Eddie’s out of town for the weekend, so you guys are stuck with me! Let’s get to the latest batch of transfer rumors.

No Loaner for Alex

Chelsea have rejected a proposed loan deal for their defender, Alex, to PSV Eindhoven. Alex was reported to have formally requested a transfer earlier this week, only for Chelsea to issue a denial on their website.

Analysis: Alex knows he won’t get too many chances with Terry and Carvalho in front of him, but considering the health of those two, Chelsea can’t afford to let him get away. Should be interesting to see how this plays out. The immovable object or the irresistible force.

Newcastle Target Upson

West Ham’s Matthew Upson could be headed to Newcastle for £8 million.

Analysis: Joe Kinnear is keen on the England international, and West Ham’s financial difficulties could play into his hands. Newcastle need to bring in some quality players, especially if they lose Owen, Ameobi, Martins, or Butt.

Kranjcar Pledges Loyalty to Pompey

Arsenal target, Niko Kranjcar, has stated that he won’t be leaving Portsmouth. It’s been reported that Arsene Wenger was preparing a £12.5 million bid for the Croatian playmaker.

Analysis: Kranjcar would be a natural replacement for Rosicky, who makes Owen Hargreaves and Louis Saha look like iron-men. With Portsmouth’s new owners coming in, maybe they’ll be able to hold on to some of their top players.

Drogba To Stay… For Now

The long-running Didier Drogba saga got some clarification as the Ivorian striker stated that he has no intention of leaving the club in January. Of course, the summer is another story.

Analysis: With the way they’ve been looking at other strikers, Chelsea have been acting like they’re resigned to losing Drogba, if not in the winter, then definitely over the summer.

New Deal for Evans

Manchester United defender, Jonny Evans, will sign a new 5-year contract in January that will pay him £50,000 a week.

Analysis: Evans has established himself as a reliable understudy to Ferdinand and Vidic, and should only get better.

Ramos to Move for Lennon

New Real Madrid boss, Juande Ramos, has expressed an interest in signing his old winger, Aaron Lennon, from Tottenham. It will cost them, though, as Spurs have placed a £20 million price tag on him.

Analysis: That seems like a lot for someone who has struggled, at times, to get into the starting lineup at White Hart Lane and should struggle to get into the Real Madrid lineup. Then again, it could just be Juande Ramos’ way of stirring up trouble with his old club.