Life’s A Pitch: The transfer window officially opens!

So far it seems like the European austerity measures have seen a new frugality hit the transfer market. Yes, a smattering of transfers have been made since the final day of the 2011/12 season, but with the transfer window officially opening on 1 July football fans everywhere will be hoping it sparks a flurry of activity.

But where will the new signings come from? One hotbed of talent seems to be South America, and Ed Malyon, who knows a thing or two about South American football, has been revealing which players Manchester United, Manchester City, and Chelsea are tracking.

The Life’s A Pitch pundits have also been assessing the latest transfer rumours and marking them out of 10 in terms of whether they’ll happen or not. Ones that catch the eye include Newcastle’s interest in Dutch marksman Luuk De Jong, whether Michael Owen is going to Stoke, and is Luka Modric is leaving Spurs, and to where?

One transfer that has very much gone through is Shinji Kagawa’s move to Man Utd from Borussia Dortmund. And despite costing £17m Rob Smyth has a feeling the Japanese playmaker might end up being the bargain of the summer.

In non-transfer related news, we discuss who are the Premier League’s best full-backs in week two of our summer challenge to establish a Premier League select XI. Mike Calvin also picks the players he thinks should form England’s World Cup squad in 2014 (provided they make it!).

We’ve also got a new competition on the site, with a Spain shirt signed by Andres Iniesta to give away.

Expert pundit videos

De Jong to Newcastle, Chelsea eye Moses, Rosenberg to Swans?

Are De Jong, Moses and Rosenberg set to join Newcastle, Chelsea and Swansea respectively this summer? The Life’s A Pitch team takes a look.
Transfer talk >

Owen to Stoke, Real chase Modric, Bendtner to Benfica?

The Life’s A Pitch panel picks through the latest giant transfer morsels, and marks each rumour out of 10.
Transfer talk >

Who are the Premier League’s best full-backs?

The Life’s A Pitch team picks the right-back and left-back of its Premier League Select XI. See if you agree.
The best full-backs? >

“I don’t blame the players” for rejecting Rangers newco move

The Life’s A Pitch team assesses the latest situation at Rangers as only 13 players report for pre-season training.
On the move >

Lively opinion blogs

South American aces coming to a Premier League club near you

South American football writer Ed Malyon casts his eye over the Premier League’s South American transfer targets.
Samba stars >

Could £17m Kagawa be the bargain of the summer?

Rob Smyth assesses the impact that Shinji Kagawa will have at Old Trafford, and wonders whether the Japanese player might ultimately replace Wayne Rooney.
A £17m bargain? >

Life’s A Pitch picks its England team of 2014

Mike Calvin looks ahead to the 2014 World Cup and picks the England players he expects to make the squad, provided they qualify.
A look to the future >

Euros prove Rooney must start taking better care of himself

Mike Calvin believes Wayne Rooney’s disappointing form at Euro 2012 could become more common if he doesn’t start prioritising his health and fitness more.
Letting things slide >

Competition

Win a Spain shirt signed by Andres Iniesta!

Enter now >

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