Transfer Rumors Aplenty

It's time for silly season for Villarreal. I generally don't like to rumor-monger, but some of the weekend's reports are intriguing.

First off, congratulations to Borja Valero on his debut international cap. He is the tenth Villarreal player to appear for La Furia Roja. Of those, only two are no longer with the club: Antonio Guayre (1 cap in 2005; thanks for winning our Champions League group in 2005-06!) and Unai Vergara (1 cap in 2001). How times have changed.

Current and future Submariners:

Let's start with Giuseppe Rossi. Joan Oriol, who has played with Il Bambino for all of one season, says that Rossi wants to play for Barca. We all know that it would be hard to turn down the best team in the world, but what does Oriol know? Barcelona would be getting a hot commodity, that's for sure.

In related news, Jozy Altidore is waiting to determine his future after a lackluster performance against Spain. He has the Gold Cup to redeem himself, but everything for his club likely depends on el caso Rossi. Another option is a loan deal in Gijón, which may net a prized young Sporting fullback: José Angel or Canella.

César Sánchez will be the backup goalkeeper in Vila-real next season. Manager Juan Carlos Garrido confirmed the news in a meeting with journalists. Welcome aboard, César! The news on Kevin Gameiro and Sergio Canales-- from the same article-- is not as promising, as Valencia is set to complicate matters.

And Marcos Senna is far from a renewal. Both player and club may want him to stay, but money talks, and the Brazilian's body has not cooperated since Euro 2008. At a minimum, I hope that Senna leaves on his terms, perhaps to return home to Série A.

Less concrete discussions:

Alberto Gilardino of Fiorentina is a rumored Rossi replacement. I hate him for his antics against USA (from YouTube) in the 2006 World Cup. High wages and a 15 million transfer fee? No thanks.

Miroslav Klose, formerly of Bayern Munich, is available on a free transfer. Apparently our neighbors in Valencia have noticed. Much better for country than club (similar to Altidore, per some observers), and high wages are a given. However, he would add an imposing aerial presence to our attack. Maybe on the right terms.

Keisuke Honda of CSKA Moscow is interested in La Liga. A big favorite of mine, albeit expensive. I'd take him over a striker if Rossi leaves. He would leave defenders gasping for breath in his wake.