Analysing the Transfer Gossip – 14th May: Man United, Cesc Fabregas and Christian Benteke

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 are interested in signing former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas, 26, from Barcelona for £20m.

Full story: Evening Standard

What’s the story? Boom! Where’s this come from?! This would be pretty intense for Arsenal fans to have to sit and watch. United could do with an elite central midfielder to put in next to Carrick, which Fabregas certainly is. He’s been an odd part at Barcelona.

Does it make sense? It does football wise but off pitch issues would scupper this. I can’t imagine Fabregas going to another English club than Arsenal. Also, the only reason he isn’t still a Gunner is because he wanted to go back to his boyhood club in the first place.

Is the price right? If he was available for £20m, everyone should be battering down the door to get him. Barcelona paid £30m for him and there is no reason to think he is worth less than that.

Will it happen? 2/10 – No. It would be fun to watch him reunited with van Persie but agony for Arsenal fans.

David Moyes, who will take over as Manchester united manager on 1 July, wants to take central defender Phil Jagielka, 30, to Old Trafford with him for £10m.

Full story: The Sun

What’s the story? This would be a terrible thing for Moyes to do. He could be forgiven for Baines, maybe Fellaini, but if he spends £10m (!) on 30 year old Phil Jagielka, he would be inserting himself not just on to the hot seat, but on to the fire below. Not a good idea.

Does it make sense? No. Quite apart from the above reason, he just isn’t good enough. He’s not as good as Vidic, Evans or Jones and that doesn’t factor in Ferdinand, who may still be re-signed (although I think he won’t be).

Is the price right? Read it again. £10m. Phil Jagielka. 30 years old.

Will it happen? 3/10 – Moyes might want his comfort blanket but I think he will resist.

Both Manchester clubs are keen to sign Udinese wonderkid Piotr Zielinski, 18.

Full story: talkSPORT

What’s the story? You remember a few years ago when all the major clubs were flocking around 20 year old Alexis Sanchez? Remember how Udinese kept him in their own first team for three years then sold him for £35m? Yeah? That.

Does it make sense? No. Udinese only sell at the top of a player’s value (Alexis, Asamoah, Gyan, Isla, Inler, etc.) At 18, he’s not at the top of his value.

Is the price right? No. I’m not even going to give a price, but it isn’t right.

Will it happen? 0/10 – Now. 9/10 – In 3 years when he’s a star

Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke, 22, will be targeted by Borussia Dortmund to replace 24-year-old striker Robert Lewandowski if the Pole quits the Bundesliga side in the summer.

Full story: Daily Mail

What’s the story? Well, isn’t this an intriguing prospect? Benteke has scored 20 goals for Villa this season, imagine what he could do on the end of the Dortmund supply line.

Does it make sense? Pretty much, although you’d have to wonder if he’s ready to lead another Champions League charge if that’s how Dortmund see themselves. He’s no technician compared to Lewandowski, but he’s quicker and stronger.

Is the price right? He’s so important to Villa. His 14 goals in 2013 have seen them pretty much to safety having looked dead and buried. His ‘value’ is probably £12-15 millionish given he’s only had one year at this level but would Villa want to sell even for that?

Will it happen? 5/10 – He’s about the right type for Dortmund but possibly a little expensive for what he currently is.

Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, 25, insists he wants to stay at Stoke despite interest from Manchester United and Arsenal.

Full story: Metro

What’s the story? There isn’t one as regards Man United. Maybe you’ve heard of PFA Team of the Year Keeper David de Gea? Arsenal makes sense though as they badly need a solid pair of hands.

Does it make sense? Only for Arsenal, although I would doubt whether Wenger approves of Begovic’s distribution style and possibly price. He’d be more interested in these five.

Is the price right? This will be the problem. Arsenal would need to put up some serious money to tempt Stoke even with heir apparent Jack Butland returning next year.

Will it happen? 0/10 – United: obviously. 5/10 – Arsenal: too much money in all likelihood.

Relegated QPR want Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker, 32, to help them win promotion back to the Premier League.

Full story: Daily Mirror

What’s the story? Parker was terrific for Harry Redkanpp but he’s been anything but this year. His legs have gone and can’t operate at Premier League level any longer.

Does it make sense? QPR love an old player who relies on his legs so why not?

Is the price right? A couple of million would do it.

Will it happen? 6/10 – If Parker accepts that he can’t play in the top flight and is happy with the QPR money then yes.

Stories collected by the BBC Gossip Column