Analysing the Transfer Gossip: August 4

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?

---

Spurs are considering a bid for unsettled Liverpool striker Luis Suarez and Colombia international Jackson Martinez, both 26, as they plan to reinvest the income from Bale’s impending transfer to Real Madrid.

Full story: Sunday Times

What’s the story? Well, Spurs would have deep pockets full of Madrid’s cash if they sell Bale and it would make sense to try and sign some serious quality players. Martinez doesn’t fall in to that category yet but Suarez would bring the kind of menace they would lose if Bale leaves.Does it make sense? It would for Spurs, and if they could somehow bring themselves to offer the £50m it would take to get him it’d be a serious statement of intent. Of course, Suarez has said he wants to leave Liverpool to get out on England, which then became to get Champions League football, so where would Spurs fit in?Is the price right? They could afford the £50m if they get £100m for Bale and still have change but spending that much brings different pressures.Will it happen? 2/10 – Hard to see how this ticks any boxes for Suarez other than the fact that everyone else has been scared off.

Chelsea are preparing an “imminent” second bid of around £40m for Rooney – and the England striker will leap at the chance to become Jose Mourinho’s number one striker at Stamford Bridge.

Full story: Mail on SundayWhat’s the story? Meh, are they? As I said at the time of the first bid, it seems like Chelsea’s interest is superficial, just to rock the boat at United. If not, why haven’t they followed it up?Does it make sense? No. United don’t sell to English clubs.Is the price right? Yeah it’s pretty fair, but only if you are from overseas.Will it happen? 3/10 – Despite everything saying it shouldn’t and won’t there’s been so much nonsense this summer that it’s hard to completely rule out.

Manchester United will set their sights on Bayern Munich’s 29-year-old midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger – if a third bid for Barcelona’s Cesc Fabregas, 26, fails this week.

Full story: Sunday Mirror

What’s the story? United might want to try and pursue someone they’ve got a prayer of signing.Does it make sense? You might see people say ‘but Bayern have so many other players’ that they’d sell Schweinsteiger, but he’s not just any other player. He’s been the fulcrum of a team that’s got to three Champions League finals and is one of few home grown players at the club. He’s a symbol, an icon.Is the price right? Not sure there is a relevant one.Will it happen? 0/10 – Nein.

Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse, 28, is mystified by reports linking him to Turkish side Trabzonspor.

Full story: Evening Chronicle

What’s the story? Yeah, a move to Turkey is one to avoid. For some reason it seems to be a bit of graveyard for players in their late twenties.Does it make sense? It’s odd when staying at Newcastle is the most stable option, but it really is. I guess the issue is going to be if they do finally get Gomis or Bent, where does that leave Cisse? He’s not exactly coming off an excellent season so he’s hardly untouchable.Is the price right? He’s probably worth something in the £8-10m range.Will it happen? 5/10 – I wouldn’t write off Cisse going somewhere if Newcastle sign Gomis and or Bent, perhaps late in the window.

Goalkeeper Pepe Reina, 30, will join Barcelona – rather than return to Liverpool – after his season-long loan with Napoli is over.

Full story: Daily Star

What’s the story? Yeah, well obviously.Does it make sense? It’s literally the entire point of the move. Why wouldn’t Napoli just sign him permanently if not? Valdes is leaving Barcelona next summer so that spot is open at a time when Reina will be available.Is the price right? It’ll be in the £6-8m area. Decent enough value.Will it happen? 9/10 – It’s near enough nailed on.