Catching up on the latest transfer rumours

The summer has been and almost gone (if you're in northern Europe there are probably only a few more days of shimmering sun to catch, sob, sob), but with new seasons across Europe about to kick off (August 14th - Premier League, August 20/21 - Bundesliga, August 22/23 - Serie A and August 29 - LaLiga), there are still plenty of transfer rumours to keep us wishing/hoping/expecting, depending on who you support of course.

In England it looks like Manchester City still haven't put away their checkbook. With rumours aplenty that Fernando Torres isn't the happiest camper over at Liverpool, a huge, ginormous bid is expected to be winging its way over top Anfield any day. With deep, deep pockets it's perhaps surprising that they've recalled Robinho from his loan spell at Santos. Though if the Brazilian star doesn't fancy playing in rainy Manchester there's not a lot they're going to be able to do, except ship him on and flesh out the bank balance a bit.

Liverpool and Manchester United have appeared perhaps a little too quiet on the transfer rumours circuit this summer. Despite having a new manager in Roy (Woy) Hodgson, Liverpool look like they're going to having a rebuilding year or so. Whether Torres stays is a critical question, but with just over 2 weeks to go before the start of the Premier League, my money's on him staying at Anfield. His teammate Mascherano however looks to be on his way, with Inter Milan (now bossed by his former manager Rafa Benetiz of course) and Barcelona, who almost snapped him up last year, favourites to grab him. As for Manchester United, they appear to have done all their purchases looong ago (including Mexican starlet Hernandez of course), and despite plenty of big names getting talked about, the transfer rumours for United fans are nothing but, well, rumours. I'm choosing to ignore the very latest rumour hitting us that has Man United apparently lining up a £25 million bid to sign Werder Bremen midfielder Mesut Oezil (pictured below), one of the stand-out stars of the German World Cup campaign. Fergie won't go for that. Or will he?

Londoners Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs have also been fairly quiet on the transfer market, though Arsenal have splashed the cash on Chamakh and are rumoured to be lining up a top goalkeeper (yes, plenty of transfer rumours about Russian Arshavin "selling" Arsenal to his compatriot, goalkeeper Akinfeev, but who knows if there's any truth in it). Sol Campbell is also rumoured to be on his way out, with Newcastle now favourites to land him. Chelsea have been mentioned as a potential target for Torres, but will they be pipped to his signature by moneybags Man City? And if they don't sign him, are they strong enough to defend their title?

As the big names and big clubs wheel and deal on the sidelines, it might be worth mentioning Real Madrid legend Raul, who is one big name definitely on the path of a new career. Whether it continues in England or Germany remains to be seen, as he's still unsure, though Schalke remain favorites to snap him up. He may be 33 but he's still got some football left in him, he'll be a great addition to any team.