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There’s always plenty of transfer talk throughout the season. So how much of it makes sense, and how much of it is just rumour?
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to offer Mexican striker Javier Hernandez, 24, to Atletico Madrid in a part-exchange deal for 27-year-old Colombian striker Radamel Falcao.
Full story: Daily Mail
What’s the story? Ooooooh, where’d this come from? I’m not sure United are really on the lookout for a striker, but then Falcao isn’t just any striker. Does it make sense? Not overwhelmingly, with van Persie and Rooney in situ, but Falcao is at least the equal of both if not superior to both, so it would be, an albeit marginal, upgrade.Is the price right? Falcao’s price is £52m with no incentive for Atletico, as it is a release clause. Hernandez is perhaps worth £10m or so.Will it happen? 5/10 – Ferguson might well feel that he has to get involved in the arms race that City and Chelsea look like initiating.
Juventus are ready to test Liverpool’s resolve with a summer bid for 22-goal star striker Luis Suarez, 26.
Full story: Daily Express
What’s the story? Suarez has said he’s happy at Liverpool but there’s a growing suspicion that his head could be turned by the Champions League. Juve’s defeat to Bayern showed how chronically they lack a proper striker to compliment their otherwise complete team.Does it make sense? There’s no way Suarez would choose Juve over Bayern if they can both get bids accepted. There is also a very real doubt as to if Juventus could afford the kind of fee that Liverpool would ask for him. Surely Liverpool can’t sell him and still tell people they are a big club.Is the price right? Torres cost £50m, as will Falcao and Cavani. So Suarez is probably worth a pretty similar amount.Will it happen? 4/10 – I just don’t see that Juventus can afford this but if they can club together the money there’s a small chance.
Roma striker Pablo Osvaldo, 27, has increased speculation he could join Tottenham after the Italy international was spotted in London with his girlfriend.
Full story: talkSPORT
What’s the story? Seriously? David Beckham was spotted in Barcelona last night so he is moving there.Does it make sense? Well, obviously the foundation of the rumour is laughable and to be honest it makes about as much sense football-wise. Spurs don’t need a hold up man who scores infrequently because they don’t get enough goals from midfield. They need a pure goalscorer.Is the price right? Maybe £12m? But that’s too much for someone who can’t get 15 goals.Will it happen? 4/10 – If he’s up for half the price Spurs could move for him but they’ve cut out the silly overspending over recent years.
Manchester United are considering a summer move for 19-year-old Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane.
Full story: Daily Star
What’s the story? They can consider it all they want, but what world is this where they can sign one of the top young defenders in the world from Real Madrid? He was a personal choice of Zidane who works as a technical director at the club, so is he selling him two years after buying him? Ridiculous.Does it make sense? Not unless Real take leave of their senses.Is the price right? His ‘value’ and what Real would sell for are different things. I couldn’t even guess this because they’re not selling him.Will it happen? 0/10 – no way Jose.
