Analysing the transfer gossip – 26th 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.

Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas has told friends he would like to move to Manchester United. The Premier League champions have failed with two offers for the 26-year-old Spain international.

Full story: Daily Mail

What’s the story? No he hasn’t.

Does it make sense? No. And which of these ‘friends’ has he told, who have then thought; ‘Oh blimey Cesc, that’s a big’n. I’ve just got to make a quick call, what’s the dialling code for England please?’

Is the price right? It doesn’t matter. There’s no reason for Barcelona to sell.

Will it happen? 2/10 – I can never give something a 0, if the only reason stopping it is total meltdown in the brain trust at a major club.

Manchester United will not sell striker Wayne Rooney, 27, even if they sign Fabregas from Barcelona.

Full story: Guardian

What’s the story? Not really sure what they have to do with each other but here we go…

Does it make sense? I’m not convinced United wouldn’t sell if Real Madrid or another big budget European club came calling, but not to an English club for sure.

Is the price right? I bet United would love to sell him overseas with some kind of agreement that he couldn’t be sold back to England within a certain number of years. Even if for only £20 million.

Will it happen? 3/10 – It’s stumbling along aimlessly at the moment but it might do.

Lille’s former Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou will reject a move to West Ham after being told he would not play through the middle for the Hammers. West Brom have also had a £4 million bid accepted for the 27-year-old Ivory Coast international.

Full story: Daily Mirror

What’s the story? Kalou is best in one of the wide forward positions, as he is anything but a cool headed finisher that you’d want if playing him through the middle. However, his pace, directness and ability to chip in with goals from wide areas is a real asset.

Does it make sense? Yes. West Ham will be playing £15m Andy Carroll centrally but could have used Kalou’s pace in an otherwise ponderous attack. West Brom play a counter attacking style in which Kalou’s pace could be a threat. They have a group of forwards rather than strikers, so they could probably rotate positions effectively and at speed.

Is the price right? £4 million is more than fair. You couldn’t complain if it was up to £6 million, so this is good value.

Will it happen? 8/10 – He knows the league and offers good value, so it won’t be a surprise to see him in England.

French winger Charles N’Zogbia, 27, could be set to leave Aston Villa, with Hull and Crystal Palace considering bids.

Full story: Metro

What’s the story? N’Zogbia was a star in various relegation scraps at Wigan, but has bombed at Villa since getting his big pay rise. Will he be motivated to join another basement slug?

Does it make sense? It depends how motivated he is. Otherwise, he could be a bit of a distraction. If he’s on form and firing, he could be an amazing signing.

Is the price right? Villa would love to dump his wages and get him out of the squad. For the buyers, it really depends how much his wage demands are, because neither Palace or Hull can afford £55,000 a week. Does he want to slash his wages in half?

Will it happen? 2/10 – Unless some kind of loan arrangement can be found where they split the wages, there’s no way this can happen financially.

West Brom are hoping to sign Udinese striker Matej Vydra on a season-long loan deal. The Czech Republic international, 21, scored 20 goals during a loan spell at Watford last season and has also been linked with Swansea and Sunderland.

Full story: Birmingham Mail

What’s the story? For anyone wondering about Vydra I can tell you this. He 100% won’t be going on loan to any club in the entire world that isn’t Watford or Granada. Selling is another question, but there is literally no chance of a loan.

Does it make sense? Vydra has two years left on his contract, so loaning him would be completely illogical for Udinese as it will obliterate his sale value. Udinese live to sell, so that is not an option. He went to Watford to try and get them promoted, but also to boost his value.

Is the price right? Italian press believe they’d sell for between £7-8 million. He’s not worth that, but someone will probably pay it.

Will it happen? 0/10 – Loan 8/10 – Sale