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.
Juan Mata to Real Madrid
Real Madrid are lining up a shock move for Manchester United playmaker Mata, according to the Express. The 29-year-old started his career at the Bernanbeu but failed to break into the first team before being sold to Valencia. The former Chelsea midfielder has been a regular in the United team since making the switch from Stamford Bridge in January 2014. However, speculation over his long-term future was fuelled when he was surprisingly left out of the squad by Jose Mourinho for the defeat to the Blues on Sunday.
Keylor Navas to Arsenal
One player who could be heading for the Bernabeu exit door, however, is Navas, as the Costa Rican has reportedly grown unhappy with Real president Florentino Perez over the club’s pursuit of Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea. The 30-year would become second-choice to De Gea should Madrid land the Spaniard and may seek a move elsewhere to be guaranteed regular football, with Arsenal and Liverpool said to be interested parties, according to Diario Gol.
Tolgay Arslan to Tottenham
Besiktas midfielder Arslan has emerged as a Tottenham target. Fotomac claims that Spurs have been impressed by the 27-year-old’s displays in the Turkish Super Lig this season and are planning to launch a bid of around £9million for him in January. A combative ball-winner with an eye for a pass, Arslan perhaps wouldn’t be a guaranteed starter at Spurs but would add further depth to Mauricio Pochettino’s squad as they look to mount a Premier League title challenge.
Stefan Jovetic to Southampton
Southampton are targeting a move for former Manchester City striker Jovetic in January. Mauricio Pellegrino is expected to prioritise the signing of a proven finisher after watching his side score only nine goals in 11 games this season. The Montenegro international only joined Monaco in the summer but has quickly grown disgruntled at starting most games on the bench and may look to a return to the Premier League to get his career back on track.
Islam Slimani to Rennes
Leicester City striker Slimani may force a move away from the King Power after falling down the pecking order. The Algerian, signed from Sporting Lisbon in 2016 in a club record £30m move, has started only one league game this season but has impressed in the Carabao Cup, scoring four times in three appearances. While Crystal Palace are said to be targeting a move for the 29-year-old, Rennes are also in the running. The Ligue 1 side are targeting a frontman after managing just 14 goals in 12 games this season.