The Insider- Aston Villa target Brazil playmaker Diego

Last updated : 30 June 2011 By Daily Mail

His column, published every weekday, offers an insight into the deals which will be done and those that won't - and why.

A 5/5-rating means The Insider reckons it's a done deal; 0/5 means The Insider has his mortgage on it not happening.

Don't miss your daily Insider instalment here.

?LEIGHTON BAINESEverton to Manchester City THE INSIDER says: 2/5

DIEGOWolfsburg to Aston VillaTHE INSIDER says: 3/5

The 27 year old left back has been one of Everton's best players over the past three years and deserves his place in the international set up.

Recognition at that level naturally brings ambition to play at the very top level all season.

Everton and their manager David Moyes share that ambition but don't have the resources to make it a reality.

They can not move forward without sacrifice. That either means a gamble on bringing free transfers in and hoping they almost miraculously make Everton into a top five team again or the safest option which is to sell.

Baines would be valued at ?20m and he's worth it. Arsenal know that and so do Bayern Munich.

Manchester City have spoken about Aly Cissokho at Lyon who is rated at ?20m but Baines is better. He loves being at Everton but is ready to make that step up.

There are others Everton would prefer to sell but Baines would generate. The majority of the money the club needs to survive and still compete.

The temperamental Brazilian midfielder is available as Wolfsburg want him out but he won't come cheap.

Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal have all been made aware of his availability but the wealthy Germans want ?15m for a transfer fee and the player is on ?75,000 a week tax free.

He has great ability but there are doubts he has the physical attributes for the Premier League - although 33 Brazilian caps indicates he can handle most things.

The main issue with the 5ft 9ins playmaker is the baggage that comes with him and how many tantrums he will throw if he doesn't get his own way.

He was fined in February after taking the ball off designated penalty taker Patrick Helmes and then hitting the woodwork 10 minutes from time. Wolfsburg lost by one goal.

And he got in trouble with the management again prior to the crucial relegation decider against Hoffenheim when he left the team hotel after being told he wasn't playing and left Wolfsburg with only six players on the bench.

At least Alex McLeish has experience with David Bentley but all will be taken into account.

?CARLTON COLEWest Ham to StokeTHE INSIDER says: 2/5

BILLY SHARPDoncaster to SouthamptonTHE INSIDER says: 3/5

The England striker is ready to leave West Ham and long-term admirer Tony Pulis is back to make a fresh offer.

West Ham want around ?7million but as Sportsmail revealed Stoke's initial offer for the 27-year-old is around ?3million with prospective add ons.

Cole would have preferred offers from other London based sides but Stoke are his strongest option.

Pulis is changing people's perception of his side with Matthew Etherington and Jermaine pennant adding skill and pace to their accustomed power and combative elements.

He wants strikers who can play in the channels as well as attack from a central position and lead the line.

Cole when fit can do all of that but his long term fitness is reflected in Stoke's offer.

His knees mean he will struggle to pass a medical which is why his value has come down from the ?10m West Ham wanted a year ago.

Then Liverpool almost signed him but they are not going to return this time.

Stoke are a good club and at least offer European football also.

Cole will not be their only signing either.

The former Sheffield United striker is in demand in the Championship as sides scour the market for players familiar with the division who can bring in goals.

Southampton manager Nigel Adkins knows Sharp well from his time at Scunthorpe and has made a ?3.25 million offer.

Doncaster Rovers chairman John Ryan was tempted by the bid but left the decision up to the 25-year-old and he has decided to stay for now. But Sharp said no - however it may be a different story if a Premier League club comes in.

Ipswich and Leicester have also been linked with Sharp as they weigh up various strikers and could yet come into the fray.

Leicester manager Sven Goran Eriksson likes Fulham striker Andy Johnson although that overall package may even be out of Leicester's reach so free agent David Nugent, also an Ipswich target, and Sheffield United's Ched Evans, who Eriksson knows from his days at Manchester City, are in the frame. Sharp would prefer to leave for a Premier League club but may be frustrated wasting for that offer.

Ryan said: 'Billy told me he loves it here but he is very ambitious and said he would have to seriously consider a move if a Premier League club came in for him and we fully understand.'

Don't miss your daily instalment of The Insider every weekday through the transfer window here at MailOnline.??QPR to hire DJ for Premier League party after lodging ?1.25m Campbell bidWest Ham boss Allardyce tells Stoke to up offer for England striker ColeSpurs close in on ?1.3m-rated English-born Mexican striker PedrozaArsenal continue to track Barton and Enrique as doubts persist about Clichy's future

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?Explore more:People: Matthew Etherington, Ched Evans, David Moyes, Simon Jones, Carlton Cole, John Ryan, Nigel Adkins, Sven Goran Eriksson, Tony Pulis, David Bentley, Alex McLeish, David Nugent Places: Liverpool, London, Ipswich, Lyon, United Kingdom

Source: Daily Mail

Source: Daily Mail