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As we move in 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 striker Wayne Rooney, 27, is reportedly being lined up for a £40m move to Paris St-Germain.
Full story: Daily Mirror
What’s the story? Rooney has asked to leave Manchester Untied and there are very few legitimate landing spots for him, PSG are one however. If they are to keep growing their reputation by signing stars they could do worse than Rooney.Does it make sense? It’s a big statement for David Moyes to immediately sell Rooney but what better way to show that he is his own man. PSG don’t need Rooney per se but I’m sure they can have fun working out how to get the best out of him along side Ibrahimovic and Lucas Moura.Is the price right? Man United would be delirious if PSG offered £40m, it’d be £10m more than they could have dreamed of getting.Will it happen? 5/10 – It’s early in the process to give any definite answers but if he does go, if, then PSG will be near the front of the queue.
Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon claims forward Cristiano Ronaldo, 28, could be heading to Chelsea.
Full story: talkSPORT
What’s the story? Well, this is something I highlighted a while ago. Under Mourinho, Ronaldo found his career best form. Chelsea seem to have the will to secure a big time striker who can score the goals to win them the league.Does it make sense? Football wise it certainly does. With Mata, Hazard and Oscar supplying him, Chelsea could be rampant. However, the big hurdle is the affection that he holds Manchester United in. Now that Ferguson has left though, it’s possible that he may be open to sticking with Mourinho.Is the price right? Real paid £80m for him and he hasn’t exactly lost value. If Abramovich wants to make a statement to back Mourinho though, he’s not exactly short of cash.Will it happen? 5/10 – Hard to commit to, as with most of the really big deals, until the smoke clears a little more but with Ferguson out at United and some potential turnover at Real Madrid he might fancy something new.
Liverpool are believed to be refusing to loan 28-year-old winger Stewart Downing to Fulham but are prepared to sell him to the London club.
Full story: Daily Mirror
What’s the story? Fulham are moving with lightning speed to strengthen for next season having already made two signings. Downing was tolerated but by no means desired by Brendan Rodgers this season. He’s getting rid of Carroll, next up Downing. Fulham need someone to lay on chances for Berbatov who was largely a one man attacking unit this season.Does it make sense? Yes, I like this move. He’s tarnished by his showing at Liverpool but there is a reason that they paid almost £20m to get him. I know I know, that’s still a fee that’s going to make Liverpool fans sick and Villa fans laugh but he’s been a solid player and still could be at a middling team such as Fulham. Presumably he will be a replacement for Damien Duff who is losing his pace.Is the price right? It’s hard to see Liverpool turning down £4-5m. It’s hard to justify paying more for Fulham.Will it happen? 7/10 – This is the kind of move that it’s easier to feel is more likely. Liverpool don’t want him, Fulham could do with him, he needs a new start. That could make for a good recipe.
Napoli are believed to want Chelsea’s interim manager Rafael Benitez and striker Fernando Torres.
Full story: Daily Mirror
What’s the story? Napoli have just lost their manager and are about to lose their star striker Edinson Cavani, possibly to Chelsea, and will be on the look out for replacements. We said yesterday that City offering Dzeko in part exchange for Cavani could tempt Napoli and the same goes for Torres from Chelsea if they are interested in the big Uruguayan. Benitez has after all, lifted yet another European trophy, one that is actually held in esteem on the continent.Does it make sense? It does on paper but I’m not so sure. Benitez seems to want to stay in England and I’m not convinced Chelsea will give up on Torres so easily. However, Benitez might fancy managing a club with big potential in Napoli and Torres might not have a choice if, as expected, Mourinho doesn’t want to utilise him.Is the price right? Torres would presumably ideally be in part exchange, if not, it’s quite hard to guess at his value. We’re still talking about a 22 goal striker this season who cost £50m 3 years ago. But even then, would you want to pay more than £10m for him?Will it happen? 2/10 – I don’t see it unless Rafa gets no offers here.
Hull City look set to launch bids to sign Wigan free agent Maynor Figueroa, Burnley’s Charlie Austin and West Brom’s Peter Odemwingie.
Full story: Daily Mail What’s the story? Hull have a lot of holes considering they won promotion. They have a real problem scoring goals. This would lead them to Charlie Austin. The Burnley striker grabbed 28 goals this season and only has a year left on his contract. Odemwingie is as good as gone at West Brom and could maybe offer some goal threat. Figueroa is a decent Premier League operator but I’m not sure he’s better than what they have.Does it make sense? Austin and Odemwingie certainly do. Both should be acquirable for different reasons. Not sure about Figueroa although he’ll be free.Is the price right? Figueroa will be free, Odemwingie won’t be much more. However, both of them may well demand high salaries which will be a stumbling block. Austin would cost about £4-5m which given his contract situation and lack of Premier League pedigree is about right. Hull will need to make some moves offensively if they are to have any hope of staying up.Will it happen? 7/10 – Austin: Hull can afford to take the plunge on Austin although other Premier League teams might be tempted. 5/10 – Odemwingie & Figueroa. It will depend entirely on wages.
Tottenham are ready to launch a £36m double bid to sign 27-year-old Valencia striker Roberto Soldado and forward Leandro Damiao, 23, from Brazilian club Internacional.
Full story: Daily Express
What’s the story? So Spurs who play firmly with one striker are about to blow £36m on two at one? Uh huh.Does it make sense? They are both high class performers so signing either of them would be a good step but do they really need both? Surely investing elsewhere in the team after getting one of these would make more sense.Is the price right? £36m seems a lot really. Damiao is valued at about £18m and Soldado more like £15m. Either way, whichever one they buy they will be well placed.Will it happen? 9/10 – one of them needs to be delivered. They need to show Super Bale that they won’t sit tight in 5th.
