Transfer market set for overdrive

By David Lee Wheatley

With only five days left before the transfer window slams shut on most of Europe this summer, a selection of massive deals are expected to come to fruition in order to facilitate a massive amount of movement between clubs of all sizes over coming days.

Many managers voiced their disapproval recently of a transfer period that goes on beyond the start of the domestic fixture calendar, but there’s no denying the excitement generated for fans up-and-down the country surrounding the subject of who their team will bring in and/or lose by 2 September.

Gareth Bale refused to train with Tottenham Hotspur in a row over the protracted nature of negotiations between his current club and suitors Real Madrid, as the Welshman bids to force through a dream switch to the Bernabeu and it’s expected to trigger a knock-on effect throughout the Premier League once Bale finally completes his move.

North London rivals Arsenal plan to introduce at least two top-class players to appease their restless fans, with Real Madrid’s Angel Di Maria high up on Arsene Wenger’s wish-list. A deal for the Argentine winger largely depends upon Bale making it to Madrid and could be sealed quickly once Carlo Ancelotti gets his man.

Meanwhile, Manchester United have been linked with a plethora of potential signings, as have title rivals Chelsea and Manchester City. All appear ready and revved-up to pounce as deadline day approaches ever nearer on the horizon.

A little further down the pecking order, Newcastle United look set to sign two more strikers in the shape of Gomis from Lyon and old boy Demba Ba on loan from Chelsea, while the likes of West Brom, Crystal Palace, Sunderland, Fulham and Cardiff City all pronounced their intentions to add more recruits to their respective squads if at all possible.

The biggest mooted deals have taken an age to resolve and some are seemingly off altogether, with Arsenal target Luis Suarez set to stay with Liverpool and Manchester United intent on holding on to Wayne Rooney, whom Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has been courting all summer-long.

However, more mega-money transfers are in the offing and will begin the cascading of cash through the major leagues of European football, making for a very interesting last few days of the window as clubs prepare for the long-haul to January before they can buy again.

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