It looks like Liverpool and Manchester United are both in the market for a central defender, well that is if we choose to believe the words of an agent who sounds like he is desperate to find a new club for one of his players!
The man in question is Portuguese defender Rolando, and his agent is trying to whip up a storm of interest in the 25 year old, who has become one of the most respected central defenders in Europe.
The defender, who was born in the Cape Verde islands, moved to the mainland when he was 14, and soon entered the youth academy at S.C Camponmaiorense (try pronouncing that after a few pints), from there he moved to Belenenses where he went on to play 97 games in a 4 year spell. He moved to Porto in 2008 and has become a vital part of their team, and a rock at the heart of their defense.
It is no surprise that these impressive performances have attracted interest from other clubs, Juventus, Chelsea and Inter Milan have supposedly been very close to moving for the defender, but now his agent has suggested there are other sides watching him as well, tribal football bring us quotes from calciomercato.it, to whom his agent, Peppino Tirri, has blabbed:
“Among other European teams, he is certainly being followed by Manchester United and Liverpool, but also the Germans, Wolfsburg.”.
It can sometimes be difficult to work out whether there is actually a move in the offing with quotes like these, or if it is just an agent trying to raise the profile of one of his players. I would suggest on this occasion that there is probably genuine interest in the player, he is of high enough quality that interest from some of the best sides in England does not surprise me.
Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand have at times struggled for fitness this season, and although Chris Smalling has impressed, at times Jonny Evans has flattered to deceive, therefore I suppose Sir Alex Ferguson looking around for a new defender is not overly surprising.
Liverpool at times have also been a bit short at the heart of their defense and therefore he would be a good acquisition for them as well. It would seem likely that United would be the more attractive proposition because of the chance to play in the Champions League, but whether the role of backup appeals to the 25 year old remains to be seen.
Tribal football go on to confirm that it would take an offer of around £10million, something which I don’t believe it is out of the reach of either side. There is still a lot of work to be done on this one, but watch this space, because the defender could soon be on his way to England.
For more of the latest transfer rumours, follow me on twitter @soccercityjoe!
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