Struggling to pick out the facts from the figures? Reality from the rubbish? Sense from the silly season?
We’ve got you sorted in our daily dose of the Transfer Predictor, where we round up the latest rumours with an analytical spin.
We sort through the most eye-catching transfer reports of the past 24 hours and give a balanced judgment on whether the move really will happen – and why.
Today’s edition features a rising Italian stallion, a seasoned Premier League striker who no-one would begrudge a big move, as well as a possible Liverpool departure.
NICOLO ZANIOLO
Roma -> £40m -> Tottenham
Tottenham are reportedly lining up a bid for the Italian wonderkid amid growing interest in the teenager, according to the Mirror.
WHY IT CAN HAPPEN: Roma have certainly developed a reputation as a selling club over the past few years after off-loading Radja Nainggolan, Mohamed Salah and Allison for big fees.
An ingenious bit of business last summer saw Zaniolo pass Belgian misfit Nainggolan on his way out of the Eternal City. And even though the Giallorossi will want to keep hold of a player who’s scored six goals in 33 appearances in all competitions, they’d make a handsome profit on the paltry €4.5million they paid for him.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: The 19-year-old is happy in the Italian capital, telling Sky Sport Italia recently: “I still have four years left on my contract and I’m happy here. I see my future at Roma.”
Sure, he could still be lured. Who wouldn’t want to play for the Champions League winners? Having said that, Spurs still have to get past Liverpool and, even if the teenager is tempted, he may feel Real Madrid, Juventus or Bayern Munich are more attractive options.
Transfer predictor: 5/10
CALLUM WILSON
Bournemouth -> £35m -> Everton
Everton are planning to pick Wilson from the Cherries, as part of a potential overall £100m spending spree this summer, according to the Sun.
WHY IT CAN HAPPEN: It has to be a case of now or never for Wilson. He’s just fired his highest ever Premier League tally of 14 goals – the first time he’s broken double digits – and won his first England cap as a substitute against the United States in November.
At 27, he’s entering his prime and probably only has one shot at a final big-money, big club move. Eddie Howe and Bournemouth want to keep him, plus he has three years left on his contract, but Wilson would surely be sent fondly on his way, especially as they’d be set for a huge profit on a player who only cost them £3m five years ago.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: Everton have already spent more than £350m on new players since Farhad Moshiri became owner three years ago, and they’ll have to sell before they can acquire any more players. Plus, manager Marco Silva is desperate to sign Andre Gomes and Kurt Zouma on permanent deals after their successful seasons on loan.
Wilson could also be content on the south coast.
Transfer predictor: 6/10
ADAM LALLANA
Adam Lallana
Liverpool -> £13m -> Southampton
Lallana is planning a return to Southampton amid fears he has no place at Liverpool, according to the Express.
WHY IT CAN HAPPEN: The ex-Saint has hardly sinned at Anfield but a succession of injuries means he is not at the forefront of boss Jurgen Klopp’s plans, especially as the Reds have risen to become one of the fiercest forces in world football under the German.
They’ve done that with the England international largely in the treatment room and he is surplus to requirements this summer.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: On his day, and when fit, Lallana can be a vital pawn in a squad fighting on all fronts and Klopp might loathe to lose an experienced, talented player with 34 England caps to his name.
As much as it would be a homecoming for the 31-year-old, not all Saints fans would welcome him back with open arms – Lallana is one of a clutch of players to ditch St Mary’s for stardom in recent years. Plus, his injury record will also be of pressing concern.
Transfer predictor: 7/10
