The Premier League transfer window is now open and the market in the rest of Europe will spark into life soon.
But it is not just the players who are involved in regular rumours. The movement of the game’s greatest managers is also hotly debated.
With rumours growing in pace and volume during this ‘silly season’, it can be difficult and painstaking to separate the stories of some legitimacy from the rest of the noise.
Fortunately, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to do it for you.
Below, you’ll find some of the latest reports broken down and analysed for your benefit along with our calculated predictions.
MAURIZIO SARRI – FROM NAPOLI TO CHELSEA
Why it will happen: A change of guard at Stamford Bridge seems certain, despite Antonio Conte lifting the FA Cup on Saturday. A clash of personalities with the club’s leadership has caused terminal damage, while a dour style doesn’t inspire. This is where Napoli’s Sarri comes in. His football in Naples is scintillating and he is open to a significant pay rise from his current £1.3 million (Dh6.4m) salary per year.
Why it won’t happen: Sarri is believed to now have been convinced to stick around at Napoli, no doubt helped by rumours of a one-year extension in Corriere dello Sport and a boost to £4.5m (Dh22.3m) per season. This deal would erase the £7m (Dh34.6m) release clause, valid in June.
Prediction: Uncertainty surrounds a deal that seemed highly likely, just a fortnight ago. A change of heart appears to be keeping Sarri in Naples, but Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich rarely fails to get his man. Plenty more twists to come.
Rating – 6/10 Chelsea
RAFAEL BENITEZ – FROM NEWCASTLE TO ZENIT ST PETERSBURG
Why it will happen: The 58-year-old is a man in demand after he led Newcastle to a superb 10th-placed finish upon their return to the Premier League, despite a lack of investment amid ongoing takeover rumours. This lack of assurance from Mike Ashley could lead the ex-Liverpool and Real Madrid boss to consider his option. This is where Zenit come in, according to the Evening Chronicle. They need a new manager after Roberto Mancini departed for the Italy job. Plus, they are nearly always the biggest spenders in Russia.
Why it won’t happen: Benitez has always operated in western Europe and this would be, by some distance, the furthest posting of his celebrated career. Zenit spend big last summer, but a season of internal strife saw them limp home fifth – well outside the Champions League spots. These factors could convince Benitez to spurn their advances, despite the huge salary an amenable lifestyle on offer in St Petersburg. The Spaniard also seems committed to continuing at Newcastle, showing little interest in West Ham’s recent advances.
Prediction: Benitez could yet leave Newcastle if Ashley remains. Just don’t expect Russia to be his next move.
Rating – 4/10 Zenit
MANUEL PELLEGRINI – FROM HEBEI CHINA FORTUNE TO WEST HAM
Why it will happen: The ex-Manchester City boss has severed ties with his Chinese Super League employers and travelled to London for talks. Pellegrini boasts immense experience and should provide the type of attacking football that the Hammers hierarchy desires. At 64-years old, this could be the Chilean’s final shot at the Premier League and it is a chance he’s unlikely to spurn.
Why it won’t happen: The unorthodox structure provided by an ownership loathed by vast sections of the West Ham support means that it is not impossible that talks could break down at a late stage. The club has struggled to attract big-name managers, with links to the likes of Benitez and Carlo Ancelotti coming to nothing.
Prediction: This seems like a matter of time, no matter the puzzling working of David Gold and David Sullivan.
Rating – 9/10 West Ham
