Football transfer rumours: Real Madrid to sign Liverpool's Raheem Sterling?
Apropos of nothing, since buying two players for whom deals were already in place round about season-ticket renewal time, Edward Gareth ‘Ed' Woodward, executive chairman of Manchester United, has achieved the cube root of nothing. United, who finished seventh last season, have added fewer players than any other club in the league, and only Patrice Evra has left; there have simply been briefings, boastings, and a share issue devolving no power but bringing in millions of free money specifically stated as going directly into owners' pockets. Why, it's almost as though his bosses have no interest whatsoever in football, glory or success, happy with Champions League qualification to keep pensions funds, shopping malls and current accounts happy, the Guardian reports. But the devilish ploy might have run into trouble. It is inconceivable that Louis van Gaal is satisfied with the circumstance, and now, the reassuringly expensive and accordingly unobtainable Juan Cuadrado is no longer desired by Barcelona. This leaves United as his sole remaining suitors, and without the salvation of any third-party ownership issues, a new excuse must be found for not signing a player perfect for Van Gaal's 3-5-2 system. In the meantime, Barcelona are going to buy Douglas, the São Paulo full-back; this will involve making a sensible offer, commensurate to or slightly in excess of his market value, and will take a few days. But, should things not work out - because things sometimes don't - they will simply repair to Flamengo, and leave with Léo after a few days more. Now that's magic. Meanwhile, their partners in morality, Real Madrid, are apparently interested in Liverpool's Raheem Sterling - you know, that bloke who played well a few times last season and almost nearly almost scored against Italy. But Liverpool, unwilling to sell and always a trend-setter, will spark the 1990s revival long since in the post by offering the player a new contract worth a whole £30,000 a week. Yes, that'll work. Activities are also afoot in London. With Thibaut Courtois about to graduate from Chelsea's feeder club, the place of Petr Cech is under threat. In a forlorn bid to make the matter about him, José Mourinho will not reveal the identity of his first choice until Sunday; the world's hooks are duly tentered. But, with most expecting Courtois to be the pick, Real Madrid, Monaco and PSG are all ready to make offers for Cech. In other news, Roberto Martínez has denied that, in exchange for Everton borrowing Chelsea players to do well against Chelsea's direct competition and for Chelsea to reassure themselves that they're not all that good, Chelsea have first refusal on his players. "We have a good relationship and a professional relationship and I want to believe that they feel that they can trust us," he grovelled - but denied any further transfer collusion. However, Chelsea are discussing the acquisition of Mehdi Benatia, the Roma centre-back. This will anger, infuriate and devastate Manchester United, desperate to be seen to be trying to buy him - but Benatia, apparently promised that he could leave if a payrise was not forthcoming, has, despite his distress, told supporters that he now expects to stay. Across London, Arsenal's Arsène Wenger is in the market for the striker he's obviously needed for two seasons. His latest option is Napoli'sEduardo Vargas, but Valencia, newly flush with someone else's money are also keen - Vargas spent six months on loan with them last season, plundering a princely five goals in 25 appearances. Should Arsenal fail to complete the deal, they will simply find another tricksy attacker of unspecified position and questionable composure under pressure.
