Unsettled Barcelona star Deco is said to be Premier League bound with a whole host of English clubs lining up bids for the Portuguese star (Mail on Sunday). The 30-year-old is wanted by Chelsea, Tottenham, Newcastle and Arsenal. The Gunners are favourites to win the a bidding war that could top £17m, which sounds steep for a player of that age, but then Chelsea forked out £30m for a player of a similar age, and we know how well that turned out.

Deco’s departure from the Nou Camp seems to be a very real possibility. The former Porto man said: "It's not a question of whether I feel valued or not – it's because I want to win. If I can't help the club win, perhaps I should leave."

Will Arsenal fork out such a fee? I think not. Chelsea seems a more likely destination, and no doubt many journos will attempt to link such a move with Frank Lampard going in the opposite direction.

‘Will Arsenal fork out such a fee? I think not. Chelsea seems a more likely destination, and no doubt many journos will attempt to link such a move with Frank Lampard going in the opposite direction’


The last few weeks have been tough on Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, undermined by the club's owners, falling behind in the title race and suffering the ignominy of twice being behind to part-timers in the FA Cup, so it's no surprise that a number of players have been linked with a potential move to Anfield in a bid to revitalise the team.

The latest name linked with the Merseysiders is Argentine creative midfielder Pablo Aimar (News of the World). The 28-year-old Real Zaragoza player was a mainstay of the Valencia side that Rafa built prior to his arrival in England. Whilst it’s true to say Aimar is not as feared as he was some years back he is still a quality player.

Often compared to Diego Maradona – a comparison applied to just about every Argentinian who wears a No.10 shirt – Aimar helped Benitez’s Valencia side to two La Liga titles and is in decent form at Zaragoza. It could be that he wishes to join Liverpool and give the Premier League a shot before it’s too late. He could prove a very wise purchase, but it would be hard to see exactly how he would fit into the team at Liverpool.

Juande Ramos badly needs defenders at Spurs and theJonathan Woodgate deal seems back on after the Middlesbrough centre-back’s move to St James’ Park apparently fell through. A swap deal involving unsettled Frenchman Pascal Chimbonda is being talked about (various), but I can't see a Billy Big Boots like Chimbonda wanting to be marooned at the Riverside.

Off-field problems have greatly hampered Woodgate's progress and he has revived his career after a terrible time in Spain with Real Madrid, but he is far too good to be plying his trade at the Riverside. Chimbonda has been linked with just about everyone in the last few months – including Chelsea and Sevilla. Spurs would benefit most from this switch so it could be that Daniel Levy would have to hand over some cash as well in order to secure Woodgate, who would help plug Tottenham's notoriously leaky defence.

Manchester City appear to be close to signing Brazilian striker Wagner Love from CSKA Moscow (News of the World). The 23-year-old has been a big hit in Russia, leading CSKA to two league titles and the UEFA Cup in 2005, but he now looks to be heading to the Premier League, with Sven Goran Eriksson being the most likely manager to win his signature. But City, who desperately need a striker with such a pedigree, face competition from Newcastle, West Ham and Aston Villa.