Sport
THE RUMOUR MILL
Dimitar Berbatov, free agent to Aston Villa
Likelihood: 5/5
Villa boss Tim Sherwood is not afraid to put his faith in tempestuous characters; Adebayor thrived under his guidance at Spurs, while Benteke found his best form during the 46-year old’s spell at the helm of Villa last season. Former Manchester United and Spurs striker Dimitar Berbatov, who is a free agent following his release by Monaco, is another player with such a personality. He is regarded as difficult to deal with and, when his team is struggling, often goes missing. A strikeforce of Adebayor and Berbatov – which seems likely – is a very risky pairing, but if Tim can get them playing together, they will worry defenders all season long.
Asier Illarramendi, Real Madrid to Liverpool
Likelihood: 2/5
This rumour has picked up a little of late following Rafa’s declaration that the 25-year-old ‘has no future’ at the Bernabéu. That in itself is no surprise, given that he has barely featured in the Spanish giants’ first XI since his €30m transfer from Real Sociedad in 2013, but a move to Liverpool would be something of a shock. He will likely cost upwards of £20m and, given that Liverpool have already spent a ton of money this summer, could well be out of the Reds’ price bracket. Liverpool struggled last season after Rodgers decided to make wholesale changes to the squad, but he seems to be taking the very same risk again this year. If Liverpool bring in yet another new face, I can only see another stuttering, and ultimately disappointing, season for the red half of Merseyside.
Andriy Yarmolenko, Dynamo Kiev to Stoke
Likelihood: 4/5
Just three or four years ago, a player of this stature moving to Stoke would have been ridiculous. But, times have changed in deepest Staffordshire. Stoke are now an established Premier League side, and can now attract big names. Bojan and Afellay, anyone? Yarmolenko is a class act, and has been linked with a host of Premier League teams in recent seasons – namely Liverpool and Spurs – but it appears Stoke are now in pole position. I can see this move going ahead and, if it does, I expect him to shine.
Karim Benzema, Real Madrid to Arsenal
Likelihood: 1/5
The rumour that just will not go away. Benzema has been linked with Arsenal for what seems like his entire Real Madrid career and, while the media will not let it go, Arsene Wenger has never seemed to fully embrace the prospect of signing the 27-year-old. In fact, he has on a number of occasions openly dismissed the rumour entirely, claiming he has ‘no idea’ where it has come from. Recent reports have stated that Benzema is available if a team is willing to stump up £45m, but this appears to be nothing more than speculation. I do not believe Benzema will be going anywhere this summer.
Alessandro Diamanti, Guangzhou Evergrande to Watford
Likelihood: 4/5
I remember watching this guy when he was at West Ham and thought he was a decent player. Never world class, but the sort of forward that would grab 10 goals a season without trouble. He spent around 12 months in the Premier League before becoming yet another victim of West Ham’s perpetual revolving door transfer system, and England largely forgot about him. However, it seems that newly promoted Watford are willing to give him another opportunity to prove his worth. He’s 32 now, so is probably a little past his best, but he’s definitely worth a punt. If Watford can get this deal over the line, then I predict he’ll score the goals to keep the Hornets up this season.
