Ranking the Week's 25 Hottest Transfer Rumours and News Items

Instead of scouring the Internet for the latest football transfer gossip, Bleacher Report makes your life easier by providing you 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, including David De Gea, James Milner and Petr Cech, will be subjectively ranked via a combination of various standards:

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

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When not specified, statistics via WhoScored.com. 

25. Jamie Maclaren (Perth Glory)

Will Russell/Getty Images

Perth Glory remain defiant in refusing to grant Australian centre-forward Jamie Maclaren, 21, a release from his contract.

Maclaren claims Perth Glory breached his contract when the club were found guilty by Football Federation Australia of cheating the salary cap.

Ex-teammates Danny ­Vukovic and Scott Jamieson have voiced concerns over Perth Glory's treatment of Maclaren.

"I speak to [Maclaren] regularly and can certainly feel his pain," Vukovic said, per the Sunday Times (h/t David Davutovic on Perth Now). "I've seen him get worse and worse over the last couple of weeks."

"I know [Maclaren] was told on at least two occasions during the season he could leave at the end of the season, so now to be told he can't leave is very strange," Jamieson said, per Greg Prichard at SBS. "[The saga] is crossing into his personal life because he's very upset."

Maclaren, a former Blackburn Rovers prospect, is one of the best young players in the A-League.

He scored nine goals in 20 games, statistics masked by him only starting 35 percent of games he was involved in. 

Perth Glory are content with losing Daniel De Silva to Roma for seven figures, as reported by Shayne Hope in The West Australian, but to relinquish Maclaren for nothing is probably why the Western Australian club have allegedly broken their promise.

24. Bernie Ibini-Isei (Shanghai SIPG)

Graham Denholm/Getty Images

Club Brugge are set to sign Shanghai SIPG's Australian right/left attacking midfielder Bernie Ibini-Isei, 22, per Sebastian Hassett at the Sydney Morning Herald.

Struggling to adapt to China, Ibini-Isei returned to the A-League in loan stints at Central Coast Mariners and Sydney FC.

Ibini-Isei is dynamic, physically blessed, skilful and is able to finish with both feet.

The way he blasted the ball into the back of the net in Sydney FC's 4-1 win over Adelaide United was a snapshot of how well he played this season.

He scored seven goals in 28 A-League games for Sydney FC.

He has the ability to play in Europe and his acclimatisation to Club Brugge will be made easier by the presence of compatriot and ex-Central Coast Mariners teammate Mathew Ryan.

23. James Troisi (Juventus)

Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images

Juventus' Australian left/central attacking midfielder James Troisi, 26, has received interest from multiple clubs.

"Whether a team comes in with an offer and wants to take me or whether I go on loan again we'll see," Troisi said, per Val Migliaccio at The Advertiser. "There is a bit of interest everywhere ... when you're playing good and scoring against [Germany], the best nation in the world, it obviously does make a difference."

Troisi scored five goals and registered five assists in 20 Belgian Pro League games on loan at Zulte Waregem.

22. Michael Essien (Panathinaikos)

Yorgos Karahalis/Associated Press

Panathinaikos have announced the signing of Ghanaian defensive midfielder Michael Essien, 32, after leaving AC Milan.

"I am very happy that I am here and that I will continue my career in Panathinaikos," Essien said, per Panathinaikos' website. "I want to give back the love that everyone has shown me and to thank the fans that welcomed me so warmly."

Playing for AC Milan, Essien averaged 1.2 tackles per game, which is reflective of how his body has deteriorated over the years.

21. Radamel Falcao (Monaco)

Stu Forster/Getty Images

Chelsea are contemplating a loan deal for Monaco's Colombian centre-forward Radamel Falcao, 29, per David Woods at the Daily Star.

Falcao was a failure on loan at Manchester United, scoring four goals in 1,287 minutes over 26 Premier League games.

He was a step behind play, and it's clear he is not the same player after his anterior cruciate ligament tear.

Chelsea signing Falcao on loan would be a dreadful decision.

Just give those minutes to either Bertrand Traore, Patrick Bamford or Dominic Solanke.

20. Dimitar Berbatov (Free Agent)

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Bournemouth are one of the suitors interested in Bulgarian centre-forward Dimitar Berbatov, 34, after he was released by Monaco, per talkSPORT.

Bournemouth may want to pair Berbatov up with Callum Wilson.

But Berbatov's asking salary could be more than the combined earnings of Brett Pitman and Yann Kermorgant.

It wouldn't be an economically efficient decision from Bournemouth.

Berbatov scored seven goals from 26 Ligue 1 games for Monaco.

Sure, he flashed typical did-you-see-that moments, but he was often anonymous and seemed a step behind play.

Before Berbatov derails his transfer stock completely, he should cash in at either a Chinese Super League, Qatar Stars League or UAE Arabian Gulf League club.

If Berbatov wants to experience a new country yet not be impeded by a language barrier, why not play in the A-League (Australia) or Major League Soccer (United States/Canada)?

19. Christian Fuchs (Leicester City)

Sascha Steinbach/Getty Images

Leicester City have completed the signing of Austrian left wing-back/left-back Christian Fuchs, 29, after his contract at Schalke expired.

"Everybody watches the Premier League," Fuchs said, per Leicester City's website. "I think it's the best league in the world. Leicester City is a new experience and new challenge for me."

Fuchs is an attack-minded left-sided footballer, who is more comfortable in a back three, rather than a conventional four-man defence.

There is nothing wrong with Fuchs' ball-winning ability, rather his defensive positioning at times goes haywire.

Fuchs was placed at No. 159 in Kicker's Bundesliga player rankings.

18. Nicolai Boilesen (Ajax)

Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

Ajax director of football Marc Overmars revealed Danish left-back Nicolai Boilesen, 23, wants to leave in the summer transfer window, per Algemeen Dagblad (h/t Michael Bell at Football Oranje).

Boilesen is a serviceable left-back averaging 2.5 tackles and 2.0 interceptions per Eredivisie game.

But he didn't look special and is not in the class of Jetro Willems, whose dominance at PSV Eindhoven indicates he has world-class potential.

17. Kamohelo Mokotjo (Twente)

Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

Brentford are in pole position to sign Twente's South African central midfielder Kamohelo Mokotjo, 24, per Voetbal International (h/t Michael Bell at Football Oranje).

Mokotjo is an all-round midfielder who is a competent ball-winner and is able to create scoring chances for his teammates.

He accumulated 69 tackles, intercepted 80 passes and registered seven assists in 33 Eredivisie games.

16. Gervinho (Roma)

Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

Al Jazira remain diligent in their attempts to sign Roma's Ivorian left-forward Gervinho, 28, per David Amoyal at Gianluca Di Marzio's website.

According to Amoyal, Roma have already rejected Al Jazira's €14 million/£10.3 million bid for Gervinho.

This means Al-Jazira need to bid higher before convincing Gervinho to move his family to the United Arab Emirates.

Gervinho is approaching a decade in professional football.

He used to be productive scorer at Lille and was promising for Roma during the 2013/14 season, but he is declining.

If Al Jazira offer him a life-changing contract, Gervinho should ignore the potential backlash and just take the money.

15. Martin Skrtel (Liverpool)

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Slovakian centre-back Martin Skrtel, 30, is insulted by Liverpool's offer to extend his contract.

"The contract which has been offered to me is unacceptable, so I did not sign it. I have one year left," Skrtel said, per Joe Rimmer at the Liverpool Echo. "I think that contracts like this [are] offered to players who are much older than me or the player who had some health problems."

Playing in a defence that conceded six goals against Stoke City didn't help Skrtel's case for a better contract.

Liverpool better have an upgraded transfer target in mind, because if they don't have a replacement for Skrtel then why upset him so early?

It would be illogical management, but then again, this would be typical Liverpool.

14. Michael Krohn-Dehli (Sevilla)

David Ramos/Getty Images

Sevilla have confirmed the signing of Danish central midfielder Michael Krohn-Dehli, 31, from Celta Vigo, as reported by AS.com (via ESPN).

Approaching the end of his Celta Vigo contract, Krohn-Dehli exercised his Bosman right to a free transfer. 

Krohn-Dehli is a versatile, team-first footballer with a high football IQ, who has been outstanding in a central role.

He completed 84.3 percent of his 61.2 passes per game, not only setting the tempo for Celta Vigo, but functioning as a creative outlet.

He had a nondescript Eredivisie career before seeking solace in the Danish Superliga, so for him to make the jump up to La Liga and thrive is a testament to his ability and mental fortitude.

13. Tom Cleverley (Manchester United)

Clive Rose/Getty Images

Everton are expected to sign English central midfielder Tom Cleverley, 25, per James Ducker at the Times.

According to Ducker, Cleverley will sign a five-year contract worth €68,019/£50,000-a-week at Everton.

Approaching the end of his Manchester United contract, Cleverley will exercise his Bosman right to a free transfer, which will provide closure. 

He was a mediocre home-grown talent who made up the numbers at Manchester United, but became a scapegoat for their shortcomings. 

Outside of Manchester United, Cleverley has flashed quality moments on loan at Aston Villa.

12. Iker Casillas (Real Madrid)

Daniel Ochoa de Olza/Associated Press

Besiktas are the latest club to express interest in signing Real Madrid's Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas, 34, per Carlos Carpio at Marca.

Casillas is neither world-class nor a bad goalkeeper. He is average.

From Casillas' perspective, he is within his right to run down his contract until he receives a better offer.

This is not the first time that Besiktas are going for a Real Madrid stalwart, having signed Guti in 2012.

11. Shinji Okazaki (Mainz)

Michael Probst/Associated Press

Leicester City are stepping up their pursuit of Mainz's Japanese centre-forward Shinji Okazaki, 29, per Brendan McLoughlin at the Daily Mirror. 

Okazaki scored 12 goals and provided three assists in 32 Bundesliga games for Mainz.

He has a good connection with Yunus Malli, so unless Mainz find an upgrade, selling Okazaki is risky.

1. Who is going to score for Mainz?
2. It might unsettle Malli's performances.
   

10. Nolito (Celta Vigo)

Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images

Napoli have begun proceedings to sign Celta Vigo's Spanish left-forward Nolito, 28, per David Amoyal at Gianluca Di Marzio's website. 

Nolito has been excellent in La Liga—scoring 13 goals and providing 13 assists in 36 games—so he would bolster Napoli's attack.

However, signing Nolito would be an indictment on Lorenzo Insigne's stagnant development. 

If Napoli hire a Spanish manager, perhaps Unai Emery as Rafa Benitez's successor, then it could seal the deal to sign Nolito. 

9. John Guidetti (Manchester City)

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Lyon are planning to sign Manchester City's Swedish centre-forward John Guidetti, 23, per L'Equipe (h/t talkSPORT).

Guidetti is on an expiring contract at Manchester City and is expected to exercise his Bosman right to a free transfer.

If Alexandre Lacazette does not leave Lyon, Guidetti could find himself on the bench.

Guidetti is a dual-threat No. 9 who is able to score and create.

He spent the past season on loan at Celtic, scoring 15 goals and registering 12 assists from 35 games in all competitions.

8. Jose Mauri (Free Agent)

Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

Parma's bankruptcy means Argentine-Italian central midfielder Jose Mauri, 19, is available on a free transfer.

He is a wonderkid.

Mauri's agent Dino Zampacorta has outlined the current situation, per Parma Live (h/t Football Italia):

• AC Milan have "always showed interest" and are Mauri's "first choice."
• "Nothing sealed," which suggests Mauri is open to alternative options.
• Clubs from the Bundesliga, La Liga and Serie A are keen to sign Mauri.

Relative to other teenage footballers, Mauri is creme de la creme.

Comfortable on the ball and Marco Verratti-like in pressuring opposing players, Mauri is only going to get better.

Barring unforeseeable circumstances, he should develop into one of the best midfielders of his generation.

7. James Milner (Liverpool)

Jan Kruger/Getty Images

Liverpool have agreed personal terms with English utility player James Milner, 29, who opted against extending his contract at Manchester City.

Exercising his Bosman right to a free transfer, Milner is an outstanding squad addition to Liverpool.

He is team-first, plays multiple positions and brings experience to the dressing room.

He scored five goals and provided seven assists in 32 Premier League games for Manchester City while starting 56.3 percent of games he was involved in.

6. Jonathan Schmid (Hoffenheim)

Hoffenheim have reinforced their squad by signing French right/left-winger Jonathan Schmid, 24, from Freiburg. 

Schmid offers versatility, he is an incisive passer, is about to hit his prime and has the potential to become a household name.

He is a fantastic footballer who deserves more attention.

Scoring four goals and providing eight assists for relegated Freiburg, Schmid will have more to work with at Hoffenheim.

5. Petr Cech (Chelsea)

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Chelsea's ‎Czech Republic goalkeeper Petr Cech, 33, faces an undefined future.

"When the decision is made I will tell you," Cech said, per Kit Mann at the Daily Mirror. "At the moment it's all just speculation. I'm not even thinking about it."

Cech has lost his starting position to Thibaut Courtois, a once-in-a-generation goalkeeper.

Seeking greener pastures, Cech should re-elevate his status to world-class once he finds a new club.

4. Geoffrey Kondogbia (Monaco)

Clive Mason/Getty Images

Arsenal are considering bidding €34 million/£25 million for Monaco's French central midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia, 22, per Darren Lewis at the Daily Mirror.

Kondogbia is a midfielder with world-class potential, averaging 3.1 tackles and 2.5 interceptions per game. 

He is a reliable passer and offers a big physical presence.

Signing Kondogbia would be a statement of intent from Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

3. Breel Embolo (Basel)

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

Juventus have agreed personal terms with Swiss centre-forward Breel Embolo, 18, and are currently negotiating a transfer fee with Basel, per David Amoyal at Gianluca Di Marzio's website.

Embolo scored 17 goals and provided 13 assists in 42 games for Basel in all competitions.

Like when Romelu Lukaku was at Anderlecht, Embolo has bloomed early.

Embolo is one of the most promising prospects in world football.

2. Raheem Sterling (Liverpool)

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Real Madrid manager Rafael Benitez revealed he is fond of Liverpool's English forward Raheem Sterling, 20, increasing speculation about the youngster's future.

"We admire Raheem, that's no secret," Benitez said, per BBC Sport. "But he is not one of our players so I can't really comment on him."

Unless Sterling has irreconcilable feelings toward Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, it makes no sense to leave Anfield.

• Set to earn at least €136,251/£100,000 a week.
• Regular starter at Liverpool.
• Only 20 years old and needs to be playing week in, week out.

1. David De Gea (Manchester United)

Clive Rose/Getty Images

Manchester United's Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea, 24, has begun saying goodbye to his teammates in anticipation of an imminent transfer to Real Madrid, per Marca.

De Gea registered 92 saves in 37 Premier League games and is one of the world's best goalkeepers.

He is a natural successor to Iker Casillas.