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 Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.
DANIEL JAMES
Swansea City -> £15m -> Manchester United
The Red Devils are among a number of clubs in a fight to sign the Wales winger, according to ESPN.
WHY IT CAN HAPPEN: Lightning quick, youthful and British – James fits the purported profile of signing manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to make this summer. With just one year left on his deal, Swansea will have to sell this summer and United are likely to be the highest bidders.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: Everton, Newcastle and promotion-hopefuls Leeds – who almost landed the 21-year-old in January – are all in the chase. James might feel he’ll get more chances there. Will a return of four goals and seven assists from 33 Championship matches be enough to entice United?
Transfer predictor: 8/10
EDIN DZEKO
Roma -> €20m -> PSG
The Ligue 1 giants are interested in landing the veteran Bosnia centre forward if Edinson Cavani leaves, according to France Football.
WHY IT CAN HAPPEN: Dzeko only has a year left on his contract at Roma, leaving them in a vulnerable position. His cheap price is attractive to Financial Fair Play-conscious PSG, plus established record of goal scoring throughout several European competitions.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: The striker’s form has dropped off a cliff this term, netting just eight times in Serie A. At 33-years old, his best days should be behind him. Dzeko also rejected a January 2018 switch to Chelsea because he is so content in the Eternal City. And don’t forget, Cavani isn’t yet out of the door.
Transfer predictor: 5/10
DONNY VAN DE BEEK
Ajax -> €60m -> Barcelona
Barca are now interested in making Van de Beek their third signing from Ajax this summer, according to Mundo Deportivo.
WHY IT CAN HAPPEN: After the horrors of a second-successive Champions League capitulation, Barca desire a revamp this summer. Frenkie de Jong is secured and Matthijs de Ligt seems inevitable, so why not Van de Beek? His 15 goals from 47 matches this term appeals.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: Even if the likes of Ivan Rakitic and Philippe Coutinho are moved on this summer, competition for places will be intense. Suitors such as Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham Hotspur can offer a clearly route to their XIs. Barca, also, haven’t signed three players from one club in one summer since 1988 with Real Sociedad – and surely Ajax wouldn’t allow it.
Transfer predictor: 2/10