The latest transfer gossip, rumours and damned lies

Transferland hasn’t been too hectic over the last 24 hours (the BBC ran the same ‘Cudicini to Tottenham’ headline from 2pm yesterday until 10am this morning), but some surprise links and saga twists have crept along in the past few hours…

Robbie Keane to Newcastle
After finding himself somewhere between the kitman and the programme sellers in Rafa Benitez’s estimation, Robbie Keane would almost certainly welcome a move away from Anfield. The Metro, who have never struck us as fine purveyors of transfer rumours in the past, claim Newcastle will swoop for the Irishman after Michael Owen’s inevitable summer departure.

The Spoiler truth-o-meter: It’s hard to see where else Keane could go in the Premier League, and St James’ would be a perfect place for Keane’s resurrection. Liverpool would have to swallow a lot of pride though, as Newcastle would pay nothing near the £20m fee they coughed up not so long ago.

Luis Valencia and Javier Saviola switch-a-roo
Last month it was rumoured that Real Madrid were willing to offer up to £15m for Wigan’s right winger, but the uncertainty caused by Calderon’s departure from the Spanish giants means they are not overly keen on spending big. Instead, the Spanish press say they may offer some sort of swap with Javier Saviola.

The Spoiler truth-o-meter: Wigan have already

The latest gossip, rumours and damned lies

In just three days, the transfer merry-go-round will start spinning, and rather amazingly, none of the latest rumours contain the words “Manchester City”…

Jermain Defoe to Tottenham
The Sun believe Defoe’s days on the south coast are numbered as  his substitute appearance at the Emirates caused a bust up with Tony Adams. This fits in with The Independent’s belief that the striker is all set to link up with ‘Arry in a £15m deal.

The Spoiler truth-o-meter: The deal would be convenient for the clubs, who could settle ouststanding payments on his £7m January transfer, and also for Defoe, who spends almost every second off the pitch chasing skirt in London nightclubs. However, Mr Redknapp insists they cannot afford his services, and he would require special dispensation from the Premier League to play for a side he left less than a year ago. Additionally, the Daily Mail suspect Aston Villa are lining up a £16m bid for him.

Luis Valencia to Real Madrid
Juande Ramos and co are said to believe Wigan’s Luis Valencia is second only to Cristiano Ronaldo on the right wing, and will offer up to £15m