Brazilian striker Adriano has been linked to a move to West Ham from Inter Milan. The Independent reports that a £15 million transfer fee is close to being agreed. Adriano wants a permanent move if he's going anywhere, not a loan deal, as Manchester City was interested in. The Guardian is still reporting that Inter and West Ham are discussing a loan deal. The club statement on Adriano acknowledged that discussions are taking place, that a loan deal is a possibility and that "the figures that have been quoted in the media are inaccurate," as the deal is not far enough along for the money to be agreed. Adriano isn't the biggest Brazilian name being linked to the Premiership as the Ronaldinho-to-Chelsea rumors are hot.
Adriano, 25, has been criticized by club and country, with accusations that he parties too much. Yet, he has been a force for both Internazionale (43 goals in 99 appearances) and Brazil (25 goals in 36 appearances), the Independent's Jason Burt notes. I was unfamiliar with Adriano (I'm really regretting that I didn't start following football before the 2006 World Cup finals -- I would be familiar with a lot more players) so I took a look at some video of him on YouTube. I saw a magnificent finisher with the left foot, a deft touch on the dribble and a talent in the air. The longest compilation features highlights from both club and country. Two shorter complilations also offer a mix of highlights, this one weighted to Inter clips and this one a little heavier on Brazil footage. This last one is devoted to his work for Inter and possibly Parma, where he went out on loan in the past. There's one amazing play that is featured in several of the videos. I can't even find the words to describe it. You'll know what I'm talking about if I just tell you this much: The clips show Adriano and a defender running to the goal line to the keeper's left, near the edge of the 18-yard box.
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