Today’s transfer rumours, myths, hearsay and nonsense

Thus far in the closed season, the papers have been doing a sterling job of filling the back pages with half-truths and rumour. Throughout Euro 2008, the dailies have adhered to the following strict formula: (1) spot a player who is playing very well, then (2) link him with Chelsea. Today, it’s the turn of Russia’s soup du jour…

Andrei Arshavin to Chelsea
The logic is clear: Abramovich is close to the Russia squad, Arshavin has impressed at Euro 2008 and Scolari has a “blank chequebook.” So why is it only The Daily Star that have picked up on it?

The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: Strong possibility

Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid
So the big transfer story of the weekend is the one that’s already been dragging on for weeks. Scolari has said Ronaldo will leave, Zidane has urged Madrid to break their transfer record and Ronaldo is expected to make another statement asking to go.

The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: Just sell him already!

Darren Bent to Everton
The newspapers have decided to take a well-earned break from linking the Spurs flop with West Ham, Sunderland and Celtic, and have decided that Everton are now the favourites to sign him up.

The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: A step up?

Louis Saha to Bolton
Gary Megson is finally admitting defeat