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 potential signings for Leicester City, Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain:
IVAN RAKITIC
Barcelona -> €50m -> Manchester United
The Red Devils have registered interest in the experienced Croatia midfielder and Barca may sell to raise critical transfer funds, according to SPORT.
Why it will happen: Barca’s desire for a lavish reunion with Neymar is putting Barca’s bank account under stress. Sales are required to make the operation possible and Rakitic could be adjudged expendable, especially now Netherlands international Frenkie de Jong is on-board. For their part, United are hunting a quality replacement for Ander Herrera. Rakitic easily fits this billing.
Why it won’t happen: Rakitic almost joined Paris Saint-Germain last summer and could be a makeweight this summer. The Ligue 1 champions should be more attractive than fallen giants United. The 31-year-old also does not fit the characteristics United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been pursuing; young and British. Rakitic’s wish is also reported to be for a stay in Catalonia
Transfer Predictor: 2/10
RAFAEL LEAO
Lille -> €40m -> Inter Milan
Inter have identified Lille striker Leao as a half-priced alternative to Manchester United’s Romelu Lukaku, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
Why it will happen: Antonio Conte coveted Lukaku at Chelsea and his intentions remain the same now he’s at the San Siro. The £75m+ price tag, however, is a major impediment for Financial Fair Play-conscious Inter. This is where Leao comes in. The versatile Portugal Under-20 forward is a long-term target for the Nerazzurri, wants to increase his wages and would like to make the step-up to a larger club.
Why it won’t happen: Leao has exhibited plenty of promise in his nascent career, but his numbers do not come close to Lukaku’s. There is a nagging sense that he is being used as a stalking horse, showing Inter have other options to pursue if United don’t cut their demands. There is also plenty of other interest being shown in the Sporting Lisbon youth product from Valencia, Everton and Napoli.
Transfer Predictor: 3/10
DANNY ROSE
Tottenham Hotspur -> £20m -> Paris Saint-Germain
The Ligue 1 champions are leading the chase for another England left-back that Spurs are willing to cash-in on, according to Sky Sports.
Why it will happen: A summer exit appeared inevitable from the moment the Champions League finalists stated Rose was “not travelling on tour to explore prospective opportunities with other clubs”. At 29-years old, the time has come for them to profit on the £1m paid to Leeds United in July 2007. PSG head coach Thomas Tuchel does not appear to trust Layvin Kurzawa and wants to put pressure on first-choice left-back Juan Bernat. Rose has the quality, in abundance, to do that. Witnessing opposite number Kieran Trippier this week swap Spurs for Atletico Madrid may inspire a continental European adventure of his own.
Why it won’t happen: When the prospect of Rose exiting first appeared two years ago, a desire to return to the north of England was raised. Whether a move to PSG suits is unclear. Schalke 04 are also linked with his signature and the Bundesliga side would offer a greater guarantee of starts.
Transfer Predictor: 7/10
