Things change in the blink of an eye in football. The Football Whispers Index takes the latest transfer rumours and gives them a score out of five; the higher the score, the more realistic and reliable the Whisper.
Here are today’s top five emerging whispers. And keep an eye on Transfer Talk for all the latest gossip.
Issa Diop to Barcelona
Strengthening the centre of Barcelona’s defence will be the No. 1 priority for coach Ernesto Valverde this summer. Samuel Umtiti is a Manchester United transfer target while January addition Yerry Mina looks set to be loaned out in order to allow the signing of another non-EU player. As a result, Barcelona have already made contact with Toulouse defender Diop, according to Spanish publication Sport. Barcelona have watched the 21-year-old for several years and reportedly see him as third or fourth-choice centre-back at the Camp Nou next season, should they be left short of numbers.
Carlos Soler to Manchester United
Rather than attempt to solve the Paul Pogba issue, Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho will throw more money at his midfield problem by targeting Valencia’s Carlos Soler. That according to Spanish outlet El Confidencial, who claim the 21-year-old Spaniard is wanted at Old Trafford this summer. Mourinho and co. will face stiff competition from Real Madrid for Soler, who has a €70 million release clause written into his contract at the Mestalla. However, the report suggests a price of around £50m would be enough to prise him away from Valencia.
Fedor Smolov to West Ham United
After failing to get a deal completed before the January transfer window shut, West Ham United will return for Russia captain Smolov this summer. The striker’s club, Krasnodar, rejected an offer for the 28-year-old in January but West Ham could return with a bid of around £13m this summer, according to the Daily Mail. Smolov, who has 12 league goals in just 15 starts this term, is reportedly keen to move to the Premier League — despite interest from Ligue 1 side Marseille — and would like his future resolved before the World Cup kicks off in his homeland on June 14.
Hatem Ben Arfa to Leicester City
To the surprise of no-one, Ben Arfa has announced he will leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season. Writing on Instagram, the 31-year-old, who has not made a Ligue 1 appearance this season, confirmed the news and, according to The Sun, the former Newcastle United and Hull City playmaker could be in line for a reunion with Claude Puel at Leicester City. It was under the French coach that Ben Arfa enjoyed his best season in recent years, scoring 17 times from midfield to earn a move to PSG.
Raheem Sterling to Real Madrid
After a disastrous title defence, Real Madrid will return to their Galactico recruitment policy this summer and are desperate to land a big-name player to spearhead their La Liga assault next season. Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Mohamed Salah have all been mooted, but the newest name linked with the Spanish giants is Manchester City star Sterling. The England international has enjoyed his best season at the Etihad Stadium, scoring 20 times and assisting a further 11 goals in all competitions. Now the Daily Mirror claim Real will attempt to secure the 23-year-old’s signature this summer.
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