Analysing the transfer gossip – 1st May

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?

Liverpool want 22-year-old Barcelona full-back Martin Montoya, but they will face competition from Inter Milan for the Spain Under-21 international, who will command a considerable transfer fee.

Full story: talkSPORT

What’s the story? Liverpool could stand to upgrade from the disappointing Jose Enrique at left back and Montoya is regarded as one of the top young ones in Europe. He has no real shot at the Barcelona team any time soon, with Jordi Alba in front of him. Equally comfortable at right back.

Does it make sense? It’s an interesting one. He’s not a player with much in the way of first team experience but he comes with impeccable pedigree. It kind of depends where Liverpool see themselves. He won’t help them to the top four next year but maybe he could be special in the long run.

Is the price right? The considerable fee would indeed be large, possibly up to £9m, given Barcelona have no real need to sell.

Will it happen? 2/10 – I don’t see it but I’d be happy to be surprised

Tottenham are favourites to sign 23-year-old Brazil and Internacional striker Leandro Damiao, according to the South American club’s president Giovanni Luigi.

Full story: Inside Futbol

What’s the story? Spurs have been linked with Damiao for the best part of three years. Could they finally make the deal? They certainly need more quality up front.

Does it make sense? Yes. He’d be a big upgrade over Defoe and Adebayor and has the physicality and quality needed for the Premier League.

Is the price right? A lot. Surely £20m or so. But, Spurs will have to be willing to make this kind of move to keep in the top four and keep a certain Welshman happy with his supporting cast.

Will it happen? 8/10 – It’s been there or thereabouts for years so maybe this is the year.

Manchester United are interested in signing 27-year-old Italy international midfielder Claudio Marchisio from Juventus.

Full story: talkSPORT

What’s the story? Marchisio is a hard running relentless box to box midfielder who is also capable of grabbing goals. More than a little of Roy Keane to him.

Does it make sense? Yes and no. Ferguson doesn’t seem overly inclined to add to his midfield, with a possible move back for Rooney and the development of Cleverley but then again, Marchisio is one of the best of his type in the world.

Is the price right? Juventus aren’t in the business of selling, so I can’t see any price they’d agree to, but I guess £20m might make them think.

Will it happen? 1/10 – he’s the heartbeat of a resurgent Juventus side which is looking to win the Champions League.

Liverpool are set to sign Republic of Ireland international centre-back Alex Pearce, 24, on a free transfer from relegated Reading at the end of the season.

Full story: Metro

What’s the story? Erm… Rodgers used to be at Reading? I guess. Liverpool plan to sign Reading cast off?

Does it make sense? It just seems pointless. He’s not an upgrade in any way, so would be no more than a bench filler or League Cup body.

Is the price right? Free is better than fee but that’s all it’s got going for it.

Will it happen? 6/10 – Liverpool are a rogue operator in the transfer market so it’s hard to predict them.

QPR striker Djibril Cisse, goalkeeper Julio Cesar and striker Loic Remy are all plotting their moves away from the club following their relegation to the Championship.

Full story: Daily Mirror

What’s the story? The first rumblings in the QPR firesale. Cesar and Remy won’t be short of suitors but I can’t imagine Cisse at the top of anyone’s list.

Does it make sense? QPR need to dump these huge wages or they will be in big big trouble financially. Remy has an £8m escape clause which will surely tempt someone. They’ll give Cesar away and probably Cisse.

Is the price right? QPR will have to take whatever they get for the first two but they should hold out for the £8m for Remy.

Will it happen? 10/10 – they will all be long gone at the end of the window but it wouldn’t shock me to see one of them make an appearance in the Championship in August.

QPR have valued forward Adel Taarabt, 23, at £15m in a bid to keep him at Loftus Road.

Full story: the Sun

What’s the story? Taarabt has been abysmal in the Premier League but last time he was in the Championship, he pretty much dragged QPR to promotion on his own. The idea that anyone would pay even half that for him is absurd.

Does it make sense? Taarabt is not a Premier League player. He’s in that strange zone of being too good for the Championship and it’s lower standard of defending and not good enough for the Premier League. If they keep him, he can dominate again.

Is the price right? They wouldn’t get anyone bid even £4m for him. They could say they want £6-7m and it would scare everyone off. What has he done to show he’s worth buying in the Premier League?

Will it happen? 0/10 – He’ll be there next year

Aston Villa will resist any bids for Belgium international striker Christian Benteke and will instead offer the 22-year-old a new contract.

Full story: the Daily Telegraph

What’s the story? Benteke has been the signing of the season; without his goals Villa would be down already. He arrived red raw and has been moulded by Paul Lambert in to a very dangerous weapon. They cannot justify selling him. He’s not paid a lot and would deserve a big new deal to keep him sweet.

Does it make sense? Villa have shown signs that they could be decent next year but if they sell Benteke it will undo all of the work. He’s not even paid half the wage Given, Bent, N’Zogbia and Dunne take home. They have to make him their highest paid player, as he deserves to be.

Is the price right? If they get rid of their highly paid dirge they can easily afford to turn away bids. His ‘true value’ is probably £15m or so but he’s worth so much more to Villa.

Will it happen? 5/10 – They sold Milner, Young and Downing because they wouldn’t pay them. Hmm…