With the summer transfer window entering its final month and the Premier League incoming transfer deadline Aug. 8, David Amoyal evaluates the hottest rumours from around the world of football.
Gareth Bale to Bayern Munich: 35%
Although the transfer window already closed in China, the Wales forward is still on the market because he's no longer part of Zinedine Zidane's plans. Considering Real's strong relationship with Bayern Munich, there could be a repeat of the James Rodriguez two-year loan deal, which would help the Bundesliga champions, considering their struggles to replace Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery. Adidas, which sponsors both clubs as well as Bale, would also be quite happy to see this deal go through.
Paul Pogba to Real Madrid: 15%
After investing significantly in Matthijs de Ligt, Juventus were essentially out of the race for the France World Cup winner, leaving Madrid as his most likely destination. However, Real Madrid have failed so far to meet Manchester United's asking price of £150 million and Pogba's demands for an annual salary of £15m after taxes. As a more cost-effective alternative, the Spanish club could sign Donny van de Beek. The club have already agreed to terms with the Netherlands midfielder and now are in talks with Ajax to try to close the deal.
Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan: 55%
Manchester United have deemed that acquiring Paulo Dybala is not worth the cost of meeting his wage demands as well as his agent's request for a significant commission. This development has put Lukaku's move to Turin on life support and made Inter once again the favorites to sign the Belgium striker. United want primarily financial considerations for Lukaku, and the Nerazzurri can count on the fact that they have already agreed to terms with the player on a multiyear contract.
Mario Mandzukic to Manchester United: 30%
The Croatia international has been on the market following Massimiliano Allegri's departure from Juventus and was involved in the Lukaku swap talks with Manchester United. Mandzukic could still join Manchester United in a stand-alone deal and would be a cheaper option for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, as Juve's main interest is shedding the 33-year-old's considerable wages from the payroll.
Daniele Rugani to Arsenal: 40%
With Laurent Koscielny signed with Bordeaux, the Gunners are urgently looking to sign a centre-back before Thursday's Premier League transfer deadline. While Dayot Upamecano is their top choice, his current club, RB Leipzig, are demanding a fee of around £70m, which makes his arrival highly unlikely. Following De Ligt's arrival and Merih Demiral's impressive preseason, Juventus are more than willing to let Rugani go. Arsenal would prefer to acquire him on loan, and the Serie A champions would prefer a straight sale. The Italy centre-back, 25, has also been linked with a move to Wolves.
Matthias Ginter to Tottenham: 20%
Spurs want to be ready in the event that Toby Alderweireld joins Roma now that he has one year left on his contract. A profile being evaluated by the London-based club is that of 2014 World Cup winner Matthias Ginter, who is also on Atletico Madrid's radar. That said, the steep price tag set by Borussia Monchengladbach for Ginter -- reportedly of €40 million -- could scare the suitors off. Tottenham likely will consider diverting the remaining funds of this summer's budget to more pragmatic signings, given that the sale of Alderweireld is far from certain at the moment.
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Mario Balotelli to Flamengo: 50%
Although Parma were interested in signing "Super Mario" at the beginning of summer, they never came close to meeting his considerable financial demands, and now there's talk that the Italian striker could follow Dani Alves, another Ligue 1 star, to Brazil after receiving a two-and-a-half-year contract offer. Flamengo president Rodolfo Landim confirmed that there have been some talks with Balotelli's camp, and wages aside, since he is available on a Bosman, they at least wouldn't have to pay a transfer fee.
Franck Kessie to Wolves: 40%
Milan are looking for ways to raise funds to complete a deal for Atletico Madrid's Angel Correa, and since they have yet to receive a substantial offer for Suso, they are open to selling the Ivorian midfielder. The Rossoneri previously completed a deal with Wolves for Patrick Cutrone, and thanks to Jorge Mendes' mediation, Kessie could be reunited with his former teammate at the Molineux Stadium before Thursday's deadline. As an alternative to sacrificing Kessie, Milan could sell Turkish international Hakan Calhanoglu who has suitors in the Bundesliga.
Steven Bergwijn to Sevilla: 45%
Despite having completed 10 new signings, Sevilla sporting director Monchi is determined to continue his squad makeover. The former Roma executive has targeted PSV winger Bergwijn, 21, who has been pursued in the past by top clubs such as Manchester United. The Spanish side have reportedly launched a first bid of €25m to test the water with the Dutch giants. PSV have since turned down Sevilla's initial offer but have shown themselves open to continuing the negotiations, and a deal could be reached for a sum in the region of €30m plus bonuses.