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As we move in 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?
Real Madrid are prepared to offer Luis Suarez a £140,000-a-week, four-year contract and are confident they will be able to sign the Liverpool forward, 27, for £20m plus Spanish striker Jose Callejon, 26.Luis Suarez
Full story: Daily Mirror What’s the story? It seems as if Madrid have zeroed in on Suarez now as first choice. They can offer him as much as they want but unless Liverpool accept a bid he’s not going anywhere. Callejon is highly regarded but hasn’t found consistency. There is also a certain Portugese in his way from getting a first team spot.Does it make sense? Madrid evidently feel the attack needs upgrading and Suarez is capable of making the unexpected happen. His mazy, tight dribbling will be a good weapon against tight La Liga defences. The issue will be, he loves a shot, so does Ronaldo. Will they be able to play together? Losing him would remove Liverpool of a PR headache but create a footballing one. Callejon is the type of technical quick forward that Rodgers likes.Is the price right? If Suarez is being valued at £40m I don’t see where £20m and Callejon fits in. £35m and Callejon perhaps.Will it happen? 8/10 – It’s all the usual Madrid to and fro so far, so it probably will.
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Incoming Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho wants to make Porto central defender Eliaquim Mangala, 22, the first signing of his second spell at Stamford Bridge – but not at the £30m asking price.
Full story: the Sun
What’s the story? Which club in Europe are going to be hardest to buy from right now? Porto. With £60m in their pockets, they’re not going to give Mangala away now are they? He’s a big physical unit of a centre back and Chelsea are on the lookout for defendersDoes it make sense? Mourinho doesn’t have reputation for choosing young players, so it would be out of character. Also, Mangala is raw, so if he is David Luiz’s replacement it’s not really changing much.Is the price right? No. £30m is insanity but then Porto have full pockets and no pressure to take anything less.Will it happen? 2/10 – Never say never at Chelsea but this doesn’t look right.
Mourinho, meanwhile, wants to sell Brazilian defender David Luiz, 26, to boost his transfer budget.
Full story: the Times
What’s the story? Hang on, to boost his transfer budget? At Chelsea? He might sell him because he doesn’t have a position for him though.Does it make sense? David Luiz is talented but volatile. Is he a centre back? Is he a defensive midfielder? Mourinho doesn’t really have time for his type of game in his tighter system.Is the price right? They paid £24m and the new Financial Fair Play regulations mean they can’t gulp down a big loss. Who is seriously going to offer them that?Will it happen? 3/10 – Who are they selling him to?
Cesc Fabregas will make a decision on his future next week and wants to return to former club Arsenal, who he left for the Nou Camp in 2011.
Full story: Daily Mirror
What’s the story? Fabregas has been linked with Man United and Man City lately, but it can’t be forgotten that Arsenal have exclusive negotiation rights with him. However, reports from Spain suggest he’s going nowhere.Does it make sense? Even despite the reports he’s staying there is reason to be doubtful. He’s not getting enough game time and this is World Cup year. He needs to get the minutes if he’s to stave off the raft of other attackers for a starting spot. Obviously a huge upgrade wherever he goes.Is the price right? Barcelona paid £35m, why take less? Still, it’s a mighty tempting proposition even at that money.Will it happen? 5/10 – I’m as 50:50 as he seems to be.
Fulham are on the verge of signing Netherlands international goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg, 30, in a £3m deal from Roma as they move to replace Mark Schwarzer.
Full story: Daily Mail
What’s the story? This has been close for months and finally settles in. Schwarzer was good last year but is the wrong side of 40.Does it make sense? Yes. Stekelenburg’s star has waned over the last 5 years but he’s a decent keeper at a good price with plenty of football still to come.Is the price right? Can’t complain, solid value.Will it happen? 10/10 – Close for weeks, now to be sealed.
Sunderland are weighing up a move for Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster, 25, if current first choice Simon Mignolet, also 25, leaves this summer.
Full story: Daily Record
What’s the story? Forster has been exceptional for Celtic over the last couple of seasons and may want to play in England to push his chances of making the World Cup squad (if England qualify).Does it make sense? If they do sell Mignolet, perhaps to Arsenal, then he’d be a worthy replacement.Is the price right? This could be a sticking point. The last goalie Sunderland bought from Scotland was £8m Craig Gordon which was a disaster. Celtic might ask for that though.Will it happen? 7/10 – If Mignolet goes, obviously 0/10 if not.
Manager Paolo Di Canio has agreed a deal to sign Lazio centre-back Modibo Diakite, 26.
Full story: Sunderland Echo
What’s the story? Not many know Lazio better than Di Canio who badly needs to improve his central defence. Diakite is massive, good in the air and an athlete. Exactly what you need in the Premier League.Does it make sense? Yes. He has the tools that can be moulded alongside John O’Shea. Will be desperate to prove himself again after a long suspension.Is the price right? He’s free, so yes.Will it happen? 10/10 – Seems to be a done deal.
Bayern Munich’s Germany striker Mario Gomez, 27, is a target for Italian clubs Napoli and Fiorentina.
Full story: Kicker
What’s the story? Gomez doesn’t fit for Pep Guardiola, there’s no doubting that. But he should be very desirable. He does have his well know weaknesses but if supplied properly he’s a proven goal machine.Does it make sense? Napoli may need to replace Cavani and Fiorentina to replace Jovetic so I guess that’s the link. However, I think he’d be an excellent signing for Arsenal who just need a big physical pure finisher like Gomez.Is the price right? Bayern paid £30m but he’s worth nothing like that now. If someone dangles them £18m or so it’ll be tempting. I doubt Fiorentina’s capacity to spend that on a single player, Napoli only could if they sell Cavani. Arsenal however…Will it happen? 2/10 – Fiorentina: Too much money 7/10 – Napoli: a good replacement for Cavani. He’s almost certainly leaving though.
