With the summer market now edging closer, we break down the latest transfer chatter doing the rounds - and whether those crazy deals actually have a chance of landing...
Luka Modric – Real Madrid
Clubs interested: Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal
In some of our previous transfer trends, we've touch on Florentino Perez and his stance on transfer policies this summer. And while it seems the Madrid president is adamant on who he is prepared to release, the determined Spaniard can't control everything that happens in Madrid.
Don Balon tells us that the stubborn Perez can't talk Luka Modric out of leaving, so it's just a matter of where he's going. After 6 years in Spain, there's no time like the present for something new.
It's no surprise that Tottenham would like to lure him back to White Hart Lane. Arch rivals Arsenal are also interested in the midfield maestro, but that will depend largely on who will take the reigns after news of Arsene Wenger leaving at season's end.
The preferred destination is Liverpool, with their stunning run in the Champions League being a main factor. Modric's experience would be hugely beneficial to Klopp's squad as they aim for more success next season.
Likelihood: Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal, specifically in that order.
Jack Wilshere – Arsenal
Clubs interested: Everton
I have to be honest, this one doesn't surprise me. Jack Wilshere is set to leave Arsenal at the end of the season, along with manager Arsene Wenger (something I still can't believe). According to the Daily Star, Wilshere has snubbed Arsenal's latest contract extension with suggestions that £80,000 a week just isn't enough for the England international.
He comes off contract so naturally he'll pursue offers elsewhere. Everton seem interested in a free transfer in the summer window, but Jack won't settle for a mediocre contract offer. If that were the case he'd just stay at the Emirates surely?
What has me thinking is the managerial change. Would Jack Wilshere be open to staying under a new manager, or is his heart set on trying to earn maximum cash and help turn his new team into proper contenders?
Personally, I believe that Wilshere is too unreliable or injury prone to warrant such a hefty wage, as apparent by Arsenal's latest contract offer. He needs a chance to shine elsewhere, a fresh start could be just what he needs to drive his market value up.
Likelihood: his wage is the sticking point here
Paul Pogba – Manchester United
After having signed with United for a second time last year, the rumours became rife that Paul Pogba could make yet another spectacular exit from Old Trafford once again. United fans would easily lament another exit, as his world class quality is now well known and documented around the world.
Fret not, Manchester faithful. The Sun has told us that the Frenchman is set to show his dedication to the club and to Jose Mourinho by staying in Manchester. This will surely put Mourinho's mind at rest as he tries to rejig a winning midfield combination, which is about to be thinned out in the coming transfer window.
Pogba was rumoured to be on the radar at both Juventus and PSG, but both clubs will have to wait and see if Pogba will become another cult figure at United or if he chooses to go where the clubs are both successful and rich. Only time will tell if Pogba can bring United back to the top.
Likelihood: Hands off, he's staying.
Robert Lewandowski– Bayern Munich
Clubs interested: Chelsea FC
Much like Karim Benzema, Robert Lewandowski has to be one of the top transfer targets rumoured to move every season, with little real interest coming to fruition.
Chelsea, on the other hand, try and make every rumour become a transfer by any means possible.
Could the two come together to form an amazing deal? It's very well possible, but there are a few factors we need to consider here. Don Balon claims that the Polish target man is unhappy at the Allianz Arena.
Here's where the domino effect comes into play. If Chelsea can't strike an agreement for the aforementioned Benzema, they could be prepared to strike a swap deal for Bayern's Lewandowski. Alvaro Morata would be the one to make space, however he's a key in trying to lure Isco from Madrid. In order for Chelsea to land Isco, they would need to trade playmaker Eden Hazard to Madrid.
3 clubs, about 5 players involved. Yet not a single move has been made.
Confused? So am I.
Ultimately Lewandowski seems like he's not the preferred pick, and with that sort of approach I don't see him being tempted from the German heavyweights.
Likelihood: It's a no from me
Jorginho – Napoli
Clubs interested: Liverpool
Here's a 21st century rumour if ever you read one. The accessibility of social media these days means we have eyes and ears all over the world, and nothing can be kept a secret from the prying eyes of both fans and journalists alike.
With that being said, Napoli's Jorginho has found himself at rumour mill central by "liking" an Instagram post from Liverpool. With Emre Can reportedly set for a move to Juventus, Jorginho has already been linked to the Reds in the past. His social media activity can't have done himself any favours if he wished to stay out of the spotlight of attention.
I prefer to take social media rumours with a grain of salt, as anything could be construed as a rumour, or maybe they could just be showing some appreciation for another football club? That being said, players should well and truly know what kind of picture their social media accounts can create.
Liverpool fans should be excited by the prospect of signing Jorginho, but the Instagram activity shouldn't be viewed as any sort of indication of a move.
Likelihood: Wait and see, it's early days for this one.
