Transfer Window Opening On July 1

With the transfer window opening on July 1 and players switching their clubs at the opening of the window, the next week is likely to throw up many surprises. One move which wasn’t really a surprise though was the signing of Valencia’s Raul Albiol for Real Madrid. Real Madrid have also moved for Wigan winger Luis Antonio Valencia. Wigan have received a £14 million bid for the Ecuadorian. Real Madrid target David Villa has thundered that he’d not be moving to England anytime soon, thus paving the way for Barcelona to complete his signing. Spain seems to be the likely destination for Francesc Fabregas as well. Fabregas has voiced his displeasure at Arsenal’s squad and said that he wouldn’t mind moving to Real Madrid.

Emmanuel Adebayor and Edin Dzeko are AC Milan’s top two transfer priorities for next season. Milan are also fighting tooth and nail to keep Brazilian sensation Alexander Pato at the club. They have rejected a “monster offer” from a Premier League club for the youngster. Reports at the Confederations Cup indicate that Manchester City have made a bid of £10 million plus Elano for Inter’s Brazilian full-back Maicon. Inter Milan sporting director Marco Branca is locked in talks with Chelsea over the signings of Deco and Ricardo Carvalho from Stamford Bridge. In other European news, Frank Rijkaard wants compatriot Klaas Jan Huntelaar to join him at Galatasaray. Tottenham midfielder Adel Taarabt is to join Malaga on loan for a season with a view to a permanent £ 2.5m transfer.

Onto the Championship now. Peter Reid could be given charge as new Southampton manager if Matt le Tissier completes the takeover of the south coast club. Ipswich want former United utility player Quinton Fortune, who is available on a free transfer. And finally, Arsenal are poised to offer their U-21 star Kieran Gibbs a new contract to ward off interest from other clubs.