Transfer Balls: Rounding up the day’s football tittle-tattle so you don’t have to…
David De Gea Can Only Win
Should David De Gea be forced to see out the final year of his current Manchester United contract, Real Madrid will sign him on a free transfer and make up any shortfall in his wages with a massive £12m signing on fee, says the Mirror. Should the Spaniard leave before the current transfer window shuts, Real Madrid will give Man United £25m and de Gea a big pay rise and a large signing on fee. De Gea looks a dead cert to leave Old Trafford for Madrid. The only decision left to make is when.
Likelihood rating: 
/5
Nicolas Otamendi To Manchester
There’s been lots of talk about Nicolas Otamendi joining Manchester United. Stories like: “Manchester United AGREE deal to sign Valencia star Nicolas Otamendi”; “Deal done: Man United target Nicolas Otamendi agrees move, will be announced today” (both Daily Star); “Nicolas Otamendi to Manchester United: Club agree to sign £36m-rated centre-back” (Independent); and “Real Madrid believe Manchester United have sealed Nicolas Otamendi transfer” (Daily Mirror). It turns out these stories are all utter balls because the Daily Mail says Manchester City are “close to completing the £28.5m signing of Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi, 27, with City defender Eliaquim Mangala, 24, likely to go to the Spanish club on loan.” Although, the Express says the fee is £35m.
Likelihood rating: /5
Best / worst of the rest
Man Utd have agreed to pay Benfica £28m for Nicolas Gaitan, reports the Express
The Daily Telegraph claims Arsenal are readying a £35.5m offer for PSG’s Edinson Cavani.
Roma have offered Chelsea £25million for defender Kurt Zouma, says the Sunday People
Manchester City will increase their £43m offer for Wolfsburg’s Kevin de Bruyne, says Sky Sports
The Mirror says West Ham are keen on Hull midfielder Tom Huddlestone
Chelsea’s £5m off for Galatasaray defender Alex Telles has been rejected, says the Daily Star
Everton are chasing Dynamo Kiev’s 25-year-old forward Andriy Yarmolenko, says the Liverpool Echo
Mateo Kovacic, says Gazzetta, will pick Real Madrid over Liverpool
Mauricio Pochettino, the Tottenham head coach, says, ““We need one or two players more, yes,” reports the Times,