Big Four Transfer Tidbits

The Premier League transfer mill is still churning as the teams return to preseason training to begin another marathon campaign. Of course, the defending champions Manchester United are already a changed side with the losses of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez and the arrival of Michael Owen, Luis Antonio Valencia, and Gabriel Obertan.

But the latest noise from Old Trafford brings news of one more intriguing transfer. According to the British press, United is prepared to shell out around $11 million for an 18 year-old Brazilian who does not even have 20 senior games under his belt for his current club, Gremio. The new alleged wunderkind’s name is Douglas Costa.

Gremio’s most recent claim to fame was producing a certain Ronaldinho and, supposedly, Costa has some similar qualities to his buck-toothed predecessor — an attacking mind with the skills on the ball to back it up.

The only problem is Gremio’s exorbitant asking price — in excess of $30 million. But it is a club in dire financial straits and it seems likely that they will come down. Just how far remains to be seen, since Costa is under contract there until 2013.

For the time being, the price was enough to deter United’s crosstown rivals, Manchester City. But they have their sights set elsewhere anyway: Chelsea captain John Terry.

Terry is in contract talks with Chelsea and has not yet put in a transfer request. But City has reportedly put a third $65 million offer on the table that would see Terry earn close to $400,000 a week — enough to make anyone take a good look. And last weekend, he informed Chelsea that he wanted to meet with City. Without Terry, or any major acquisitions this summer, any run at the title for Chelsea could end before it even begins.

Just as the Blues risk losing a centerback, Arsenal acquired one last month, Belgian international Thomas Vermaelen. At the age of 23, he was already Ajax Amsterdam’s captain last season and could address the Gunners’ most glaring need. Signing Robin van Persie to a fresh long-term contract helps, too. But it’s hard not to feel that they are still at least one quality central midfielder away, someone to partner Cesc Fabregas, from being a top-two outfit.

As for Liverpool, they’ve been fairly quiet outside of their big-money swoop for fullback Glen Johnson and addition of French youngster Chris Mavinga. Since missing out on Gareth Barry, the Reds seem to be linked to more exits than arrivals, mainly those of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano.