Premier League Transfer Rumours: 24th May 2012

Premier League Bosman List: Didier Drogba & all the players available for free in England this summer

A host of big-name Premier League stars are out of contract at the end of the season and Goal.com gives you the top five bargains who will be snapped up for absolutely nothing

ANALYSIS
By Ed Aarons

With the dust already settling on the magnificent 2011-12 Premier League season, it is time to say goodbye to some familiar faces and look forward to the arrival of some new blood.

But while most of the headlines this summer will be made by the latest multi-million pound superstar to be ushered through the gates at the Etihad Stadium, there's every chance there's a free transfer out there who could even emulate the exploits of Newcastle United striker Demba Ba - snapped up by Alan Pardew for absolutely nothing last year.

Most clubs have already released the list of players who are surplus to requirements for next season, with Martin O'Neill's Sunderland and QPR boss Mark Hughes among those managers preparing to indulge in a spot of major rebuilding.

Now, Goal.com takes you through the top five free transfers available at a ground near you this summer and the rest of those players who will be looking for new employment at the start of July.
5. 

5. NIGEL REO-COKER

The former West Ham and Aston Villa midfielder invoked a relegation release clause in his contract after just failing to save Bolton from the drop despite some heroic performances.

Owen Coyle's loss will certainly be someone else's gain, however, with several managers likely to attempt to lure the former England Under-21 captain this summer. Still only 27, Reo-Coker has forged a reputation as a no-nonsense enforcer and his battling qualities are already rumoured to be interesting his former club, with Hammers boss Sam Allardyce thought to be weighing up an approach.

The south Londoner has also attracted interest from Spanish side Sevilla in the past and with his chances of a senior England call-up now diminished despite almost making the 2006 World Cup squad, don't be surprised if he bucks the trend and heads for pastures new.  

4. MICHAEL OWEN

As England's fifth most prolific goalscorer of all time, the former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Newcastle United player certainly looks a bargain on paper after being released by Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

The trouble is that these days Owen is more likely to pass on a killer tip for the horses than find the back of the net, although there are still likely to be plenty of suitors for the 32-year-old. Stoke are the early front-runners to take a risk on a player who has made just over 30 appearances in three years at Old Trafford, although Everton boss David Moyes might fancy his chances of resurrecting Owen's career.

A career total 149 Premier League goals is certainly not to be sniffed at but with injuries having taken a severe toll on his body over the years, it may just be one gamble too far for most.

3. SALOMON KALOU

The Ivorian came in from the cold at Stamford Bridge to play an integral part in Chelsea's historic Champions League triumph, yet Kalou is still likely to be on his way this summer.

Having arrived at Stamford Bridge from Feyenoord in 2006, the forward has been used sparingly by most of his managers in west London despite his decent goalscoring record. Roberto Di Matteo brought him back into the team at the start of his reign and Kalou showed exactly why a whole host of top clubs will be in the hunt for his signature.

The promise of a regular starting berth for a player who has won every major honour in England at the age of just 26 will be the major priority, with Arsene Wenger thought to be lining up a swoop.  

2. JUNIOR HOILETT

The Canadian-born forward has made no secret of his desire to jump the sinking Blackburn Rovers ship for some time now and his patience should pay off this summer with a move to a major outfit.

A slight dip in form towards the end of the season as Steve Kean's side slid through the Premier League trapdoor has not stopped German giants Bayern Munich from reportedly expressing an interest, although it seems more likely that Hoilett will stay in England. His return of seven Premier League goals for Blackburn showed that the 21-year-old has developed into a potent attacking threat who can be used as a winger or in a more central role.

That - and the lack of a transfer fee - may prove an attractive proposition to Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp as he bids to compete for the top four once again next season.

1. DIDIER DROGBA

After a century of goals and his heroics in Munich, Drogba rounded off his season with a reminder of why the Blues will miss him so badly - slotting home the winning penalty in the Champions League final.

As things stand the talismanic striker will be on his way this summer after eight years' loyal service, with Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua apparently the front-runners to sign him. Drogba's pledge not to join another Premier League club may have been sincere, yet the 34-year-old will surely be a target for several of the Blues' main rivals - especially one willing to match the riches on offer in the Far East.

Sentimentality will probably be the deciding factor in the end, although a call from his old friend Jose Mourinho offering a swansong in Madrid could tempt the old warhorse to stay in Europe a while longer.

Here is Goal.com's comprehensive guide to all the players who are out of contract this summer:

ARSENAL
Manuel Almunia	19 May 1977	Goalkeeper
Lukasz Fabianski	18 Apr 1985	Goalkeeper
Vito Mannone	2 Mar 1988	Goalkeeper
Andrei Arshavin	29 May 1981	Midfielder

ASTON VILLA
Brad Guzan	9 Sep 1984	Goalkeeper
Andy Marshall	14 Apr 1975	Goalkeeper
Habib Beye	19 Oct 1977	Defender
Carlos Cuellar	23 Aug 1981	Defender
Shane Lowry	12 Jun 1989	Defender
Emile Heskey	11 Jan 1978	Striker

BLACKBURN
Michel Salgado	22 Oct 1975	Defender
David Dunn	27 Dec 1979	Midfielder
Herold Goulon	12 Jun 1988	Midfielder
Vince Grella	5 Oct 1979	Midfielder
Josh Morris	30 Sep 1991	Midfielder
Nick Blackman	11 Nov 1989	Striker
Junior Hoilett	5 Jun 1990	Striker

BOLTON
Jussi Jaaskelainen	19 Apr 1975	Goalkeeper
Ricardo Gardner	25 Sep 1978	Defender
Sam Ricketts	11 Oct 1981	Defender
Paul Robinson	14 Dec 1978	Defender
Gretar Steinsson	9 Jan 1982	Defender
Sean Davis	20 Sep 1979	Midfielder
Martin Petrov	15 Jan 1979	Midfielder
Robbie Blake	4 Mar 1976	Striker
Ivan Klasnic	29 Jan 1980	Striker
Tope Obadeyi	29 Oct 1989	Striker

CHELSEA
Henrique Hilario	21 Oct 1975	Goalkeeper
Jose Bosingwa	24 Aug 1982	Defender
Florent Malouda	13 Jun 1980	Midfielder
Didier Drogba	11 Mar 1978	Striker
Salomon Kalou	5 Aug 1985	Striker

EVERTON
Marcus Hahnemann	15 Jun 1972	Goalkeeper
James McFadden	14 Apr 1983	Striker

FULHAM
Csaba Somogyi	7 Apr 1985	Goalkeeper
Zdenek Grygera	14 May 1980	Defender
Stephen Kelly	6 Sep 1983	Defender
Danny Murphy	18 Mar 1977	Midfielder
Andy Johnson	10 Feb 1981	Striker

LIVERPOOL
Fabio Aurelio	24 Sep 1979	Defender

MAN CITY
Stuart Taylor	28 Nov 1980	Goalkeeper
Owen Hargreaves	20 Jan 1981	Midfielder

MAN UNITED
Tomasz Kuszczak	20 Mar 1982	Goalkeeper
Michael Owen	14 Dec 1979	Striker

NEWCASTLE
Steve Harper	14 Mar 1975	Goalkeeper
Tamas Kadar	14 Mar 1990	Defender
Danny Guthrie	18 Apr 1987	Midfielder
Alan Smith	28 Oct 1980	Midfielder
Peter Lovenkrands	29 Jan 1980	Striker

NORWICH
Declan Rudd	16 Jan 1991	Goalkeeper
Adam Drury	29 Aug 1978	Defender
Zak Whitbread	4 Mar 1984	Defender
Aaron Wilbraham	21 Oct 1979	Striker

QPR
Radek Cerny	18 Feb 1974	Goalkeeper
Danny Gabbidon	8 Aug 1979	Defender
Fitz Hall	20 Dec 1980	Defender
Clint Hill	19 Oct 1978	Defender
Bruno Perone	6 July 1987	Defender
Danny Shittu	2 Sep 1980	Defender
Lee Cook	3 Aug 1982	Midfielder
Hogan Ephraim	31 Mar 1988	Midfielder
Patrick Agyemang	20 Sep 1980	Striker
Alessandro Pellicori	22 Jul 1971	Striker
Angelo Balanta	1 Jul 1990	Striker

STOKE
Carlo Nash	13 Sep 1973	Goalkeeper
Jonathan Woodgate	22 Jan 1980	Defender
Danny Collins	6 Aug 1980	Defender
Salif Diao	10 Feb 1977	Midfielder
Matthew Lund	21 Nov 1990	Midfielder
Tom Soares	10 Jul 1986	Midfielder
Michael Tonge	7 Apr 1983	Midfielder
Rory Delap	6 Jul 1976	Midfielder
Danny Pugh	19 Oct 1982	Midfielder
Ricardo Fuller	31 Oct 1979	Striker
Mamady Sidibe	18 Dec 1979	Striker

SUNDERLAND
Craig Gordon	31 Dec 1982	Goalkeeper
Nyron Nosworthy	11 Oct 1980	Defender
Jordan Cook	20 Mar 1990	Striker
Ryan Noble	11 Jun 1991	Striker

SWANSEA
Vangelis Moras	26 Aug 1981	Defender
Ashley Richards	12 Apr 1991	Defender
Ferrie Bodde	5 May 1982	Midfielder
Thomas Butler	25 Apr 1981	Midfielder
David Cotterill	4 Dec 1987	Midfielder
Mark Gower	5 Oct 1978	Midfielder

TOTTENHAM
Carlo Cudicini	6 Sep 1973	Goalkeeper
Heurelho Gomes	15 Feb 1981	Goalkeeper

WEST BROM
Luke Daniels	5 Jan 1988	Goalkeeper
Marton Fulop	3 May 1983	Goalkeeper
Nicky Shorey	19 Feb 1981	Defender
Joe Mattock	15 May 1990	Defender
Paul Scharner	11 Mar 1980	Midfielder
Somen Tchoyi	29 Mar 1983	Midfielder
Jerome Thomas	23 Mar 1983	Midfielder
Roman Bednar	26 Mar 1983	Striker
Marc-Antoine Fortune	2 Jul 1981	Striker

WIGAN
Mike Pollitt	29 Feb 1972	Goalkeeper
Chris Kirkland	2 May 1981	Goalkeeper
Maynor Figueroa	2 May 1983	Defender
Mohamed Diame	14 Jun 1987	Midfielder
David Jones	4 Nov 1984	Midfielder
Hendry Thomas	23 Feb 1985	Midfielder
Hugo Rodallega	25 Jul 1985	Striker

WOLVES
Jody Craddock	25 Jul 1975	Defender

Tottenham news

King set for surgery

Harry Redknapp has indicated Tottenham Hotspur defender Ledley King will undergo further surgery on his troublesome knees this summer.

GettyImagesLedley King is a key member of Harry Redknapp's side

King, 31, has been hampered with chronic knee problems during his career, and the centre-back combats the issue by barely training with the Tottenham first-team squad.

He has managed 21 Premier League starts this season, but has missed Spurs' last three matches, after enduring yet further fitness issues.

King's current deal at White Hart Lane expires this summer, and manager Redknapp is hopeful the stopper will be rewarded for his loyalty as he continues to strive to be available for the side.

Redknapp told The Times: "For the sake of the club and the team, he has tried to play on, but he has been playing in pain and his movement's not been as good.

"Hopefully, we'll get his knee cleared out in the summer and he will be right again. I'm sure the chairman (Daniel Levy) respects everything he has done for the club and we'd love to keep him around."

Chelsea news

Gourlay: Blues could stay at Bridge

Ron Gourlay has insisted Chelsea's bid to build a new stadium at Battersea Power Station does not mean they have given up on redeveloping Stamford Bridge.

GettyImagesA group of Chelsea fans have owned Stamford Bridge since 1997

• Chelsea bid for Battersea plot

Chelsea last week announced ambitious plans to transform Wandsworth's Grade II* listed power station into a 60,000-capacity ground, confirming they had made an offer for the 39-acre site.

The Blues are unable to move to a new ground until they convince fan-led group Chelsea Pitch Owners to return the freehold of Stamford Bridge to the club, something they failed to do in October.

And chief executive Gourlay claimed on Thursday no decision had been taken to relocate, revealing the Blues were still exploring whether their home of 107 years could be increased to a 55,000-seat stadium.

"What we've all got to do is keep our feet on the ground as far as Battersea is concerned,'' Gourlay said.

"When we met with the Chelsea Pitch Owners shareholders back in October, we indicated that we were doing everything in our power to stay at Stamford Bridge, to extend Stamford Bridge, and we've looked at potential opportunities of a new-build around the Stamford Bridge area.

"Not only does that cause us issues with economics, it also causes us major challenges around potential planning applications and all the rest.

"We do feel, as a club, that to stay among the elite, we've got to have a bigger stadium. And one of the things that we discussed with the shareholders was to look at opportunities within a three-mile perimeter of the current site at Stamford Bridge.

"One of them is Battersea. There's a long way to go, there are other bidders in there, and we just need to see where it goes from there. But if we didn't enter into that bidding process then we would have lost that as an opportunity if we need it one day down the line. We've got to be in a position to make the move quickly.

"But we've still not said no to Stamford Bridge and we're still looking at other alternatives and are working very hard behind the scenes to achieve that.''

Gourlay refused to be drawn on whether he had met with a member of the Qatari ruling family, Khalid Al Thani, about securing additional investment for any development at Battersea.

"There are a number of meetings that go on around the world, really, a number of friends, a number of partnerships,'' he said. "I wouldn't go reading too much into any of that.''

Transfer news

Transfer news

 

Wenger plays down M'Vila reports

 Arsenal have already secured the £10 million signing of Lukas Podolski from Cologne, but Arsene Wenger poured cold water on reports France midfielder Yann M'Vila was set to follow in a big-money move from Rennes.

GettyImagesYann M'Vila's form for Rennes has seen him become a France regular

''It is not true,'' the Gunners boss said on Thursday. ''There is not any interest at the moment.

''We have not been in touch with anybody, we have not made any offer to anybody and we are nowhere near to buying anybody at the moment. We are focused on our final game of the season.''

Arsenal face West Brom this weekend with a slender one-point lead over Tottenham (two over Newcastle) and there is little margin for further error by a team which has drawn the last three games.

Throw in the fact Sunday will be Roy Hodgson's final game in charge at The Hawthorns before he takes over as England boss, and everything is set for a fascinating encounter. Wenger, though, wants to keep things simple as he targets victory.

''We have a massive game in front of us, but I feel we are focused, switched on. I am confident we will do well,'' said Arsenal boss Wenger, who has guided the club into the Champions League for the last 14 seasons.

''For us it is just to find the right mixture - to be focused, combative and relaxed, and especially be faithful to play our football like we want to. At the end of the day it will be down to playing well, no matter what is at stake.''

Wenger continued: ''We have known final days like this before, games where we have played for championships, or qualifying for the Champions League. It is a fantastic opportunity for us, that of course we want to take.

''We are used to coping with that. At the end of the day, it's playing football. If we have more of the ball than West Brom, like we want to have, we will have more chances to win the game.

''That is what we will focus on. Just be faithful to the way we want to play football.''

Fergie 1 Olympics 0: United boss wins first battle as Hernandez is omitted from Mexico squad

Withdrawn: Javier Hernandez will not play at the Olympics

Sir Alex Ferguson has won his first battle of the Olympics after omitting Javier Hernandez from Mexico's squad.
The Manchester United manager, who could potentially lose the likes of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling to Team GB this summer, struck an agreement with the Mexican Football Association.
The striker, who turns 24 on June 1, was selected as one of Mexico's three over-aged players for the Games and was even touted as the nation's flag bearer for the July 27 Opening Ceremony in Stratford.

Fergie's Olympic headaches?

TEAM GB POSSIBLES...
Jonny Evans, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Michael Owen
AND THE REST...
David De Gea (Spain), Rafael Da Silva, Fabio Da Silva (both Brazil)

But Ferguson raised concerns that Hernandez, who was struggled to emulate his stunning debut season this term, would be shy of the 28 days rest he requires his players to take during the close season should he feature at the Games.
'His form last season was fantastic,' said the United boss.
'He’s found the second year more difficult, but a lot of that is down to not having a summer break for three years and playing every summer for his country.

Battle: Sir Alex Ferguson could potentially lose the likes of Wayne Rooney and Phil Jones to Team GB

 

'Next year he will be fine as we have agreed with the Mexican Football Association that he is going to get the requisite rest that he needs to perform in the Premier League.'
Mexico team president Hector Gonzalez-Inarritu confirmed: '[Sir] Alex Ferguson has denied the participation of Javier Hernandez at the Olympic Games.'
Although the forward won't be part of the Olympics team, Hernandez will play in Mexico's upcoming World Cup qualifiers at the beginning of June.

Contenders: David De Gea (centre) and Chris Smalling (right) could feature

 

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Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2142285/Javier-Hernandez-withdrawn-Mexico-London-2012-Olympics-squad.html#ixzz1uU8hiVUf

Chelsea ready to let Drogba go... even if he inspires Champions League triumph

Didier Drogba still looks set to leave Chelsea this summer, despite firing the Blues to an FA Cup win and Champions League final.
Even if Drogba manages to inspire a victory against Bayern Munich on May 19 the striker will not be granted his wish of a new two-year contract, according to the Mirror.
Senior officials at Stamford Bridge have already decided to call time on the 34-year-old hotshot's Chelsea career, despite his position as a fans' favourite and a key influence among his fellow team-mates.

Flying: Didier Drogba is in fine form but looks set to leave Chelsea this summer

 

Drogba has scored 12 goals this season, including what proved to be the winner against Liverpool at Wembley last Saturday - the third FA Cup final winner of his career.
But there is a feeling among Chelsea's top brass that Drogba only performs at his best on the highest stage, and are now determined to build the team around £50million Spain striker Fernando Torres.

The future: Chelsea will build their attack around striker Fernando Torres

The Ivory Coast star has been with the Blues since 2004 and made over 300 appearances for the club, but his present deal expires this summer.
His most likely destination should he leave would appear to be China, where he has a massive offer to join up with former Chelsea team-mate Nicolas Anelka at Shanghai Shenhua.

 

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• Crocked Chelsea duo Luiz and Cahill in line for Champions League final
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Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2142233/Didier-Drogba-set-Chelsea-exit-despite-FA-Cup-heroics.html#ixzz1uU7zggxN

He's Gunner stay! Arsenal confident Van Persie will ink new long-term deal

Arsenal are increasingly confident that Robin van Persie will commit his future at the Emirates.
Gunners chairman Peter Hill-Wood has revealed he has discussed the Dutchman's future with manager Arsene Wenger.
And Hill-Wood insists there have been no official approaches for the striker despite interest from Juventus and Manchester City.

Here to stay? Robin van Persie (right) could yet remain an Arsenal player

 

'We haven’t talked to Robin yet, but I spoke to Arsene (Wenger) recently,' said Hill-Wood, speaking to the Daily Star.

'He is very confident he will stay and I very much hope he will.

'He has had a wonderful season with us.
'We have had no official approaches from any other club, as far as I am aware.'

Van Persie, who has just one year remaining on his current deal, has given the clearest hint yet that he is ready to stay at  Arsenal after indicating it would take an ‘extraordinary’ offer to make him leave.

Juventus have become the first major European club to publicly state their intention to sign the Holland striker.

But Sportsmail understands Van Persie will reject the attempt to lure him to Italy as he does not deem a move to Juventus as a significant step up from Arsenal.

And Van Persie has told close friends that it would take an extra special offer from one of Europe’s elite to tempt him away from the Emirates Stadium.

On fire: Van Persie has been in stunning form for Arsenal this season

The 28-year-old has indicated he and his wife Bouchra are settled in London and have recently moved into a new house.

The news will provide encouragement to  Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who is desperate to hang on to his skipper.

Van Persie, who will discuss a new contract after Sunday’s match at West Bromwich, can expect a significant increase on his basic £70,000-per-week salary as the club look to secure his long-term future.

Even if an agreement over a new deal cannot be reached, Wenger has hinted he could allow Van Persie to stay for the final year of his deal.

Van Persie’s decision not to leave Arsenal except for a European superpower will provide encouragement to Barcelona and Real Madrid.

But Arsenal officials are growing increasingly confident that they can fend off interest from La Liga.

In the market: Serie A champions Juventus are keen on signing Van Persie

Whether Real Madrid are even in the market for a new centre forward remains to be seen after manager Jose Mourinho insisted he wants to keep Chelsea target Gonzalo Higuain next season.

And Barcelona would be forced to spend the majority of their £25million summer transfer budget to land Van Persie, leaving them unable to chase a long-term replacement for centre back Carles Puyol.

Manchester City are also interested but it is understood the striker would find it hard to join another  English club given his bond with Arsenal.

The fact Van Persie is  prepared to reject a club with the global standing of Juventus is a major blow to the Serie A champions.

‘Van Persie is a great player,’ said Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta, who still hopes to persuade the Holland striker to join them.

‘He is a complete player and would be useful to any team. But he still has one year left in his contract with Arsenal.

‘We will try to put the icing on the cake this summer but the important thing is that the mix is good.’

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2142255/Robin-van-Persie-latest-Arsenal-confident-striker-stay.html#ixzz1uU73gN2v