The rumours are gaining momentum and, in many instances, credibility. Transfer Talk has the latest news as the summer window nears.
Song's special status
One of the more plausible rumours to hit Transfer Talk's pages kicks us off today with the news that Barcelona-owned West Ham United loanee Alex Song is attracting interest from Premier League heavyweights Chelsea and Manchester City.
You see, the Mail claims that it's not only the Cameroon international's silky skills and midfield prowess that the Blues and Citizens are interested in, but rather that 27-year-old is classed as a home-grown player according to Premier League rules.
Song joined Arsenal from Bastia when he was 17 and therefore played three years of football in the UK before his 21st birthday. All of which brings him to the front of the queue when the 2014 and 2015 champions are at looking at recruits this summer.
Barca's reported £6 million price-tag won't put either club off as well!
With a side o' Berahino too please!
Man City's pursuit of home-grown players doesn't just stop there.
Manuel Pellegrini's big-spenders have already been linked to Raheem Sterling (more on him later!), but the Star says that they are also keeping a close eye on West Bromwich Albion's Saido Berahino.
The Baggies striker has been in superb form this season, registering 14 goals and one assist in 37 Premier League appearances.
At 21, and with an English passport, Berahino certainly fits the bill of the type of player the Etihad brass are trying to lure to Manchester. A £20 million bid is said to be in the offing. Watch this space!
Toure close to Inter deal
To make room for all these incoming players, Pellegrini will need to shift on some of the stalwarts at Man City. One player who looks almost certain to move is Yaya Toure -- with Inter Milan making no attempt to hide the fact that they are keen on the 32-year-old and his agent saying a deal is close.
The FC TV panel weigh in on the discussion:
Falcao, Mandzukic making waves
An interesting report coming out of AS today says that Monaco president Dmitry Rybolovlev is keen to bring in Atletico Madrid's Mario Mandzukic to lead his team's line next season.
In exchange, the principality club are willing to offer former Atleti hero Radamel Falcao the chance to return to the Rojiblancos -- the side where he plundered 52 goals in two seasons.
Will a bid of €25 million plus Falcao be enough to convince Diego Simeone to part with Mandzukic having only signed him 12 months ago? Time will tell.
Tap-ins
- Transfer Talk can't go a day without an update on Raheem Sterling's situation at Liverpool! The Reds' arch-rivals Manchester United are the latest club to reportedly throw their hat into the ring for the 20-year-old. However, you can probably put that up on the 'not-gonna-happen' shelf of rumours.
Thursday's Times back page: United make first move in Sterling chase #tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers pic.twitter.com/hwlIMXtUcu
- Nick Sutton (@suttonnick) May 20, 2015
- Speaking of 'not-gonna-happen', Spanish football expert Guillem Balague has told Sky Sports that Gareth Bale won't be leaving the Santiago Bernabeu any time soon. We've heard that one before!
- One future that is set in stone, however, is that of Jordan Ibe. The Sun reports that the Liverpool youngster has signed a new five-year contract.
- On to France now, where Le Parisien have revealed that Paris Saint-Germain have withdrawn from the race for Paul Pogba's signature. Apparently, the club were 'very surprised' when they were informed of the wage demands of the Juve star and have decided to pursue other more viable options.
- Mauricio Pochettino will no doubt look to slice and dice his Tottenham side in the summer as they prepare for another assault on the top four. One man who isn't going anywhere though, according to the Mirror, is £30 million flop Erik Lamela.