The latest object of Dinamo Moskva's affection: Robert Lewandowski
Sarsania appears content with restricting his striker search to Eastern Europe, at least for now. Berdiýew appears not content with Spalletti having free reign over the Italian market, wanting to demonstrate that he too knows a thing or two about Serie A. And never-mind Fatih Tekke, there are some other Turks and Süper Lig players on the minds of Russian football execs.
- Dinamo Moskva are more-or-less salivating over the possible purchase of one of highest-rated forwards in Eastern Europe, Lech Poznan’s Robert Lewandowski.
The 21-year-old Polish striker has continued to show his scoring abilities this year with the Poznan side, and in the process he has created much work for his agent, who has been fielding calls from Italy, England, Ukraine, and Germany.
Not to be outdone, and perhaps an indication that talks with Dinamo Zagreb’s star Mario Mandžukić have stalled (or been usurped by Werder Bremen), the Policemen have stepped up their pursuit of the Polish youngster.
“My client is interested in strong clubs that can compete in Europe,” said Lewandowski’s agent Cezary Kucharski. “There are intense negotiations taking place. But we are waiting for concrete proposals, after which we will decide.”
Currently Lewandowski, who leads the Ekstraklasa in goals with 9 after 16 appearances, is said to be valued between €5 and 10 million (depending on if you speak to the buyer or the seller).
Fulham (England) is said to be Dinamo’s main rival for the footballer, and are currently weighing the option of bringing Lewandowski on loan to Craven Cottage to fill in for Andy Johnson. Though the lure of EPL play may be to much for Lewandowski to ignore, Dinamo may at least have the advantage of purchasing the player outright.
In what may be the most interesting aspect of this story, and confirmation of this author’s tacit assumption regarding the impetus of many transfer rumors, Dinamo’s sports director Konstantin Sarsania admitted that it was his son’s love of Football Manager™ that first brought Lewandowski to his attention.
Sarsania was candid with the media today, claiming that his son had spoken to him of the Polish international having been one of the highest rated forwards in Europe in his computer game over the last two years. Upon closer, less virtual, inspection, Sarsania the elder was pleasantly surprised to find out that the real-life version of the striker was just as talented, thus initiating the transfer inquiries.
Berdiýew whispers to Spalletti, implicitly, “You are not the only one who knows about Serie A.”
- Rubin Kazan has a fever. And, right now, that fever seems to have Serie A players as its remedy. Berdiýew’s club, for the moment, appears to be interested the acquisition of two players currently playing in Lo stivale.
According to BobSoccer, Genoa’s 28-year-old striker Sergio Floccari has found himself the recipient of some attention from the Russian champions.
Sergio Floccari will be leaving Genoa. But will he be in Kazan next year?
Two serious obstacles, however, stand in Rubin’s way. First, S.S. Lazio’s lackadaisical showing thus far in Serie A could prompt a quick Floccari pick-me-up, and while the club does not have tons of money to throw at Genoa for the forward they could bargain for a loan deal. Secondly, we should consider the buying power of Fiorentina, who also fancy themselves a new striker and see Floccari as a possible solution.
After bouncing around Italy, playing with clubs in the top three divisions, Floccari’s performances with Atalanta were parlayed into a move to Genoa earlier this year. However, since coming to Vecchio Balordo Floccari has been unamused with his lack of playing time.
So most importantly, for Rubin, Floccari is destined to leave Genoa—not only for his personal reasons but also because Gasperini and co. consider Internazionale striker and Honduran international David Suazo to be a perfect, or at least better, fit for the red and blue.
[Even before this could be posted, it appears Floccari is destined for Lazio, but we shall see]
- Young Palermo central defender Simon Kjaer is also on the Rubin’s wish list. But unfortunately for Ruby fans the club have merely joined an ever-growing queue. As recently as today, Kjaer has brushed aside the advances of both Manchester powerhouses.
Kjaer has been impressive since joining Palermo in the summer of 2008 from FC Midtjylland (Denmark). At the time of his transfer Kjaer’s services went for a €4 million transfer fee. Now, however, the Danish international is expected to be sold for at least four times that amount.
Remember the name come South Africa: Simon Kjaer
Reports have surfaced today suggesting that Kjaer has opted out of a chance to join the Mancini-infused version of Manchester City. His club, however, apparently accepted the offer from the Citizens, only to have the Danish international disapprove, turning it down in favor of seeing-out the remainder of the season with the Rosanero. Manchester United, as well, have been shunned—for now—with Kjaer patiently bidding his time in Sicily, putting off his relocation plans until after the World Cup.
When one considers that City apparently offered over €20 million for the 20-year-old, Rubin’s chances seem even slimmer. Nevertheless, the Kazan club’s desire continues to be mentioned within the rumor mill. At this juncture, if the 6ft. 2 in. defender’s comments were not in jest, we will have to wait until the summer to see where he lands.
Turkish comings-and-goings
- Galatasaray’s collective heart has grown fond of Caner Erkin.
CSKA's loaner Caner Erkin could stay in Istanbul
So fond, in fact, that the Istanbul club intends to purchase CSKA’s 21-year-old left back, according to Fanatik.
Of yet, the young player has only played a total of eight matches while on loan with the Lions. Nevertheless that appears to have been enough to convince the club of his promise. Since coming to Istanbul Erkin has been used exclusively at left back, however he is capable of playing as a left winger and central midfielder. In fact, with CSKA last season he was deployed in all three positions before being sent out on loan.
Perhaps it was Erkin’s performance this past week that had Lions officials in an uproar to close the deal. In a Turkish Cup victory over Trabzonspor he opened the scoring in the 40th minute with a diving header off an Arda Turan cross–the Turkish international’s first goal since joining Galatasaray.
While the clubs have yet to agree on the proper fee for his transfer, it has been reported that the Army club has asked for €3.5 million. Galatasaray are currently mounting a counter offer.
The two clubs are expected to finalize the deal. However, if for any reason the transfer does not take place, Erkin is still with the Turkish club until the summer of 2010.
- Also circulating in the Turkish press are murmurs suggesting Fenerbahçe captain and midfielder Alex de Souza could be on his way to Spartak Moskva.
Alex has been a staple of the Fener midfield since arriving in 2004, being transferred from Cruzerio for the substantial sum of €5 million. Although reports are minimal, it has been suggested that the 32-year-old Brazilian’s agent has already begun talks with Spartak officials.
Miloš content with CSKA Moskva, for now.
- While certainly not decisive enough to dissuade the imagination of the abloid media, CSKA’s coveted midfielder Miloš Krasić has stated that he will remain with CSKA for the foreseeable future.
In a PR move to rival Simon Kjaer’s, Krasić has cited the World Cup as the prime motivator for his sedentary ways.
In an interview with Blic, the 25-year-old Serbian said, “After five-and-a-half years in Russia I would like to change my situation. But before the summer I would like to play with CSKA. And then we will see. I have received proposals, but I still want to help my team.”
When asked about his preference for location after the summer, Krasić cited Spain, “It has a very serious league and their club infrastructure is of the highest level.”
Don’t forget Gordeev
- Though indubitably overshadowed on a day in which Dan Petrescu’s signed on with FK Kuban Krasdodar, Andrei Gordeev’s future with FK Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast still needs to be acknowledged.
Gordeev has officially agreed to a new contract with the Aliens that will see him at the helm through 2011.
The 34-year-old took over as caretaker manager back in May, coaching them to a respectable seventh position in the Premier League.
[...] the Offside, here is a fascinating nugget from Russian Football Now on the power of the Football Manager game (I’ve spent three years in rehab, myself). [...]