Analysing the transfer gossip – 23rd 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?

Part Two is here. Part Three is here.

Injured Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, 27, has been playing golf close to Chelsea’s training ground – fuelling speculation the England international could be on his way to Stamford Bridge.

Full story: Daily Star

What’s the story? Wow. Seriously? You’re not misreading that. The destination of Rooney’s golf course is apparently a key factor in deciding Rooney’s future. Never mind what any one at United is saying, or whether Mourinho is just revving up the mind games, let’s see where he plays golf.

If he played golf in Scotland would it mean that Celtic are close to getting him? Also, ‘fuelling speculation’. So the boring daily updates on a transfer that isn’t going to happen isn’t fuelling itself? It’s reliant on where he plays golf? Save me…

Does it make sense? If you’re taking this as a sign that Rooney is about to join Chelsea please seek help.

Is the price right? Who knows? United don’t sell star men in England anyway.

Will it happen? 2/10 – Again, who really knows? Are Chelsea just messing about with Moyes? Would United change a policy of the last 20-30 years and sell a player to another English club when still a star man? I fear this will drag on and on.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho believes Real Madrid will block any attempt by former club Manchester United to take Cristiano Ronaldo, 28, back to Old Trafford.

Full story: London’s Evening Standard

What’s the story? See, this is what makes me think Mourinho is just playing with United. This obviously isn’t any of his business but he’s trying to make the club look like it’s struggling, even if they’re not. But he wants to stir up that impression.

Does it make sense? Why would Real sell Ronaldo?

Is the price right? Real want to win a Champions League and selling the most destructive player in the world won’t help that.

Will it happen? 0/10 – He’s not going to United barring some extraordinary series of events that sees Bale and probably Suarez go to Madrid. But that would all have to happen in 5 weeks, which, considering how slowly everything has gone so far, seems incredibly unlikely.

Tottenham are making a new move for Lyon forward Lisandro Lopez after failing in an attempt to sign the 30-year-old in January.

Full story: Daily Mirror

What’s the story? No they’re not. This is a classic case of rehashing some old story.

Does it make sense? It sounds like Spurs are close to getting Soldado judging on what Valencia are saying so why do they need to look elsewhere? Not to mention that Lopez is no upgrade on what they have at the moment.

Is the price right? They’d probably be looking at £7 million or so but considering that he’s 30 now it’s not exactly a long term investment.

Will it happen? 2/10 – Only if they miss out on everyone else.

Liverpool are hopeful of closing a loan deal for Valencia left-back Aly Cissokho. The Reds would pay an initial loan fee of around £850,000 for the 25-year-old with an agreement to pay a further £3.5m to buy the player outright next summer.

Full story: Daily Mail

What’s the story? Liverpool clearly feel they can upgrade on Jose Enrique even despite the presence of talented young left back Jack Robinson.

Does it make sense? Meh. Again, the question with Liverpool is, what are they building towards? Are they hoping to construct a team that can win the league in time or just to scrap for the top four? Cissokho is energetic and quick, both useful qualities for the modern full back but is he a massive upgrade?

Is the price right? It’s cheap enough yes, certainly compared to the fees they’ve paid for other players in recent years.

Will it happen? 9/10 – Seems to be inevitable now.

Negotiations between AC Milan and CSKA Moscow are continuing over the possible move of Japanese attacking midfielder Keisuke Honda, 27, to the Italians.

Full story: Gazzetta dello Sport

What’s the story? Surprisingly it seems like Milan are the only bidders for Honda despite his obvious talents.

Does it make sense? He’d be a good addition for Milan who could do with his goals from midfield or wide forward areas. Honda, Balotelli and El Shaawary could be a potent forward trio.

Is the price right? His contract expires in December due to the Russian league calendar so he’ll cost a lot less than he’s worth. I guess the delay is CSKA trying to get a proper return for selling him, maybe somewhere in the £8 million range but they won’t have much choice but to take less or lose him for free.

Will it happen? 10/10 – either this summer or in winter, he’ll end up in Milan.

West Brom are interested in signing Stoke City striker Kenwyne Jones, 28, to improve their attacking options.

Full story: MetroWhat’s the story? West Brom need to replace the pace and power of Lukaku upfront.

Does it make sense? To an extent. Jones isn’t a pure goalscorer but if he starts every game he could get to the 12-15 area but he’s often dropped after a barren spell so can’t get there. West Brom do have other strikers but none with the physical presence that Jones boasts.

Is the price right? Stoke paid £8 million but they’d be doing well to get that back. Still, has to be worth £5-6m for his sheer presence and ability to make a menace of himself.

Will it happen? 5/10 – It depends what Stoke do to add players to their own attack before they can let Jones go but Clarke has shown he can improve players.