EPL Transfer Rumors: 5 Rumors Most Likely to Come True

With the Champions League final past us, transfer rumors all over the world have heated up. How many of those rumors can really be trusted?

You're bound to hear millions of scenarios over the next few weeks, from Cristiano Ronaldo going back to the EPL to Lionel Messi going to the MLS (OK, maybe not quite). 

While it is sometimes tough to predict—the start of the transfer period is still a month away—we'll lay out the five most likely EPL transfers.

Establishing some sort of clarity for the upcoming EPL season is ideal, especially when there are countless rumors to sift through.

Brad Friedel, G, Aston Villa

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BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - MAY 22: Brad Friedel of Aston Villa instructs his team during the Barclays Premier League match between Aston Villa and Liverpool at Villa Park on May 22, 2011 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

According to the Mirror, the 40-year-old American goalkeeper has reportedly rejected a contract extension with Aston Villa and will sign with Tottenham, instead of Liverpool, which also had him targeted.

Friedel is interested in keeping his career going as he chose the Spurs over Liverpool because of a better chance to start. At Liverpool, he would almost definitely be a backup, but with the Spurs he should replace Brazilian Huerelho Gomes.

This rumor seems set to become truth within the next week.

Vurnon Anita, M, Ajax

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AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS - MAY 15: Vurnon Anita of Ajax Amsterdam competes during the Eridivisie match between Ajax Amsterdam and FC Twente at the Amsterdam Arena on May 15, 2010 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. (Photo by Jasper Ruhe/EuroFootball/Getty

A move to the Premier League for the 22-year-old Ajax midfielder seems inevitable. 

Both Liverpool and Chelsea are reportedly interested in the budding Dutch star, but currently the price of £12m is probably a bit much.

Ajax doesn't seem intent on lowering the price, but these two clubs aren't shy about emptying their pockets, so it shouldn't be a problem. After disappointing seasons from both squads, they very well may be looking for young talent in the midfield.

Anita to the EPL seems very close. 

David De Gea, G, Atletico Madrid

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MADRID, SPAIN - JANUARY 13: David De Gea of Atletico Madrid celebrates his sides opening goal during the quarter-final Copa del Rey first leg match between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on January 13, 2011 in Madrid, Spain.

With the retirement of Edwin van der Sar, Manchester United is suddenly in need of a goalkeeper, and with the retirement of Gary Neville and Paul Scholes, they suddenly have lots of money to spend.

Some of that extra money is expected to go towards the 20-year-old from Atletico Madrid.

"He has all the attributes to go on and become a great goalkeeper. The calmness he displayed in such big games was tremendous," said former Atletico boss Abel Resino on de Gea

The Spainard showed some of those traits this year, as he put up 11 clean sheets for Madrid.

United has been strongly linked to de Gea already and this is probably the easiest transfer of the summer to predict. According to Goal.com, the deal is expected to be announced soon. 

Radamel Falcao, F, FC Porto

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DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Miguel Garcia of SC Braga clashes with Radamel Falcao Garcia of FC Porto during the UEFA Europa League Final between FC Porto and SC Braga at Dublin Arena on May 18, 2011 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

The Porto striker has recently stated that he wants to stay with Porto, but that decision may be out of his hands, according to the story.

So it's apparent that he's leaving, but where is he headed?

Arsenal and Tottenham are the two likely suitors for Falcao, as they have both offered £26m for the 25-year-old's services. As of now, it's anyone's guess as to where he'll go, but it's certain that he will make an immediate impact on the EPL.

Falcao scored 16 goals in 22 appearances for Porto and a pairing with someone like Robin van Persie or Peter Crouch could be deadly. 

Wherever he ends up, it's apparent that Falcao is headed for England.

Nicolas Anelka

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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 15: Nicolas Anelka of Chelsea in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge on May 15, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Head man Roman Abramovich seems keen on keeping Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres together, even though reports sprouted saying that Galatasaray was going to make a serious push for Drogba.

Nicolas Anelka seems to be the goalscorer more likely to depart. 

The 32-year-old Frenchman will probably be one of the scapegoat's of Chelsea's disappointing season. He scored just six goals in 32 appearances and was used sparingly in the last few months of the season.

No team has reported serious interest, as the price may be a little too steep.

Still, though, the matter of the fact is simple. Anelka, Drogba and Torres can't fit on the same squad—and Abramovich wants Drogba and Torres. It's only a matter of time before a suitor comes calling for Anelka.