World Football Transfers: 10 Things to Expect in July

Speculation seems to be the key theme as we find ourselves fully submersed in the midst of another summer transfer window.

With new rumors rising and old ones dying at the peak of each new day, it can be difficult to follow who is going where.

Sifting amongst these accusations can prove difficult, so here are 10 transfers you can expect to see this month.

10. Jerome Boateng to Bayern Munich

The Daily Mail reported Thursday that Jerome Boateng has demanded out of Manchester City and is unhappy at the club.

The German international is keen on a move to his native Germany and would like to play for Bayern Munich.

City are currently looking for €20 million for the talented defender, with Boateng optimistic the two clubs can reach an agreement.

9. Aly Cissokho to Manchester City

If the two aforementioned clubs reach an agreement for Boateng, don't be surprised to see City turn around and spend that cash right away on Lyon defender Aly Cissokho as a replacement.

Manchester City's chief executive team of Gary Cook and Brian Harwood flew out to France to visit the 23-year-old, according to the International Business Times's "sport & stars" section. 

The highly-rated defender was set for a move to Italian giants AC Milan in 2009, but after a failed medical, the move collapsed.

Barring injury, the young Frenchman could be on his way to the blue side of Manchester this month.

8. Gervinho to Arsenal

The 24-year-old striker is near the top of Arsenal's summer wish-list as they look to add strength to an injury-prone strike force.

British newspaper The Sun recently reported that Gervinho is on his way out at current club Lille and close to completing a move to the Emirates in the coming days.

Lille president Michel Seydoux admitted to have spoken with the Ivorian and his desire was to play for the North London side next campaign. 

The only thing holding Gervinho back are contract agreements between the two clubs, which are reportedly ongoing. 

7. Jermaine Jones to Leave Schalke

After a successful loan-spell for Blackburn Rovers beginning in January, Jermaine Jones is pushing for full separation from German outfit Schalke.

Both goal.com and BBC Sport confirm reports that Blackburn boss Steve Kean is animate on keeping the United States international at Ewood Park on a permanent basis.

Blackburn are not the only team showing interest in the 30-year-old, with goal.com reporting that Roma have entered the Jermaine Jones sweepstakes as well.

Whether he ends up at Blackburn or in Rome, one thing is for sure: Jones will not be wearing Schalke blue by the end of this month. 

6. Neymar to Real Madrid

A strong performance and leading a youthful Santos team to the Copa Liberdatores title last Wednesday has seen the 19-year-old become top priority for a handful of top European teams.

Chelsea and Real Madrid are reportedly the front runners, but the Blues may be ousted by Madrid because of the hefty €45 million asking price for the young forward.

Even former Madrid star Roberto Carlos has added his two cents to the issue, saying that they "should do whatever it takes to sign Neymar," according to Spanish newspaper Marca.

Neymar remains adamant that his mind is only on Brazil and Copa America this summer, but there's no arguing that the young star has a little bit of Spain on his mind.

5. Michel Bastos to Juventus

After a disappointing seventh place finish in Serie A last season, i bianconeri are looking to add strength to their squad and are starting from the back.

Lyon defender Michel Bastos is reportedly Juve's newest transfer target according to goal.com, and are willing to cough up €15 million for the versatile left back.

4. Raul Meireles to Juventus

In what may be one of the bigger surprises of the transfer market, this year's fan-voted Liverpool Player of the Year may be on his way out for his services.

The Portuguese winger has won over the Turin giants, according to British newspaper The Sun, with the Old Lady offering Brazilian midfielder Felipe Melo in return.

Whether Reds manager Kenny Dalglish is high on Melo is uncertain, but one thing is for sure—Liverpool want €15 million for Raul Meireles' services. 

3. Gael Clichy to Roma or Liverpool

Gael Clichy will be wearing red again next year, but there's a good chance it won't be Arsenal red. 

The Daily Mail reports that the French left back fancies a move to Anfield but cannot ignore the €33.6 million Roma is willing to pay him over the next five years.

With Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish desperate for a full-time left back after playing Glen Johnson out of position last year, it will be interesting to see where the 25-year-old ends up this summer.

Although recent reports claim that Arsene Wenger wants him to stay in North London until his contract expires next year, signs don't look good for Gunner fans. 

Clichy's contract extension talks have stalled and it seems that the French international is on his way out the door.

2. Falcao to Chelsea

Falcao wants to reunite with former Porto boss Andre Villas-Boas after he accepted the then-vacant manager position at Chelsea.

The Colombian striker reportedly asked his boss to take him along to Chelsea after Villa-Boas inked his new deal earlier this month. 

Having netted 73 times in 85 games for Porto over the past two seasons, the 25-year-old's services would be hard to ignore for any manager.

If Villa-Boas takes advantage of the large transfer-kitty owner Roman Abramovich has promised, look for Falcao to be joining the ranks of the newest Chelsea strikers this season. 

1. Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona

In what has been one of the more drawn-out and prolonged transfer sagas of recent memory, it just seems that all signs are pointing towards the door for Cesc Fabregas.

All summer long there have been accusations about the young Spaniard completing a move to native Barcelona, but a recent Daily Mirror article reported that Arsenal omitted their captain from all promotional events dealing with the unveiling of their new away kits.

The Gunners have already rejected the Catalan giants' opening bid of €30.25 million, and rumor has it they are preparing an improved bid of over €33 million, according to the Daily Mail.

With Arsenal needing money to fund a summer personnel overhaul, expect for the Fabregas drama to drag out until the Gunners receive a price they deem appropriate.