Analysing the Transfer Gossip – July 24 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?

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But Tottenham have urged Real Madrid to “back off” as the Spanish side continue their chase for forward Gareth Bale, 24.

Gareth Bale

Full story: Daily Star

What’s the story? Have they? Wasn’t this finished with weeks ago when Zidane said they were backing down?Does it make sense? Yes. Spurs need Bale if they are going to get back in to the top four or launch a sneaky push for the title.Is the price right? Not sure there is really a price that can suit both teams realistically. What would Spurs do with £60-80m? Maybe next summer they could make some moves but it’s too deep in to the window now. They will surely learn from what happened after they sold Berbatov on deadline day.Will it happen? 2/10 – Not this summer unless there’s a dramatic change in policy over the next few weeks.

Real Madrid have warned United off Cristiano Ronaldo, with president Florentino Perez insisting the 28-year-old forward will sign a new deal to end his career at the Bernabeu.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Full story: the Sun

What’s the story? Is Ronaldo the man Man United are secretly pursuing? Maybe. It’d be deliciously ironic if Real had to tell another club to back off one of their own players.Does it make sense? Yes. Real want to win another Champions League title and selling Ronaldo isn’t a good way of trying to do that. In United’s case, signing him could be what takes them over the edge to win it themselves.Is the price right? They paid £80m so why would they sell for less?Will it happen? 1/10 – Maybe in the future, but not right now.

Striker Jackson Martinez, 26, a target for Spurs and Liverpool, has ruled out a move from Porto.

Jackson Martinez

Full story: Daily Express

What’s the story? Well, he was linked to Spurs and Liverpool earlier in the summer but both clubs have had ample opportunity to sign him and haven’t.Does it make sense? Yes. Martinez should be a key man at Porto now that Falcao has left the club and being the star man at Porto seems to result in big moves recently.Is the price right? Having sold Falcao Porto would probably demand upwards of £20m for him now which is too much. Next summer though, if he gets himself 25 goals or so, someone (Monaco) will pay that and then some.Will it happen? 10/10 – He’ll be at Porto for this season, no doubt. Unless someone (Monaco) is willing to pay a ridiculous amount for him.

West Brom are considering a £2m bid for Sunderland midfielder Craig Gardner, 26.

Craig Gardner

Full story: Daily Mirror

What’s the story? Well, if any player will be popular at West Brom it’s ex-Villa and ex-Birmingham player Gardner.Does it make sense? He’ll almost certainly be available as Di Canio wants rid of every single player he inherited but he’d not be better than the impressive Mulumbu/Yacob combination at West Brom. Perhaps they think his versatility is desirable though, which is a reasonable stance.Is the price right? Yep, worth buying a player who can operate a few positions for this kind of money.Will it happen? 8/10 – Sounds pretty realistic and would fit in with both team’s recent recruitment patterns.

West Ham are hopeful of agreeing a deal with QPR to sign 26-year-old striker Loic Remy.

Loic Remy

Full story: Daily Star

What’s the story? Remy looked lively and considering he played for QPR showed impressive desire and will in his few months in the team last season. West Ham need to add something different to their attack besides the slow but big forwards they have at the moment.Does it make sense? Yes. West Ham have a big squad of decent but not good players. Remy would immediately be their best striker, even above £15m Andy Carroll.Is the price right? There were rumours that he had an £8m release clause on relegation and there isn’t any incentive for QPR to take any less as he has the talent to score 30 goals in the second tier.Will it happen? 7/10 – Maybe. It’s an Allardyce type signing. Good but not significantly better than what they already have.