With the amount of rumours swirling around at this time of year, it can sometimes be difficult to decipher the truth.
Not to worry however, because here at Tribalfootball, we have broken down the week's hottest transfer rumours, and informed you whether to believe the paper talk or not.
Eden Hazard – Chelsea FC
Clubs interested: Real Madrid
This isn't the first instance we're hearing of Madrid's interest in Hazard. It's an idea that's not out of the question, but it will definitely take some haggling on both ends here.
Here's how the scenario has played out so far, according to Diario Gol.
Madrid want Hazard, and offered Karim Benzema or Gareth Bale in exchange. Chelsea didn't seem to like either of those (I'm as baffled as you are) and have instead named Marco Asensio or Isco as their preferred exchange deals, a heavy handed counter offer if you ask me.
Why anyone would reject Bale, arguably the closest you could get to a Ronaldo replacement, is beyond me. But hey, football is as much a business about future investment as anything else, hence the Blues desire for Asensio and Isco, who are 22 and 25 respectively.
Hazard rejected Chelsea's latest offer in January, leaving the door ajar for anyone to nab his signature, the Blues included.
Likelihood: Flip a coin. A really expensive coin
Samuel Umtiti – FC Barcelona
Clubs interested: Manchester United
It's a case of the grass being greener on the other side, or a sibling argument of "he's got what I want". Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti feels a little left out here, and the man just wants to feel a little more love. Is that too much to ask?
El Chiringuito tells us that he's currently earning €4 million per year, while his teammate Paco Alcacer is earning €5 million. The French defender has made 72 appearances in all competitions since he's signed, it's almost double the amount of games than Alcacer, who also signed in 2016. As a result, Umtiti wants to feel a little more valued, and has reportedly asked for a double or nothing contract renewal.
If he doesn't get his way, he's made it clear that Manchester United is his preferred destination. His release clause is €60 million, and should the Catalan club decide he's not worth the investment, I'm sure they'd be happier with money in their pockets for the Frenchman.
Likelihood: Tough to say. This one is up to the Barcelona board
Paul Pogba – Manchester United
Clubs interested: Juventus
Now doesn't this seem a little too familiar? We've seen this before, but this time we're definitely aware of Paul Pogba's talent.
Whether the rumoured bust up between the Frenchman and Jose Mourinho remains a mystery, if they are to be believed then it's possible he could leave Old Trafford yet again.
He left United for a whopping €105 million just 18 months ago, and L'Equipe suggests that the original transfer agreement could allow Juventus to nab him back at a massive discount. It would be a minimum fee of €60 million, but WHO in their right mind is going to let him go to Juventus AGAIN?!
I'm almost certain that Mourinho, while controversial, is not a fool when it comes to managing players of Pogba's ilk. If that were the case, Ronaldo might've left Madrid years ago.
I don't believe Pogba is going to "just leave" without helping United to more silverware. But then again, Mourinho does what Mourinho wants. If Pogba leaves, United's trophy cabinet won't be the only thing scrutinised as of late.
Likelihood: We've seen it once, and lightening doesn't strike the same place twice
Piotr Zielinski – Napoli
Clubs interested: Liverpool
It seems as though Klopp's character attracts players of a similar mindset. Professional, gentlemanly. As we've seen with the question of Emre Can's contract, as well as Coutinho paying his dues to his former clubmates after moving to Barcelona. Whichever way a deal goes with Klopp, he carries it out like a champion.
Liverpool have already missed the chance to sign Piotr Zielinski, who opted for Napoli at the time, though that hasn't deterred Klopp's interest in the slightest. The Polish international has been on the outer at Napoli, though the club still rates him worth €35 million or so. A handy little addition for that amount if you ask me.
Calciomercato.com suggests that Liverpool are preparing a bid come the end of season, and Zielinski said his head was an even bigger mess after meeting with Klopp. A sense of loyalty brewing perhaps? Maybe Zielinski realises how much of a missed opportunity it was for himself.
In any case, Liverpool are trekking well and will attract any footballer at this stage. Zielinski could get a second bite at the cherry if he truly wished.
Likelihood: If the price is right, he's off
Midfielder wanted – Manchester United
Potential targets: Toni Kroos, Willian, Victor Wanyama, Jean Michael Seri, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Jorginho
Jose Mourinho is arguably one of the managers who spearheads impulse, expensive purchases in the transfer world. However it seems as though his need now is to fill a position, rather than chase one expensive player. How refreshing.
With the retirement of Michael Carrick on the horizon, along with Marouane Fellaini becoming a free agent, and if the rumours of Paul Pogba are to be believed, this leaves a massive gaping hole (we're talking borderline crater here) in United's midfield. It won't be an easy one to replace by any means.
As mentioned earlier, Mourinho does what Mourinho wants. And if Mourinho wants to chase 6 players, he's going to chase 6 players and probably sign at least two of them.
Real Madrid's Toni Kroos tops the list.
We could see a straight swap for Pogba if he's leaving, but that still leaves United's depth a little subpar. Willian would be an incredible steal, but the likelihood of Chelsea selling to a rival is low. Well, much lower than Juan Mata's transfer back in 2014.
The remaining names on the list seem to be back up plans, should their ideal targets fail.
Mourinho will fix this mess much like any of us would fix a house. By throwing money at it.
Likelihood: He'll buy a couple midfielders in summer, just you watch
