Calling True or False on 5 Recent Manchester United Transfer Rumours

Transfer-rumour season is fully up and running, and Manchester United's need to strengthen means that they will be linked with vast numbers of players. 

But which rumours are the real deal, and which belong in the Wesley Sneijder Memorial category of players United are linked with who will never arrive? 

Of course, this list is made of educated guesswork rather than any claim of insider information. But at the risk of looking foolish in three months' time, here are some "true or false" shouts for five United-related rumours.

David De Gea to Real Madrid

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Louis van Gaal has openly discussed the possibility of David De Gea heading to Real Madrid, per BBC Sport.

Van Gaal was quoted as saying: "He is Spanish and his girlfriend is Spanish and he can go to another great club, so it is difficult for him to decide. David De Gea shall not leave us so easily because we are a great club and he wants to participate."

De Gea himself shared an emotional tweet after United's draw with Arsenal on Sunday, with a picture of him celebrating Ander Herrera's goal. He wrote, "Thank you very much indeed for your support. You're unbelievable. I hope the injury is not too serious." 

He was visibly moved by his reception at Old Trafford, and the tweet confirmed that. 

However, whatever emotional ties might exist between him and United, surely the pull of moving back to his home city will be too strong to see him spend any more time in Manchester. The best it seems realistic to hope for is another year's service. Either way, De Gea to Real Madrid seems very likely. 

Verdict: True 

Mats Hummels

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Mats Hummels being linked with United is hardly news, but Jamie Jackson of the Guardian wrote on Saturday that Hummels is Van Gaal's "current No. 1 choice" at centre-half. 

It is certainly a transfer which makes sense, as I wrote earlier this month. It also seems ever-more plausible with the impending departure of Jurgen Klopp, and Borussia Dortmund's failure to qualify for next season's Champions League. 

However, while the uncertainty caused in the wake of Klopp's decision to leave might have seemed like good news for United, Simon Mullock of the Mirror wrote on 25 April that "Dortmund insist that the centre-back will only be sold if [incoming manager Thomas] Tuchel gives his blessing."

Presumably whether Tuchel does or not will depend on Hummels' intentions. Having stuck with Dortmund in spite of previous links, it is easy to imagine the German international looking for a new challenge. Because of that, and because of Klopp's departure, this one seems like a goer.

Verdict: True

Paul Pogba

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In the same Guardian article in which he wrote of Van Gaal's interest in Hummels, Jackson wrote of the manager that "Paul Pogba [is] at the top of his wishlist."

With Juventus' valuation of Pogba quoted at £71.5 million, this would be an enormous investment in a player United had on their books as a youngster. They will also, presumably, not be the only game in town. 

Greg Price of the International Business Times, writing about Real Madrid's potential summer dealings on Monday, stated that Pogba "has been tied to nearly every major club in Europe, including Los Blancos." 

Between paying a fortune for a player who left for a fraction of the price, and reported interest from all around Europe, this signing is one which seems more of a long shot. Although he would clearly add a good deal to United's midfield, Pogba may well end up continuing to be the one that got away.

Verdict: False

Gareth Bale

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Watching Gareth Bale fail to make an impact on the Champions League semi-final clash with Pogba's Juventus made his potential arrival at United seem more likely.

As Nick Akerman of Bleacher Report wrote of Duncan Castles' Sunday Times article on Monday:

"

Castles believes the Welshman "is pushing" to exit the Bernabeu in a report which will no doubt capture the interest of Manchester United and England's elite.

The aforementioned article suggests United are leading the way for his signature, while Chelsea and Manchester City are "aware" of the player's situation. Castles believes United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward would have "no qualms" about spending a new club record fee on the player.

"

However, on May 14, Bleacher Report's Spanish football expert Guillem Balague tweeted "... and by the way, Gareth Bale will be at Real Madrid next season..."

Thus rumour and counter-rumour are the order of the day here. Given what Bale contributed to Madrid last season, it would seem churlish to let him go this summer, but given their history of selling players who have made a major impact, it would not be a huge surprise. 

It is tempting to sit on the fence here. However, going out on a limb, this is a transfer which makes a great deal of sense. While Bale may face a slight blow to his pride in leaving, the chance to prove himself at United is hardly a big step down. He would be a superb fit for Van Gaal's system. With United reportedly prepared to pay his fee, let's err on the side of optimism.

Verdict: True

Harry Kane

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Ben Jefferson of the Express wrote on Monday that Tottenham Hotspur were set to offer Harry Kane a pay rise in order to "ward off £45 million Man Utd interest." 

An investment on that scale would seem somewhat foolhardy from United's perspective, given that Harry Kane's excellent season was the first where he had made a significant impact. He has been superb this season, but it is just one season.

Indeed, his prolific output has slowed in recent months. He has scored just one goal in his past seven Spurs appearances.

It is also important to note that he seems to be a player with great affection for his current club, having come through their youth system. You would imagine him wanting to spend a couple more seasons at White Hart Lane before moving on. United may be wise to wait and see with this one. 

Verdict: False