Transfer Grades: Thiago Alcantara, David Villa, Fer, Benatia and Schwarzer

Mark Schwarzer – Fulham to Chelsea (Free)

What’s the deal? Rather than wasting time bidding for Ruddy, Chelsea tie up veteran Schwarzer to act as cover for Petr Cech.

Is the price right? Back up keepers should always be free or very cheap.

Why sign him? Chelsea needed a proper backup to Petr Cech with Courtois on loan at Atletico Madrid and Ross Turnbull clearly not up to standard.

Why sell him? Fulham have signed Stekelenburg to take over in goal so could afford to let him leave.

Will it work? It’s win-win. He probably won’t have to play other than in the League Cup but when he does, he’s still a very reliable and a very professional presence in a young dressing room.

Grade: A Nice and tidy.