Analysing the Transfer Gossip – 17th July Part 2

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.

Manchester City are considering whether to raise their offer to nearer £20m for Real Madrid defender Pepe, 30.

Full story: Daily Mail

What’s the story? Man City had the best defence in the Premier League last year. 20 year old Nastasic and Kompany make for a potentially exceptional partnership for many years to come. So they want 30 year old Pepe who is worse than both for £20m?

Does it make sense? No, obviously not. Pepe was pretty good a few years a go but he’s worse than what they have.

Is the price right? No. Think about it, say it aloud. £20m for Pepe, who is 30…

Will it happen? 5/10 – You never quite know with City, they are capable of some pretty extraordinary decision making, but, they tend to sign younger players.

Luis Suarez’s representatives believe Liverpool will only sell the 26-year-old when a £40m clause in the striker’s contract is activated. The Uruguayan would prefer a move to Real Madrid, but Arsenal are the only team to have bid for him.

Full story: the Sun

What’s the story? Oh really? Well, Luis Suarez must have Sherlock Holmes as his agent because only he could possibly have discovered this.

Does it make sense? I do think this is funny. Suarez asked for a transfer before there was even an offer on the table and now Real Madrid seem to have gone missing.

Is the price right? Yes. No reason for Liverpool to take anything less really. They paid £35m for Carroll, so do they want to sell Suarez for the same? No. They’ll want more for sure.

Will it happen? 6/10 – I feel like Suarez is going to be at Liverpool until deep into the window until someone gets desperate to do something and spends the money.

Liverpool have approached Atletico Mineiro about winger Bernard, 20. The Brazil international has a release clause of approximately £20m, but a number of Champions League sides are believed to be interested in him.

Full story: Daily Telegraph

What’s the story? Bernard is thought of as one of the brightest prospects in Brazil at the moment and could be a late charger to force his way in to their World Cup squad. Liverpool need pace and creativity in wide areas.

Does it make sense? Yes. Although there may well be Champions League clubs interested in him, if you look around them it’s hard to see many that could afford him and have space in the first team that aren’t Russian or Ukranian. Liverpool do still have a certain prestige and he could see how well his countryman Coutinho has settled in and fancy some of the same.

Is the price right? It probably is in truth. It is a lot to pay for a young player with no Champions League experience, but he has potentially world class talent and the club seem to have money available for the right players.

Will it happen? 6/10 – Mineiro don’t want to sell but couldn’t reject such a big offer. The rivals for his signing don’t look like such obvious places for him as Liverpool do.

Sochaux and Algeria winger Ryad Boudebouz, 23, says he would be interested in a move to Southampton.

Full story: Southern Daily Echo

What’s the story? Southampton are making some ambitious moves this summer and Boudebouz would bring some more pace to a lively attack.

Does it make sense? Yes, although it’ll be interesting to see how it impacts other players. If they signed him they’d have to play a 4-2-3-1 system which would mean one of their excellent midfielders would miss out. However, he does bring more pace, directness and width than they currently have.

Is the price right? Probably £5-6m plus, it’ll depend how much Sochaux are able to dig in.

Will it happen? 8/10 – Saints have been making some very impressive moves this summer and this fits in the profile of their signings under Pochettino.

Manchester United and Barcelona will go head to head with Chelsea and Manchester City for the signature of Roma’s 19-year-old Brazilian defender Marquinhos.

Full story: Daily Star

What’s the story? Seriously? Marquinhos who every major European outlet is reporting to be on the way to PSG for £35m

Does it make sense? Well, Marquinhos is regarded as one of the brightest young defensive prospects in the world so he seems to have the talent that would befit him playing for one of the biggest clubs. But, PSG seem to be in pole position with their ability to pay over the odds.

Is the price right? I’m not sure that Man United or Barcelona would be willing to spend £35m on Marquinhos, or they would have paid the same to get the superior Thiago Silva last season.

Will it happen? 0/10 – He’s going to PSG.