With the amount of rumours swirling around at this time of year, even after the winter transfer window, it is sometimes difficult to decipher the truth.
These are matters of importance.
As the transfer talk is now directed at the all-important summer market, there are enormous amounts of speculation swirling around Europe and the UK.
Not to worry however, because here at Tribalfootball, we have broken down the week's hottest transfer rumours, and inform you whether you should believe the paper talk or not.
Here are our top five trending transfer stories for the past week:
Eden Hazard – Chelsea
Clubs Interested: Real Madrid
Chelsea has decided what it will take for Real Madrid to pry Eden Hazard away from Stamford Bridge.
According to The Daily Star, Real will have to pay a world-record 102 million pounds for the Chelsea winger.
However, Real is refusing to be forced into such a deal, and has subsequently rebutted with a deal of their own.
Los Blancos have instead offered a deal worth up to 68 million pound. Real striker Alvaro Morata – currently valued at 42 million pounds – would be included in the deal, with 26 million pounds added to make up the transfer.
Although Blues boss Antonio Conte is a huge admirer of Morata from his days at Juventus, it is hard to believe that Chelsea will part with arguably their best player for such a cost price.
Rumblings of Real's interest in Hazard aren't without merit. The La Liga leaders have not spent over 50 million pounds on a player since 2014, which is unheard of given their recent history.
They'll need to come to the table with a far improved offer if they are to capture the signature of one of the world's best footballers.
Likelihood: Not enough to get the deal over the line
David De Gea – Manchester United
Clubs Interested: Real Madrid
The rumours surrounding the transfer of Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has heated up, with Real Madrid tabling an incredible offer for the Spaniard.
Don Balon reports that Real have upped the ante in their pursuit of De Gea, offering two players – James Rodriguez and Raphael Varane - plus 20 million pounds.
Real's relentless pursuit of their preferred upgrade to the struggling Keylor Navas has culminated in a mammoth offer.
Rodriguez is almost certain to leave the Bernabeu this summer, having failed to cement his spot under Real boss Zinedine Zidane. The Colombian international also shares an agent with United boss Jose Mourinho.
Varane has struggled with injury of late, and he will be encouraged with the prospect of reuniting with his former manager Mourinho, who signed him from Lens in 2011.
From United's point of view, this might a deal that is too good to refuse.
Both players fill needs for Mourinho; Varane can help add class to United's defence and Rodriguez can provide some attacking prowess to a side that has scored a meager 46 goals this season.
Monetarily, both players have a combined worth of 72.25 million pounds, throw in the 20 million pounds cash, and the deal is worth close to 100 million pounds.
United have so far been stoic in their approach with De Gea, constantly rebuking offers that they have deemed subpar. However, this might be enough to tip them over the edge.
Likelihood: Could be to hard for United to refuse
Clubs Interested: Barcelona
According to Don Balon, Barcelona have approached Arsenal with a swap deal for Hector Bellerin.
Barcelona winger Arda Turan is being offered as the potential player swapped in the deal.
Bellerin, a former Barcelona academy product, is rated highly at the Emirates, and the North London club is reportedly unwilling to part with a player who still has a ton of potential at the age of 22.
Despite Arsenal's reluctance, the appeal of a potential return home for Bellerin might complicate the situation.
If Barcelona were to complete the deal, they would have to offer more than Turan to change Arsenal's mind.
Likelihood: Can't see this happening
Players Interested In: Djibril Sibide, Benjamin Mendy, Tiemoue Bakayoko (Monaco), Eric Dier (Tottenham)
Monaco is bracing for a massive swoop from Manchester United. The Sun reports that United boss Jose Mourinho is planning a 200 million pound spending spree this summer, including three players from the current Ligue One leaders.
Full backs Djibril Sibide (22m) and Benjamin Mendy (15m), as well as midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko (35m), are all wanted by Mourinho to help bolster his squad.
A striker and a deep lying midfielder are also high on Mourinho's wish list. Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann (86m) and Tottenham's Eric Dier (40m) are perceived to be perfect fits in Mourinho's eyes.
Ideally, purchasing all these players would certainly boost United's chances next season of winning their first Premier League title since 2013. The United hierarchy has shown that they are prepared to fork out the cash – highlighted by their world record-breaking deal for Paul Pogba last summer.
Realistically, this seems bold, even for United's standards. If they were to spend in excess of 200 million pounds this summer, it would bring their spending for the year to 350 million pounds.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Clubs Interested: Borussia Monchengladbach
Chelsea has been presented with a new offer for Andreas Christenten.
The Dane has been on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach for the past two seasons, and is expected to be in London when pre season starts in the summer.
According to Rheinische Post, Gladbach chief Max Eberl is holding on to the hope of retaining Christensen beyond this season.
To do this, Eberl has presented Chelsea with a similar deal to their previous acquisition of former Blues winger Thorgan Hazard.
Gladbach would offer Chelsea a club record 20m euro transfer fee for Christensen – however, within the contract, their would be a clause that would include a buy-back option for Chelsea.
It makes sense for Chelsea to follow through with Gladbach's offer if they don't have plans to give him consistent game time in the near future. However, it is reported that Chelsea does in fact want Christensen to return to London in the summer.
To secure their man, Gladbach will have to comeback with an increased offer for the young defender.
Likelihood: Gladbach will have to do better
