With the window comes the usual speculation, with the airwaves full of transfer rumours, it can be difficult to figure out which ones are legitimate and which are just noise.
Fortunately, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to do it for you.
Below, you’ll find some of the latest transfer news churned out of the rumour mill broken down and analysed for your benefit along with our calculated predictions.
FRED – From Shakhtar Donetsk to Man United
Manchester United are closing in on a deal for Shakhtar Donetsk’s Brazilian midfielder Fred, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Why it will happen: With Michael Carrick retiring and Marouane Fellaini seemingly on his way out, United need to bolster their midfield. Manager Jose Mourinho is looking to add a young box-to-box midfielder and Fred fits the bill. The €60million release clause in his contract is not thought to be an issue for United.
Why it won’t happen: Fred may still have ambitions to play for United’s city rivals, having openly flirted with Pep Guardiola and Manchester City during the league season. City’s interest seems to have cooled, but the Brazilian made no secret of his first preference.
Prediction: United will make Fred their first signing of the window. He’s in England next week as Brazil play Croatia in a friendly in Liverpool, so the formalities could be completed then.
Rating – 8/10
Fred is Manchester-bound.
KARIM BENZEMA – Real Madrid to Napoli
Former Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, who has just taken up the Napoli job, is trying to lure Madrid striker Karim Benzema to Italy, The Sun reports.
Why it will happen: Ancelotti is a known admirer of Benzema’s, having managed the French striker during a few excellent seasons at Madrid. Benzema may be tiring of the criticism he receives at Madrid, not least from the fans, and a change of scenery could be just what he needs.
Why it won’t happen: Benzema has the support of his teammates, his manager, and the club’s hierarchy. It has been a below-par season by his standards, no doubt, but he’s more likely to stay at Madrid and try to set things right than run at the first sign of trouble.
Prediction: Part of Ancelotti’s appeal to Napoli was no doubt that he could help the club seal some blockbuster signings, given his reputation, and Benzema would certainly be a coup. But the Frenchman has expressed no desire to leave Madrid and the club have no intention of selling him, so he’s likely to stay in the Spanish capital.
Rating – 5/10
Time for a change for Benzema?
GIANLUIGI DONNARUMMA – From AC Milan to Liverpool
Corriere dello Sport claims Liverpool are looking to sign wantaway AC Milan keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Why it will happen: Donnarumma has had a fractured relationship with the Milan hierarchy and the fans, who turned on him this season as details of his contract dispute leaked. Milan’s failure to qualify for the Champions League is another reason he could leave the San Siro. Liverpool, meanwhile, have had a need for a goalkeeper for the last few seasons, even if Loris Karius is finally looking more assured in the role.
Why it won’t happen: It’s more likely that he leaves Milan than that he stays, but would he go to Liverpool? He knows his admirers include Real Madrid, where the style of play will suit him more – not to mention, where he’ll get a better pay package.
Prediction: If Milan do put their star keeper on the trading block, expect Madrid to pounce. Otherwise it’s more likely he stays in Italy than go to Liverpool.
Rating – 3/10
Donnarumma could be looking for an escape route from Milan.
