Are we all in agreement that the world will be a much better place once this damn transfer window is closed? We're always a bit sick of once it gets to this stage but there's something about this year's edition that is particularly irritating.
Nevertheless, the deals keep trickling through and we just can't look away. Yesterday, things kicked into gear with Chelsea 'hijacking' Man United's much publicised deal for Pedro. Van Gaal dithered, Mourinho got on the phone to the Barcelona man and just like that he was on his way to Stamford Bridge.
That may be the short version of events but the ultimate effect of it was Man United suggesting they never really wanted him anyway. Then, all of a sudden, sources within the club suggested that a bid for Southampton's Sadio Mané had already been made last week.
Pedro may be significantly ahead of him in terms of his reputation in world football but it's nonetheless an interesting deal. However, news has come from Southampton this morning that they received no such bid last week, or at any time.
Not only that, the Saints have made it clear that Mané is simply 'not for sale'. Having sold Morgan Schneiderlin and Nathaniel Clyne this summer, Southampton are no rush to sell anymore first team players. With Ronald Koeman's side in no mood to sell and with Mané having three years left on his contract, United may have to spend an inordinate amount of money if they really feel the the Senegalese international is the man to complete their attack.
[independent.co.uk]
