As night follows day, Manchester United chase another young midfielder. This has been the story of this transfer window thus far, and it's delightful to see that it is continuing. But that's not all! Today, we've got free transfers, development fees, cut-price bargains and forgotten souls. It truly is all here.
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.
Sean Longstaff (Newcastle United to Manchester United)
As Manchester United transfer rumours go, this is par for the course. According to The Telegraph, Manchester United could make a formal bid for Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff this week. Longstaff is valued at £25m, half of what United were quoted for Aston Villa's John McGinn.
The targeting of Longstaff represents a new transfer policy implemented by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. It remains to be seen if this can return the club to a top-four berth next season. However, one thing's for sure, if United are serious about signing Longstaff, they should have no issue benefitting from Newcastle's malaise.
Bullshit-o-meter: 4/10
Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool to Rangers)
Okay, stop me if you think that you've heard this one before - Rangers, managed by Steven Gerrard, are favourites to sign an ex-Liverpool player. Yes, that's right, per The Scottish Sun, Daniel Sturridge could reunite with his old captain and move to Ibrox.
The oft-injured striker was released by Liverpool at the end of his contract. Nevertheless, Sturridge is garnering interest from Aston Villa, as well as a flurry of MLS clubs. The striker turns 30 in September, and may believe he has another season-or-two at the top level.
Bullshit-o-meter: 6/10
Rekeem Harper (West Brom to Celtic)
Another player who may make a move to Glasgow is Rekeem Harper. Football Insider reports that Celtic are willing to offer a bumper contract to the 19 year-old midfielder, whose contract expired on July 1.
Considering his contract situation, Harper would be available for a development fee of £250,000. However, the youngster is garnering interest from a variety of clubs, including Tottenham and Juventus.
Bullshit-o-meter: 6/10
Nabil Fekir (Lyon to Arsenal)
That's right, we've got some more Nabil Fekir rumours to dive into. This time, surprisingly, it's not Liverpool that being linked to the French international. Instead, according to the Mirror, Arsenal have been offered the Lyon playmaker for a discounted price of £30m.
Of course, Arsenal have already made a bid of £40m for Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha. However, with that transfer not looking likely to go through, Fekir represents value in an over-inflated market. However, he does have knee issues, with his transfer to Liverpool last summer scuppered due to his medical.
Bullshit-o-meter: 5/10
Carl Jenkinson (Arsenal to Crystal Palace)
Yes, Carl Jenkinson is still alive, and rather more shockingly, he is still at Arsenal. The one-time England cap is a target for Crystal Palace, with the Eagles looking to replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The Sun reports that the right-back, valued at £5m, is the man Palace want.
Of course, Arsenal could be obtuse regarding a deal for Jenkinson. After all, Palace laughed at Arsenal's paltry £40m offer for Wilfried Zaha. Regardless, Arsenal may just want to get Jenkinson off the books for good.
Bullshit-o-meter: 4/10
