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...
James Rodriguez – Bayern Munich (on loan from Real Madrid)
Clubs interested: Bayern Munich, Manchester United
James Rodriguez has had his share of struggles and success, but nothing seems to deter his fighting spirit. He has rediscovered his form in the Bundesliga under Jupp Heynckes and credited with being a key member of Bayern's title defence this season.
However, uncertainty lies ahead for the Colombia star as he seeks to secure his future.
While he's currently on loan from Real Madrid, Bayern are interested in signing him permanently. For Rodriguez, his concern lies with the managerial change at the Allianz Arena. Former Croatia manager Niko Kovac is set to take over from next season, and reports are that James Rodriguez may not suit his system of play.
Enter Jose Mourinho.
According to Don Balon, Mourinho has told Rodriguez (via his agent Jorge Mendes) that he wants to bring him to England, and seemingly intervene on Bayern's first dibs on the Colombia captain. It's well known that Manchester United are hellbent on revamping their midfield, and Rodriguez could provide the perfect solution.
That, and the number 10 happens to be available at United. It's a dream move and your number awaits you, how could you not?
With Madrid also wielding the axe this off season, it could be a three-way battle for his services. No telling what happens next at this point.
Likelihood: It's a three-horse race, but only one winner
Anthony Martial – Manchester United
Clubs interested: Juventus
Every footballer pursues his dream with one thing in mind: playing football. It's no different for Anthony Martial, who is feeling a little left out at Old Trafford. The Frenchman hasn't had as much game time as he would like, and with the addition of Alexis Sanchez it seems unlikely to change for the remainder of the season.
While he's still contracted to United for another 2 seasons, Martial is demanding more game time under Mourinho. Otherwise he's threatening to look at his options, of which Juventus seems to be the top priority.
Tuttosport claim that Juventus could snare the 22-year-old for a mere €40 million. I mean, it'll be a fantastic move for Martial and Juventus, who will be a great match for one another. I think it's a mistake from United but when his price tag is less than what it was 3 years ago, Juventus would be stupid not to act fast.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, if United let Martial go to Juventus it's only going to make United look foolish. We'll have another Paul Pogba situation on our hands, in which the player will blossom spectacularly and warrant a world class fee. If he does, I hope he excels for his own sake.
Likelihood: Early prediction that he's off to Turin
Thomas Tuchel – formerly Borussia Dortmund
Clubs interested: PSG, Chelsea
Thomas Tuchel finds himself on the sidelines for the minute, but it's just a matter of time before he lands himself a new job. The 2017 German Cup winner is on the radar of both PSG and Chelsea, who are both in the market for a manager as of next season onwards.
Tuchel is reported to be the favourite to take over Unai Emery in Paris, however Recordpundit Eladio Parames seems to suggest that Tuchel is headed to Stamford Bridge. Parames, who is a close confidant of Jose Mourinho, thinks his intel is good enough to predict that Chelsea could steal Tuchel from under PSG's nose.
I'm not totally convinced with Parames confidence, but it's not out of the question either. The two rich giants could battle it out for a manager like we haven't seen before. His unproven track record has me a little sceptical, but a near 63% win record and a German Cup with Dortmund can't be overlooked either.
Either club will be a big learning curve for the 44-year-old, but he has his wits about him and won't be taken for a ride. I believe PSG would be a better fit, a club with yet another title under their belts and aims for further success in the Champions League would provide a good foundation for a manager as Tuchel.
It would be unwise to pass up a deal from either clubs.
Likelihood: Tuchel to PSG seems more likely
Emil Forsberg – RB Leipzig
Clubs interested: Arsenal
Yet another midfielder in Arsenal's sights is Sweden international Emil Forsberg.
The 26-year-old currently plies his trade for Leipzig but could make the big move to London before you know it.
BILD reports that the Gunners are preparing a €40 million bid for the Swedish star, who has garnered Sweden's midfielder of the year three times in his career. Interestingly, it's being reported that he's touted as a potential replacement for the departed Alexis Sanchez who was traded for Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
I won't lie, this one made me chuckle. Wouldn't Mkhitaryan be the replacement for Alexis Sanchez, seeing as they were a direct trade? Why seek another player to replace Sanchez?
You can't replace a single player, but only strengthen the position he left or strengthen the areas around it to accommodate.
In any case, contact has been made and Arsenal are extremely interested in acquiring his services.
Likelihood: Bet you €40 million he's off
Lucas Vasquez – Real Madrid
Clubs interested: Liverpool
Yet another Madrid player in the transfer headlines in Lucas Vazquez. The 26-year-old has turned some heads with his form in the Champions League, but hasn't done enough to get more game time at the star-studded line up in Madrid.
Diario Goltells us that Liverpool are in fact in contact about a potential move, and it's well known around the Santiago Bernabeu as well. His teammates know, and even Zinedine Zidane is aware that Lucas is looking for more game time.
As covered previously, Liverpool's rotation policy provides every player the chance to prove their worth, and Lucas finds this an attractive prospect. As does every other midfielder looking for a new club this summer it seems.
A potential replacement for the outgoing Emre Can, Lucas could slot right into Liverpool's midfield as they aim to take it up a notch next English Premier League season.
And hey if they win the Champions League, anyone would want to be playing for Liverpool next season.
Likelihood: A fair assumption that he'll be off
