Analysing the Transfer Gossip – 28th July Part Two

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

Wayne Rooney will not be allowed to join one of Manchester United’s rivals for the Premier League title and the champions will only sell the 27-year-old striker if he agrees to move abroad.

Wayne Rooney

Full story: Sunday MirrorWhat’s the story? At last! Someone other than me saying this. I’ve been saying this for weeks and weeks now. Especially here.Does it make sense? Of course. Selling a player who could score 25 goals for your direct rivals for the Premier League title is clearly not a good idea, and is something United haven’t done in decades.Is the price right? There isn’t a price where selling to Chelsea makes sense.Will it happen? 1/10 – I don’t see how it can.

However, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has got £30m to spend on England international Rooney.

Jose Mourinho

Full story: The Sun

What’s the story? And?Does it make sense? He could have £40m but United won’t sell to him. Also, Mourinho doesn’t do the transfers at Chelsea but the English press just flat out refuse to move on from the 90s and so all managers do all dealings. Anyway, this is all just mind games from Mourinho.Is the price right? It’s probably fair in terms of his actual value.Will it happen? 1/10 – See above.

Wolfsburg have made their interest in Bayern Munich midfielder Luiz Gustavo official

Luiz Gustavo

Full Story: BILD

What’s the story? Wolfsburg have money to spend and probably feel like 3rd place is up for grabs in the Bundesliga. Gustavo looks set to miss out in the Bayern midfield crush.Does it make sense? Yes. He’s said he doesn’t want to leave but there is precious little prospect of him playing. He is in the mix for the Brazil World Cup squad and won’t want to miss out on that for being stuck on the bench at Bayern. He’s a worthy starter though and would be a big upgrade for Wolfsburg.Is the price right? The talk is of something in the £10-13m region which is probably fair and Wolfsburg can afford that type of outlay.Will it happen? 7/10 – They are at the head of a queue that for some reason doesn’t yet involve Arsenal. If they can show him that his World Cup spot is at risk he might well move over.

Borussia Dortmund have opened up contract talks with Ilkay Gundogan to avoid a repeat of what has happened with Robert Lewandowski

Ilkay Gundogan

Full Story: ESPN FC

What’s the story? This is absolutely critical for Dortmund. Having lost Gotze and soon Lewandowski they cannot lose Gundogan who is arguably more important to Dortmund’s future.Does it make sense? Yes. If they have to make him their highest paid player they should pay him what it takes.Is the price right? It sounds like the are willing to pay Lewandowski a huge wage but he still wants to move. Gundogan should get that instead. Offers would have to start at £40m so they need to protect their key asset.Will it happen? 9/10 – Dortmund should be more determined than ever to keep him given what has happened this summer.

Aston Villa have accepted a bid from Blackburn Rovers for midfielder Barry Bannan. The 23-year-old has been training away from Villa’s senior squad after falling out of favour with boss Paul Lambert.

Barry Bannan

Full story: Birmingham MailWhat’s the story? Bannan was going to be a top player a few years ago but he’s plateaued over recent years. Blackburn need some passing and more importantly, desire, in their team after looking moribund last season.Does it make sense? Yes. Villa have made some improvements in midfield over the last few months and Bannan seems to be well down the pecking order.Is the price right? Unlikely to be any more than £1m.Will it happen? 10/10 – He won’t get Premier League attention in all likelihood so this should happen.