Transfer Rumors: Picking a Best 11 of the Big Names in the Gossip Columns

With Euro 2012 drawing to a close and the transfer window officially opening today, transfer season is well and truly in effect. To kick things off, we're gonna a best 11 of the biggest names currently occupying the gossip columns.

GK: Hugo Lloris—Lyon to Liverpool

If there's one part of the pitch that Liverpool are covered in, it's in goal. Pepe Reina has been one of the most reliable custodians in the EPL since his arrival, but apparently some Liverpool fans are ready to move on after some shaky performances this season.

Lloris is a name that has been linked by Inside Futbol to Liverpool, but Lyon's president has already quashed the rumor by saying that it won't happen.

LB: Jordi Alba—Valencia to Barcelona

Alba's been linked with a move to Barcelona for some time now, and in light of his fantastic Euro 2012 performances, Barcelona have moved to sign him permanently for €14 million.

You can read all about the transfer here.

RB: Maicon—Inter Milan to Chelsea

Chelsea are in the market for a right back and have been linked with Lukasz Piszczek and Mathieu Debuchy, among others. As good as they are though, it's hard to say that either has quite hit the heights of Maicon, also on Chelsea's radar.

Obviously, Maicon is the worst long-term prospect of all three players, if we're talking about a player for the next one or two seasons, Maicon remains one of the world's best right backs.

CB: Martin Skrtel—Liverpool to Anzhi/Manchester City

After emerging from the 2011-12 season as one of Liverpool's best players, Skrtel is eager to use his play as a bargaining chip to force Liverpool to invest in the squad and/or offer him a better contract.

B/R's Karl Matchett is of the opinion that Liverpool are better off cashing in on the player's high transfer value.

CB: Mats Hummels—Borussia Dortmund to Manchester United

After an excellent season with Borussia Dortmund and a solid Euro 2012 campaign with Germany, Mats Hummels' name is once again all over the gossip columns, this time being linked by many to Manchester United.

Dan Talintyre of B/R doesn't see this one happening. Neither do I.

LW: Ezequiel Lavezzi—Napoli to PSG

We haven't received official confirmation for this transfer yet, but we've been waiting for it ever since Lavezzi's wife broke news of the transfer via Twitter then proceeded to delete her tweet.

The Daily Mirror has reported it though, along with other sources. It's pretty much as good as done.

RW: Hulk—Porto to Chelsea

Many thought a deal for Hulk was as good as done for Chelsea when news broke that the London club was pursuing the Brazilian, but since then, we've heard little to indicate that progress has been made.

Hulk recently revealed that Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are not the only two clubs interested in him, raising the possibility further that he could transfer elsewhere from Porto.

CM: Luka Modric—Tottenham to Chelsea/Real Madrid

After failing to leave Tottenham last summer, Modric is once again eager to leave White Hart Lane for Champions League football this summer.

Chelsea are reportedly readying a £36 million bid for Modric, while Real Madrid are reportedly offering a player and cash deal involving Nuri Sahin.

CM: Joao Moutinho—Porto to EPL

Moutinho had been absolutely sensational for Portugal prior to the team's elimination, and as such, finds nearly every major English club in the EPL interested in him.

Moutinho could be a really nice signing if he decides to leave Porto. At present, Chelsea and Spurs seem to be ahead of the pack for the playmaker, and Andre Villas-Boas' future will likely play a big role in determining where Moutinho ends up.

ST: Robin Van Persie—Arsenal to Juventus/PSG/Manchester City

There are a bunch of big clubs interested in acquiring Van Persie's services, and despite Arsene Wenger's reluctance to sell the striker, he may force Wenger's hand by declaring his intention not to renew his contract.

This Daily Mirror article discusses all of Van Persie's options this summer.

ST: Stevan Jovetic—Fiorentina to Chelsea

Non-Serie A watchers may not be very familiar with Jovetic, but the young Montenegrin is very dangerous upfront, capable of creating opportunities for others as well as himself.

The hardest thing to see with Jovetic is how he'd play with Chelsea, who often utilize a wide system with spread out wide men and a target man. Still, at the age of just 22, Jovetic would likely not have too much trouble adjusting his game for his managers' needs. 

Agree with this best 11? Disagree? Think there's a name that should be here but has been left out? Hit me up in the comments section, or send me a tweet by following the link below.

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