Transfer Rumours and Gossip: Tottenham, Arsenal, Celtic, Liverpool, West Ham, Reading, Manchester City, Manchester United and more

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Sportingo.com’s Mark Apostolou brings more coverage of the Premier League’s daily transfer rumours and gossip.

Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc has finally made his future intentions clear and will be leaving the club in the summer (Glasgow Herald). The smart money is on the accomplished Polish international heading for Arsenal.

Boruc is quoted as saying: “I have decided I am going to leave Celtic in the summer. They want more than £10million for me but I think it is too much. There is much to look forward to, with the Champions League in spring and then the European Championship in the summer, but many things can change and I have to see what is best for me.”

The Parkhead No.1 is an excellent prospect and, at 27, has still got a long future ahead of him. Currently in his third season in the Scottish Premier League, Boruc seems determined to look for pastures new – but is Arsene Wenger prepared to spend that kind of money on him? That’s about the going rate for the best keepers now – even England butter fingers Scott Carson will cost Aston Villa £10m if they want to make his Liverpool loan move permanent in January.

Considering how much is routinely spent on strikers – £16,5m for Darren Bent! – then Boruc is probably worth it, especially taking into account the potential and experience of the former Legia Warsaw man. But Arsenal may face competition from Manchester United and Manchester City. Even Chelsea, who arguably employ the best keeper in the Premier League in Petr Cech, are said to be keeping tabs on Boruc.

Dutch legend and current international boss Marco van Basten has issued a ‘come and get me’ plea by announcing that he will resign from the position as Holland coach after Euro 2008 (various). This has led to speculation that he may be in line for the Liverpool job should it become available any time soon.

Van Basten revealed: “After four years it is enough. It’s time for something different. Training a club is a logical step for the future, but so far I have not spoken with anybody.”

Should Anfield’s American backers sack Rafa Benitez – and all the signs are there that this could well happen – then Van Basten could be an inspired choice. He has impressed as Dutch manager and they are among the favourites to win the European Championship, After a playing career cruelly cut short by injury, Van Basten has built a reputation for not being afraid to make bold decisions, such as dropping big names who don’t perform. Hang on, shouldn’t the FA be after him as next manager of England!

West Ham gossip – London rivals West Ham and Spurs are going head to head in their pursuit of talented teenager James Henry (various). The 18-year-old winger has only featured for 11 minutes in Reading’s first team but has impressed while on loan at Bournemouth, scoring three goals in six games. Apparently, that’s enough to make him worth £5m.

Royals boss Steve Coppell will be keen to keep the youngster but that may be easier said than done when the bigger clubs come calling. But, let’s just hold on a second. Here’s a kid who cannot get in the Reading first team. What are his chances of breaking through at White Hart Lane or Upton Park? Our advice is stick with Bournemouth for now, son, then go back to the Madejski Stadium to make a name for yourself. And you might be worth £10m this time next year.


  Read more of Tottenham gossip on the Tottenham section. 


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