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.
EDEN HAZARD – FROM CHELSEA TO REAL MADRID
Eden Hazard
Chelsea are determined to be properly compensated should they allow Eden Hazard to join Real Madrid. The Stamford Bridge club have told Los Blancos to pay up if they are keen on the Belgian star, the Mirror reports.
Why it will happen: Real Madrid have the money to spend and are desperate for a couple of big names to fill the void created by Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure to Juventus.
Why it won’t happen: Chelsea are at a risk of losing Willian to Barcelona as well and can’t afford to sell both players. Hazard is their most prized asset.
Prediction: The proposed move seems to have an air of inevitability to it. He fits the ‘Galactico’ mould and his stock has never been higher after an impressive World Cup.
Rating – 7/10
NEYMAR – FROM PSG TO REAL MADRID
Neymar.
Neymar has once again denied reports suggesting he could move to Real Madrid this summer.
When questioned about stories in Spanish media linking the Paris Saint-Germain forward to a Santiago Bernabeu switch, he dismissed them as mere “speculation from the press.”
Why it will happen: Again, it’s the Ronaldo factor. How far is Madrid willing to go to land the Brazilian?
Why it won’t happen: We’ve heard it from the horse’s mouth repeatedly. Neymar insists he will be with PSG this season. The timing of the move doesn’t seem right and Madrid will have to spend an exorbitant fee for his services.
Prediction: Chances of the move going through dwindle every day. Madrid may well be in Neymar’s future but not this season.
Rating – 3/10
ANTHONY MARTIAL – FROM MAN UNITED TO TOTTENHAM
Anthony Martial.
Manchester United are set to exercise a one-year option on Anthony Martial’s contract, the Manchester Evening News reports.
Why it will happen: Martial appears unwilling to endure another season at Old Trafford of sporadic playing time. His agent has made the player’s feelings clear with Tottenham in the hunt.
Why it won’t happen: If United trigger the one-year option in the Frenchman’s contract, it buys them another season before they need to make a decision. Jose Mourinho has made it clear that the 22-year-old will be key early in the campaign with several attacking stars returning late from the summer break after the World Cup.
Prediction: Failing a ridiculous bid from someone that could force United’s hand, it looks like Martial will be made to stay put.
Rating – 4/10
