JOE’s 5-Word Transfers: Smalling, Arsenal, Papadopoulos, Cech, Depay

Smalling to Arsenal

According to The Mirror, Arsenal want to bolster their defence with a summer move for Chris Smalling.

Arsene Wenger reportedly tried to sign the 25-year-old from Fulham back in 2010, but he snubbed the Gunners in favour of a move to Old Trafford.

Smalling has failed to progress in the manner expected at United, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if many fans were secretly pleased to see him leave for around £12m.

Papadopolous to Pool

Liverpool are closing in on Bundesliga star Kyriakos Papadopoulos, according to the Metro.

The Greek defender is currently on loan at Bayer Leverkusen from Schalke until the end of the season.

Leverkusen want to make the deal permanent for a fee of around £4.4m, but Papadopoulos is thought to be interested in hearing what Liverpool have to offer.

Cech’s Chelsea career over?

Petr Cech could finally be calling it quits on his spell at Stamford Bridge.

The Czech keeper has found himself out of favour at Chelsea because of the stellar performances of Thibaut Courtois, and has grown frustrated at his bit-part role.

Cech could be allowed to leave this summer for a fee of around £10m, so The Mirror claim.

At 32 the shot-stopper still has plenty of years left, with Arsenal and Liverpool both thought to be keen.

Manchester clubs battle for Depay

Manchester United and Manchester City are set to duke it out to sign highly-rated Eredivisie star Memphis Depay.

The Sun claim that PSV Eindhoven would be willing to part with their fleet-footed goal-machine for £15m, with interest from the two Manchester clubs potentially sparking a bidding war.

You want more?

* Louis Van Gaal’s criticism of Angel di Maria after the Liverpool game has put the Argentine’s future at the club in doubt. (The Sun)

* Everton forward Steven Naismith and Southampton midfielder Steven Davis have revealed their interest in re-joining Rangers. (Daily Record)

* Brendan Rodgers could put Mario Balotelli, Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert up for sale in order to make room for Anfield-bound Divock Origi and possibly Radamel Falcao. (Daily Mail)