re: This is the stupidest transfer rumor I have heard all summer

It's kind of like the "Coaching Merry-go-Round" in American sports. Player agents (coaches agents) have their favorite journalists who will normally publish what the agent asks them to. Or the agent will play all hush-hush, James Bond..."I have a tip...Barca's assistant somebody gave Fab. a call last night."

Journo, goes to his computer or wherever, inputs a story, and voilá, the "player is linked with Barca..." or the player is linked with club x and club y have also shown an interest.

Before long, the rest of the papers get in on the act, NOW the idea has legs, and before long the guy is gone from his club. Where, a week before, he was content (perhaps) and willing to play the season.

I hate this shite.