Premier League News and Gossip
Liverpool in for Elmander?
Liverpool have been linked with a whole host of strikers this season, and the next in line is Bolton’s goal machine, Johan Elmander. The Swede has found the back of the net eight times already this season, and has been instrumental in Bolton’s rise in the
table.
The Daily Mirror reports that Roy Hodgson is mulling over a move for the big centre forward. Elmander’s contract runs out in the summer, and if he does not agree to the one-year extension being offered to him by Bolton at the moment, he will be free to talk
to other clubs and to move over in the summer for free.
However, Liverpool are looking to sign the Swedish International in the January transfer window, and would be willing to dash out up to £5m.
There are reports that Roy Hodgson and Sammy Lee were on a scouting mission to watch Elmander play against Blackpool. While other reports suggest that they were there to watch Blackpool, whom Liverpool play in a few weeks time.
Nevertheless, the fee being mooted is well within Liverpool’s budget, and a January move could make more sense as Liverpool require cover for Torres.
Carlo Ancelotti going nowhere
The most interesting gossip to come out over the past few weeks has been that Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti will be replaced by current Barcelona coach, Pep Guardiola.
When asked about the rumour, Ancelotti was rather calm and honest.
"I have heard of Pep Guardiola, to be frank," said Ancelotti. "But you don't have to ask me - the coach is always the last to know. Don't ask me.
"We are not interested. We focus on our training and our matches."
The Guardian has played down reports that former Barcelona sporting director, Txiki Beguiristain will be joining Chelsea and will replace Frank Arnesen. The rumour has been been around for a while now, and although according to initial reports Txiki Beguiristain
was keen on the move, interest cooled down from both parties after he met with Roman Abramovich.
The paper reports, 'Further talks have not been ruled out but there is little anticipation at this stage of contact being resumed.'
As a result the rumours that Guardiola could make a shock move to Premier league look nothing but rumours. However, it would be nice to see a smarter and more charismatic Pep make a move to England some time in future.
Who will replace Van der Sar?
Anders Lindegaard will move to Manchester United in the January transfer window. Sir Alex has already said that this will be Van der Sar’s last season at United.
But the question remains, who will replace the Dutchman?
Will it be Lindegaard or will Sir Alex move for another goal keeper in the summer, as Tomasz Kuszczak looks destined to move away from Old Trafford. United were linked with a number of goal keepers in the summer, but nothing materialised.
The Mail reports that United are tracking Rangers keeper Allan McGregor, Bate Leverkusen’s Rene Adler and Schalke’s Manuel Neuer.
The Mail also claims that a bid for Pepe Riena cannot be ruled out, and while Atletico Madrid’s David De Gea and Ajax’s Maarten Stekelenburg are expensive alternatives, there is a good chance that United will splash the clash if any of them become available.
This rumour has been backed by what Sir Alex had to say after signing Lindegaard.
"We haven't finalised our thoughts on the goalkeeping situation. Edwin has massive experience and you can't buy that, so it's a difficult one because he has been a great goalkeeper and will be hard to replace."
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