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, or why not.
Today’s edition features Inter Milan, Manchester United and Newcastle United.
EDEN DZEKO
AS Roma -> Undisclosed -> Inter Milan
Inter Milan are set to sign Edin Dzeko as an alternative to Romelu Lukaku, according to the Gazzetta dello Sport.
WHY IT CAN HAPPEN: With Mauro Icardi an outcast at Inter, it’s no secret that they need a striker to lead their line and neither is the fact that Lukaku is Antonio Conte’s first choice. However, Manchester United are reportedly unwilling to settle for any less than €83m which Inter would struggle to pay. In Dzeko they could attain a quality striker with plenty of experience and proven pedigree in Serie A.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: Lukaku clearly doesn’t fit into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans or at least not prominently. Closer to deadline day, they may be willing to accept Inter’s offer despite falling short of their valuation. The Italian side would have no use for Dzeko then.
Transfer predictor: 6/10
PAULO DYBALA
Paulo Dybala
Juventus -> €78m -> Manchester United
Solskjaer could turn to Paulo Dybala in his attempts to inject some creativity into his Manchester United side, claim the Daily Mail.
WHY IT CAN HAPPEN: United are understandably focused on plugging other holes in their first XI but the right wing remains an issue despite Daniel James’ arrival, while the attack as a whole seems to lack a bit of star quality. Dybala would certainly provide that along with a boost in creativity. At 25, he fits the profile of player Solskjaer is looking to recruit. There’s potential of a promising link-up with former team-mate and friend Paul Pogba as well.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: United can’t offer Dybala Champions League football this season and the Argentine seems fairly settled in Turin despite his lack of playing time over the last couple of years.
Transfer predictor: 5/10
ALLAN SAINT-MAXIMIN
OGC Nice -> €25m -> Newcastle United
Newcastle are targeting Nice attacker Allan Saint-Maximin, according to L’Equipe.
WHY IT CAN HAPPEN: The Magpies could definitely use more quality up front. Following the departures of Ayoze Perez and Salomon Rondon, Newcastle have been left with just Yoshinori Muto to lead their line. Saint-Maximin would be a huge step up and also a quick way for owner Mike Ashley to pacify the fans following Rafa Benitez’s exit. Nice reducing the asking price from €40m to €25m also helps.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: The forward is too good to be featuring in a team already deemed among the favourites for relegation. Even if he did, there would have to be significant financial incentive. But with Ashley reluctant to invest in the squad, it’s difficult to see how they afford him.
Transfer predictor: 3/10
