With the transfer 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 transfer news churned out of the Rumour Mill broken down and analysed for your benefit along with our calculated predictions.
GARETH BALE – REAL MADRID TO MANCHESTER UNITED
Gareth Bale came off the bench in the Champions League final.
The Real Madrid star is set for crunch talks over his Bernabeu future with new Los Blancos boss Julen Lopetegui, The Mirror reports.
Manchester United have been tracking the Welshman for some time given he has appeared unsettled at the Spanish giants.
Why it will happen: The 28-year-old looks to be assessing his options and may feel the time is right to end his stay in the Spanish capital and return to the Premier League.
Why it won’t happen: With Zinedine Zidane now gone – a man he previously didn’t see eye to eye with – Bale could be interested in working with new Whites boss Julen Lopetegui.
Prediction: Bale’s future may rest on whether Los Blancos pursue a move for Eden Hazard and we should know a lot more once he holds a showdown meeting with the powers that be at the Bernabeu.
Rating – 7/10
DANNY INGS – LIVERPOOL TO SOUTHAMPTON
Danny Ings has been part of Liverpool’s pre-season plans.
Southampton want to sign the Liverpool striker, according to The Sun.
The 25-year-old, who grew up on the south coast and supposedly dreamed of playing for the red and whites as a boy, has endured three injury-hit campaigns at Anfield since his move to Merseyside from Burnley in the summer of 2015.
Why it will happen: The prospect of regular first-team football could be limited for Ings next term, and as such, a switch to the Saints could prove to be an attractive proposition given his connection with the area.
Why it won’t happen: The forward might be unwilling to give up on his Liverpool career just yet and give himself one more chance to become a hit with Jurgen Klopp’s men.
Prediction: Liverpool seem to hold more of the cards here and may feel it represents good business to move him on ahead of the new campaign.
Rating – 8/10
DIEGO LAXALT – GENOA TO EVERTON
Diego Laxalt is a left-back who loves to get forward.
Everton face stiff competition from Bournemouth in the race to sign the Uruguay World Cup star, according to The Sun.
Why it will happen: The 25-year-old, who was a stalwart in the La Celeste backline during their campaign in Russia, is likely to jump at the chance of a big-money move to the Premier League from his current side Genoa.
Why it won’t happen: Laxalt hasn’t gone on the record about his future just yet and may hold out for a club who can offer him European football.
Prediction: The flying wing back’s versatility to operate anywhere down the left-hand side and move into central midfield areas makes him a viable option for both English clubs, and should be enough to see a number of bids come in for him.
Rating – 7/10
