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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?
Part One is here. Part Three is here.
Real Madrid are ready to spend £85m on Tottenham’s 24-year-old forward Gareth Bale.
What’s the story? Uh huh. Even though Zidane has said that they won’t be making this deal this summer.
Does it make sense? We heard this day after day earlier in the window and it died down after Real said it wasn’t going to happen so why are they dredging it back up again?
Is the price right? I don’t think there is a price that Spurs can sell at this summer and justify it personally. Maybe this will be right next summer if they finish outside the top four again but for now they need to keep Bale.
Will it happen? 2/10 – I guess there’s always a chance, but it’s so unlikely this summer.
But Manchester United are eager to underline their support to new manager David Moyes by smashing the British transfer record to sign Bale.
Gareth Bale
What’s the story? It’s interesting that terms like ‘support David Moyes’ are being thrown around a lot at the moment. Never mind the fact that signing a player like Gareth Bale would help them to win the league.
Does it make sense? See above for why it doesn’t for Spurs, but it obviously does for Man United. How can signing Gareth Bale ever be a bad thing?
Is the price right? They might even have to get close to the world record. He’s probably ‘worth’ £60m. It needs to be a bit more than the likes of Cavani or Falcao because Bale is only 23 and much more overtly dangerous.
But can anyone justify paying Ronaldo type money that Spurs may want?
Will it happen? 2/10 – Time to shelve the Bale rumours until next summer.
Tottenham are ready to break their transfer record this week with an £18m move for Valencia striker Roberto Soldado, 28.
Roberto Soldado
What’s the story? Spurs have missed out on a few other strikers, but Soldado is quite the consolation prize. They need a proper striker to finish off what Gareth Bale makes.
Does it make sense? Yes. Although Soldado isn’t quite in the world class bracket with Cavani, he’s a third of the price and always scores goals. 30 in 46 games last year is as good as it gets for the money they are spending.
Is the price right? Yes. Even though he’s 28, he’s a near enough guaranteed supply of goals which could be a big difference in them getting to the top of the table.
Will it happen? 8/10 – Even Valencia are saying Spurs are in pole position, but it depends on whether Spurs are willing to spend the money.
Celtic will consider signing Wolves striker Kevin Doyle as a potential replacement for Gary Hooper.
Gary Hooper
What’s the story? It seems like Hooper could be climbing aboard the gravy train at QPR so Celtic will need to replace him and Doyle is currently rotting in League One with Wolves.
Does it make sense? It does actually. Doyle has the type of talents that could make him dangerous in the SPL. He’s lost his way in the maelstrom of nonsense at Wolves and needs a fresh start where he can be the star man.
Is the price right? Can’t be worth more than £3m nowadays.
Will it happen? 7/10 – This is the kind of thing that could very well happen.
Hamburg’s Latvia international Artjoms Rudnevs is another forward being assessed by the Scottish champions.
Artjoms Rudnevs
What’s the story? This is an interesting one. Hamburg are trying to start a fire sale to purge themselves of the squad which so badly let them down last season.
Does it make sense? Yes. Rudnevs has express pace which could be terrifying for Scottish defences. Also, the prospect of having a shot at playing in the Champions League could probably persuade him to make the move.
Is the price right? It could be up to £5-6m which is a lot for Celtic.
Will it happen? 3/10 – Can Celtic really pay up for this much? It’d be a good statement that Celtic want to compete in Europe.
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