apparently taken a keen interest in the youngster’s contract situation (he has a £17.8 million buyout clause). Said agent Cesar Bottega, “They (Manchester United) have identified four or five possible replacements for Cristiano Ronaldo in the world, and Douglas is one of them. We have been contacted by several clubs some time ago, including Manchester (United), but by South American ones as well.” Which, it seems, means someone wearing a United shirt mentioned that he was good, which counts as “strong interest” to anyone with dollar signs in their eyes.

A philosophy question now: is it possible to write an article about rumor and unsubstantiated claim without referencing Goal.com? The answer is no. Their sources indicate that United are also tracking Huracan starlet (again with that word) Javier Pastore. The youngster claims to have rejected an earlier offer (worth £8.8 million) by United, and is now linked with Manchester, Lazio, Palermo, AC Milan, and Barcelona. In related news, what’s the likelihood that if I made up a post linking United with an unknown teenager, it would get major attention? My guess is pretty good. Perhaps we’ll find out soon enough.