Now that we are in transfer deadline day, expect to see many transfer stories ping from left to right. Some of them will have truth, but unfortunately, most will be tabloid nonsense without any real bearing.
And as fans, it's difficult. It's difficult because the boundaries between what's real and what's false are entirely blurred. We don't know what to believe anymore, which is admittedly fed into to drive clicks.
However, there are just some transfer rumors which outwardly make no sense at all. As fans, we do have a pretty good gauge of our clubs and we can judge if a rumor is real or not at face value.
The latest rumor doesn't make any sense at all.
Even Real Madrid fans can’t believe this €115m transfer rumor
According to several reports, this one from Fichajes as an example, Real Madrid is prepared to offer €115m to sign Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace. The report even states that Wharton is Xabi Alonso's main desire in the midfield.
It is reported that Liverpool and Man City are also showing an interest in signing Wharton, with the hopes of keeping him in the Premier League.
The English midfielder is currently making strides in the Premier League. He's a composed midfielder, and one of those players who unexpectedly became one of the best in his position over the last few seasons.
Crystal Palace is the current holder of both the FA Cup and the Community Shield. In the FA Cup final, they beat Man City and in the Community Shield, they beat Liverpool. Therefore, it's hardly surprising that two of England's best clubs are eyeing Wharton.
But, surprisingly, Real Madrid is apparently targeting Adam Wharton. It's probably surprising because it's too good to be true.
Nobody expects Real Madrid to be busy this deadline day. Los Blancos did what Los Blancos do best by wrapping up the transfer activity early doors, essentially confirming that they won't make any last minute deals.
Of course, market opportunities could change any stance. No club can officially say "we're done" until the market is done, as it can throw some tempting offers in Real Madrid's direction.
However, €115m for Adam Wharton is by no means a tempting offer, or an impossible to reject market decision. Real Madrid must not change their mind based on this fee, and fans can safely assume that Real Madrid will not sign Wharton on deadline day.