Today’s rumours, gossip and damn lies

It’s July 1st folks, which means that the transfer windows have been flung wide open, and all those birds that have been trapped indoors can finally fly away to be grossly overpaid elsewhere. Badly constructed analogies aside, the day’s transfers have been pretty quiet so far, and the latest rumours are a mix of random hearsay and continuing sagas. Let’s kick things off with one from the latter category…

Frank Lampard to Inter Milan
The Deco signing looks like Chelsea’s way of showing Frank where to stick his long-term contract demands. Mourinho claims he is willing to wait until Lampard’s contract expires, but is he just forcing Chelsea’s hand?

The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: The ball is in Inter’s court

Dimitar Berbatov to Man United
Ronaldo or no Ronaldo, a new striker appears to be at the top of United’s wishlist. Ferguson said he only envisages signing one player this summer - could Berbatov be his man?

The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: It seems inevitable that he will leave, and where better to go?

Fernando Torres to Chelsea
The Daily Star wanted a special story for the opening of the transfer window so made up discovered Abramovich would offer £85 million if Liverpool were willing to sell.

The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: Simply won’t happen

The Ronaldo Saga latest
The Daily Express claim that Ferguson has worked his magic and is confident he has done enough to persuade Ronaldo to stay put. How Ronaldo found time to balance serious career discussions and playing with childish inflatable fun we have no idea.

The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: Unconvinced

Jimmy Bullard to Aston Villa
Villa look to have accepted the fact Gareth Barry will leave if Liverpool meet their asking price and Martin O’Neill may view Bullard as the perfect man to take his place at Villa Park.

The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: Fans may demand bigger signing with money from Barry deal