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 Inter Milan, Manchester United and PSG.
ROMELU LUKAKU
RUMOUR: Manchester United -> £75million -> Inter Milan
Romelu Lukaku has dropped a massive hint that he is set to leave Manchester United, according to Manchester Evening News. The Belgian international posted a picture on his Twitter account alongside his agent Federico Pastorello with the caption “Soon to be continued”.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN: With Lukaku very much out of favour at Old Trafford, a move to the Serie A would be an ideal change for a player who looks low on confidence. And with Mauro Icardi out of Antonio Conte’s plans at the San Siro, Lukaku would be the ideal marquee signing.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: Juventus are also monitoring Lukaku’s situation and could join the race for his signature. If a deal is on the table from the Turin side, the 26-year-old may opt to sign with them instead, because of the lure to win trophies and playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
PREDICTION: 8/10
BRUNO FERNANDES
RUMOUR: Sporting Lisbon -> €70m -> Manchester United
Manchester United are very close to signing Sporting Lisbon star Bruno Fernandes, according to Sport.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN: Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has targeted the 24-year-old to strengthen his midfield, especially with Paul Pogba looking intent on a move away from Old Trafford. Fernandes is believed to have already agreed personal terms with the Red Devils, but Sporting are continuing to hold out for a fee closer to €70m before anything is confirmed.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: Only something drastic breaking down at the last minute can see this deal not getting over the line.
PREDICTION: 7/10
IDRISSA GUEYE
RUMOUR: Everton -> €31m -> PSG
Everton boss Marco Silva has insisted that club have not reached an agreement with PSG for midfielder Idrisse Gueya, according to the Liverpool Echo.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN: The French giants have been chasing the Senegal international since the January transfer window and are increasingly confident they will get their man, with Gueye set to undergo a medical as early as next week.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: Although Silva is primed to losing Gueye, PSG are unlikely to offer much more than €31 million for a 30-year-old. And Everton aren’t going to let him go on the cheap.
PREDICTION: 6/10