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As we move in to 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 favourites to sign Barcelona’s Spanish midfielder Thiago Alacantara, 22, who would cost £15m. Thiago scored a hat-trick as Spain Under-21s beat Italy 4-2 in the final of the European Championships on Tuesday.
Full story: the Sun
What’s the story? Thiago is one of the most desirable players in Europe, offering his mix of passing, dribbling and goals from central midfield to give Man United a dimension they haven’t had since Veron. Barcelona somehow allowed this cheap release clause to become active.
Does it make sense? Yes, of the five main United midfield targets Thiago makes the most sense. He is quality in possession and brings a floating and penetrative style of play to nicely compliment the solidity of Michael Carrick.
Is the price right? It’s theft. Negligence on Barcelona’s part to allow it to become active due to lack of game time when they’d won the league so easily.
Will it happen? 10/10 – He wants to move to England, he wants to move to United and they need him.
Barcelona are targeting a £30m deal for Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata following rumours that new Blues manager Jose Mourinho is unconvinced by the Spaniard, 25.
Full story: Daily Mirror
What’s the story? Erm. Not sure where to start. £30m? Seriously? £30m? For Juan Mata? A man involved in over 50 goals for Chelsea last season. Barcelona who have attacking players in abundance? Apparently it’s because of a contract row. Even though Mourinho hasn’t yet spoken to Mata and doesn’t have authority over contract negotiation.
Does it make sense? No.
Is the price right? No.
Will it happen? 0/10 – No.
Napoli striker Edinson Cavani, 26, will reject a move to Manchester City to join Real Madrid in a £55m deal. The Uruguay international has also been linked with Chelsea.
Full story: Daily Star
What’s the story? Well this is going to be interesting. It is one of the moves that could set the market in motion as it is so unexpected. It means Liverpool are stuck with Suarez unless Bayern come in. It means City have surely beaten Madrid to Isco and it might mean that unless they spend a fortune on an inadequate replacement, Chelsea will roll with Lukaku and Shurrle up front.
Does it make sense? Yes, although I’d probably have chosen Suarez football wise.
Is the price right? It’s a matter of converting from 63m Euros, so however many pounds that is.
Will it happen? 8/10 – All signs, including what his parents say, point to this unless City make a last minute financial push.
Liverpool expect to complete the £6m transfer of Sevilla attacking midfielder Luis Alberto, 20, by Thursday.
Full story: Independent
What’s the story? Liverpool’s thinking outside of the box transfer policy has lead them to the Spainish second division. Luis Alberto is a wide forward who scored 11 and set up 18 goals last season and has the usual sublime Spanish technique and some pace.
Does it make sense? Yes, it’s certainly worth trying. He has the full tool kit, his stats are similar to Barcelona’s Pedro in the Segunda and at £6m he can be coached up. He has proven that he can produce end product.
Is the price right? It’s a good deal.
Will it happen? 10/10 – They’ve been linked for weeks, seems like it’s about to happen.
Borussia Dortmund are interested in Valencia’s French defender Adil Rami, 27, who is also in the sights of Manchester City and Napoli.
Full story: L’Equipe
What’s the story? It’s a slightly odd one. Rami is good but Spanish experts say he is good but prone to error. Dortmund have lost Santana as their third defender but this could be a bad sign on keeping Hummels and Subotic.
Does it make sense? Meh. If they are selling a first choice defender Rami isn’t of the same quality, it’s too much money for a third choice. A bit confusing from Dortmund.
Is the price right? Reports say £9m which is too much for a back up but a non commital if replacing a starter.
Will it happen? 8/10 – Sounds likely if unusual.
AC Milan are interested in signing Dutch defender Bruno Martins-Indi, 21, currently of Feyenoord, following a strong showing in the Under-21 European Champions
Full story: Tuttosport
What’s the story? A bit of a surprise to see this name for the first time, he was thought to be really popular. Milan really do need to improve in defence and Martins-Indi has the physical tools to be moulded in to an elite player.
Does it make sense? Yes. He’s ready for a step up and Serie A would be a good league for him.
Is the price right? £5-6m
Will it happen? 7/10 – This is the first sighting but it makes sense all around so could well do.
