|
|
Porto set to land £6m Brazil striker Diego Tardelli ahead of Liverpool and West Ham United
In-demand Atletico Mineiro hitman to snub Premier League suitors
5 Jun 2010 07:50:00
EXCLUSIVE
By Andy Brassell
Portuguese giants Porto have stolen a march on Premier League duo Liverpool and West Ham United in the race to capture Brazil striker Diego Tardelli, Goal.com UK can reveal.
The Dragons are thought to be willing to meet Tardelli's club Atletico Mineiro's £6 million asking price, and sources close to the player have indicated that he would prefer a move to Portugal, with Porto having a good recent record in successfully helping South American footballers blossom in Europe. Porto's lack of Champions League football next season is not thought to be an impediment to the transfer.
The 25-year-old, who was a stand-by in Dunga's original 30-man World Cup squad, was a top target for Rafa Benitez, but the coach's departure and the continuing financial uncertainty at Anfield - which prevented Benitez making a firm offer to Atletico - has thrown a spanner in the works of any deal.
New West Ham coach Avram Grant needs to reinforce his front line following the departure of Ilan and Mido, and Benni McCarthy's fitness concerns, but will have to react quickly to head off Porto's interest.
Tardelli has already tasted European football in loan spells at Real Betis and PSV Eindhoven in 2006/07, with limited success. However, he hit an impressive 39 goals in all competitions last year for Atletico, prompting Dunga to call him up to the senior national side. The frontman, who has also been linked to Manchester City, has started this season in similarly good form.
New Porto coach Andre Villas Boas is keen to make his own mark on the squad, and will make space for Tardelli in the crowded roster of strikers at the club by moving Ernesto Farias in the opposite direction. Reports from Brazil indicate that Cruzeiro have reopened negotiations for Farias after a previous move fell through in January.
Become a fan of Goal.com UK's Facebook fan page for all the latest news and insight into everything related to the beautiful game!
By Andy Brassell
Portuguese giants Porto have stolen a march on Premier League duo Liverpool and West Ham United in the race to capture Brazil striker Diego Tardelli, Goal.com UK can reveal.
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
The Dragons are thought to be willing to meet Tardelli's club Atletico Mineiro's £6 million asking price, and sources close to the player have indicated that he would prefer a move to Portugal, with Porto having a good recent record in successfully helping South American footballers blossom in Europe. Porto's lack of Champions League football next season is not thought to be an impediment to the transfer.
The 25-year-old, who was a stand-by in Dunga's original 30-man World Cup squad, was a top target for Rafa Benitez, but the coach's departure and the continuing financial uncertainty at Anfield - which prevented Benitez making a firm offer to Atletico - has thrown a spanner in the works of any deal.
New West Ham coach Avram Grant needs to reinforce his front line following the departure of Ilan and Mido, and Benni McCarthy's fitness concerns, but will have to react quickly to head off Porto's interest.
Tardelli has already tasted European football in loan spells at Real Betis and PSV Eindhoven in 2006/07, with limited success. However, he hit an impressive 39 goals in all competitions last year for Atletico, prompting Dunga to call him up to the senior national side. The frontman, who has also been linked to Manchester City, has started this season in similarly good form.
New Porto coach Andre Villas Boas is keen to make his own mark on the squad, and will make space for Tardelli in the crowded roster of strikers at the club by moving Ernesto Farias in the opposite direction. Reports from Brazil indicate that Cruzeiro have reopened negotiations for Farias after a previous move fell through in January.
Become a fan of Goal.com UK's Facebook fan page for all the latest news and insight into everything related to the beautiful game!
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Inside Goal.Com
-
Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line
England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012
-
How England player's chances were affected by Belgium victory
Ashley Young all but secured his place in the starting line-up against France while captain Steven Gerrard put a good shift in. Joe Hart, however, needs to remain focused
-
Poll: Who should have replaced Cahill in the England squad?
Martin Kelly has replaced Cahill in the Three Lions squad going to Poland and Ukraine, but would Rio Ferdinand or Micah Richards have been more deserving?
-
Cartoon: Terry & Cahill add to England's injury concerns
Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani gives us his unique take on the football news of the day...
-
In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012
The European Championship is just around the corner and Goal.com distinguishes between the trendy and the passe at the prestigious tournament
