January sales - Cole out, King in?

Last updated : 17 December 2004 By Chris Parry
Firstly, we have The Mirror reporting that Arsene is about to bid twenty million quid for Ledley King.

The speculation over the fee is ridiculous of course, but there is probably some truth in the story that the Boss would like King at Highbury. He is a pacy centre half who can also deputise in midfield. There's no doubt that he has the quality, which can be improved through the superior coaching that he'll receive working at Highbury.

Spurs might not be able to refuse should the right offer be made - Can't see that it'll be as high as 20 million though.

Next we have The Sun saying that Ashley Cole is a target for Real Madrid. They will apparently offer him 75 grand a week to become a 'Galactico' together with half of the England squad.

Barcelona also enter the equation according to the Sun, who are talking about a 14 million pound fee.

One thing that the two stories have in common is the total lack of comment from anyone actually involved in the stories (i.e. the clubs, players, managers) - Nothing new there then.

We await the inevitable denials and pledges of allegience by the players.