Replacements are the name of the game in Thursday's transfer rumours. Club stalwarts, problem positions and managerial roles are all gaps that need to be filled.
Welcome to the Balls Bullshit-O-Meter. It measures the validity of a transfer rumour with its scientifically approved formula of measuring the smell of the bullshit emanating from the morning reports. '1' is a fresh meadow with '10' setting off nuclear toxicity alarms throughout the land.
Kylian Mbappe (PSG to Liverpool)
First, we start with some complete conjecture. Although Real Madrid have a plan to sign Mbappe in 2020, per Marca, another club have the French forward in their plans. On their Weekender podcast, The Anfield Wrap have outlined the plans in place to sign Kylian Mbappe in 2020.
These plans include the fact Liverpool begin a Nike deal in 2020, who also sponsor Mbappe. Subsequently, recently released striker Daniel Sturridge posed for a photo with Mbappe, further fuelling speculation. Speculation, in this instance, being a completely unfounded rumour. I love silly season.
Bullshit-o-meter: 10/10
Isco (Real Madrid to Manchester City)
With David Silva announcing he plans to leave Manchester City at the end of the season, City are immediately targeting another diminutive Spanish playmaker. Step forward Isco, who Marca are reporting is Pep Guardiola's first choice to fill Silva's boots.
Isco has been the at the centre of transfer rumours since he started at Real Madrid in 2013. The midfielder might also find first-team opportunities limited next season following the arrival of Eden Hazard.
Bullshit-o-meter: 4/10
Sean Dyche (Burnley to Newcastle United)
Following Mike Ashley's decision to let Rafa Benitez walk away from St James's Park in an act of utter lunacy, there's a managerial post that needs filling. Newcastle are reportedly interested in Burnley boss Sean Dyche, according to The Daily Mail. However, the stumbling block is that Burnley would want £10m in compensation just to let the Magpies speak to Dyche.
Considering Mike Ashley's reputation for being tight, it's doubtful that he would be willing to pay such a garish fee for a manager. Plus, there's no guarantee that Dyche would even want to manage Newcastle.
Bullshit-o-meter: 9/10
Victor Lindelöf (Manchester United to Barcelona)
One of a few bright spots for United last season was Victor Lindelöf. Following a difficult first season, the Swede stepped up as a defensive anchor for a leaky United defence. According to Mundo Deportivo, Lindelöf was the subject of an approach from Barcelona following their failure to sign Matt de Ligt from Ajax.
However, United firmly rebuffed Barcelona's approach for the centre-back. It remains to be seen if Barcelona make another approach, with defensive reinforcements needed should Samuel Umtiti leave the club.
Bullshit-o-meter: 7/10
Gianluigi Donnarumma (AC Milan to PSG)
It seems as though the careers of Gianluigi Donnarumma and Gianluigi Buffon are intrinsically linked. Both burst onto the scene as teenage sensations, both are named Gianluigi and both are getting a lot of money from Puma. Now, there's another similarity to add to the list, as Donnarumma looks set to sign for PSG as a replacement for Buffon.
According to Gianluca di Marzio, Donnarumma is set to move to Paris for around €20m plus the services of Alphonse Areola. Let's hope the younger Gianluigi has a better time in the Parc de Princes than his idol.
Bullshit-o-meter: 3/10
