Analysing the transfer gossip – 23rd July: Part One

As we move in to the off-season an unprecedented amount of managerial movement around Europe will surely see an already frantic transfer market go in to overdrive. This will give plenty of opportunities for transfer rumour and gossip. So how much of it is realistic?

Part Two is here. Part Three is here.

Injured Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, 27, has been playing golf close to Chelsea’s training ground – fuelling speculation the England international could be on his way to Stamford Bridge.

Full story: Daily Star

What’s the story? Wow. Seriously? You’re not misreading that. The destination of Rooney’s golf course is apparently a key factor in deciding Rooney’s future. Never mind what any one at United is saying, or whether Mourinho is just revving up the mind games, let’s see where he plays golf.

If he played golf in Scotland would it mean that Celtic are close to getting him? Also, ‘fuelling speculation’. So the boring daily updates on a transfer that isn’t going to happen isn’t fuelling itself? It’s reliant on where he plays golf? Save me…

Does it make sense? If you’re taking this as a sign that Rooney is about to join Chelsea please seek help.

Is the price right? Who knows? United don’t sell star men in England anyway.

Will it happen? 2/10 – Again, who really knows? Are Chelsea just messing about with Moyes? Would United change a policy of the last 20-30 years and sell a player to another English club when still a star man? I fear this will drag on and on.