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THE RUMOUR MILL – Colossus Football Betting Blog
THE RUMOUR MILL – Colossus Football Betting Blog
Thomas Muller, Bayern Munich to Manchester United
Likelihood: 3/5
This particular rumour started floating about a few weeks ago and, at the time, it seemed far-fetched; another piece of fabricated ‘gossip’ intended to add a little extra sensationalism to the day’s back pages. However, what is quite surprising is that the story hasn’t gone away. In fact, it seems to have intensified in recent days. Even discounting Muller, Bayern have one of the most impressive forward lines in all of European football, so would they be adverse to letting him go if it was in exchange for an astronomical fee? Perhaps not. With RvP almost certainly on his way to Fenerbahçe there’s definitely room for another forward in the Manchester United side, and LvG does not appear scared to splash the cash. The only stumbling block would appear to be Muller’s unwillingness to leave Bayern. If United can sign him then it would undoubtedly be the transfer of the summer, but at the minute the deal still seems as though it is speculation rather than potential fact.
Andros Townsend, Tottenham to Aston Villa
Likelihood: 4/5
Everything about this story points to the idea that it will eventually become a reality. Sherwood knows Townsend well and rates his ability – far more than current Spurs boss Pochettino does. Sherwood needs to add pace to his side, especially on the wings – Andros would provide that in spades. Tim likes youngsters, especially if they’re British – two more ticks. The rumoured fee of £15m is somewhat surprising given that the 23-year-old has done very little in the Premier League, but if Villa stump up the cash then Tottenham would almost certainly let him go. I think this deal will go through, but I expect the actual outlay to be closer to the £8m mark.
Aleksandar Mitrović, Anderlecht to Newcastle
Likelihood: 5/5
I’ve got a good feeling about this one and, if it goes through, then the Magpies have quite a player on their hands. The 20-year-old is one of the most sought-after young strikers in Europe and, while he was always going to leave the Belgian giants this summer, he will almost certainly have received offers from clubs with a higher profile than Newcastle. Perhaps the rumoured asking price of £12m was putting off his suitors, or maybe he’s just a big fan of Geordie Shore. The young Serb is currently hitting an average of a goal every two games, and that is something none of Newcastle’s current forwards will have a hope of achieving next season. I expect this deal to go through, and I think he’ll be a star in England.
Ron Vlaar, Aston Villa to Southampton
Likelihood: 1/5
This rumour doesn’t really make much sense, particularly from a Southampton perspective. The Saints have just suffered a big blow after Spurs pipped them to the signing of Toby Alderweireld, so they are certainly on the look out for a competent centre-back, but why would they target a 30-year-old that has a history of major injury problems? If Southampton are to once again push for European football then they need signings of a higher calibre than Ron. This rumour will remain nothing but that.
Raheem Sterling, Liverpool to Manchester City
Likelihood: 5/5
The more I hear about Sterling, the more I wonder why any club would be willing to take him on. He appears to be little more than a petulant troublemaker who believes himself to be a far greater footballer than he really is. Were he to have the best attitude in the world then £50m would still be too much, but to spend that sort of money on a bad-tempered, arrogant and egotistical child is nothing short of moronic. If Liverpool can get anything north of £35m from this saga then they’ve done very, very well.
