The impending end to the window

Nice moves?

Egyptian striker Mido from Roma to Spurs – 11 goals in 27 appearances for Spurs when he was on loan from Roma for 18 months; a bit of an asshole though (then again, what striker isn’t?)

Stilian Petrov from Celtic to Aston Villa – the 27 year old Bulgarian international played for Martin O’Neill at the Old Firm club and can only be an improvement over Milan Baros.

Hmmm . . . .

Jonathan Woodgate to Middlesbrough. 12 appearances for Real Madrid since 2004, and one goal (not counting the own goal he scored before being sent off in his debut for the Madrid giants).

David Trezeguet to Man Utd. For $17M? I guess Fergie misses Ruud and is seeking a high-price replacement to make up for a lack of goals. They’re only averaging over 3 per game, and that’s without Rooney and Scholes for the past two games. Don’t see it happening.

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba was seen sharing an intimate meal with AC Milan vice president Adriano Galliano, sparking speculation of the Ivory Coast international moving to the Italian club, or perhaps getting tips on how to better wear his hair long, ala Paolo Maldini.

Martin Jol had to break up some fisticuffs in the changing room between midfielders Edgar Davids and Didier Zokora, after a 2-0 defeat to Everton

Ashley Cole is now entertaining the thought of staying with Arsenal, apparently after Wenger informed him of Newcastle’s interest in the England left-back. He was seen shortly thereafter in a reserves game. I guess a threat of going to the Magpies is enough to scare him straight.

Not gonna happen

Bayern Munich stood up to Fergie by refusing to deal England midfielder Owen Hargreaves to Man Utd, and picked up Mark van Bommel in the meantime. Owen, there’s something to be said for being a big fish in a small pond, as opposed to vice versa. Ask Jonathan Woodgate how that worked out for him.

Thomas Gravesen met with Celtic after a spell at Everton and currently with Real Madrid. Apparently discussing a deal worth $76,000 per week, but there may be issues with the 30-year old midfielder’s medical. Is it me, or is Real Madrid where competent-to-great players go to die (after 2003)?

Arsenal are ready to offer nearly $30M to Corinthians for Argentinean international Carlos Tevez, with interest from Manchester United as well.

Chelsea and AC Milan are salivating over Ronaldhino after the Brazilian sat out Barcelona’s match with Celta Vigo in the La Liga opener for the Catalans; apparently he broke one of Rijkaard’s training rules and was benched.

Who cares?

Blackburn defender Andy Todd wants to leave after being dropped for the game against Chelsea on Sunday. Perhaps he feels threatened by Andre Ooijer’s two-pronged attacking (for the other team) – giving up a penalty and getting burned by Drogba.

Steed Malbranque is set to stay in London after being benched by Fulham; Spurs and West Ham are interested for a reported $68,000 per week. Really.

-bl