Rumor Mill: Real trio off elsewhere? Walcott to Liverpool?

By foxsports
Published

Following their recent El Clasico victory, Champions League progression and revitalized La Liga title challenge, it's no wonder other clubs have cast envious glances towards Real Madrid this week. In this week's Rumor Mill no less than three Real stars have been linked with moves away, while we also feature a reoccurring report of an incoming winger at the Bernabeu.

Gareth Bale

Rumor: Real Madrid to Manchester United or Manchester City. // Likelihood: Nothing to see here. // The Talk: Manchester City and Manchester United are reportedly set to go to war this summer with Gareth Bale eyeing a move away from Real Madrid. Following Zinedine Zidane's appointment, Bale has been forced back onto the wings after having a more central role under previous boss Rafa Benitez. Reports in Italy claim that the Welshman will now look to move to either City or United in the summer. However, Bale's representatives have denied they are trying to do a deal with one of the Premier League sides.  

Riechedly Bazoer

Rumor: Ajax to Arsenal. // Likelihood: Maybe. // The Talk: Arsenal have stepped up their interest in Ajax youngster Riechedly Bazoer, according to the Daily Mirror. The newspaper reports that the Gunners' chief scout Steve Rowley has again checked on the progress of the midfielder. Bazoer, who is already a Netherlands international, is one of the most coveted young players in European football. And Arsene Wenger could be ready to bid for the 19-year-old as the Arsenal boss plans a major shake-up after another failed title challenge.

Javier Pastore

Rumor: PSG to Chelsea. // Likelihood: If Chelsea sell some midfielders. // The Talk: According to reports, Chelsea have made their first move in their attempt to sign PSG midfielder Javier Pastore. It appears the Blues are keen to win the race for the Argentinian -- who signed for PSG in 2011 for £30million ($42.8million) from Palermo --€“ and have reportedly contacted the players' agent over a move. While the French champions are thought to be ready to let the 26-year-old go for around the fee they originally paid for him.

Jose Mourinho

Rumor: Out of work to Everton. // Likelihood: Manchester United bound. // The Talk: According to the Daily Star Sunday, Everton are lining up a shock move for former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho if the club decide to sack Roberto Martinez. The current Everton boss has come under scrutiny in recent weeks after only collecting five points from a possible 27 in their last nine home Premier League games. And, according to the report, the Toffees' new majority investor, Farhad Moshiri, is keen on Mourinho. The Portuguese manager has been heavily linked with Manchester United and that still remains his most likely destination.

Gianluca Lapadula

Rumor: Pescara to Tottenham or Barcelona. // Likelihood: Tottenham the most likely. // The Talk: Tottenham are set to battle Barcelona for Pescara striker Gianluca Lapadula, according to the Daily Mirror. Spurs and Barca representatives were in Abruzzo to watch the Italian net another great strike against Cesena last weekend. The 26-year-old has had seven loan spells after not making the grade at Parma before joining Pescara permanently in the summer. Although unproven at the top level in any country, the striker -- who has scored 22 times this season -- is rated at a bargain price of £6million ($8.5million).

N'Golo Kante

Rumor: Leicester to Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea or PSG. // Likelihood: Too soon. // The Talk: According to the Daily Mail, clubs looking to buy Leicester City's N'Golo Kante can sign the midfielder for £20million ($28.5million). London-based Premier League sides Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea are keeping an eye on the situation, while French champions PSG are thought to have the most serious interest in the Frenchman. Kante has had an exceptional first EPL season and was named on the PFA Player of the Year shortlist last week. The 25-year-old has three years remaining on his deal at the King Power Stadium and the Foxes will be confident of hanging on to all of their stars with Champions League football now guaranteed next season.

Sergio Ramos

Rumor: Real Madrid to Chelsea. // Likelihood: Too much for a 30-year-old. // The Talk: Chelsea have made a £63.5million (90.5million) bid for Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos, according to Don Balon. The Real Madrid captain was strongly linked last summer with a move to Manchester United and now Chelsea are reportedly ready to smash the British transfer record for one of the best defenders in the world. The Blues apparently see the Spaniard as a perfect replacement for Branislav Ivanovic. If the deal went through Ramos would edge ahead of Angel di Maria as the most expensive signing in British transfer history. However, at 30, Ramos is likely to be entering the final years of his career and that kind of money would be a lot for someone of his age.

Karim Benzema

Rumor: Real Madrid to Arsenal. // Likelihood: For the right price. // The Talk: The Mail on Sunday claim Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is back in for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema. The report says Wenger has moved his attention back to the French international after baulking at the asking price for Dortmund forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Zlatan Ibrahimovic's wage demands. However, French publication L'Equipe says Benzema will meet Real Madrid representatives next week to discuss a possible new deal. The Gunners were thought to be interested in the 29-year-old last summer but couldn't agree a fee with the Spanish giants.

Theo Walcott

Rumor: Arsenal to Liverpool. // Likelihood: Might not suit Klopp's style. // The Talk: According to reports, Arsenal winger Theo Walcott could be set for a shock transfer to Liverpool this summer. The Daily Star claims the England international is unsettled at the Emirates after struggling for first-team starts this season. The emergence of Alex Iwobi, added to Olivier Giroud being Arsene Wenger's preferred option up top, means Walcott has been limited to mainly substitute appearances. Despite having three years left on his contract with the Gunners, the report adds that Liverpool are known admirers of the player.

Eden Hazard

Rumor: Chelsea to Real Madrid. // Likelihood: Not until he gets his form back. // The Talk: Reports in Spain claim that Real Madrid have agreed a deal with Chelsea for the transfer of Eden Hazard. The reports say a £32million ($45.6million) fee is in place for the Belgium winger, who has had a poor season for the Blues, failing to score a league goal so far this campaign. However, Hazard has dismissed the reports, saying: "Have I signed for Real? No, that's not true, I do not know who said that." The 25-year-old added: "For now, I am at Chelsea. I have a season to finish, and my contract ends in four years. For now, I'm here, and I am, and I want to get back on the field with Chelsea." So we can rule that one out, right?