January Transfers: Calling Fact or Fiction on Every EPL Team's Top Rumour Part 1

With January comes speculation, and speculation brews articles and worry or optimism. That is the way of the transfer window.

This January, like other transfer windows, rumours have been coming thick and fast, and while only five percent are likely, that 95 percent is interesting to read and also vaguely amusing. Ronaldo to Burton Albion? Messi to Ipswich?

Ngog and Carroll to Real Madrid?

Well no, thankfully, none of those rumours came up, because if they did, I would stop believing in football's credibility altogether.

Mind you, there have been some quite bad ones, some of which you will see in this article. Each club will be taken through its top rumour, most of them amusing, and such is the nature of football, most of them absolute tosh.

Tottenham: Angel Di Maria: Fiction

In a shocking move this week, Tottenham were linked with a startling £35 million bid for talented Real Madrid winger Angel Di Maria. It is unclear whether the bid was made by neighbouring side Chelsea, but most reports have gone with Tottenham.

This won't happen.

Firstly, there is no great need for him. Bale is absolutley mesmerising more often than not, and so therefore, does not need to be replaced. However, he would play on the right, but he is not needed there either.

Secondly, there are better players, more needed players, that could be brought into White Hart Lane for just under 40 million.

It was a juicy rumour, though; it has to be said.

Manchester United: Mario Goetze: Fact

While this one won't be happening for another season after Dortmund confirmed the German playmaker will stay in Germany for one more season at the latest, there is definite fact in this rumour. The Wesley Sneijder saga has finally broken down, and consequently, Sir Alex has ignited a small fire for rumours after reported interest concerning this young man.

He is a great player. Just shy of 20, Goetze looks to be the new Ozil. I think Goetze will move in summer for a fee of around 30 million, but to who is still unclear.

QRP: Didier Drogba and Carlos Tevez to Loftus Road: Haha

This one made me laugh.

I mean, sure Carlos Tevez and Didier Drogba are going to move quite soon, but why would they move to a club that:

1. Is in danger of relegation.

2. Couldn't afford them anyway.

3. Are an English club (Particularly in Tevez' case).

4. Would make them look desperate?

Either reports are getting disastrously out of hand, or QPR are flattering themselves and their ability to attract world-class players.

Swansea: David Trezeguet: Fact

The first truthful—at a stretch—rumour on the list, Swansea are reportedly interested in French world cup winner David Trezeguet after his contract ran out at Spanish side Hercules.

He would provide some valuable experience, but personally, I doubt his ability to keep up with the pace at which Swansea play their football.

West Brom: Liam Ridgewell: Fact

West Brom look to boost their defence by signing Birmingham defender Liam Ridgewell. The deal looks feasible, and the big central defender may look for a move back to the Premier League.

Sunderland: Andy Carroll: Fiction

If this were true, I'd pity every single supporter sitting regularly at the Stadium of Light. I mean, Carroll has been a disaster for Liverpool, and though I still believe he can come good, I am not exactly opposing the idea of either a loan spell for the forward or even a transfer.

Anyway, to the rumour.

Carroll would be expensive as the price tag would be a tad inflated simply due to pride and not wanting to take a huge hit.

Also, Carroll played for Newcastle. NEWCASTLE. He is hated in Sunderland. I don't see Carroll moving anywhere.

Blackburn: Andy Johnson: Fact

Basically, Blackburn need a striker to act as either a backup or partner to Yakubu. Someone relatively cheap, but someone who gets the job done. Andy Johnson does just that.

Reportedly, Blackburn are unwilling to play Fulham's asking price, but on transfer deadline day, that may well change.

Arsenal: Matias Suarez

Arsene Wenger has come out and suprised nobody when practically dismissing reports that Matias Suarez was likely to be heading to the Emirates. I mean, this is Arsenal we're talking about. Money? What?

But then again, he's not really needed. With Henry's arrival and factoring in the blistering form of one Robin van Persie, Matias Suarez will do well to come to terms with the fact that he may be staying where he is for a while.