Tuesday, 29 January 2013

January transfer window day 29: Round-up

Mario Balotelli has ended his three-year stay in England (Picture: Getty)
Mario Balotelli has ended his three-year stay in England (Picture: Getty)

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has completed his move to Serie A giants AC Milan.

Balotelli has proved one of English football's most divisive figures during his three-year spell at the Etihad Stadium, but his fractious nature has finally proved too much for boss Roberto Mancini, who has decided to cash in on the 22-year-old. Read the full story here.

Nacer Chadli is wanted by Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini (Picture: Getty)
Nacer Chadli is wanted by Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini (Picture: Getty)

And City could use some of the money from Balotelli's sale to bring in FC Twente winger Nacer Chadli.

The Belgian is thought to be valued at around £7m and although Mancini has yet to add to his squad this month, he is believed to be keen on improving his attacking threat before the transfer window closes.

Anton Ferdinand has fallen out of favour since Harry Redknapp took over at QPR (Picture: Reuters)
Anton Ferdinand has fallen out of favour since Harry Redknapp took over at QPR (Picture: Reuters)

Elsewhere, QPR have confirmed the loan moves of both Anton Ferdinand and Rob Hulse.

Ferdinand joins Turkish side Bersaspor, while Hulse has moved to Millwall until the end of the season.

Boss Harry Redknapp is still eager to strengthen his squad before the end of the month and has now turned his attention to Stoke striker Peter Crouch and former Blackburn defender Christopher Samba. Click here for the full story.

And reports tonight suggested Rangers are also closing in on a deal for Croatia midfielder Niko Kranjcar.

Jack Butland.
Blue target: Jack Butland (Picture: PA)

The Hoops' west London rivals Chelsea meanwhile are set to make a late bid for Birmingham goalkeeper Jack Butland.

Birmingham are suffering financial difficulties and are keen to offload players for the right price and Chelsea have spotted the opportunity to swoop for the 19-year-old England international.

And the Blues could also make a renewed effort to sign Corinthians midfielder Paulinho, after Inter Milan revealed they are unlikely to reach an agreement with the Brazilian side this month.

Mohamed Diame could yet be on his way out of Upton Park (Picture: Getty)
Mohamed Diame could yet be on his way out of Upton Park (Picture: Getty)

Elsewhere in London, West Ham have admitted midfielder Mohamed Diame could yet join Arsenal or Tottenham this month.

Both clubs have been tracking the former Wigan man and despite the Hammers' attempts to rush through a renewed contract which removes his £3.5m buyout clause, Diame has yet to agree terms, with boss Sam Allardyce admitting he may be on his way out of Upton Park.

But one player who now looks unlikely to join Arsenal is Barcelona striker David Villa.

Although reports last night suggested the Gunners were in talks with the 31-year-old, boss Arsene Wenger has today suggested the Catalan club are still refusing to let Villa leave.

Michel Vorm has been one of Swansea's best players since they were promoted to the Premier League (Picture: Getty)
Michel Vorm has been one of Swansea’s best players since they were promoted to the Premier League (Picture: Getty)

Barca meanwhile are thought to be targeting Swansea goalkeeper Michel Vorm as a summer replacement for Victor Valdes.

Vorm has also caught the eye of Manchester United and bidding war could start between the two European rivals at the end of the season.

Tom Ince is wanted by both Liverpool and Reading (Picture: Getty)
Tom Ince is wanted by both Liverpool and Reading (Picture: Getty)

Finally, Premier League strugglers Reading are hoping to pip Liverpool to a deal for highly-rated Blackpool youngster Thomas Ince, after lodging an official offer for the England Under-21 player.

The Royals are believed to have offered around £6.5m for the midfielder, which surpasses Liverpool's previous two rejected bids, but still falls short of Blackpool's £8m valuation.

Don't forget to catch up with all the latest transfer news in Metro’s live blog tomorrow morning.


~Metro » Football | Metro UK~
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