The transfer market rarely lives up to all the hype of the media and once again there has been a mountain of speculation about which players will be going where before the window close at the end of August.
some of the more bizarre rumours and reports and would like to continue our series of picking out the strangest stories of the week and have chosen a few for you.
* Trezeguet for Eto'o Swap Deal *
Barcelona were said to want to sign a new striker before the start of the season and they have been linked with various big names that either proved to be too expensive or did not want to leave their currnt clubs. But one of the most far-fetched links was that Juventus wuld agree to a deal that would the David Trezeguet leave for Camp Nou while Samuel Eto'o went in the other direction. Coach Claudio Ranieri would have been highly unlikely to agree to a deal that would see one his best playrs from last season leave, while agreeing to meet the Barça striker's incredible wage demands of between €8m and €10m-per-season. It was never going to happen and Eto'o now appears set to stay where he is.
* Ever Banega to Atlético de Madrid *
The Spanish media still believe that Atlético de Madrid want to sign a new central midfielder, despite the fact that they have signed Paulo Assunção and seen Javier Aguirre patch up his differences with Maniche, who could yet feature in the squad next term. Éver Banega is the latest name to be thrown in to the ring, should Maniche in fact be told that he not wanted, after failing to impress during his first few months at Valencia. According to reports, Tanguito is not in the plans of Unai Emery and could be allowed to leave. Since the first story was printed, however, Atlético president Enrique Cerezo has come out and said that they have no interest in him.
* Betis strikers *
Every year it is the same story with Real Betis as a list of improbable strikers is linked with the struggling Andalucian outfit and none of them actually end up signing. This summer is no different as several famous names have been suggested as possible new goalscorers for los Verdiblancos. Milan Baros is one name that is said to have been offered to Betis with Olympique Lyonnais trying to off-load the Czech Republic international following his terrible display at Euro 2008. Would he really be of benefit to the Spanish side? The next name this week was Nery Castillo, who is in fact still on loan with Manchester City. That did not stop reports stating that Betis were prepared to take him on loan from Shakhtar Donetsk and then pay around €10m for him next year, despite the Ukrainian outfit wanting closer to €25m.
* Diego Lugano out of Fenerbahçe *
While no actual target were mentioned in the first reports, the fact that Fenerbahçe could be prepared to allow their best right-sided defender to go caught Goal.com's eye. Luis Aragonés only took over at the Turkish club in the summer and would not make one of his first tasks having to find a replacement for the highly-rated Uruguayan who he actually views as a key member of his side for the new campaign. A Champions League run is something that Fener ahve as a priority and will need Lugano and all his experience to help them progress against the continent's best. One too many rumours coming from the Turkish league we think.
* Special Mention: Savio to Anorthosis *
No, that is no joke. Savio may not have had an impressive stint during his spell with Levante, but thoughts of the Brazilian joining a Cypriot team do really make the mind boggle. With all due respect to Anorthosis, it is difficult to see the player that was once a key member of the Real Madrid squad playing in one of Europe's less illustrious league to see out his career.
What have been the most bizarre transfer rumours of the summer and have any of this week's made it into your top few?
* Trezeguet for Eto'o Swap Deal *
Barcelona were said to want to sign a new striker before the start of the season and they have been linked with various big names that either proved to be too expensive or did not want to leave their currnt clubs. But one of the most far-fetched links was that Juventus wuld agree to a deal that would the David Trezeguet leave for Camp Nou while Samuel Eto'o went in the other direction. Coach Claudio Ranieri would have been highly unlikely to agree to a deal that would see one his best playrs from last season leave, while agreeing to meet the Barça striker's incredible wage demands of between €8m and €10m-per-season. It was never going to happen and Eto'o now appears set to stay where he is.
* Ever Banega to Atlético de Madrid *
The Spanish media still believe that Atlético de Madrid want to sign a new central midfielder, despite the fact that they have signed Paulo Assunção and seen Javier Aguirre patch up his differences with Maniche, who could yet feature in the squad next term. Éver Banega is the latest name to be thrown in to the ring, should Maniche in fact be told that he not wanted, after failing to impress during his first few months at Valencia. According to reports, Tanguito is not in the plans of Unai Emery and could be allowed to leave. Since the first story was printed, however, Atlético president Enrique Cerezo has come out and said that they have no interest in him.
* Betis strikers *
Every year it is the same story with Real Betis as a list of improbable strikers is linked with the struggling Andalucian outfit and none of them actually end up signing. This summer is no different as several famous names have been suggested as possible new goalscorers for los Verdiblancos. Milan Baros is one name that is said to have been offered to Betis with Olympique Lyonnais trying to off-load the Czech Republic international following his terrible display at Euro 2008. Would he really be of benefit to the Spanish side? The next name this week was Nery Castillo, who is in fact still on loan with Manchester City. That did not stop reports stating that Betis were prepared to take him on loan from Shakhtar Donetsk and then pay around €10m for him next year, despite the Ukrainian outfit wanting closer to €25m.
* Diego Lugano out of Fenerbahçe *
While no actual target were mentioned in the first reports, the fact that Fenerbahçe could be prepared to allow their best right-sided defender to go caught Goal.com's eye. Luis Aragonés only took over at the Turkish club in the summer and would not make one of his first tasks having to find a replacement for the highly-rated Uruguayan who he actually views as a key member of his side for the new campaign. A Champions League run is something that Fener ahve as a priority and will need Lugano and all his experience to help them progress against the continent's best. One too many rumours coming from the Turkish league we think.
* Special Mention: Savio to Anorthosis *
No, that is no joke. Savio may not have had an impressive stint during his spell with Levante, but thoughts of the Brazilian joining a Cypriot team do really make the mind boggle. With all due respect to Anorthosis, it is difficult to see the player that was once a key member of the Real Madrid squad playing in one of Europe's less illustrious league to see out his career.
What have been the most bizarre transfer rumours of the summer and have any of this week's made it into your top few?
