Transfer Window Nonsense: Day 12

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Many years ago, gossip was the exclusive preserve of old ladies exchanging rumours about milkmen at bus stops. Or something.

But thanks to the mixed blessings that are tabloid newspapers and “The Net”, Premiership football is now premier producer of gossip. And it’s never hotter than it is in the January transfer window… except in the summer transfer window…

“Birmingham have agreed a deal in principle with Bolton Wanderers for midfielder David Dunn. The one-time £5.5m club record signing was at the Reebok Stadium last night, undergoing a medical, ahead of signing in a £1m move that will double on appearances.”

The Daily Mail

CaughtOffside Says: It’s really hard to get past his comical attempt at the Rabona, but if he can stay fit he’ll be like a new Jay Jay Okocha for Bolton. And if anyone can squeeze the last drops of talent out of double Dee, it’s Sam “I Resemble 80’s Rocker Meat Loaf” Allardyce.

“Arsenal’s Lauren held talks with West Ham boss Alan Curbishley yesterday over a shock move. The 29-year-old right-back – out of contract at the end of the season – is free to talk to other clubs and the Hammers have offered him a two-year deal with an option of a third year.”

The Mirror

CaughtOffside Says:
Eboue’s got that right back slot sewn up at Emirates Stadium, and Lauren would be a better option for the Hammers than Tyrone Mears or Jon Spector. In fact Lauren could be the best right back in the Championship next season. Lauren has always seemed like a bit of a cocky bloke to us, so we can’t imagine him agreeing to this one or Wenger letting him leave (Hoyte’s English, remember?)

“Watford are preparing to sell Ashley Young, with a move likely to go through next week. Tottenham, Aston Villa, West Ham and Liverpool are the clubs in most serious contention, although Watford are reluctant to sell him to West Ham as fellow relegation contenders.”

The Guardian

CaughtOffside Says: If the Hornets sell Young without replacing him, then they can kiss Premiership footy goodbye. Smart move not to sell him to West Ham though, if you’re going to go down at least don’t do it because you helped your direct opposition. The rumoured Routledge and Davenport exchange deal with Tottenham is the one Aidy should push for, because the fat transfer fee they’d get for Young isn’t going to convince anyone to sign for Watford.

“[Alan] Curbishley has made contact with Middlesbrough regarding Mark Viduka, but it is thought unlikely that Gareth Southgate would consider a player- exchange deal.”

The Times

CaughtOffside Says: West Ham need players who will fight with heart and guts to save them from relegation… so… Mark Viduka?