Today, Hans Backe was asked by the NY Post about signing a Designated Player. "We are in negotiations but that will probably take time," the "Clever" manager said. "I don't say anything," he added when asked to reveal the player.

Well, could the target be Alexander Hleb? The injury-prone Belarussian midfielder was teammates with Titi Henry at both Arsenal and Barcelona, where his time also intersected with Rafa Marquez. According to Russian website Life Sports, RBNY has given an offer to Hleb, who is currently without a contract after playing the last half a year with Krylia Sovetov Samara. His last club is also looking to secure his services.

Hleb rose to prominence with VfB Stuttgart, making the switch to Arsenal in 2005. He joined Barcelona three years later, but spent most of his time injured or on loan, to Stuttgart, Birmingham City, and Wolfsburg. Hleb has scored six goals in 55 caps for Belarus.