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.
Arda Turan to Istanbul Basaksehir
Marca claim the 30-year-old will return to his homeland to join Istanbul Basaksehir. Turan signed for Barcelona when they were under a registration ban, meaning he had to wait until January 2016 to make his debut. Since then the Istanbul native has managed just 23 La Liga starts and is yet to make a league appearance this season. Basaksehir president Goksel Gumusdag said: “I understand the media are excited and I’m so excited too, but we have to wait. We have a couple of steps to go in order to finish the deal.”
Michy Batshuayi to Sevilla
Batshuayi has never convinced Antonio Conte and this season, with Alvaro Morata short of form, the Italian coach has stubbornly ignored the 24-year-old despite claiming to be pleased with his performances. Conte said previously: “I’m very happy when he’s playing and when I’m calling him to start the game. He has to continue this way.” A move away from Stamford Bridge looks to be on the cards, with El Desmarque reporting Batshuayi will move to Sevilla on loan for the rest of the campaign.
Chancel Mbemba to Celtic
In and out of the Newcastle United side under Rafa Benitez this season, centre-back Mbemba looks set to exit St James’ Park in January with Anderlecht also keen on his services. But the DR Congo captain is a Celtic target as Brendan Rodgers seeks to shore up his defence. According to The Sun, Mbemba is the player Rodgers has identified to strengthen his Europa League campaign when it resumes next month.
Ben Brereton to Tottenham Hotspur
Unsurprisingly after his goal in Nottingham Forest’s shock 4-2 FA Cup win over Arsenal on Sunday, Brereton is being linked with a Premier League move. According to the Daily Mail, the 18-year-old forward is a Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur target. The forward only has 38 first-team appearances to his name since breaking into Forest’s starting XI last season but he has been watched regularly by Premier League sides including Everton, Crystal Palace and Leicester City.
Leon Bailey to Manchester United
It only seems to be a matter of time until Bayer Leverkusen winger Bailey moves to the Premier League but his destination remains anyone’s guess. The 20-year-old, who has six goals in 10 Bundesliga starts this season, is refusing to get drawn into the speculation but admits he dreams of playing in the Premier League. “Of course I have a dream club, but I will not tell. Basically England was and still is my dream,” he told Bild. “And if I keep working hard, I’m sure it will work someday.”