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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?
Read Part 1 of today’s transfer gossip here.
Real Madrid hope to complete a £95 million deal for Gareth Bale, offering £51 million plus Argentina winger Angel Di Maria, 25, and Portugal left-back Fabio Coentrao, 25, before they finish their tour of the United States on 11 August.
Full story: the Sun
What’s the story? If this is true, and it’s a big big if, then Spurs would have to accept it.
Does it make sense? The cash is too much, but if Real are willing to offer this, then Spurs have to accept. They’d fix their left back spot, and Di Maria would help cover the hole that Bale would leave, and then the cash can be used elsewhere, perhaps on Roberto Soldado, or even on another player. It depends on whether they could persuade them to leave Real though, but both will be on the fringes this year so they might be able to.
Is the price right? It’s pretty intense, but Spurs don’t want or need to sell, so have every right to keep driving the price up. This is too good to turn down though. Just money on its own is rejectable, but huge cash and two top class players is an amazing offer – if true.
Will it happen? 2/10 – These big multi part exchange deals get discussed a lot but very rarely happen outside of baseball and basketball.
Tottenham will move for Paris St-Germain’s Argentina midfielder Javier Pastore, 24, if they sell Bale.
Full story: Daily Star
What’s the story? Will they? And how are they going to do that? Pastore cost PSG £38 million and looks to be an important player moving forwards as they try to win the Champions League.
Does it make sense? Not really. Although Pastore would bring gliding elegance and devastating passing to the Spurs attack, it’s this skill set that means PSG won’t sell him. Does he really want to step out of the Champions League, either?
Is the price right? Where to start? At least the £38 million they paid.
Will it happen? 0/10 – Not unless PSG got Bale from out of nowhere.
Fulham are set to move for Aston Villa striker Darren Bent, 29, after discovering Italy forward Pablo Osvaldo, 27, intends to stay at Roma.
Full story: the Times
What’s the story? Bent is just the type of poacher Fulham need, an ideal foil for the skillful Berbatov.
Does it make sense? It’d be surprising if Osvaldo didn’t want to leave Roma, given he is despised by his own fans for various antics, but Bent is possibly a better fit. A guarantee of 15 goals, maybe 20 if he gets on a roll.
Is the price right? Villa might ask for £4 million or so, needing to get his wages off their bill. It’s good value.
Will it happen? 7/10 – I’m baffled as to why no one has picked Bent up yet. Perhaps his high pay is a problem, which could also cause Fulham issues.
Former West Ham striker Carlton Cole, 29, is set to join French side St Etienne after failing to agree terms on a free transfer to Crystal Palace.
Full story: The Sun
What’s the story? Aubameyang becomes Carlton Cole? PSG get Cavani, Monaco get Falcao. Erm…
Does it make sense? I guess he could bully a few French defences and maybe grab some goals but he’s a big big downgrade on Aubameyang.
Is the price right? Free is always OK, as long as his wage isn’t too big.
Will it happen? 8/10 – It’s bizarre enough that it might be true.
QPR midfielder Park Ji-Sung is set to join former club PSV Eindhoven, whom he left for Manchester United in 2005, on a season-long loan deal. The South Korea winger, 32, flew to the Netherlands for a medical over the weekend.
Full story: Daily Mail
What’s the story? PSV are having a disappointing window so far, and this does nothing to change that.
Does it make sense? No. He’s not the player they sold. If this is to replace Strootman in the midfield engine room, it’s not a good idea. Park’s game was always based on his legs, but he’s lost that and looks a bit ordinary now.
Is the price right? It’ll probably be free, or not much.
Will it happen? 9/10 – It’s the type of move that does crop up, but that’s not to say it’s a sensible one.
