Top Transfer Rumours Of The Day: Bale, Coutinho, Rodriguez, And More
1. Gareth Bale To Manchester United
REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach
What’s the story?
Diario Gol in Spain have recently reported that Manchester United are finally close to signing Gareth Bale in the summer, but only if they manage to secure UEFA Champions League football by the end of this season. With Bale being injury-prone at Madrid and not shining as an eventual Cristiano Ronaldo replacement, reports suggest that Mourinho has agreed to an unwritten agreement with the Welsh player which will bring him to Old Trafford this summer.
Should the deal take place?
Manchester United are a team looking out for players that will bring pace, goals and physicality into their squad, as Mourinho aims to bring silverware back at the club. Bale has title winning experience with Madrid, and his left foot is one that the current United squad are certainly lacking. If the chance comes about, Mourinho should grab the Welshman with both hands.
Possibility of it happening
We believe that the chances of this deal taking place is not higher than a 5/10, as despite sounding good, Bale was always Madrid-bound, and after being there for so long and trying his best to overcome injuries, he would certainly want to stay and prove himself to the Bernabeu faithful.
2. Virgil van Dijk To Liverpool
Reuters / Matthew Childs
What’s the story?
The defender is ready to be a battle of interest among big clubs like Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool, and despite the Saints boss claiming that Virgil will be staying put at the club, Jurgen Klopp believes the Kop will win the race and lure the centre-back to Merseyside.
Should the deal take place?
The defender is a strong lad waiting to step out on bigger platforms across Europe, and given the success former Southampton players have given Liverpool, his physicality, pace and sheer size and strength will be factors Klopp should be relishing to reel in.
Possibility of it happening
Given the recent history of Southampton players heading to Liverpool, like Lovren, Lallana, Clyne and Lambert, this deal stands a strong chance of coming to a fruitful end too, and with Klopp thinking about Champions League next season, Virgil will be a very strong inclusion. We rate it 8/10 in favour of the deal.
3. Philippe Coutinho To Barcelona
Reuters / Lee Smith
What’s the story?
The Brazilian, according to Sport, has said ‘yes’ to move to Barcelona this summer, and despite the La Liga side being short on funds and reliant on sales in the window, the agreed price is apparently a whopping €90 million.
Should the deal take place?
Barcelona are a side filled with immensely talented players like the MSN trio, Iniesta, Gomez, Turan, Busquets and many more. Coutinho is currently a prime player in Merseyside, and risking that and fighting for a spot in a star-studded Barca lineup, with Champions League available in both places, is a risk the player should not really consider taking.
Possibility of it happening
Though it has been an ongoing saga for a while, the actual possibility of it happening might not be any higher than 3/10. With Barca lacking in funds, Liverpool eyeing a strong squad for Champions League next year, and Coutinho being easily their best player, one would be highly courageous to place his bets on the success of this negotiation.
4. Ricardo Rodriguez To A.C. Milan
What’s the story?
According to Sky Sports Italia, Wolfsburg’s star left-back has agreed terms with the sleeping giants of Europe, AC Milan, as he looks for a summer switch. The Italian side have to decide the final terms with the Bundesliga club in order to bring the 2014 Swiss player of the year to their squad, as they continuously look to find ways to become one of the best teams in Europe yet again.
Should the deal take place?
AC Milan have been a side known for a great formidable defence in the years gone by, and signing Ricardo might be a step in gaining that reputation back again, and with it not being a very expensive affair, the Serie A side should ensure the player puts pen to paper.
Possibility of it happening
With the source being highly credible and both parties seem to be equally involved, the deal looks all set to be completed, and hence, has a possibility of 9/10.
5. Saúl Ñíguez To Barcelona
Reuters / Wolfgang Rattay
What’s the story?
Andres Iniesta is all set to leave the club at the end of next season, and with Barcelona looking for ideal replacements for their legend, reports have emerged claiming that Saul, an Atletico Madrid star, stands out as a contender in this hunt. Barcelona have the first option on the player as a result of David Villa’s move to Atleti in 2013.
Should the deal take place?
Saul is a player that has impressed one and all since his burst into the Atletico side, and with his attributes being dribbling, skills, passes and quick pacy feet, he and Barcelona seem to be the perfect match for one another.
Possibility of it happening
With Atletico Madrid being strong rivals and title challengers alongside Barcelona, it is tough to imagine that one of their main men will leave to join the Catalan side. However, with Barca looking to spend up to €50 million, and Iniesta leaving immensely big shoes to fill, the deal could fall in place. Hence, a 6/10 from our side in favour of the rumour.
Written by Vikram Gupta 
An attacker with his words, and defends each of them with pride. A love for the game which goes hand in hand with his will to forever write. A graduate in the course of advertising and a hopeful to be author. Herrera for the win.