'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAKAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABwID/9oACAEBAAAAACWGjT//xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAF/9oACAECEAAAABf/xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAC/9oACAEDEAAAAB//xAAhEAACAgICAQUAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMEABESIQUxYWJxof/aAAgBAQABPwCrRlhuQ2hXqTojco4opix0O9AONt+/WHx6qSryMrjohEkZQfYgdjFkctV27HjLte/Q8Gw3LQOhZmAHzOf/xAAbEQAABwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIRFSGh4f/aAAgBAgEBPwCZtyRvB//EABgRAAIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAESAAIU/9oACAEDAQE/ANAUVWf/2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
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?
Striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 31, has urged Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney, 27, to join him at Paris St-Germain.
Full story: the Sun
What’s the story? Remember when an out of form Rooney was dropped for tactical reasons from a United side that might well have beaten Real Madrid but for Nani-gate? Yeah, it’s that again.
Does it make sense? PSG have got so many talented attacking players but the experience of winning things that Rooney would offer could be useful.
Is the price right? With the new FFP rules it’s hard to see how PSG could make it happen. It would surely take about £50m.
Will it happen? 3/10 – Nope. Unless something dramatic happens.
Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are weighing up a summer move for Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany, 26, who fell out with manager Robert Mancini after refusing to pull out of Belgium’s World Cup qualifier against Macedonia even though he had only just recovered from a calf injury.
Full story: Daily Telegraph
What’s the story This came up last week and I shot it straight down. BUT. Since then, Mancini has questioned Kompany’s commitment to City and publicly embarrassed his leader.
Does it make sense? If Mancini stays then it easily could. Kompany isn’t the kind of man to make a fuss but he will have been hurt by Mancini’s outrageous words. Who could blame him if he wanted to head off?
Is the price right? Who knows. I couldn’t even guess this. What could possibly tempt City to sell?
Will it happen? 6/10 – If a price can be found then I think the events of last week could swing the balance.
Brendan Rodgers is ready to offer striker Andy Carroll, 24, an unlikely Anfield lifeline – but only if the England international accepts a role as an impact substitute. Carroll has spent the season on loan at West Ham, who could yet make a permanent move for the player.
Full story: Daily Mirror
What’s the story? Carroll has been in decent form at West Ham in a team which plays to his strengths. He’s been talking about getting back in the England picture so really what Rodgers is saying is that he’s a goner. He won’t be playing for England if he’s an impact sub at Liverpool.
Does it make sense? Not unless he’s happy to only be sent on when Liverpool are smashing it forward late on.
Is the price right? Can West Ham afford £15m? It might be worth it in his current form. Mind you, Liverpool paid based on form and that didn’t go so well.
Will it happen? 0/10 – No way that he stays at Liverpool. 9/10 – West Ham. 8/10 – Newcastle.
Tottenham are plotting a major summer reshuffle of their striking department and have put Aston Villa’s £15m goalscorer Christian Benteke, 22, at the top of their wanted list.
Full story: Daily Star
What’s the story? Spurs are getting nothing from their strikers at the moment. Adebayor is happy with his contract and Defoe is anything but consistent.
Does it make sense? Absolutely. Benteke has taken the league by storm at Villa so imagine what he could do with Bale, Holtby and Lennon supplying him.
is the price right? It’s bang on his true value but can Villa afford to sell him if they stay up?
Will it happen? 8/10 – Spurs would be a great spot for Benteke to keep developing.
Manchester United are tracking the progress of Benfica’s 24-year-old former Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic.
Full story: talkSPORT
What’s the story? Matic was lobbed in as a makeweight in the David Luiz deal and has done well with first team football.
Does it make sense? United do need a proper destroyer in the midfield.
Is the price right? £13m or so. It’s about right for him.
Will it happen? 4/10 – maybe. It’d be good just to see Chelsea’s face.
Norwich manager Chris Hughton is plotting another raid on his old club Birmingham – this time for 19-year-old winger Nathan Redmond.
Full story: Daily Mirror
What’s the story? Redmond is considered one of the top prospects outside of the Premier League. He’s been hot and cold at times this year but there’s plenty of talent there.
Does it make sense? Norwich could use his pace and directness in attack for sure.
Is the price right? Maybe £3m? He’s worth a roll of the dice.
Will it happen? 9/10 – Norwich would be a great place for him to go if they stay up.
