Analysing the Transfer Gossip – 31st July (Part Two)

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?

Tottenham will reluctantly agree to sell Bale to Real as long as Luka Modric is included in what would be a world-record transfer deal.

What’s the story? Uh huh. They want to take back the man who forced his way out and talked trash and plays in a position in which they already have three starting quality players?

Does it make sense? No. They are better part exchange options, and he wouldn’t move back a year later.

Is the price right? Nope. Take the cash or a better deal.

Will it happen? 0/10 – No way Andre.

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola has denied any interest in Chelsea’s David Luiz, 26. “He will not come to Munich. The speculation is not true,” the Spaniard said.

What’s the story? OK, but Chelsea weren’t going to sell even if he was.

Does it make sense? It’s a good idea for him to publicly deny it. At the moment, he’s got a 100% success rate in the market so there’s no point sullying that on a player they’ve got no chance of getting.

Is the price right? There isn’t one that would make sense for both teams.

Will it happen? 0/10 – Big rich club starter to big rich club hardly ever happens.

Real Madrid have made contact with representatives of Sevilla’s Geoffrey Kondogbia, 20, but are yet to make an offer for the Frenchman.

What’s the story? Real seem to want to go young in midfield, and if they do elect to allow Khedira, Modric or Xabi Alonso to go they’ll want to replace them.

Does it make sense? It’s not a need in any way right now but if they believe he can become Makelele to Illarramendi’s Xabi Alonso it could do long term.

Is the price right? At least £15m. Should prove solid value if he matures as expected.

Will it happen? 7/10 – If it doesn’t this summer it will do eventually.

Everton are preparing a £15m offer for Wigan star James McCarthy even after being told the midfielder, 22, will not be allowed to leave for less than £20m.

What’s the story? Are they? Everton suddenly have £15m to throw around that Wigan are somehow able to turn down?

Does it make sense? It would do Martinez some good to sign someone who hasn’t already played for Martinez other than Deulofeu. McCarthy is a good passer of the ball but with an already crowded central midfield to fit him in to, doesn’t seem like a priority purchase. But, he is a silkier option than their current pure midfielders.

Is the price right? It’s too much. Although McCarthy is slightly better than Joe Allen, this has a very similar feel to it. Over the odds for someone you know rather than paying less for someone you don’t.

Will it happen? 4/10 – There’s no way Everton can pay this much money for McCarthy, but it could get down eventually at a lower price. If someone gets desperate and moves for Fellaini the odds would increase.

West Ham are still in the market to sign Udinese forward Matej Vydra, 21, as they look to solve their striking problems.

What’s the story? West Ham need to upgrade their attack, which is currently identical to last year’s pretty uninspiring group.

Does it make sense? It’s a risk. Vydra has only had one full season and that was in the English second tier. He’s got class and is a ruthless finisher, but he is unproven and can be inconsistent.

Is the price right? Udinese have asked for £8m which is fair enough as they have no reason to sell him. Too much to pay but no doubt as the deadline approaches someone will disagree.

Will it happen? 6/10 – West Ham are linked most often. There’s absolutely no chance of a loan but if they pay what Udinese want they can get it done.

Read part one here.