Barca not giving up on Mascherano
Barcelona have sent the first formal offer to Liverpool for Javier Mascherano worth 15 million euros.
Even though the Reds want 24 million euros for the want-away midfielder, the two clubs are thought to be close to striking a deal that would see the Argentine move to Camp Nou.
The Catalans just wanted to test Liverpool’s resolve with the aforementioned bid and they are actually prepared to offer as much as 20 million euros.
That is not much less than Liverpool’s valuation of the players and the remaining difference could be neutralized by adding numerous bonuses.
The Catalans also have two tricks up their sleeve in order to lower the price. The first is Mascherano’s desire to leave Anfield and the second is Alexander Hleb, who could be used as a makeweight for the deal.
Liverpool chiefs are probably aware how much the team stand to lose by allowing Mascherano to leave, but on the other hand, nobody want an unsettled player in the side and that could be the main reason for the Reds’ willingness to negotiate the deal with Barca.
[Source: Marca]
Rubin Kazan set to sign Carlos Eduardo
Rubin Kazan are close to completing a transfer for Hoffenheim midfielder Carlos Eduardo for the fee of 20 million euros.
The Brazilian will thus become the third most expensive player to move away from Bundesliga after Owen Hargreaves and Diego.
The football pundits in Germany are a bit surprised with the high price the Russians agreed to pay for Eduardo, but Hoffenheim boss Ralf Ragnick believes the player is worth every cent.
“He is exceptionally quick, has an eye for the killer pass, is very well prepared and is even poses a goal threat. Eduardo in top form is a great loss for us.”
Carlos Eduardo is set to follow the footsteps of Obafemi Martins, who joined Rubin from Wolfsburg few weeks back and the arrival of the pair is a testament to club’s ambitions this season.
The Brazilian looks to be in the form of his life, while even the national team boss Mario Menezes sees him as an integral part of the new Brazil side.
[Source: Bild]
Bob Bradley admits interest in Aston Villa post
USA national team coach Bob Bradley has admitted his representatives have held talks with Aston Villa management regarding the managerial position at Villa Park.
Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner is thought to be keen on bringing his fellow countryman to Birmingham, and Bradley seems pretty interested in taking the job.
“I think Aston Villa is a massive club with great history and a great following, and those types of opportunities would of course be of interest,” said Bradley.
“I’ve always been excited about being a manager in Europe, but at the same time I’m proud of the work we’ve done with the U.S. team over the last four years. It is important to consider that as a challenge as well. So we’ll see what happens.
“There have been discussions with some of my representatives to at least find out the situation, but Aston Villa seem to have taken a good stance where they have been patient. I would certainly be honored to have that conversation (with Lerner).”
There is no doubt Villa management would be taking a risk with Bradley as this would be his first job in Europe but since he has enjoyed success almost everywhere he worked so far, maybe he deserves a chance.
[Source: USA Today]
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