Ranking the Week's 25 Hottest Transfer Rumours: Gareth Bale to Chelsea

Instead of scouring the Internet for the latest football transfer gossip, Bleacher Report makes your life easier by providing you with a weekly power ranking of the 25 hottest transfer rumours/deals in one slideshow.

Whether it is the Bundesliga, Eredivisie, La Liga, Ligue 1, Premier League, Serie A, alternative European leagues or non-European leagues, this slideshow will be inclusive.

These 25 players will be subjectively ranked via a combination of various standards:

• Current playing ability.
• Upside.
• Projected transfer value.
• Projected transfer resell value.
• Social media buzz.

25. Danny Cruz (Philadelphia Union)

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

Philadelphia Union attacking midfielder Danny Cruz, 25, has signed with Bodo/Glimt, a club in Norway, on loan for one season.

It is a win-win situation for all parties, according to Philadelphia Union technical director Chris Albright.

"This is a great opportunity for Danny to play regularly, and we know he'll represent our club well while in Norway," Albright said, per the Union's official website. "While we're confident in our depth on the wings, this also gives us important salary cap relief as we continue to shape our roster throughout the season."

In Cruz's last two Major League Soccer seasons, he scored six goals and provided three assists in 58 games. 

24. Deshorn Brown (Valerenga)

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

Colorado Rapids have confirmed the sale of Jamaican centre-forward Deshorn Brown, 24, to Norwegian club Valerenga. 

Brown was always destined to play at a higher level, according to Colorado Rapids vice-president of soccer operations and technical director Paul Bravo.

"Deshorn came to our club through the draft process and, right from the beginning, proved he had the talent to go far in the game," Bravo said, per the Rapids' official site. "On behalf of everyone at the Rapids, we want to thank Deshorn for everything he has done for the club and we wish him the best of luck in the future."

Brown posted successive 10-goal seasons (2013, 2014) in Major League Soccer for the Colorado Rapids. 

While the Colorado Rapids declined to disclose the transfer fee, Transfermarkt reports that Brown moved to Valerenga for around €450,000/£322,898, which converts to about $481,189.

23. Ivan Franjic (Torpedo Moscow)

Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Torpedo Moscow's Australian full-back Ivan Franjic, 27, is being tracked by Dinamo Zagreb, per Sportske novosti (h/t David Davutovic at the Herald Sun via The Advertiser).

Franjic has only played 135 minutes in the Russian Premier League this season.

Mainly a right-back, Franjic's only start this season came at left-back in a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal Tula. If given a chance, Franjic will be a serviceable footballer for a club in one of Europe's second-tier leagues. 

He has always been a fighter, ever since the days he was a carpenter while playing semi-professional football, wondering if he would ever make it in the pros.

22. Martin Odegaard (Real Madrid)

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Southampton are looking into the possibility of signing Real Madrid attacking midfielder Martin Odegaard, 16, on loan, per Alex Crook at the Daily Mirror.

You presume that when Odegaard signed for Real Madrid, the idea was to integrate him into Spanish life and football by having him play out a few seasons with Real Madrid Castilla.

Why prematurely loan him out to Southampton? What he needs is consistency.

Being loaned out to a foreign country having just settled in a new one is foolhardy.

21. Yann M'Vila (Rubin Kazan)

Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images

Rubin Kazan defensive midfielder Yann M'Vila, 24, has provisionally agreed to join Dinamo Moscow in the summer transfer window for €5/£3.60 million, per David Amoyal at GianlucaDiMarzio.com.

Even before the failed loan at Inter Milan, M'Vila's commitment was questioned by Rubin Kazan manager Rinat Bilyaletdinov.

"M'Vila behaved badly. One day he trained, one day he didn't," Bilyaletdinov said, per France Football (h/t ESPN). "He thought he was already in Liverpool. I told him: 'It is not your level. If you go, you will be on the bench.'"

Even if M'Vila is fully fit and playing well in training, you just cannot envision Bilyaletdinov letting go of the past. 

M'Vila disrespected Rubin Kazan, hence why he will be offloaded.

It is sad to think that M'Vila was once regarded as one of the best young prospects in French football. 

20. Micah Richards (Manchester City)

Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images

Manchester City defender Micah Richards, 26, on loan at Fiorentina, has no idea what the future holds for him. 

"I've been linked with Inter Milan with my old manager Roberto Mancini, so I have a few options," Richards said, per talkSPORT's Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast. "[Though], I wouldn't mind staying [at Fiorentina] in Italy because we're doing well at the moment."

An interchangeable player at Fiorentina, Richards has only played 320 minutes in Serie A over seven games this season.

Richards' contract at Manchester City expires at the end of this season.

19. Glen Johnson (Liverpool)

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Liverpool defender Glen Johnson, 30, has not begun talks with Roma, according to his agent, Jonathan Barnett.

"There hasn't been any [contact with Roma] at the moment," Barnett said, per Roma Press (h/t ESPN FC). "Although, Roma would be a lovely place for [Johnson]. Ashley Cole absolutely adores it there, I represent him as well."

Why don't Roma sign a younger right-back? 

It seems implausible that Roma would match Johnson's current €167,284/£120,000-a-week salary when he does not win games, is not a world-class defender and has no upside as a 30-year-old. 

18. Sami Khedira (Real Madrid)

Daniel Ochoa de Olza/Associated Press

Real Madrid's German central midfielder Sami Khedira, 27, is favouring a return to the Bundesliga, according to Schalke chairman Clemens Tonnies.

"It's my impression that Khedira wants to return to the Bundesliga by all means," Tonnies said, per Bild (h/t Stephan Uersfeld at ESPN FC). "The person [Khedira] is, he'd be a great fit here [at Schalke]. He is a leader, a fighter. But it's also a fact that we won't go haywire."

The "haywire" remark could be Tonnies speaking about Khedira's salary in context with his persistent injury issues. 

There is no doubt that, when fit, Khedira can be a world-class footballer, but his fitness problems are a big red flag.

17. Sidney Sam (Schalke)

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Schalke attacking midfielder Sidney Sam, 27, could be moving to either Newcastle United or Stoke City in the summer transfer window, per talkSPORT.

From Germany international to bit-part player at Schalke, Sam probably regrets leaving Bayer Leverkusen.

When Schalke manager Roberto Di Matteo reverts to a back three, Sam is a square peg in a round hole, given he is not a wing-back.

Sam is currently 523 minutes and counting without a goal in the Bundesliga this season.

16. Tommy Oar (FC Utrecht)

Paul Gilham/Getty Images

FC Utrecht's Australian forward Tommy Oar, 23, has revealed that he has been frozen out of the first-team picture after electing to run down his expiring contract.

"[Utrecht] has said in the press that my performances haven't been good enough," Oar said, per David Lewis at SBS. "The club made it clear that if I didn't re-sign for them I would probably be on the bench or in the grandstand and they are now being true to their word."

Despite not being good enough, Oar leads Utrecht in assists in the Eredivisie (seven), which suggests his being dropped is more to do with club politics than form.

Oar is aiming to play in one of Europe's elite leagues.

"I have an ambition to play in one of Europe's top leagues and that will be one of the things in my mind when I make a decision," Oar said, per Lewis. "No decisions have yet been made."

Strong in one-on-one situations and an outstanding pass-first footballer, Oar is ready to take his game to the next level.

15. Kyriakos Papadopoulos (Schalke)

Frank Augstein/Associated Press

Schalke centre-back Kyriakos Papadopoulos, 23, who is currently on loan at Bayer Leverkusen, is a summer transfer window target for Liverpool, per Bild (h/t Paul Gorst at Metro).

Five years ago, this proposed transfer would have made sense. 

However, Papadopoulos is injury prone and an overly rash tackler. He commits more fouls (1.5) than tackles (1.4) per game.

Being rated as Bayer Leverkusen's 18th-best player, per Kicker, is another red flag.

Sure, Papadopoulos' talent is there, but he represents another calculated gamble by Liverpool if they pursue him.

14. Lucas Vazquez (Real Madrid)

Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images

Real Madrid right-winger Lucas Vazquez, 23, who is currently on loan at Espanyol, has refuted reports of him being approached by Liverpool.

"I have no idea [since] I know nothing [of Liverpool talking to me]," Vazquez said, per Ivan Molero at AS (h/t Eduardo Fernandez-Abascal at the International Business Times). "For now I just want to enjoy playing, keep working and improving."

Vazquez tackles well, he can thread a pass and is a footballer with an all-round playing style.

He would be a good squad addition for Liverpool, but he is at a point in his career when he wants to play football week in, week out. 

Liverpool are unlikely to offer him that.

13. Marcos Lopes (Manchester City)

Alastair Grant/Associated Press

Manchester City attacking midfielder Marcos Lopes, 19, wants to extend his loan at Lille.

"I feel at home [in] Lille and it is possible I will stay," Lopes said, per L'Equipe (h/t Press Association Sport via Eurosport). "I feel really good now. I feel more responsibility. This is important, because it means they believe in me."

Lopes' statement is indicative of the lack of opportunities Manchester City give to their prospects.

Despite being in a win-now mode, Manchester City are unlikely to win anything this season.

Lopes has scored three goals and registered three assists in 17 Ligue 1 games this season.

12. Mario Gaspar (Villarreal)

Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images

Villarreal right-back Mario Gaspar, 24, is viewed by Liverpool as a replacement for Glen Johnson, per John Cross at the Daily Mirror.

Mario is an underrated right-back who has contributed to Villarreal having the fourth-best defence in La Liga (24 goals conceded from 27 games) this season.

A choice between Mario and Javier Manquillo would, in theory, improve Liverpool's defensive stock at right-back.

11. James Milner (Manchester City)

Michael Steele/Getty Images

If English utility player James Milner, 29, leaves Manchester City, he will strongly consider a move away from the Premier League, per Richard Jolly at ESPN FC.

Milner's ability to play a variety of positions, his high football IQ and the fact he is very coachable means he should adapt quickly if he chooses to play in a foreign league. 

Running down an expiring contract, Milner could elect to exercise his Bosman right to a free transfer in the summer window.

10. Mateo Kovacic (Inter Milan)

Luca Bruno/Associated Press

Arsenal are keen on signing Inter Milan attacking midfielder Mateo Kovacic, 20, per Jamie Sanderson at Metro. 

Kovacic is like Jack Wilshere: The immense talent is there for everyone to see, but the consistency is lacking.

Having allowed Dennis Bergkamp to leave for Arsenal in 1995, you presume Inter Milan will give Kovacic another season to prove his worth. 

Despite going through phases when he plays terribly, he still routinely takes the ball past opposing players and dictates the tempo of play for Inter.

9. Romelu Lukaku (Everton)

Matthew Lewis/Getty Images

Everton centre-forward Romelu Lukaku, 21, is a €45.80/£33 million summer transfer target for Wolfsburg, per Adrian Kajumba at the Daily Mirror.

Lukaku has this season alternated between scoring 0.88 goals per UEFA Europa League game and 0.28 goals per Premier League game. 

He is too inconsistent to be valued at €45.80/£33 million.

8. Mesut Ozil (Arsenal)

Paul Gilham/Getty Images

Arsenal attacking midfielder Mesut Ozil, 26, insists he will persevere and has not even contemplated returning to the Bundesliga.

"A return to Germany is not an option for me right now. I am really happy at Arsenal," Ozil said, per the Express (h/t Richard Parry at The Independent). "I don't need to prove anything. But it is correct that I have to work harder to reach my goals."

Ozil seems stuck in a mode of producing vintage passes one game before going missing for the next few games. 

He needs to be more involved and has to produce the goods.

7. Angel Di Maria (Manchester United)

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Manchester United attacking midfielder Angel Di Maria, 27, has asked his agent, Jorge Mendes, to plan an escape route from Old Trafford, per Jonathan Green at the Daily Star.

Unless Manchester United are going to sell Di Maria for a significant loss, there is almost no doubt that he will continue to play for the Red Devils. 

What needs to happen is for Di Maria to play one position, as opposed to being shifted all over the field.

If he continues to struggle, you can't help but wonder if this is Juan Sebastian Veron all over again: a world-class footballer in the wrong league.

6. Roberto Firmino (Hoffenheim)

Kerstin Joensson/Associated Press

Hoffenheim attacking midfielder Roberto Firmino, 23, is a summer transfer window target for Liverpool, per Bild (h/t Micheal McKenna at the Liverpool Echo).

Though Firmino is a complete footballer who could enhance any major European team, this link is bizarre. 

He has been inconsistent this season and Liverpool are committed to playing Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling in advanced central positions.

Yes, Firmino can play out wide, but he prefers a central role. 

5. Luciano Vietto (Villarreal)

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Villarreal centre-forward Luciano Vietto, 21, is on the radar of Barcelona, according to Guillem Balague, per Adam Bate at Sky Sports:

"

Vietto is negotiating with Barcelona about the possibility of joining them in 2016.

It hasn't been finalised yet but they are favourites at the moment to get him. I know in the eyes of many that will become 'Guillem says Vietto is going to Barcelona' but I'm not saying that.

We will see if it gets confirmed.

"

Vietto is a crafty No. 9 who has interchanged between being a starter and an impact sub. 

He is one of the best centre-forward prospects in Europe, so it is not a surprise Barcelona are monitoring him. 

He has scored 12 goals and provided two assists in 25 La Liga games, despite only starting 52 percent of games he has been involved in this season.

4. Paul Pogba (Juventus)

Massimo Pinca/Associated Press

Real Madrid have yet to approach Juventus central midfielder Paul Pogba, 22, according to his agent, Mino Raiola.

"Real Madrid are a team that sees a player who has six good games at the FIFA World Cup and buys him. ... We want to go to a club that believes in Paul's potential," Raiola said, per L'Equipe (h/t Ian Holyman at ESPN FC). "I am not closing the door to Real Madrid, but I'm not opening it either."

Shots fired!

Raiola then blustered: "I have never gone to Real Madrid to tell them: 'Please, would you like to buy Pogba?'"

This is just Raiola being Raiola—asserting that you come to him, not the other way around.

Pogba is on a Zinedine Zidane-like path toward greatness.

3. Kevin De Bruyne (Wolfsburg)

Michael Sohn/Associated Press

Manchester City are open to the idea of signing Wolfsburg attacking midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, 23, per Simon Johnson at the London Evening Standard.

When you consider how Chelsea discarded De Bruyne, combined with how much leeway and creative freedom Wolfsburg have given him, why would he leave?

Having scored nine goals and registered 16 assists in the Bundesliga this season, De Bruyne's transfer stock is at its highest.

Hypothetically speaking, Wolfsburg should start the negotiations at €69.58/£50 million.

2. Raphael Varane (Real Madrid) and 1. Gareth Bale (Real Madrid)

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

Chelsea are preparing a nine-figure double bid to sign Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale, 25, and centre-back Raphael Varane, 21, per the Daily Mail (h/t Alex Harris at the Daily Star).

If Chelsea had plans to sign Bale, why did they sign Juan Cuadrado during the January transfer window? 

Bale is on course to go down as the biggest waste of money in football history, so you presume Real Madrid will attempt to sell him, especially when his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo is not healthy.

No club bothered to reimburse Chelsea when they were stuck with Andriy Shevchenko and Fernando Torres.

Let Real Madrid keep Bale.

If anything, Chelsea should only go for Varane.

+allanjiang.

When not specified, statistics via WhoScored.com.