The international summer transfer window is open.
With the rumours growing in pace and volume during this ‘silly season’, it can be difficult and painstaking to separate the legitimate stories from 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.
CLEMENT LENGLET – From Sevilla to Manchester United
Emerging centre-back: Clement Lenglet.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has targeted Clement Lenglet as a more affordable alternative to Toby Alderweireld, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Why it will happen: United do need a steady central defensive partner for Eric Bailly. Alderweireld is falling too expensive and Lenglet is seven years younger than the Belgian as well.
Why it won’t happen: Lenglet has no Premier League experience which is a downside. Meanwhile, he is being chased by Barcelona and Chelsea.
Prediction: Barcelona would seem to be the ideal move for Lenglet as he would remain in La Liga. However, he could enjoy more playing time at United given Samuel Umtiti has extended his contract at the Camp Nou.
Rating – 6/10
NEYMAR – PSG TO REAL MADRID
The story of the summer? Neymar.
Real Madrid hope to convince Paris Saint-Germain to sell Neymar by offering to pay €350 million for the Brazilian star this summer, reports The Sun.
Why it will happen: Neymar is still the star most likely to take over once Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s powers wane. He could be a huge asset for Madrid on and off the pitch in the coming years.
Why it won’t happen: The La Liga giants have already secured the signing of Vinicius Junior, are in pursuit of Rodrygo and are attempting to convince Gareth Bale to stay while trying to keep Ronaldo happy. Neymar seems unnecessary.
Prediction: Madrid’s interest is very real but the transfer will likely depend on other factors, Bale’s future being chief among them.
Rating – 6/10
YAYA TOURE – Unattached to West Ham
Yaya Toure.
West Ham are currently in talks with Yaya Toure regarding a move to the London Stadium, the Daily Mail reports.
Why it will happen: If Toure is determined to stay in the Premier League he probably won’t do better than the £220,000-a-week salary the Hammes are willing to offer the 35-year-old. He gets to work with Manuel Pellegrini again, a manager he played some of his best football under at City.
Why it won’t happen: Toure may earn even more if he decides to move to the Chinese Super League instead.
Prediction: It seems like a pretty sweet deal for the Ivorian. If none of the top 10 Premier League clubs make him an offer, the east London club would seem to be his next destination.
Rating – 8/10
