English Football: Analysing the transfer gossip - April 3rd

There’s always plenty of transfer talk throughout the season. So how much of it makes sense, and how much of it is just rumour?

Crystal Palace boss Ian Holloway wants to be reunited with 27-year-old Stoke midfielder Charlie Adam, whom he managed at Blackpool, if his Eagles team gain promotion to the Premier League.

Full story: Daily Mirror

What’s the story? If, and it’s a big IF Palace go up. Holloway has taken his eye off the ball lately, ranting and raving about perceived injustices elsewhere and since then Palace have dived down the table. The form of on-loan (sacrilege) Wilfried Zaha has waned lately and because he only has 6 on loan players, he has been struggling.

Does it make sense? Only if Palace can find the kind of money to attract Adam and persuade Stoke to sell. Holloway doesn’t do loan signings and would absolutely not compromise his views on the issue to sign Adam.

Is the price right? See above. He’s probably worth £3m or so. But Holloway would never loan him because he objects to the loan system so intensely. Would he be willing to make himself look like such a hypocrite?

Will it happen? 2/10 – only if Adam is willing to make a permanent move to the Championship next year because Holloway will never loan a player like him. It’s just not fair, is it Ian?

Real Madrid director of football Zinedine Zidane has fuelled speculation they will move for Gareth Bale, 23, in the summer.

Full story: The Sun

What’s the story? First sighting of a Gareth Bale rumour. It’s fair to say Zidane knows a thing or two about good players and the thought of Bale opposite Ronaldo will be tantalising for Madrid.

Does it make sense? It does for Madrid, it does for Bale, but it doesn’t say a lot for Spurs’ ambitions if they sell their star.

Is the price right? I don’t see an amount that makes sense for Spurs but it’d surely be £60m plus.

Will it happen? 5/10 – maybe, but it’s a long shot

Newcastle, Arsenal and Manchester City will battle with Monaco for the signature of Marseille defender Nicolas N’Koulou, 23.

Full story: TalkSPORT

What’s the story? N’Koulou is a big prospect, blessed with all the physical tools needed for success in the Premier League.

Does it make sense? He would make sense for all 3 of these teams. They all need centre back upgrades and N’Koulou would represent that for all of these teams.

Is the price right? Should be about £8-10m which is doable for all 3.

Will it happen? 7/10 – could easily happen for any of them

Sebastien Corchia, 22, has opened the door for a big-money move into the Premier League after revealing he could leave Sochaux at the end of the season.

Full story: TalkSPORT

What’s the story? Corchia is a little like some of the many other French full backs operating in the league, getting up and down and possessing good quality.

Does it make sense? He’s ideally suited for playing in England. Possibly not yet for one of the top clubs but if he takes the first step on the rung.

Is the price right? £4-5m is about right.

Will it happen? 8/10 – looks destined for England

Thibaut Courtois, 20, admits his future at Chelsea is in the balance amid speculation the goalkeeper could be offered in part-exchange for Atletico Madrid forward Radamel Falcao, 27.

Full story: Metro

What’s the story? This again?

Does it make sense? No. You don’t move the best keeping prospect in the world. But then when did making sense ever matter?

Is the price right? He’s worth at least £20m so Chelsea would still have to pay £30m for Falcao, so, no.

Will it happen? 5/10 – I just don’t see why it would but you can never tell with Chelsea.

Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku, 19, wants to go out on loan next season – but it is unlikely to be West Brom with the Belgian keen to join a club in Europe to boost his World Cup prospects.

Full story: Daily Mirror

What’s the story? This is an interesting one. Lukaku is ready to compete with Ba for the Chelsea starting job but are Chelsea ready for him to? There will be no shortage of takers if he’s offered out after starring at West Brom. Mind you, his World Cup prospects are not in doubt, he’s in the squad already. Another year of dominance in the Premier League wouldn’t exactly hurt that, regardless of Europe.

Does it make sense? It makes sense for Lukaku to be the starter somewhere but he has plenty to offer Chelsea.

Is the price right? Another year on loan is sensible.

Will it happen? 7/10 – not convinced it should, but probably still will.