Analysing the Transfer Gossip – 18th July

As we move into the off-season, an unprecedented amount of managerial movement around Europe will surely see an already frantic transfer market go in to overdrive. This will give plenty of opportunities for transfer rumour and gossip. So how much of it is realistic?

Manchester United are making a £60m bid for Tottenham forward Gareth Bale, 24.

Gareth Bale

What’s the story? Well, Man United have been talking about trying to make a star signing for David Moyes and there are none better in England than Gareth Bale. Whether Spurs would consider selling is another question entirely.

Does it make sense? Yes, it can never not make sense to buy Gareth Bale. He is the kind of seriously world class player that can make a huge difference. I guess that sounds a little obvious to an extent, but rather than signing good players, signing an absolutely world class player will be a great welcome present for Moyes.

However, for Spurs, selling him would be a disaster. They’ve got Bale tied down on a long and lucrative contract and are surrounding him with good players. They could be a darkhorse for the title if they keep Bale.

Is the price right? It’s on the borderline, but Spurs probably wouldn’t sell at this amount. It’s only a little more than Cavani, and he’s a bigger threat.

Will it happen? 4/10 – It could happen eventually, but I don’t know about it being this summer. If Spurs do keep him and make a push for the top four, or even the title, they might be able to keep him longer. But, if they finish 5th again, United could pounce.

Manchester City are bracing themselves for a big bid from Real Madrid for striker Sergio Aguero, 25.

Sergio Aguero

What’s the story? Interesting. Real Madrid had apparenlty been looking at strikers, although Ancelotti’s comments about wanting to keep Higuain would indicate they are perhaps happy with what they have. However, if they even get a sniff that Aguero is available they wouldn’t mess about.

Does it make sense? I can’t see City selling. It’s not as if they are short of money and Aguero doesn’t seem to be about to push his way out of the club. However, he’d be a perfect addition for Real, giving them something completely different with his movement and dynamic running.

Is the price right? If Edinson Cavani is worth £55m then Aguero has to be about the same. This is exaggerated by the fact that trying to buy from Man City is not going to be an easy thing to do.

Will it happen? 2/10 – I doubt it. City are trying to build a team to win the Champions League so selling Aguero doesn’t figure in that.

Sunderland are considering a move for former Chelsea and Liverpool midfielder Raul Meireles, 30, who is unsettled at Fenerbahce.

Raul Meireles

What’s the story? Meireles has bounced around these last few years after a decent first campaign at Liverpool but can still offer certain qualities in the midfield.

Does it make sense? If he can find the kind of form he had at Liverpool then yes, but the question mark is whether he’s different enough to what they have. Meireles is yet another grinder and hard worker in a team that has precious little inspiration or quality.

Is the price right? Can’t see him costing more than £3m which would represent a decent price.

Will it happen? 7/10 – This sounds like it fits the profile of how Sunderland are trying to do business at the moment so it could well do.

Lazio are keen on Sunderland midfielder Sebastian Larsson, 28, who only has a year left on his current deal.

Sebastian Larsson

What’s the story? Larsson could be a casualty of Di Canio’s clear out of Sunderland even though he boasts the same hard running but little invention style that his new signings have.

Does it make sense? Kind of. Larsson would give Lazio some quality set piece taking and crossing to supply a decent looking attack. Klose loves a header, so it could suit him.

Is the price right? Again, £3m is the number to look for here. Good enough price and affordable for Lazio.

Will it happen? 7/10 – It’s a move that is very easy to picture.

Arsenal and Napoli have been told by Real Madrid that forward Gonzalo Higuain, 25, will cost £37m.

Gonzalo Higuain

What’s the story? Quite right too. The £22m price that was being talked about was obscenely low. Napoli seem to have joined the chase whilst they look out for a quality option to replace Cavani.

Does it make sense? Yes. Higuain is every bit as good as the likes of Suarez and Cavani so Real can very easily justify holding out for a good price. He’d be a magnificent signing for either side.

Is the price right? Absolutely. 107 goals in 187 games for a club like Real Madrid does not make you worth £22m.

Will it happen? 3/10 – I’m more inclined to think he’ll stay at Real Madrid now. Ancelotti seems to want to keep him.

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