With the amount of rumours swirling around at this time of year, even after the winter transfer window, it is sometimes difficult to decipher the truth.
These are matters of importance.
As the transfer talk is now directed at the all-important summer market, there are enormous amounts of speculation swirling around Europe and the UK.
Not to worry however, because here at Tribalfootball, we have broken down the week's hottest transfer rumours, and inform you whether you should believe the paper talk or not.
Here are our top five trending transfer stories for the past week:
Virgil van Dijk – Southampton
Clubs Interested: Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City
This is more like it. Ultimatums. Go on then. You've got your price. Now, do you want to meet it or not?
And fair play to Southampton - who is the superior party in this negotiation - for standing up to Liverpool over the Virgil van Dijk transfer.
Okay, the Saints were, maybe, over zealous with their public shaming of an action that all clubs undertake. But this isn't the first time Liverpool have come for one of their players, no, not even close.
So, Southampton have now taken a stand against the Reds.
£70m. If the FSG want Jurgen Klopp to get his number one target, then that's what they're going to have to pay, according to the Sunday Express.
Yes, Les Reed has remained defiant in his stance. In his eyes, the 25-year old is going nowhere.
But if Liverpool come to the table and meet Southampton's demand, I'm sure Reed won't say no.
It will up come to whether Liverpool have it or not.
Whether they have what it takes to compete with the – financial – big boys.
If there a 'big' club, and Klopp truly believes in van Dijk, then pay the money and go for it.
Likelihood: Only if Liverpool want to be at the top
Players to Sell: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Olivier Giroud, Jack Wilshere, Calum Chambers, Wojciech Szczesny, Chuba Akpom, Kieran Gibbs, Lucas Perez and Carl Jenkinson
Hold your horses. Nine players!
It may sound like a little bit too much, and that's because it probably is.
The Independent claims that the motivation for this drastic clearout is to pave the way for huge contract extensions being prepared for Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez.
Yes, the Gunners will have to pay their two superstars between £280,000 to £300,000-per-week, but is that going to force them to sell nine players?
Sure many of the names listed can leave; Wojciech Szczesny, Chuba Akpom, Kieran Gibbs, Lucas Perez and Carl Jenkinson can happily go and find new homes. Their wages would be better off in the coffers of Alexis and Ozil.
But there is a case to be made for Olivier Giroud, Jack Wilshere and Calum Chambers. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain stays without question.
Giroud scored 12 Premier League goals last season, the majority of which came after he entered the game from the bench.
For any side challenging for the title, that sort of productivity could be the difference between you finishing top or not.
For all of Jack Wilshere's injury problems, it's just too difficult not to give him one more chance before cutting him loose.
Calum Chambers was given is still only 22 and with plenty of potential after spending last season with Middlesbrough. Given the health of Arsenal's defence, he may be needed next season.
Likelihood: Nine is a tad excessive
Nemanja Matic – Chelsea
Clubs Interested: Manchester United
ESPN FCreports that Manchester United are desperate to secure the signing of Nemanja Matic from Chelsea by July 9.
The date represents the start of the Red Devils preseason tour of America.
It seems Matic has been thrust into the limelight over the past week or so after United's apparent failure to lure Eric Dier to Old Trafford.
Jose Mourinho is desperate for a holding midfielder, and rightfully so.
Monaco's Fabinho still remains as a target, but it has been reported that he could sign along with Matic.
There is certainly a connection between Mourinho and the Serbian.
The United boss bought Matic to Chelsea for 21m in 2014.
The 28-year old will cost the Portuguese £40m this time round.
A lot of this deal revolves around Chelsea and their pursuit of Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko.
If that deal gets done, expect Matic to be wearing red next season.
Likelihood: Depends on other deals
Players to Sell: Mamadou Sakho, Daniel Sturridge, Lazar Markovic, Alberto Moreno, Lucas Leiva, Kevin Stewart, Jon Flanagan, Cameron Brannagan, Pedro Chirivella and Connor Randall
The Liverpool Echo claims that Jurgen Klopp is planning a 100m clear out.
The funds raised through this summer sale will then be reimbursed back into the squad.
Unlike the above analysis for Arsenal, all of these names could and should go. (Other than for squad depth)
Except for Daniel Sturridge – but only until January.
If Sturridge can make it too January, injury free, then maybe Klopp should keep him around because he is a match winner.
But you can't win matches if you have a tracksuit on, so if Sturridge is injured before January, it's time to part ways.
Actually, even if there is a slight niggle before the end of August, sell him.
Likelihood: Definite possibility
Clubs Interested: Chelsea
France Footballstates that Tiemoue Bakayoko has pulled back from his move to Chelsea.
The Monaco midfielder is reportedly unhappy with the contract terms offered to him.
This has cause Antonio Conte much frustration given the Blues inactivity in the transfer market so far this summer.
But the passionate Italian shouldn't worry too much longer.
Bakayoko is expected to sign with Chelsea soon, it's just a matter of time.
Likelihood: Pretty much done
