[Archived] Transfer Digest And Links (January 2010)

[Guest Wen Y Hu]

The mid-season transfer window is about to open and nicko has started posting his eleven o'clockers, so it would seem useful to start up the transfer digest thread for the January transfer window.

Last summer the summary of transfer links and nicko's transfer-related comments were put together on a single thread like this one. Since the length of the window is nothing like the summer one, a single thread for the combined purpose should suffice. As such, please post any links in this thread, indicating the source of the story along with the date and, preferably, a brief description of the nature of the link.

As a reminder, this thread is not for discussion or comment: please use the Sam's Targets thread or other pertinent threads for such purposes.

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To get the thread underway, here is a digest of the main transfer-related posts by nicko on the Sam's Targets thread covering the period from 11:25 on Sunday, 27 December up to 10:00 this morning (i.e., from Page 57 onwards, starting at post #1133). Note that previous discussion on potential incoming targets had involved Amine Linganzi of St. Etienne, Stuart Holden from MLS in the United States, James Beattie, Nadir Belhadj of Portsmouth, and Guti.

Any comments on nicko's posts should be confined to that thread - DO NOT POST THEM HERE!

ST ETIENNE LAD...due to sign, been over twice, all seems good, down to money men to sort out a [cheap] deal.

GUTI...available, but likely to go elsewhere.

HOLDEN...the same.

BENNI...Porto want him, but would like to take him on loan.

ROBERTS...on Middlesbrough wish list of strikers, along with many others.

HUTTON...sorry, I don't think so.

And nothing on Meriem interestingly enough.

Meriem is due back - again - shortly. However St.Etienne are also keen on him.

Linganzi was born in Algeria but his dad was from the Congo and worked there as the ambassador. He has played for France at u-21 level but Algeria want him for the World Cup.

On Benni, Roberts or MGP - I think somebody will have to leave to finance any serious moves for arrivals.

Beattie would still be a live one in my book if either Benni or Roberts left. If MGP goes then Belhadj becomes a possible - because Pompey are in deep do-do.

Sorry, Nicko, but I highly doubt that Porto are interested in Benni. Celta Vigo maybe but Porto no!!

Porto are in for Benni...that's from another club who inquired and found out his wages and the fact that they are trying to take him on loan.

anything in the Ben Arfa rumours to Rovers on loan?

HOLDEN...Burnley are in and have been for a while, think they may be favourites...not sure how great the Rovers interest is.

GUTI...Bolton are trying very hard for him, may happen if he fancies going down the Campo and Hierro road. Interesting one, but an expensive loan.

BEN ARFA...strange one, but he could be available on loan.

BEATTIE...not happy at being left out of the team on Saturday, we shall see if he plays tomorrow.

I live in Stoke and have just had a text from my work colleague who works at Britannia. He has just told me that all the talk there is of Beattie (no surprise there) and Liam Lawrence being on their way to Ewood. If this has already been mentioned I apologise but is there anything in this Nicko? His source is a local journo so maybe you have access to the same information. I can tell you this is not a 'mate of a mate' scenario, my colleague works at the heart of the club and has only told me because he feels this is way beyond rumour. If true do you think Lawrence can add anything?

An early 11 o'clocker [i want to see Man City come in for a half-time/full-time betting coup]...

BEATTIE...played today, doesn't look the answer to me, but that one will linger as an option for some time.

LAWRENCE...can't see that at all...he is well-liked there.

BEN ARFA...a lot of talk and there seems to have been an inquiry...I would imagine the player might look at his options.

MERIEM...still expected to return.

GUTI...on a huge salary...has also been approached by Besiktas but wants to come to the Premier League...he is Megson's first choice at Bolton, so they are probably favourites if the deal is right.

The latest on Ben Arfa is that Marseille expect him to leave.

I think this space has to be watched closely.

The Rovers link started about three or four days ago over there. Frankly, you could not make it up. I think there is an interest, but there wil be others keen - and the boy may fancy a more glamourous destination. He seems a bit big-time.

A link to nicko's article on Di Santo taken from the Di Santo thread:

Mirror.co.uk, 29 December 2009

Franco Di Santo could return to Chelsea after striker rocks Blackburn with new financial demands

(thanks to RibbleValleyRover for the link)

[philipl]

Di Santo loan extended confirmation

[Guest Wen Y Hu]

Early afternoon update #1 of 1

Transfer digest from the Sam's Targets thread covering the period from 10:00 yesterday morning to 13:00 today. Note that the Sam's Targets thread was relatively quiet during this period, with nicko being active on the Di Santo thread as per below.

Any comments on nicko's posts should be confined to the respective threads - DO NOT POST THEM HERE!

Franco Di Santo

The first transaction of the January transfer window has been concluded ahead of its opening with the extension of Franco Di Santo's loan until the end of the season. Di Santo is now eligible to play in both cup competitions.

In addition to philipl's link to the news on the BBC site above, here are the links to the official site and LT reports.

Rovers.co.uk, 30 December 2009

Franco remains a Rover

Lancashire Telegraph, 30 December 2009

Allardyce happy as Di Santo extends Blackburn Rovers deal

(thanks to 1864roverite for the initial alert and to super_arran for the link to the announcement on the official site)

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Taken from the Di Santo thread:

Earlier discussion on the Di Santo thread regarding the reported problem of financial demands by Di Santo's agent had gone as follows.

Nicko what are the extra cash incentives?

I don't know the exact figures but his agent is making a fool of himself on this one - I don't think it is a problem with the player.

As it stands the deal could collapse which would be a ridiculous mistake by Di Santo and his people.

Hopefully it will turn round and be sorted today. Otherwise he will go back and be stuck in the Chelsea stiffs, wondering what went wrong.

Could Everton or similar be behind this?

No.

I think common sense will have to prevail.

The figures are not big, it looks to be like one of his agents is a drama queen.

The club has bent over backwards, the boy is actually happy to be here and playing.

Sounds like an ego needs massaging in his entourage.

The clock is ticking. My hunch is it will be sorted - because he has nowhere better to go.

[Guest Wen Y Hu]

Early afternoon update #1 of 1

Transfer digest from the Sam's Targets thread covering the period from 13:00 yesterday to 14:30 today. Note that nicko was active on the thread during this period as per below and was active at the time of this posting. Please follow the main transfer thread itself for ongoing developments.

Today's digest has been arranged according to topic for ease of reading. Any comments on nicko's posts should be confined to the respective threads - DO NOT POST THEM HERE!

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Kevin-Prince Boateng

Nicko, any truth in Sky's story that Rovers have made an enquiry for Kevin Prince Boateng at Portsmouth. Fantastic move if true

Nicko, can you confirm the Kevin-Prince Boateng rumours?

New to me. But everyone is picking at the Portsmouth carcass.

I heard Belhadj was the preferred one for Rovers but that was only if MGP left.

[...]

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Stuart Holden

Looks like Stuart Holden is going on trial to Burnley.

http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/sports/local/091231-holden-english-team

And Reid is supposedly going on loan to Cardif City.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/footballnation/cardiff-city-fc/2009/12/31/bluebirds-set-up-deal-for-midfielder-steven-reid-91466-25499046/

I wonder if Nicko had a word in Coyle's ear? Can't wait until he leaves Burnley.

Happy New Year...

Owen had him lined up a month ago. That was why I was shocked at the Rovers link.

He was never going to go to Burnley for a few weeks in the hope of a deal if Rovers had offered him a four-year contract.

Still no idea if he is any good. But he sounds like a good type.

And a Scot at the World Cup finals against England? Just made my summer.

[...]

Do you have a link to Rovers being interested in Holden? If Pompey went out of business mid season, how would that effect points for other teams /relegation issues - would 3 teams still go down and would 4 come up? Are Rovers interested in any of their players?

News of the World wrote it two weeks ago...and picked up from there.

If Portsmouth go into admin they just lose the points [9] and will be even more certain to go down. They won't go totally bust.

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Amine Linganzi and Camel Meriem

Nicko, whats the situation on Linganzi?

I know they were trying to sort out figures last week. I can't imagine it won't be done because it's not much money.

I also hear Meriem is coming, but he is starting to strike me as a footballer version of dear old Dan Williams...he's always about to arrive but never quite checks in.

Meanwhile, unleaded provided the following link to French news site L'Equipe, which is reporting that Camel Meriem has been turned down by Rovers after a further trial.

L'Equipe.fr, 31 December 2009

Meriem has not attracted Blackburn (link to Google translation)

Meriem n'a pas séduit Blackburn (original article in French)

[unleaded]

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/frattonlatest/Blackburn-move-for-Boateng.5950803.jp

Portsmouth local newspaper confirms Rovers intrest In Prince Boateng!!

[Guest Wen Y Hu]

Afternoon update #1 of 1

Transfer digest from the Sam's Targets thread covering the period from 14:30 yesterday to 16:00 today. Note that nicko was mainly active on the Megson Sacked thread during this period and was only active on the main transfer thread as per below.

Any comments on nicko's posts should be confined to the respective threads - DO NOT POST THEM HERE!

Camel Meriem

I thought we were no longer interested in Meriem, as he failed a fitness test.

Meriem had a fitness problem because of an injury.

But he is clear of that now - hopefully - and is wanted back for another look.

To be fair, he must be looking all right in other ways or there would not be the continued interest.

[Guest Wen Y Hu]

Afternoon update #1 of 1

Transfer digest from the Sam's Targets thread covering the period from 16:00 yesterday to 15:00 today. Note that nicko was only active on the board during this period as per below.

Any comments on nicko's posts should be confined to the respective threads - DO NOT POST THEM HERE!

Eidur Gudjohnsen

Gudjohnsen has been put forward once again as an alleged target of Big Sam, this time by the News Of The World. The article, which contains no direct quotes, also suggests that the purchase of Gudjohnsen would be funded from the proceeds of Benni Mac's sale. nicko's comment on Gudjohnsen (rather than on the NOTW article) is as below.

News Of The World, 2 January 2010

Blackburn Hoping To Pick Up Gudjohnsen: Monaco striker can be reunited with Big Sam

(thanks to Craigman for the link)

Any news Nicko?

Eidur is available but his wages are silly - and he looks past his sell-by date.

[Guest Wen Y Hu]

Afternoon update #1 of 1

Transfer digest from the Sam's Targets thread covering the period from 15:00 yesterday to 13:30 today. Note that nicko's activity on the board during this period was restricted to the Megson Sacked thread.

Any comments should be confined to the relevant threads - DO NOT POST THEM HERE!

Discussion on the main transfer thread has been varied, but with no substantial reports concerning transfer business. Following on from speculation last summer, Frederic Piquionne is mentioned once again in the Daily Mail (thanks to John for the link), while Atiba Hutchinson provides us with a new name to ponder.

Atiba Hutchinson

67splitscreen unearthed an article from 3 December in the Danish press suggesting Rovers may be interested in a January move for Atiba Hutchinson, a Canadian currently playing for FC Copenhagen, whose contract expires in the summer. smoss confirms that this has been the subject of discussion on US football sites for a while. No other confirmation is available at present.

Sporten.dk, 3 December 2009

Blackburn lurer på Hutchinson

[riggers77]

for info....some lad called slory

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=720877&sec=transfers&cc=5739&cc=5901

[Guest Wen Y Hu]

Afternoon update #1 of 1

Transfer digest from the Sam's Targets thread covering the period from 13:30 yesterday to 14:30 today. Note that nicko has not been active on the board during this period.

Any comments should be confined to the relevant threads - DO NOT POST THEM HERE!

Ewood Tricolor

nicko's article links us with trio from France: Amine Linganzi (St. Etienne), Stanislas Oliveira (Sedan), and Camel Meriem, who is reported to be returning for final talks with Rovers.

Mirror Sport, 4 January 2010

Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce lines up treble transfer swoop on France

(thanks to ffan for the link)

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Andwele Slory

Thanks to riggers77 for his link in the above post: Feyenoord forward Andwele Slory is in talks with the Rovers, according to his agent.

Soccernet, 5 January 2010

Blackburn open talks to sign Feyenoord forward Andwele Slory

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Ben Arfa

The article from France Football starts with "Hatem Ben Arfa may well be at Marseilles until the end of the season...", but finishes with the club president Jean-Claude Dassier conceding that "Today he is staying, but tomorrow we don't know. The transfer window lasts another month."

France Football, 5 January 2010

Ben Arfa reste, mais...

(thanks to alexanders for the link - see his post for a rough English translation)

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Kevin-Prince Boateng

Premier league have confirmed that Kevin Prince Boateng can't play for another PL club this season, having played one game for Spurs. - Radio Lancs.

[Guest Wen Y Hu]

Early afternoon update #1 of 1

Transfer digest from the Sam's Targets thread covering the period from 14:30 yesterday to 14:00 today. Note that nicko was active once again on the thread during this period.

Any comments on nicko's posts should be confined to the respective threads - DO NOT POST THEM HERE!

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Amine Linganzi

The Lancashire Telegraph reports that Rovers will sign Linganzi this month, while casting doubt on the chances of us taking on Camel Meriem.

Lancashire Telegraph, 6 January 2010

Rovers to sign Linganzi

(thanks to Somerset Rover! for the alert)

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nicko's update

After several days away from the main transfer thread, nicko posted a brief update as below.

Couple of newsy bits.

Linganzi...we know about.

Meriem...here but unable to train too much...who would be a trialist?

Beattie...still an option.

Benni...who's buying.

Roberts...ditto.

MGP...what's the Norwegian for 'ditto'?

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Andwélé Slory

Heinz reports that the Slory story is in the news in Holland:

Dutch newspapers saying Feyenoord want to sell Slory to Blackburn this month to relieve their balance sheet from his wages.

Blackburn initially wanted to pick-up Slory at the end of the season when he is a freebie.

Meanwhile, The Times has picked up on the story with the briefest of inserts on its transfer tidbits page, quoted in full here:

"Blackburn Rovers have expressed an interest in Andwélé Slory, the striker who is out of contract at Feyenoord this summer. He has scored four goals in 13 league appearances this season."

Times Online, 6 January 2010

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article6977022.ece

(thanks to ffan for the link and quote)

[Ninjathunder]

Nicko's written this about MGP to Olympiacos

[Guest Wen Y Hu]

Afternoon update #1 of 1

Transfer digest from the Sam's Targets thread covering the period from 14:00 yesterday to 15:00 today. There has been increased activity on the board over the last 24 hours, with the return of nicko's 11 o'clocker and a number of potential developments in the transfer market at large being reported.

Today's digest has been arranged according to topic for ease of reading. Any comments on nicko's posts should be confined to the respective threads - DO NOT POST THEM HERE!

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LT Transfer Summary

Today's Lancashire Telegraph has a useful article on how it sees the current state of Rovers' transfer dealings in the January window.

Lancashire Telegraph, 7 January 2010

Rovers may not sell over striker crisis

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The Eleven O'Clocker

THERE'S A PRETTY INTERESTING MOVE ABOUT TO HAPPEN ELSEWHERE THAT WILL POSSIBLY SPARK FOUR OR FIVE MOVES...INCLUDING ONE AFFECTING YOURSELVES.

11 O'CLOCK IT IS THEN.

I think the window is just about to open...

Sunderland to sign Kevin Kuranyi from Schalke for a slightly over-the-top fee.

Sunderland to sell Kenwyne Jones. Stoke and Birmingham in strong already.

Stoke to shunt out Beattie even quicker if they win that race...this is where Rovers come in.

Sunderland to spend the rest of the cash on Adam Johnson if they can, Maynor Figueroa possibly and keeper Kieran Westwood.

Johnson will go...Middlesbrough want dosh for at least three Celtic players...but there could be other bidders.

Wolves trying to sign Hunt from Hull...who want rid of everything apart from Bullard.

Olympiacos keen on MGP. But I was scooped by myself on that one.

Coyley's garden is clear of snow. Thanks for asking.

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Eidur Gudjohnsen

11:53 According to France Football, the Icelandic International Eidur Gudjohnsen is being touted as bound for Ewood Park and away from a disaster spell at Monaco. The French club is thought to be asking around £1.8m for the 31-year-old's services.

Gudjohnsen? You are struggling to find the wages for Meriem...

Mind you, maybe the local casino could sponsor the move.

Or somebody could rob the Bank at Monte Carlo.

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Morten Gamst Pedersen

Tooting Rover has already posted the link to nicko's piece on Olympiacos interest in MGP above. (And thanks also to Craigman for the alert and link in the main thread.)

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Benni McCarthy

Daily Mail linking Benni with Everton and MGP with Olympiacos:

Mail Online, 7 January 2010

Blackburn's Benni McCarthy is ready to solve Everton's striker crisis

(thanks to smoss for the link)

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Zurab Khizanishvili

The Northern Echo has the following snippet on Zurab:

"Newcastle will be forced to switch their attention to the likes of Stoke City’s Leon Cort while also hoping to agree another loan deal with Blackburn Rovers to secure the services of experienced defender Zurab Khizanishvili."

The Northern Echo, 7 January 2010

Hughton’s January plans hit by Kilgallon snub

(thanks to Hughesy for the link)

[Guest Wen Y Hu]

Afternoon update #1 of 1

Transfer digest from the Sam's Targets thread covering the period from 15:00 yesterday to 15:00 today. Note that nicko was active on the thread during this period as per below. Note also that rather a large number of posts have been added during this period, with much of the discussion revolving around the relative merits of James Beattie.

Today's digest has been arranged according to topic for ease of reading. Any comments on nicko's posts should be confined to the respective threads - DO NOT POST THEM HERE!

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nicko comments

Nicko has there been a fresh approach for Ibricic or another enquiry, with the Pedersen rumours now up and running?

I thought they were off that idea.

Nicko, is the info i`ve heard true about beattie already having visited brockhall for pre-emptive talks with rovers about a move? is it a case of if benni or roberts gets sold beattie comes in?

also..

Do you know if coyle feels kevin davies is his type of player, and if not, could the idea of a move for him to rovers crop up again?

imo it`d be better for us to hold fire on the idea of signing beattie if there`s a chance that kevin davies would become available. sam knows for certain that davies can do the job he wants upfront.

Beattie and Rovers has been a possible for weeks and will continue to be so. But someone has to go first.

Kevin Davies will get a new lease of life out of playing for Owen if he ever gets to Bolton...he will get the chance to play with the ball in front of him rather than with his back to goal. I think he will be a success in an attacking side with two wingers.

[...]

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Camel Meriem

According to nicko, "Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce's bid to sign French free agent Camel Meriem, 28, is being blocked - because of a row about foreigners...."

Mirror Sport, 7 January 2010

Allardyce gets kicked by Camel

(thanks to smoss for the link)

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Eidur Gudjohnsen

More suggestions that Gudjohnsen is seeking a move to the Premier League:

Mirror Sport, 7 January 2010

Premier trio keen on signing Gudjohnsen

The Times, 8 January 2010

"Long shots"

(thanks to ffan for the link)

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Koo Ja-cheol

Korean John has alerted us to reports from South Korea that local prodigy Koo Ja-cheol has been invited over to the Rovers for a trial later this month. The News Of The World also have picked up on this news, as per link below. See the discussion on the separate thread, Korean International Set For Rovers Trial. Many thanks to Korean John, ultrablue, and Jisty for the miscellaneous translations.

News Of The World, 8 January 2010

Rovers Ponder South Korean Bid

(thanks to Craigman for the link)

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Joe Ledley

The Guardian reporting that Rovers are interested in the Cardiff youngster:

Guardian, 7 January 2010

Transfer talk

(thanks to ffan for the link)

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Elrio Van Heerden

"Bafana Bafana star Elrio van Heerden is expected to arrive in Turkey on Monday next week to start a new career with Turkish Premier Division club Sivasspor."

KickOff.com [no date]

Van Heerden in Turkey on Monday

(thanks to Hughesy for the link)

[Guest Wen Y Hu]

Afternoon update #1 of 1

Transfer digest from the Sam's Targets thread covering the period from 15:00 yesterday to 16:30 today. Note that nicko was not active during this period. Note also that quite a bit of the speculation and discussion on the thread during this period has revolved around Eidur Gudjohnsen based on a report in Goal.com that two signings are imminent. To avoid comments in this thread, I have posted on this report here in the Sam's Targets thread.

Today's digest has been arranged according to topic for ease of reading. Any comments should be confined to the respective threads - DO NOT POST THEM HERE!

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LT Transfer Summary

Today's Lancashire Telegraph reports that the Rovers are "believed to be keeping an eye on Cardiff midfielder Joe Ledley", yet are "unlikely" to pursue Eidur Gudjohnsen. The LT also comments on Koo Ja-cheol (aka Gu Ja-Cheol), saying Rovers could be bringing him in for a trial.

Lancashire Telegraph, 9 January 2010

Roque knockout hurt us, says Blackburn Rovers boss

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Koo Ja-cheol

There is more information coming out of Korea on Koo Ja-cheol:

"Jeju United midfielder Koo Ja-cheol will have a trial with Blackburn Rovers in the English Premier League (EPL)."

Korea Times, 8 January 2010

Koo Ja-cheol to Have Blackburn Trial

(thanks to ultrablue for the link)

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Olivier Thomert

Rovers are reportedly competing with Fulham and PSG for Olivier Thomert of Rennes:

Sky Sports News, 9 January 2010

Prem pair linked with Thomert: PSG to compete for Thomert

(thanks to yeti-dog for the link)

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Elrio Van Heerden

Daily Mail is reporting that Elrio "has signed for Turkish club Sivasspor on a short term deal". There is no official confirmation of this, however.

Daily Mail, 8 January 2010

Blackburn offload winger Van Heerden to Turkish club Sivasspor

(thanks to Hughesy for the link)

[Guest Wen Y Hu]

Afternoon update #1 of 1

Transfer digest from the Sam's Targets thread covering the period from 16:30 yesterday to 14:30 today. Note that the thread has been relatively quiet and nicko has not been active during this period.

Today's digest has been arranged according to topic for ease of reading. Any comments should be confined to the respective threads - DO NOT POST THEM HERE!

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Joe Ledley

Mirror Sport, 9 January 2010

Joe Ledley lined up for £1.5m move to Blackburn

(thanks to John for the link)

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Stanislas Oliveira

[N.B. The quoted fee of 400 euros is presumably a typo - 400k (i.e., 400,000) euros would seem more reasonable.]

[images deleted here - please see original post]

Rovers had Stanislas Oliveira of French club Sedan on trial at brockhall last few weeks and is being reported that they are set to clinch the deal for him now.....400 euros the fee!..............Even though he played for France Under 21`s along side steven Nzozi he has now choosen to play for his fathers country Portugol and has alraedy made his debute for them..............The little Midfeilder must have impressed Big Sam according to reports..........Rovers linked to alot of players when they dont have the cash.........Bargins it will be then

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Erkan Ari

22-year-old attacking midfielder with Fortuna Dusseldorf II in Germany reportedly being tracked by Rovers:

News Of The World, 9 January 2010

Rovers Keep Tabs On Little-Known Ari

(thanks to Hughesy for the link)

[Guest Wen Y Hu]

Early afternoon update #1 of 1

Transfer digest from the Sam's Targets thread covering the period from 14:30 yesterday to 12:30 today. Note that the thread has been relatively quiet during this period. Meanwhile, nicko has been extremely active on the Megson Sacked, Coyle Takes Over thread, but only briefly active on the main transfer thread.

Any comments should be confined to the respective threads - DO NOT POST THEM HERE!

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Camel Meriem

There won't be an 11 o'clocker tonight...but the Mirror website might be worth a look.

A player about to be signed [no street parties need be arranged].

And some tales of players of interest.

A lot of Bolton stuff, funnily enough.

The player "about to be signed" is Camel Meriem, reportedly undergoing a medical before signing on till the end of the season. Please note that at the time of posting today's digest, there had been no confirmation of the signing on the official site. Here is nicko's article:

Mirror Sport, 10 January 2010

Former Monaco midfielder set for Blackburn move

(thanks to budha and to Fylde Coast Fan for the link)

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LT Transfer Summary

Today's Lancashire Telegraph has a couple of references to transfer dealings in an article on David Dunn today. Linganzi and Meriem are mentioned as expected/possible incoming signings, while there is further confirmation that Elrio Van Heerden is likely to be on his way to Sivasspor of Turkey soon.

Lancashire Telegraph, 11 January 2010

Rovers boss: We'll look after Dunny

[Guest Wen Y Hu]

Afternoon update #1 of 1

Transfer digest from the Sam's Targets thread covering the period from 12:30 to 15:00 today.

Elrio Van Heerden

Elrio Van Heerden has now left Rovers and signed for Sivasspor of Turkey.

Rovers.co.uk, 11 January 2010

South African departs

[Guest Wen Y Hu]

Afternoon update #1 of 1

Transfer digest from the Sam's Targets thread covering the period from 15:00 yesterday to 14:30 today. Note that nicko has not been active on the thread during this period. Indeed, the thread has been very quiet in terms of transfer-related news, with proceedings dominated by non-transfer-related discussion.

Any comments should be confined to the respective threads - DO NOT POST THEM HERE!

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Amr Zaki

"Sky Sports News understands Stoke, Sunderland and Blackburn are all keen on bringing Egyptian striker Amr Zaki back to the Premier League."

Sky Sports News, 12 January 2010

Prem trio keen on Zaki: Stoke, Sunderland and Rovers battle for Egyptian

(thanks to ffan for the link)

About Zaki:

...The forward failed to report to the club's Cairo headquarters for five days and Hazem Emam, a board member for the Egyptian giants, told FilGoal: "We are open to offers for Zaki. Any worthy offer will be accepted.

"The club can no longer bear such actions. Missing training for several days without giving any explanations is an inexplicable action from a professional player like Zaki.

He is transfer listed by his Egyptian club. People nag about Benni's stomach but is this the kind of discipline we want near our team?

The above quote is taken from the Egyptian site, FilGoal.com:

FilGoal.com, 6 January 2010

Zaki transfer-listed by Zamalek

The same site has an Opinion Article on Zaki from the following day:

"For someone who's eager to make a Premier League comeback, Amr Zaki's efforts are woefully inadequate."

FilGoal.com, 7 January 2010

Zaki has nothing but a pipe dream

[Guest Wen Y Hu]

Afternoon update #1 of 1

Transfer digest from the Sam's Targets thread covering the period from 14:30 yesterday to 14:30 today. Note that nicko was not active on the thread during this period, but has been active on the Megson Sacked, Coyle Takes Over thread as well as the Nicko thread. On the Nicko thread he posted on the topic of transfers as per below.

Any comments should be confined to the respective threads - DO NOT POST THEM HERE!

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Camel Meriem

Taken from the Nicko thread, where discussion revolved around the reported unrest behind the scenes at the Rovers:

[...] Meriem's deal was also put on ice yesterday. It was agreed last weekend and then shelved for a few days.

I don't know what you make of that. But it is another factor in the whole scene.

[Guest Wen Y Hu]

Afternoon update #1 of 1

Transfer digest from the Sam's Targets thread covering the period from 14:30 yesterday to 14:30 today. Note that nicko was not active on the thread during this period, but has been active on the Nicko thread.

Any comments should be confined to the respective threads - DO NOT POST THEM HERE!

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Camel Meriem

The Lancashire Telegraph suggests that Meriem is "unlikely" to be signed, with Sam reportedly showing preference for an "impact signing":

Lancashire Telegraph, 14 January 2010

Allardyce looks for an impact signing

Edit: Corrected date of publication

[daveoftherovers]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1243331/Blackburn-boss-Sam-Allardyce-hints-Middlesbroughs-Gary-ONeil.html?ITO=1490

Boro's Gary O Neil....

[Guest Wen Y Hu]

Afternoon update #1 of 1

Transfer digest from the Sam's Targets thread covering the period from 14:30 yesterday to 14:30 today. Note that nicko was not active on the thread during this period, but has been active on the Nicko thread.

Any comments should be confined to the respective threads - DO NOT POST THEM HERE!

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Gary O’Neil

The above post of daveoftherovers links to an article in the Daily Mail claiming Rovers interest in Gary O'Neil of Middlesbrough. Big Sam is quoted there - as well as in The Sun - as "being aware" of O'Neil's "availability". The relevant quotes in these two articles are identical. The Mirror has the briefest of mentions of this reported interest, claiming "Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce wants Middlesbrough skipper Gary O’Neil to help save his job". The links are as below.

Mirror Sport, 14 January 2010

Big Sam chasing O'Neil

The Sun, 15 January 2010

Sam is waiting for cash 'n Gary

(thanks to Hughesy for the links)

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Papa Bouba Diop

Daily Mail, 15 January 2010

Big Sam to splash £2m on new Wardrobe: Blackburn want Portsmouth's Papa Bouba Diop

(thanks to ffan for the link)

[Guest Wen Y Hu]

Afternoon update #1 of 1

Transfer digest from the Sam's Targets thread covering the period from 14:30 yesterday to 14:30 today. The thread has been relatively quiet during the last 24 hours, with no reports of new transfer targets or links having been mentioned in the media. Note that nicko was not active on the thread during this period, but was active very briefly on the Nicko thread.

Any comments should be confined to the transfer thread - DO NOT POST THEM HERE!

[Guest Wen Y Hu]

Afternoon update #1 of 1

Transfer digest from the Sam's Targets thread covering the period from 14:30 yesterday to 14:30 today. The thread has been extremely quiet during the last 24 hours, with only two posts having been added, one of which is below. Note that nicko was not active on the thread during this period, but was active on the Nicko thread where he referred to transfer dealings as per below.

Any comments should be confined to the respective threads - DO NOT POST THEM HERE!

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nicko's news

The People, 17 January 2010

Sam Allardyce braced for low blow

(thanks to CrazyIvan for the link)

The Sunday People has got a bit in...some parts missed. Here is the breakdown as I know it.

MONDAY - total unhappiness at all levels, couple of players sound off after the game, board very worried, fans fed up.

TUESDAY - board meeting [that was the bit I was saving] which discussed several issues and crucially decided to re-schedule for next Tuesday...that is where the 'two games' story came from.

WEDNESDAY - Sam wants to know more about the story in paper, big talks all round, told results need to improve, he says he wants money for new players [preferably young and with re-sale value] which will be run by the Trust.

THURSDAY - top money man turns up, reasonable display against Villa.

Now there is a big decision to make...does the club back the manager or not.

I think that will be decided by today's events - performance, crowd size and reaction.

The bottom line here is that what you have just now may see you relegated or close to it. So something needs to be improved. Fast.

Timing is everything in football.

There wasn't a crisis until a couple of weeks ago, there is now. But that could equally go away with a win today.

Sounds daft, but that is the world we live in.

The additional and crucial factor here is the transfer window.

It is clear that this squad lacks certain strengths, so that has to be sorted out.

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Stuart Holden

Some Stuart Holden news:

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12874_5863017,00.html

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/2010-01-15-281566929_x.htm

http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/wanderers/4847139.MLS_star_aiming_to_impress/

Apparently he's done well during his trial at Bolton and they're mulling over whether to offer him a contract. Which I translate as a "yes we will but want to play coy to improve the terms" tactic.

I think we've missed the boat with Stuart Holden.