Transfer Rater: M’Baye Niang to Arsenal, William Carvalho to Man City

The latest transfer rumours from around the world.

Things change in the blink of an eye in football. The Football Whispers Index takes the latest transfer rumours and gives them a score out of five; the higher the score, the more realistic and reliable the whisper.

Here are today’s top five emerging whispers. And keep an eye on Transfer Talk for all the latest gossip.

Max Gradel to Watford

Bournemouth attacker Max Gradel has been linked with a move to Watford. The Mirror claim the 29-year-old is close to finalising a deal after the two clubs agreed a £3 million deal. The Cherries paid £7m for the former Saint-Etienne player in the summer of 2015 but he’s failed to cement a position in the first-team after suffering injuries and loss of form. The Ivory Coast international has just 91 minutes of first-team football to his name under Eddie Howe so may well seek a move.

William Carvalho to Manchester City

Manchester City are reportedly interested in Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho. The 24-year-old Portuguese international has been previously linked with moves to Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea, while West Bromwich Albion had a £20m offer turned down for the Euro 2016 winner last week. City are in need of midfield reinforcements having had to play Pablo Zabaleta in that role in the 4-0 defeat to Everton. A fee of £30m may be enough to tempt Sporting into selling.

Neil Taylor to Crystal Palace

Wales Online report Norwich City’s Martin Olsson was not just brought in to cover for the injured Neil Taylor but perhaps to replace him. The 27-year-old Wales international has been linked with a move to Crystal Palace and a culmination of things — criticism from fans, Olsson’s arrival and the fact his deal expires in 2019 — could see the player depart. Palace boss Sam Allardyce is reported to be in the market for a left-back despite having signed Jeffrey Schlupp, who can operate in that role.

Julian Korb to West Ham

Reports in Germany are linking Borussia Monchengladbach’s versatile defender Julian Korb with a move to West Ham. The 24-year-old can be deployed as a right-back, left-back or in a wide midfield role, but would call the right side of the defence his natural position. He has just the 18 months left on his current deal and, after impressing with his performances this season, Gladbach know this may be the best opportunity to cash in on the German.

M’Baye Niang to Arsenal

Arsenal are yet again being linked with a move for AC Milan’s M’Baye Niang, according to reports to Italy. Arsene Wenger is a long-term admirer and reportedly tried to sign the player when he left Caen. The player opted for Milan but, undeterred, Wenger and Arsenal kept tabs on the 22-year-old. After impressing in Vincenzo Montella’s new look Milan side his stock is on the rise and Arsenal may be forced to act quickly to ensure they don’t miss out again.