Analysing the transfer gossip – 14th June: Man United want Bale and Ronaldo

West Ham hope to complete the permanent signing of £15.5m striker Andy Carroll, 24, from Liverpool as early as next week.

Full story: Evening Standard

What’s the story? It’s amazing to think that just two and half years ago Liverpool burned £35m on Andy Carroll and are about to take this loss, but they need his wages off the bill and he has no tactical fit for Brendan Rodgers. He was good for West Ham and fits their system.

Does it make sense? Yes. West Ham needed to keep him and it would make a good statement about their ambition of moving forward.

Is the price right? Yes. Carroll is sometimes mis-valued based on his dented reputation but West Ham get a young, physically impressive striker who can be dominant at times.

Will it happen? 10/10 – should be a matter of time.