Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea striker Fernando Torres, 29.

Full story: London Evening Standard

What’s the story? Barcelona moving for Fernando Torres? Perhaps they want someone to put some pressure on Leo Messi and the newly-signed Neymar. And Alexis, Pedro, Tello etc.Does it make sense? No. Reports are that Barcelona want Torres to be an impact sub, but it never ever makes sense to buy players for squad depth rather than for the first team. Also, if he moves to sit on the bench, he’s giving up on his remote chance of traveling to the World Cup next summer.Is the price right? Chelsea paid £50m, and so are going to take a massive loss whatever way; and there’s no possible way that Barcelona can justify paying over £10m for bench fodder.Will it happen? 0/10 – Torres to Barcelona we’re talking about here.

Manchester United are hoping that Real Madrid can land Bale to help them re-sign Portuguese attacker Cristiano Ronaldo, 28, this summer.

Full story: The Sun

What’s the story? As I’ll be looking at later, a lot depends on Gareth Bale this summer. If Real do sign him then they may consider selling Ronaldo.Does it make sense? Yes, as such. But this implies that Real are happy to sell Ronaldo, which I’m not convinced by even if they do sign Bale. They must surely want to sign Bale to pair him with Ronaldo rather than as a replacement.Is the price right? Seems like it’s going to be in the £80-85m region.Will it happen? 4/10 – Hard to be committed to this either way.

David Moyes is closing in on Benfica defender Ezequiel Garay with an agreement in principle between the United and the Portuguese side for the 26-year-old.

Full story: Daily Mirror

What’s the story? United need a young footballing defender to take over from Rio Ferdinand and that is exactly what Garay is. He was exceptional for Benfica this season.Does this make sense? Yes. Ferdinand and Vidic are getting old and injury-prone respectively, Evans has had trouble with injury, and with Jones still to have a fixed position, there could be a big hole at the back.Is the price right? £17m is reasonable.Will it happen? 10/10 – Even the share price has dipped because of the cash release.

Manchester City are hoping the arrival of new manager Manuel Pellegrini will help them land 21-year-old Malaga winger Isco.

Full story: The Sun

What’s the story? Isco has been showing off his variety of talent which makes him an elite prospect for Spain. City need someone who can offer something different in attack, and Isco has pace and trickery in abundance.Does it make sense? Yes. Isco has improved rapidly under Pellegrini and would give City exactly what they need.Is the price right? Malaga aren’t in great financial shape so he could be prised away for somewhere in the £20m region.Will it happen? 8/10 – It’s looking to be on the verge on happening.

Real Madrid will compete with Chelsea and Manchester City for Napoli forward Edinson Cavani after the Spanish club held preliminary talks with the 26-year-old Uruguayan’s representatives with a view to securing his services before the new season.

Full story: Guardian

What’s the story? Real Madrid clearly aren’t happy with Benzema and Higuain, and so seem to be looking at either Cavani or Suarez. Seems like Cavani is the back-up if Liverpool dig their heels in over Suarez.Does it make sense? Yes. Suarez would be more useful for Real in all likelihood, but Cavani wouldn’t exactly be a bad back-up option.Is the price right? £52m for Cavani, £40-50m for Suarez. Take your pick.Will it happen? 3/10 – If they don’t get Suarez, it very well could.

Liverpool hope to sign Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet for £8m in the next week. The Merseyside club have bid £7m for the 25-year-old but the Wearsiders are holding out for nearer £10m, with the clubs likely to reach a compromise.

Full story: Daily Mail

What’s the story? The only reason for Liverpool to be pushing so hard for a goalkeeper is if they are selling Reina, especially considering the many other holes around the squad. If they are, Mignolet is an excellent replacement.Does it make sense? Yes, if they are indeed selling Reina but only then. It shouldn’t be a priority to make a change in goal but it seems to be. For Sunderland, getting really good money for a goalkeeper makes sense, but he was their best player last season.Is the price right? Let’s say £8.5m, somewhere in between the two.Will it happen? 9/10 – almost certainly now.

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