Good morning all. Okay, I know, it isn’t even really morning anymore on the East Coast (although I say before noon counts as morning). It’s morning somewhere though, like the West Coast, where folks are just making their way to work.
Whether you’ve already made it through the winter mess on the East Coast, or are enjoying the sun out West, here are some news nuggets to get you through the early afternoon and morning.
Giusfredi in talks with Nalchik. From the "Oh, THAT Spartak" department comes word that former Seton Hall standout Eliseo Giusfredi is in contract discussions with Russian Premier League club Spartak Nalchik, not Spartak Moscow. A source close to Giusfredi clarified this for me this week.
So where did the Moscow link come from? It came from Giusfredi, who may not have understood the difference between the clubs when discussing his potential move to Europe. Yes, there is a slight difference between the clubs. One is a Russian power set to play in the UEFA Cup Round of 16, the other is a small team that finished in 12th place in the 16-team Russian league last season. It also didn’t help that both clubs were in Spain recently for pre-season training.
It’s probably better that Giusfredi is at Nalchik, where he may actually have the chance to play right away. I will keep you posted on Giusfredi’s progress toward landing a professional contract.
Fulham deal for Cousin delayed. From the department of the absurd comes news that Fulham’s transfer bid for Rangers forward Daniel Cousin is STILL on hold. Yes, the transfer window closed two weeks ago but Cousin is still in limbo. Or is he. Apparently Cousin will still be allowed to play for Rangers in their UEFA Cup tilt this week.
Here’s my question. If and when Cousin does go to Fulham, just how will the Cottagers find minutes for him, Dempsey, McBride, Johnson and Kamara?
FC Dallas eyeing Navia. At the very bottom of this story by my boy Tobias Lopez from the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram is the very interesting news that FC Dallas is talking to Chilean forward Reinaldo Navia. That would be a major score for the Hoops.
RSL target not for sale. You may have already heard about Real Salt Lake’s interest in Brazilian striker Reinaldo, currently playing for Australian club Queensland. Well, Queensland wasted no time stating that he wasn’t for sale. Reinaldo has a year left on his contract so a move to MLS is far from assured.
Kanu ponders Aussie move? Portsmouth striker and former Arsenal standout Kanu is considering a move to the Australian A-League. My question is why aren’t a line of MLS teams looking into landing the Nigerian striker? I know he’s had his injury issues, but he’s still only 31 and a class forward. I’m pretty sure a team like the Columbus Crew could use his services.
Real Madrid world’s richest club. To the surprise of no one, Real Madrid maintained its place as the world’s richest soccer club. Here is the Top Five: 1. Real Madrid, 2. Manchester United, 3. Barcelona, 4. Chelsea, 5. Arsenal. Checking in at 21,415 was Real Salt Lake, followed by the Charleston Battery (okay, I’m kidding).
That’s all for now. Share your thoughts on these stories below.