Manchester United are in advanced negotiations to sign Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao, according to Spanish newspaper Marca.

The reported transfer fee for the Colombian is €55 million. Marca adds that Manchester United are willing to make a down payment to ensure they’re able to sign Falcao this summer.

FACT OR FICTION? While there’s no doubt that any football club would love to sign Falcao, it seems like newspaper speculation more than reality. United are already strong up front, but need strengthening in midfield in addition to defensive cover for their aging centre-halves.

Having said that, Sir Alex Ferguson desperately wants to win another UEFA Champions League trophy before he retires, and having someone like Falcao will significantly improve their attacking prowess even if and when Robin van Persie regains his form.

While I’d love to see Falcao in the Premier League, I think this transfer rumor is fiction. Marca is an unreliable source when it comes to sensationalist transfer gossip. And I don’t see the Glazers splashing £47 million for one footballer.

Other transfer rumors:

Gareth Bale to Real Madrid for £37 million — The Guardian

FACT OR FICTION?: I’m still in the camp that thinks that Tottenham Hotspur will be unable to refuse ginormous transfer bids for their star winger/forward Gareth Bale. Every footballer and club have their asking price, and while Spurs supporters don’t want to see him go, they could buy several players just by selling one, to continue helping Tottenham progress in the league.

If this transfer rumor was closer to this summer, I’d say there’d be more validity to it. But  in this early stage with no one knowing what the future of manager Jose Mourinho really holds, I think this transfer gossip is premature. Fiction.

Michel Vorm to Barcelona? — The Mirror

FACT OR FICTION?: Look up the term “dodgy goalkeeper” in the encyclopedia, and you might see a photo of Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes next to it. Barcelona is definitely in the hunt for a new goalkeeper for next season, and Swansea’s Michel Vorm is undoubtedly a talent. Plus, any club that would want to sign him could get him at a lower transfer fee than if he was playing at a top Premier League club.

There may be an interest by Barcelona, but I would be surprised if the club is looking at a goalkeeper who doesn’t have Champions League experience. Vorm has played for his national team, the Netherlands, but I think Barcelona may be looking elsewhere this summer. Fiction.

Andy Carroll to return to Liverpool? — The Guardian

FACT OR FICTION?: No chance. The only way Andy Carroll would return to Liverpool is if West Ham didn’t want to extend the loan deal or didn’t want to turn the loan into a permanent signing. Brendan Rodgers is not interested in bringing Carroll back to Anfield. Fiction.

Chelsea closing in on Andre Schurrle — The Mirror

FACT OR FICTION?: Out of all of the transfer rumors, this one is the most likely. Fact! Andre Schurrle would be a fine addition to Chelsea’s squad especially he’s so versatile and can play as either a forward or winger.