Not Mutch happening with Jordon, say Cardiff
Cardiff City have denied that they have had any offers from Sunderland for midfielder Jordon Mutch, contrary to reports that suggested that the Black Cats had launched a £1.5 million bid for the promising 22 year old, who netted seven Premier League goals for the Bluebirds last season. The Daily Mail yesterday suggested that an approach had been made for Mutch’s services, but today The Journal contradicted these reports.
Riga expected to become a seasider
Sky Sports understands that former Charlton boss Jose Riga is set to become the new manager of Blackpool, following successful talks with the Lancashire club. The 56 year-old left Charlton after his contract with the Addicks expired, although he managed to keep the Londoners in the second tier, despite only being in charge at the Valley since March. Billy Davies and former Leeds manager Brian McDermott were also reportedly in the frame, but chairman Karl Oyston is expected to give Riga the opportunity to take the club forward.
Former Liverpool defender set to succeed Garcia
Ex-Liverpool star Sami Hyypia is in talks with Brighton to become their new manager. Hyypia was sacked by German Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen following an 18 month spell at the BayArena. Albion have been considering their options following the shock resignation of Oscar Garcia after the play off semi-final defeat at Derby, but are now expected to land the former Finnish international in what will be his first job in English football, according to Sky Sources. He had also recently been linked with the vacancies at Premier League outfits Southampton and West Brom.
Watford seek Paredes
Ecuadorian right-back Juan Carlos Paredes is being tracked by Championship side Watford, Sky Sports understands. The 26 year-old, who plies his trade Ecuadorian side Barcelona SC Guayaquil is expected to play against England in their friendly in Miami tomorrow (Wednesday 4th). He has recently attracted interest from a number of European clubs, but Watford boss Beppe Sannino is thought to be making Paredes his third signing of the summer.
Owls attract Azerbaijani interest
Sheffield Wednesday are set to be taken over by Azerbaijani businessman Hafiz Mammadov, who also owns French club RC Lens is seeking full control of the Owls’, and has desires of taking the South Yorkshire club back top flight, a feat he achieved with Lens in May. Mammadov is expected to have to pay around $50 million to complete the takeover, which local journalist Paul Walker (formerly of BBC Radio Sheffield – @walkerpw on twitter) first reported on twitter this morning. He said the deal was ‘close’ to being completed.
