PREM’S BIG BOYS ARE ALL HAPPY
TOTTENHAM and Manchester City believe they have been the winners in this month’s transfer window – even though they missed out on their top targets.
Spurs wanted Ross Barkley from Everton but the England midfielder went to Chelsea for £15million.
And City, of course, thought Alexis Sanchez was Etihad-bound, only for the Arsenal striker, 29, to sign for neighbours and deadly rivals United.
But Tottenham and City are convinced they were right to stick to their guns in not paying over the odds for players who were out of contract at the end of the season.
Spurs, for instance, believe the true cost of the deal for Barkley, 24, was
£27m, when agents’ payments and signing-on fees were added.
And City just weren’t prepared to pay the huge wages and millions to agents involved in securing Sanchez.
Not that all that will bother Chelsea manager Antonio Conte and United boss Jose Mourinho.
They’ve got players they wanted, with United trading Henrikh Mkhitaryan,
29, for Sanchez. Conte and Mourinho have seen their clubs deliver players they are convinced will strengthen their squads.
So if everyone feels they are right, then everyone’s a winner! PAUL HETHERINGTON SIMON
★ GRAYSON another has turned down to chance to return his sacking management after
He refused an at Sunderland. who then offer from MK Dons, Micciche to appointed Dan Neilson, after replace Robbie
Bury. earlier turning down Grayson is waiting for another crack Championship at level.