Things change in the blink of an eye in football. The Football Whispers Index takes the latest transfer rumours and gives them a score out of five; the higher the score, the more realistic and reliable the whisper.
Here are today’s top five emerging whispers. And keep an eye on Transfer Talk for all the latest gossip.
Leonardo Bonucci to Barcelona
Barcelona are considering a move for Milan defender Bonucci, despite the fact he only joined the Rossoneri from rivals Juventus in the summer. But the Italian international has emerged as a surprise Barcelona target. The Catalans are in the market for a centre-half as long-serving defender Javier Mascherano is set to move on at the end of the season. Bonucci has struggled to find his best form at the San Siro following his move from Juve, but Don Balon report that has not dimmed Barca’s interest.
Anthony Martial to Real Madrid
The Manchester United winger has emerged as an option for Real Madrid, who view him as a potential long-term replacement for former United hero Cristiano Ronaldo. Martial has impressed for United this season but is still not guaranteed a starting place in Jose Mourinho’s team. Real boss Zinedine Zidane is keen to bolster his attacking options, with Ronaldo and Karim Benzema on just two league goals apiece this season. However, Martial — who joined United for an initial £36 million in 2015 — would likely cost the La Liga side around £80m.
Jack Butland to Chelsea
The Blues have identified Butland as the ideal successor to Thibaut Courtois. Chelsea’s No.1 has yet to extend his contract beyond 2019 amid reports he is a Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid target and the West London club are making preparations for his potential departure. According to the Daily Mail, that will lead them to Butland, who may cost more than the £30m Everton paid Sunderland for Jordan Pickford in the summer. The Potters keeper is out with a broken finger but is expected to be in the running for the England No.1 spot for the World Cup in Russia.
Luke Shaw to Newcastle United
Rafa Benitez is ready to offer out-of-favour Manchester United left-back Shaw a Premier League lifeline, according to The Daily Mirror. Benitez is said to want Shaw on loan until the end of the season, with the England international still on the fringes at Old Trafford under Mourinho where Ashley Young, Daley Blind and Matteo Darmian are preferred to him. With Shaw keen to get regular Premier League football under his belt and Benitez in the market for an option at left-back, it could be a deal to suit all parties.
Adam Masina to Tottenham Hotspur
With continuing uncertainty over Danny Rose’s long-term future, Spurs have scouted Bologna left-back Masina, according to The Daily Mirror. Masina may be a feasible option for Spurs should Rose leave. Pochettino has Ben Davies in that position but is keen to secure a replacement for Rose, who is believed to be a Manchester United target following a summer interview in which he criticised Spurs’ spending and recruitment policy. Masina, 23, has 18 months left on his contract at Bologna and could be available in a cut-price deal in the summer. Sevilla are also thought to be interested in the Moroccan-born Italian.