Transfer Rumours - Summer 2011

[elroy]

With the international games now successfully behind us, the next thing to take our interest will be the movers and shakers over the coming months. Looks like a few of our lads could be on the move, McCarthy, Keane, Given, Westwood, Dunne, Sledger, JOSH, Gibson, Whelan, McShane, Long to name but a few could all very well be looking at moves.

Todays rumour mill:

F365: Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Kieron Westwood is close to agreeing a move to Sunderland


Skysports.com understands that Sunderland have launched a triple bid for Manchester United's Wes Brown, John O'Shea and Darron Gibson.

[the bear]

http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_6971080,00.html

celtic , newcastle and everton sniffing around long.

also read that spurs are gonna offer cash plus robbie keane to fulham for dembele

[Fixer82]

Hopefully Long chooses Everton out of those three. SPL standard not good enough and Newcastle is the graveyard of many a good footballer

[DannyInvincible]

Bayern Munich have arranged talks with Reading over Long as well. I don't know if they've taken place yet, but there was talk of an £8 million bid being made.

Colin Young of the Daily Mail wrote up the following list:


For Sale?

Shay Given (Manchester City)
The Ireland No 1 and record cap holder is desperate to resume playing after a frustrating season on the bench. Performances in the fortnight prove he is still world class, although even the biggest clubs may struggle to match his wages.

Keiren Westwood (Coventry)
Joining Sunderland on a free transfer after taking pick of clubs. With Craig Gordon injured for six months, he should start as Steve Bruce's No 1.

Paul McShane (Hull)
Described his club situation as 'strange'. Spent months on loan at Barnsley, yet Tigers boss Nigel Pearson says he wants him at the KC Stadium next season. Celtic interested but £20,000-a-week wages will put off many suitors.

Darren O'Dea (Celtic)
Has decided his future lies elsewhere and will meet Neil Lennon to clarify his position. Hardly made a great impact on loan at Reading and Ipswich but performances in last two games must have impressed.

Richard Dunne (Aston Villa)
Will be delighted to see the back of Gerard Houllier, but also keen to see who is appointed his successor. May wish he'd taken that move to Sunderland after all, but they will not be alone in cooling interest now.

Sean St Ledger (Preston)
Desperate to play in the last week to get himself back in the shop window, rather than finish the season injured. One of Trap's real finds who deserves a break and a new club.

Kevin Kilbane (Hull)
Had a terrific half season at Huddersfield, and maintained his Ireland position despite the drop in divisions, and playing in centre midfield. But missing out on promotion was a blow and likely to be out of Hull, with Huddersfield favourites to sign him permanently.

Stephen Kelly (Fulham)
Martin Jol's arrival as Mark Hughes's replacement leaves Kelly's position up in the air, but if he can replicate his recent Ireland form, could start as first choice right-back at Craven Cottage. Getting itchy feet after another in and out season.

Andy Keogh (Wolves)
Loaned out by Mick McCarthy repeatedly and yet to find his home. But doesn't look like it's Molineux anymore.

Darron Gibson (Manchester United)
On Steve Bruce's wish list after Jordan Henderson's departure. Sunderland have the money and Sir Alex Ferguson will have the appetite for a bid of around £3million. Time to get out of Old Trafford.

Keith Andrews (Blackburn)
Hard to judge Steve Kean's assessment of the midfielder as he was injured for so much of last season, but played in all four games, and impressed. May welcome a fresh challenge away from Ewood Park, and vice versa.

Keith Fahey (Birmingham)
The drop to the Championship may suit the midfielder, who is not on big wages, and could see more regular action. The new Premier League clubs may tempt Birmingham with a summer offer though.

Keith Treacy (Preston)
Like St Ledger needs to get out of Deepdale after relegation, and they need him off the wage bill. Burnley had a £800,000 offer turned down, Hull also sniffing around.

James McCarthy (Wigan)
One of the hottest prospect in the Premier League, whatever his indifference to the Ireland cause. Jordan Henderson's move to Liverpool could have killed that option, but plenty of interested parties, although Wigan will be reluctant to sell.

Aiden McGeady (Spartak Moscow)
Suggested this week that a move from Spartak Moscow would be a surprise, but judging by his reaction in the mixed zone in Macedonia, it would not be the most unwelcome thing in his life.

Damien Duff (Fulham)
Another one facing an uncertain future under Martin Jol, but if he can stay fit would be a welcome recruit for any manager - not least the former Spurs boss.

Robbie Keane (Tottenham)
Must have at least two more seasons in the top flight in him, despite his poor showing at West Ham, and hopefully the lure of the United States will not be too attractive just yet. May be tough to find the club that can match his wages and his desire to stay near London.

Shane Long (Reading)
The No 1 domestic target for Newcastle who have been very keen for months. It is hard to see him not joining Alan Pardew on Tyneside, although Wolves boss Mick McCarthy would love to link him up with Kevin Doyle again.

Kevin Doyle (Wolves)
Injuries have hit him hard this season and it was a tough one playing up front on his own, but he is growing with every season - as Arsenal and Liverpool have noted.

Safe as houses

Stephen Ward, Stephen Hunt, Kevin Foley. All Wolves, all happy.

Same for Jon Walters, Glenn Whelan and Marc Wilson at Stoke (although Whelan only played for half of the last season and has been watched by Newcastle).

Liam Lawrence, recently joined Portsmouth permanently.

Simon Cox, only joined West Brom a year ago and new boss Roy Hodgson is a big admirer.

John O'Shea, never guaranteed a regular place at Manchester United, but just signed a new deal, so why leave?

Seamus Coleman, loved by Everton, just signed a new improved deal.

Damien Delaney, settled at Ipswich, more so now Roy Keane has left, and getting his game.

Ciaran Clark emerged at Villa in the last year and looks set for a regular place in the coming years.

What's the McGeady reference about? "Judging by his reaction in the mixed zone in Macedonia"? What does that mean? :confused:

[Stuttgart88]

Mixed zone = where players and press mingle?

[paul_oshea]

was Lawrence the only one not to feature

[elroy]

Mixed zone = where players and press mingle?

Ya im confused by this as well, anyone shed any light?

[elroy]

Jol also wants to be reunited with Tottenham striker Robbie Keane, who the Dutchman managed during his time in charge at White Hart Lane.
Full story: the Sun

[DannyInvincible]

Martinez in the frame for the Villa job: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13704421.stm

Urgh, let's hope he doesn't start meddling in Dunne and Clark's international affairs if he does get the job. I can't see the likes of Dunne settling for any bull**** though, and Clark has been nothing but committed since declaring.

[gastric]

If Martinez does go - I would love to see Chris Hughton take over at Wigan. It is the sort of club that he could thrive at!

[Sullivinho]

Martinez in the frame for the Villa job: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13704421.stm

Urgh, let's hope he doesn't start meddling in Dunne and Clark's international affairs if he does get the job. I can't see the likes of Dunne settling for any bull**** though, and Clark has been nothing but committed since declaring.

What are the chances of him taking McCarthy with him? I'm not talking about an official transfer...I mean what are the chances of him heading out of Wigan with James in the passenger seat..

Dunne and Clark are fairly bullish about playing for Ireland, no worries there.

[Charlie Darwin]

McCarthy seems to be the kind of person who gravitates towards particular people. I think he'll stay this summer if Martinez does and leave if Martinez leaves.

[jbyrne]

Ya im confused by this as well, anyone shed any light?

heard an interview with mcgeady earlier in the week saying that although he has 3 years left on his contract he hinted that a move to the EPL would interest him. stated he was happy in russia in the same interview though so probably nothing in it

[Sullivinho]

Martinez staying with Wigan. (http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/martinez-repays-wigan-loyalty-508532.html)

[elroy]

Robbie Keane could also be on his way to Craven Cottage to team up with his former Tottenham manager Jol.
Full story: the Sun

Would be a great move for RK, would link well with Zamora.

[Kingdom]

heard an interview with mcgeady earlier in the week saying that although he has 3 years left on his contract he hinted that a move to the EPL would interest him. stated he was happy in russia in the same interview though so probably nothing in it

Alex (who is their capt I think) left them to go back to Corinithians for about 5m, which is great value, so I wonder is there something up and they're going to listen to offers.
I hope he doesn't go back to the EPL, surely another move to the continent is a possibility. He'd run riot in Germany. Plenty of time to be played out in the transfer market, yet, so sit tight Macker.

[Stuttgart88]

There's talk of Hughton re-joining Jol at Fulham.

[Closed Account]

Quite a few Irish Internationals on the PFA transfer list.

joe murphy

joey o'brien
alan bennett
john thompson
stephen o'halloran

alan quinn
jon douglas
lee carsley
andy reid
tom butler
joe gamble

http://www.givemefootball.com/pfa-transfer-list#

[liamoo11]

Thanks for the info. really surprised to see Purdy of west ham and anton rodgers of chelsea released they are still under 19s next season. Dunleavy been let go by wolves thought he might have chance with how poor they are at the back

[Crosby87]

What is the next stop for Andy Reid?

[Noelys Guitar]

Bayern Munich interested in Shane Long. That would be an excellent move for Long. Bid of 7mil sterling.
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/2011/06/05/celtic-could-be-priced-out-of-shane-long-move-after-bayern-munich-lodge-interest-in-reading-striker-86908-23181353/
I can see the Bundesliga becoming a home for quite a few Irish players in the coming years.

[gastric]

Joe,
An interesting site - it really is a meat market out there! Surprised David Norris and Ian McLoughlin were let go by Jewell. It also says Connor Clifford was let go by Plymouth and that Ashley Grimes at Millwall is Irish! Anyhow as I am bored these are the other Irish players available on frees. I have only included the clubs of players I have not heard of before.
Ben Burgess
David Cawley - Ipswich
Michael Cummins
Patrick Hoban
Cian Hughton
Daniel Joyce - Reading
Jimmy Keohane
Paul Marshall - Walsall
Leon McSweeney
JJ Melligan
Dave Mooney
Ian Morris
Patrick O 'Connor
Josh O 'Keefe
Stephen O'Leary
Shane Redmond - Chesterfield
Nathan Rooney

PS Conor Powell was released by Colchester - does anyone know where he is gone as he is not on the list?

[DannyInvincible]

Joe,
An interesting site - it really is a meat market out there! Surprised David Norris and Ian McLoughlin were let go by Jewell.

David Norris in a meat market? Are we talking about the footballer or the senator here?

[gastric]

I am surprised you didn't include the family 'jewells' in your response!

[tetsujin1979]

What is the next stop for Andy Reid?
rumoured to be returning to Nottingham Forest - http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/soccer_irish/28622/


<EDIT>


I see Davies has been sacked by Forest, with Steve McClaren rumoured to be appointed, don't know how this will affect Andy's chances of returning to the City ground

[SkStu]

What is the next stop for Andy Reid?

K F.C. surely.

[tetsujin1979]

Karl Moore linked with a move to Motherwell: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11781_6986198,00.html

[tetsujin1979]

List of released Irish players in today's Independent: http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/for-sale-2673558.html
Pretty sure Ashley Grimes is (a) not that Ashley Grimes and (b) not Irish

[OwlsFan]

A lot of dreams destroyed:

Full list of Irish players released

Alan Bennett (Wycombe Wds)

John Dunleavy (Wolves)

Patrick O'Connor (Millwall)

Ben Burgess (Notts County)

David Mooney (Reading)

Denis Behan (Hartlepool United)

Jimmy Keohane (Bristol City)

Alan Quinn (Ipswich Town)

Daniel Joyce (Reading; currently on loan at Bohemians)

David Cawley (Ipswich Town)

Ian Morris (Scunthorpe)

John Melligan (Cheltenham Town)

Jonathan Douglas (Swindon Town)

Joey O'Brien (Bolton Wds)

Josh O'Keefe (Lincoln City)

Lee Carsley (Coventry City)

Michael Cummins (Grimsby Town)

Nathan Rooney (Wolves)

Patrick Hoban (Bristol City)

Paul Marshall (Walsall)

Stephen O'Leary (Kettering Town)

Ian Mcloughlin (Ipswich Town)

Joe Murphy (Scunthorpe United)

Shane Redmond (Chesterfield)

Andy Reid (Blackpool)

Thomas Butler (Swansea)

Joe Gamble (Hartlepool United)

Cian Hughton (Lincoln City)

John Thompson (Notts County)

Leon McSweeney (Hartlepool Utd)

Stephen O'Halloran (Coventry City)

Lee Boylan (Thurrock)

[SaucyJack]

I don't think the Paul Marshall, listed above and released by Walsall ever lined out for Ireland at any age group.

[Sullivinho]

A lot of dreams destroyed:

...

Stephen O'Halloran (Coventry City)



Very disappointing.

[paul_oshea]

dunleavey is a very nice lad too unlucky with injury.

[DannyInvincible]

How's Joey O'Brien doing? Has his injury pretty much crippled any prospect of him plating Premiership football? Clearly, Bolton weren't prepared to risk it with him.

[tetsujin1979]

I don't think the Paul Marshall, listed above and released by Walsall ever lined out for Ireland at any age group.
Played for the U19's, and then changed to England to play in the World Youth Championships
Report of an U19 game VS Portugal featuring Marshall: http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2386&catid=80:archive&Itemid=355
In the England U20 World Youth Championships squad: http://www.thefa.com/England/Mens-u20s/news/2009/wc_squad_announcement

[liamoo11]

anton rodgers signed for brighton after been released by Chelsea.

[CraftyToePoke]

How's Joey O'Brien doing? Has his injury pretty much crippled any prospect of him plating Premiership football? Clearly, Bolton weren't prepared to risk it with him.

Was speaking to a Sheff Weds fan and they liked him, but the injury doubts are always mentioned. I suppose you would have to go back a few managers at Bolton to find one who even remembered him being fit and available for a sustained period. Shame, definitely had it in him.

[irishfan86]

I was at Whitecaps FC training today (I cover the team for a Canadian soccer website) and Cian Hughton was there on trial.

The coach, Tommy Soehn, said someone in upper management had a contact (he's talking about Whitecaps CEO Paul Barber, a former Tottenham Hotspur board member) and so they're having a look at him.

If Soehn is given the final say I doubt they'll sign him...he didn't seem too enthused but perhaps he was just being guarded about the situation.

[EastTerracer]

Not the most inspiring XI of all time but, based on the Indo's list this morning, here is a team of full internationals who are available for free at the moment. I went with an experimental formation as well.

*******

GK - Joe Murphy (age 29, caps 2)

D - Joey O'Brien (age 25, caps 3)
D - Alan Bennett (age 29, caps 2)
D - Stephen O'Halloran (age 23, caps 2)


M - Lee Carsley (age 35, caps 38)
M - Thomas Butler (age 30, caps 2)
M - Jonathan Douglas (age 29, caps 8)
M - Alan Quinn (age 32, caps 8)
M - Joe Gamble (age 29, caps 2)

10 - Andy Reid (age 28, caps 27)

F - Cillian Sheridan (age 22, caps 3)

******

I'd have had Steve Finnan on there as well but I suspect he is now retired as he is without a club for 12 months.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/holidays-on-hold-for-33-irish-players-placed-on-pfa-unattached-list-2673674.html

[gastric]

All the Indo did was look at the give me football website that Joe Denilson posted on here. There are same mistakes - as in Paul Marshall and Ashley Grimes supposedly being Irish. Lazy journalism!

[tetsujin1979]

Noel Hunt was asked on twitter about the recent rumours of him moving to Ipswich
from http://twitter.com/#!/boyhunt/status/80754017642348544

"@MalcLeary: @boyhunt according to j Fordham yr going to Ipswich" if he told me he was a lier I wouldn't believe him hahahaa
from http://twitter.com/#!/boyhunt/status/80753635327344641

"@OftenBroken: @boyhunt sky say you are following Ivar to the tractor boys. Any truth in that?" First I heard of it!!

[elroy]

A good few of those lads will end back in the LOI I would suspect. Behan did well in his time at Cork. Dave Mooney was also a fine player in the LOI.

[SwanVsDalton]

I'd be surprised if Mooney still couldn't make it at League One. Definitely got the ability imo.

[tetsujin1979]

I'd be surprised if Mooney still couldn't make it at League One. Definitely got the ability imo.
Scored 13 goals on loan there for Colchester last season, I'd like to see him given a chance with one of the promoted teams

[Serb]

The guardian has a list of players that were released from Premier League clubs (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jun/16/list-players-released-premier-league-clubs). I noticed a few names that I don't think have been mentioned yet (apologies if they have :))

Jay O'Shea (Birmingham)
Sam Sheridan (Bolton)
Dean Kiely (WBA)

Nothing too surprising there I guess. Dean Kiely is 40 years of age, so I think he might be retiring. Jay O'Shea never really got a look in for Birmingham. I know nothing about Samuel Sheridan.

[Kingdom]

A lot of dreams destroyed:

Full list of Irish players released


Ben Burgess (Notts County)



Alan Quinn (Ipswich Town)
Jonathan Douglas (Swindon Town)
Joey O'Brien (Bolton Wds)
Joe Murphy (Scunthorpe United)
Andy Reid (Blackpool)
Thomas Butler (Swansea)
Joe Gamble (Hartlepool United)
John Thompson (Notts County)
Stephen O'Halloran (Coventry City)


Jesus. Whole host of decent players there.

[gastric]

Rumours that WBA want Shay Given on a season long loan. Wouldn't be the worst move in the world.

[Colbert Report]

Rumours that WBA want Shay Given on a season long loan. Wouldn't be the worst move in the world.

Are Man City willing to pay part of his wages? I think he's on eighty grand a week, I can't see West Brom being able to pay a goalkeeper that kind of money.

[gastric]

Are Man City willing to pay part of his wages? I think he's on eighty grand a week, I can't see West Brom being able to pay a goalkeeper that kind of money.

That's why it's called a rumour!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2004496/West-Brom-tracking-Derek-Boateng-Shay-Given.html

[gastric]

Leon Best allowed to leave Newcastle!

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3642823/Leon-Best-told-he-can-leave-Newcastle.html

[paul_oshea]

seems a bit harsh on the lad....