Analysing the Transfer Gossip – 21st July Part One

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

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Manchester United are prepared to double 26-year-old Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas’s current wages in a bid to lure him to Old Trafford.

Cesc Fabregas

Full story: Sunday Mirror

What’s the story? This is a classic case of not taking the characteristics of the player in to account. Fabregas is lead by his heart, not his wallet.Does it make sense? We all know that signing Fabregas makes great football sense but he has said, and Barcelona have said, that he’s not going anywhere, not to mention the fact that Arsenal get first refusal on him.Is the price right? These reports that Barcelona would take £31m are nonsense. They paid more than that to get him.Will it happen? 2/10 – I don’t see how it can.

Chelsea are ready to offer £40m for striker Wayne Rooney, 27, as the Blues look to convince United to sell the England international.

Wayne Rooney

Full story: Sunday Telegraph

What’s the story? Considering Chelsea offered £20m first time around this would be quite a jump. Are they serious about getting Rooney or are they just messing about with United trying to unsettle Moyes?Does it make sense? United have said he’s not for sale but Chelsea feel like they are a proven striker short in their otherwise packed squad.Is the price right? Yep. All these other strikers that are costing £40-50m don’t have anything like the track record that Rooney does and it has to be high to even tempt United in to selling.Will it happen? 3/10 – Man United don’t sell star men to other English teams, let alone their main title rivals.

United will only allow Rooney to leave if they pull off ambitious plans to sign Fabregas and Tottenham midfielder Gareth Bale, 24, this summer.

Gareth Bale

Full story: Sunday Express

What’s the story? I’m not really sure how these are related, other than perhaps because they could only sell a star if they sign two so they’re not in the negative.Does it make sense? Signing a forward/winger and a central midfielder doesn’t logically mean you can sell a striker I wouldn’t have thought. But, it’ll be about the star power.Is the price right? Bale and Fabregas would cost at least £100m but quite possibly up towards £120m if Spurs dig in. The £40m for Rooney would make an impression on that.Will it happen? If Fabregas and Rooney are 2 and 3/10 and Bale is 1/10 it means that all this is about 1/10.

Premier League pair Sunderland and Aston Villa are monitoring Inter Milan midfielder Zdravko Kuzmanovic. The Serbian international, 25, has been told he can leave the San Siro this summer.

Zdravko Kuzmanovic

Full story: Sunday People

What’s the story? Kuzmanovic is the kind of powerful box to box player who looks ready made to do a good job in the Premier League. He was destined for great things a few years ago and although he’s done solidly he hasn’t become the star some forecast.Does it make sense? Yes. Sunderland seem to be accumulating these type of hard running players so may feel he can add to that. Villa have the makings of a good young midfield but Kuzmanovic is a better destroyer than Delph or Sylla at the moment.Is the price right? Maybe £3-4m. Inter wouldn’t put up too much more of a fuss if they want to let him leave.Will it happen? 7/10 – Both clubs have been looking for bargains and he seems ideal for the physicality of the Premier League.

Norwich City manager Chris Hughton admits he wants to sign another striker after being linked with moves for Juventus forward Fabio Quagliarella, 30, and Sampdoria’s Maxi Lopez, 29, as the Canaries bid to add fresh forward options.

Fabio Quagliarella

Full story: Norwich Evening News

What’s the story? Last season Norwich’s biggest problem was goalscoring. They have a good defence and midfield but badly need strike power.Does it make sense? Yes. Although they made some strides last season, without quality in front of goal they could easily get dragged in to trouble despite some good signings so far.Is the price right? There’s no way they bid the reported £10m for Quagliarella, maybe £6m for him. £4m for Maxi. But the important thing is, they seem to have money available to get someone.Will it happen? 8/10 – They’ve delivered so far and will probably have their eye on a few different forwards.

You can find the part two of the series here.