Things change in the blink of an eye in football. The Football Whispers Index takes the latest transfer rumours and gives them a score out of five; the higher the score, the more realistic and reliable the whisper.
Here are today's top five emerging whispers for the summer. And keep an eye on Transfer Talk for all the latest gossip.
Eden Hazard to Real Madrid
One transfer rumour that simply doesn't look like going away is the link between Chelsea star Eden Hazard and Real Madrid, with reports in Spain suggesting that Los Blancos are willing to include Colombian forward James Rodriguez in any deal. Hazard is reported to be Zinedine Zidane's No. 1 target this summer and, with both Rodriguez and Spanish attacking midfielder Isco potentially leaving the Bernabeu at the end of the season, the European champions are keen to rejuvenate their attacking options.
Ivan Perisic to Manchester United
Manchester United look set to beat the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool to the signing of Inter Milan's Croatian winger/defender Ivan Perisic, with Jose Mourinho heading out to Croatia on Sunday to finalise the deal, according to The Sun. The United manager was in Zagreb to meet up with his friend Pedrag Mijatovic -- who was instrumental in the deal that took Samuel Eto'o to Anzhi Makhachkala in 2011, as well as the transfer of Luka Modric from Tottenham Hotspur to Real Madrid in 2012. The newspaper reports that Mourinho has also enlisted the help of super-agent Pini Zahavi and Fali Ramadani to ensure the 28-year-old forward signs for the Red Devils.
Jermain Defoe to West Ham United
Reports are suggesting that Jermain Defoe is set for a sensational return to West Ham United, while former Hammers striker Ian Wright claims the Sunderland man is keen to "go back and right the wrong" of his controversial departure from the club back in 2004. Defoe handed in a transfer request following West Ham's relegation from the Premier League but Wright, speaking on the Sun Football Podcast, insisted he was simply "a young guy who was badly advised." The East London club tried to sign the 34-year-old in January and, although their interest was rebuffed by the Black Cats, the club are expected to launch another bid for their former hitman in the summer.
Gylfi Sigurdsson to Newcastle United
Rafa Benitez has identified Swansea City midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson as one of his primary targets to help the Newcastle United squad compete in their first season back in the Premier League should the Magpies secure promotion from the Championship. Sigurdsson has been key to new manager Paul Clement as he has sought to turn the Swans' fortunes around, but the Iceland international has made it known that he wishes to leave the Liberty Stadium at the end of the season. The 27-year-old will cost Newcastle around £15 million, but they face competition from Everton, West Ham United and Southampton once the transfer window opens.
Michy Batshuayi to Everton
Chelsea have recently been linked with a move for their former striker Romelu Lukaku, while the Belgian's refusal to put pen-to-paper on a new deal has fuelled speculation that Everton's top goalscorer will leave Goodison Park this summer. The Toffees will likely demand a transfer fee of around £70m for the 23-year-old, but reports are now suggesting that Chelsea may look to include Lukaku's compatriot Michy Batshuayi in any transfer bid. Batshuayi plus £40m could be enough to prise Lukaku away from the Merseyside club, with Conte preparing for the possibility that Diego Costa will leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.
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