Analysing the Transfer Gossip – 1st July - Part One: Neymar, Cabaye, Damiao and more

As we move into the off-season, an unprecedented amount of managerial movement around Europe will surely see an already frantic transfer market go into overdrive. This will give plenty of opportunities for transfer rumour and gossip. So, how much of it is realistic?

Barcelona’s new signing Neymar, 21, wants 27-year-old Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney to join him at the Nou Camp.

Full story: Metro

What’s the story? Erm? Rooney wants to leave United in order to be the main man somewhere. At Barcelona, he’d be behind Messi, Neymar, Iniesta, Xavi etc etc.

Does it make sense? No, but that won’t necessarily stop Barcelona from swooping. However, I really don’t see them being attracted to the possibility. He’s not subtle enough to fit in to their style.

Is the price right? Who knows? I’ve seen most prices between £20-40m for him.

Will it happen? 2/10 – Bad fit, not quite sure what Moyes’ intentions are.

Tottenham look set to sign two of Europe’s highest-rated young players. Spurs want Dinamo Zagreb defender Tin Jedvaj and midfielder Alen Halilovic, who are both 17 and would remain with the Croatian side on loan deals until they turn 18.

Full story: Daily Mirror

What’s the story? Interesting. Spurs did go through a phase of signing young prospects a while ago but focused more on the first team over the last few years. These two are very highly regarded.

Does it make sense? Yes. Spurs are in a position to bring in these types of players and to then allow them time to develop ready for the first team.

Is the price right? Sounds like Jedvaj might be up to £8m and Halilovic not much less. It’s a risk, but the last player they signed from Croatia was Luka Modric and that turned out OK.

Will it happen? 8/10 – They are in a battle with Arsenal for Jedvaj but seem to be in the lead.

Newcastle United are bracing themselves for a bid for Yohan Cabaye from Paris St-Germain and must decide whether to sell for around £20m or hold the 27-year-old France midfielder to his contract.

Full story: Guardian

What’s the story? PSG want a bit more of a French core, and the industry and passing of Cabaye would be a nice compliment to the elegant Pirlo-like game of Marco Verratti.

Does it make sense? Yes. He’d be an upgrade on what they have and he would certainly like to play in the Champions League. This is a lot of money for Newcastle to be receiving for Cabaye’s type of player. There ought to be affordable options elsewhere for much less that they could replace Cabaye with.

Is the price right? Well, it’s a lot. But, he’s French, he fits a need and PSG aren’t short of money. Fair price for Newcastle to sell at.

Will it happen? 8/10 – It’s really heating up so looks increasingly likely. Ticks all the boxes.

Brazilian side Internacional reject claims Southampton have moved ahead of Tottenham in the pursuit of Leandro Damiao, insisting they have received no offers for the 23-year-old striker.

Full story: Metro

What’s the story? It’s spectacular that Southampton are even being linked to a player of Damiao’s class, so this is very impressive. It doesn’t suit Internacional to be conceding that there are bids.

Does it make sense? Yes. Internacional are a huge club so won’t want to admit that they are considering selling Damiao. Of course, they may very well not be considering it. For Saints, this would be an incredible signing. He and Gaston Ramirez as an attacking duo would be the envy of teams in the top six.

Is the price right? Damiao has been valued at £20m. If Saints can really pay that, it’d be a huge statement of intent.

Will it happen? 4/10 – Who would have said Southampton would have signed Gaston Ramirez last summer? However, still needs to develop somewhat.

Premier League new boys Hull City are keen to sign Republic of Ireland defender Richard Dunne, 33, following his release from Aston Villa.

Full story: Daily Mail

What’s the story? Yikes. I do not like this. Dunne has been injured for the best part of two seasons and is now 33. He was never an athlete, so what is he now?

Does it make sense? Hull had an excellent defence last season. James Chester should comfortably take to the Premier League with no problems. This seems like an expensive downgrade.

Is the price right? Free to sign but he was on £55k a week at Villa.

Will it happen? 5/10 – Bruce does like experience in defence and was hardly Sergio Ramos himself, but this is really pushing it in the modern Premier League.

Despite accepting an £8m bid from Cardiff City for winger Thomas Ince, 21, father and Blackpool boss Paul Ince insists his son is not in a rush to leave Bloomfield Road.

Full story: Guardian

What’s the story? This is an example of the dangers of paying for English players. Cardiff need to add goal threat but Ince hasn’t shown in the Premier League, so it’s a big risk.

Does it make sense? First, Ince hasn’t accepted the offer. This decision will have been taken by the chairman. He makes sense for Cardiff who need more attacking threat, but they could get better for less if they’d looked overseas.

Is the price right? No. It’s insane. Adam Maher was £7m. Michu was £2m. It means that, combined with Cornelius, they’d be spending £15.5m of their £25m budget on two forwards who each only have one serious season under their belts, neither in a major league. Risky.

Will it happen? 6/10 – The Inces seem to think he’s ready to start for Spurs or Liverpool. He’s not. It shouldn’t surprise them if Cardiff are the only club who pay this crazy money.