Analysing the Transfer Gossip – 16th June Part Two: Man United, Chelsea, Liverpool and more

Newcastle have rubbished suggestions 27-year-old midfielder Yohan Cabaye is in Monaco undergoing a medical ahead of a £23m move to the French club.

Full story: the Independent

What’s the story? It came a little out of nowhere but it seems Monaco are looking at Cabaye as a cursory attempt to field at least some French players.

Does it make sense? Yes. He’d be a nice compliment to Joao Moutinho in Monaco’s midfield whether setting up in a 4231 or 433. It’s a tough loss for Newcastle though but selling at a big profit fits their transfer philosophy.

Is the price right? It’s a bafflingly high amount but Monaco are Monaco and Newcastle are under no pressure to sell.

Will it happen? 8/10 – It went from zero to medical very quickly and Newcastle have been known not to announce sales until the last second.

Welsh rivals Swansea and Cardiff are looking to sign £12m-rated 27-year-old striker Bafetimbi Gomis from Lyon.

Full story: Sunday Mirror

What’s the story? Swansea and Cardiff both need strikers and Gomis is quick, big, strong and good in the air.

Does it make sense? Yes, more so for Cardiff than Swansea though. Gomis is an ideal physical Premier League striker, particularly in a team like Cardiff that will be more reliant on crossing the ball. He’s not the most subtle technician but Swansea played with Michu as a big to feet target man last year and Gomis could do the same.

Is the price right? £12m is a big chunk. Swansea haven’t shown any evidence of being able to afford that sort of deal but Cardiff are backed by Malaysian money.

Will it happen? 3/10: Swansea – He’s a lot of money and not a perfect fit for what they do. 7/10: Cardiff – He’d be a big statement signing and they have the money and willing to do something big to keep their spot in the league.

Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre scrapped a trip to Brazil this weekend, instead staying in Europe to try to complete the signing of Shakhtar Donetsk’s 24-year-old forward Henrikh Mkhitaryan for £20m.

Full story: Bloomberg

What’s the story? Liverpool are showing genuine ambition in the market this summer and want to make signings that will show they still have a role to play in the top four chase.

Does it make sense? Yes. Mkhitaryan is an excellent player who has performed well in the Champions League and a tough Ukranian League. He’d score and make goals and be on a similar footballing intelligence plane as Coutinho so they could operate really well together.

Is the price right? £20m is probably a touch strong but ultimately they are buying from cash rich Shakhtar so it won’t be easy.

Will it happen? 10/10 – all systems go.