Transfer predictor: Marco Asensio to sign for Chelsea gets a 3 while Miralem Pjanic's switch to Barcelona scores a 6

David Cooper - Writer 10:54 21/06/2018
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  • The transfer window is well and truly open.

    With the 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 white 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.

    MARCO ASENSIO – REAL MADRID TO CHELSEA

    Manchester United, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are set to battle it out for the highly-rated Real Madrid forward, according to the Daily Mail.

    Why it will happen: The Spaniard has grown frustrated at playing second fiddle to Cristiano Ronaldo and is desperate for a regular place in the Los Blancos starting XI.

    Why it won’t happen: He may feel moving away from the Bernaneu is a step down in his career, and may want to fight for more game time under new manager Julen Lopetegui.

    Prediction: If Asensio is to leave, there will be more shortage of potential suitors, but the 22-year-old looks destined to stay for another season at least, especially under a new manager who will reward his hard-working, creative game style.

    Rating – 3/10

    MIRALEM PJANIC – JUVENTUS TO BARCELONA

    Chelsea and Barclona are plotting a move for the elusive Juventus midfielder, according to Tuttosport.

    Why it will happen: Barcelona are scouring the market for a replacement for Andres Iniesta and would be willing to pay the €80m (Dh339.6) fee required to sign the Bosnian international.

    Why it won’t happen: The former Roma star is reportedly happy in Turin and has no desire to leave.

    Prediction: Juventus will want to keep their star man, but Pjanic may feel now is the right time to move from Turin in a bid to further his development and win more silverware.

    Rating – 6/10

    JEROME BOATENG – BAYERN MUNICH TO MANCHESTER UNITED

    Manchester United have been told to shell out £50m (Dh241.4m) if they want to sign the Bayern Munich defender this summer, according to the Manchester Evening News.

    Why it will happen: United simply need a world-class centre-back moving forward to strengthen their defence. Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo and Eric Bailly missed all or large chunks of the 2017/18 season with injury and Chris Smalling is not an elite defender.

    Why it won’t happen: Boateng has another three years to run on his deal at Allianz Arena and looks set to continue at the fulcrum of the Bayern defence.

    Prediction: On his day Boateng is an elite centre-back United require, but the Red Devils may not be keen on parting with the £50m required to buy a 29-year-old coming off the back of a less than stellar season.

    Rating – 5/10

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