Pre-season rumbles on and with the lack of credible football on the television, expectant fans have switched to the soap opera that is transfer market.
The “will he, won’t he?” nature of the summer time provides sufficient sustenance for legions of fans, so indulge yourself this lunchtime.
Let’s begin with some confirmed news.
West Ham don’t look like slowing their recruitment drive, their latest arrival confirmed this morning.
Manuel Lanzini will join the London side on a season-long loan from UAE club Al Jazira.
The 22-year-old Argentine has been capped only four times for the U20 national side and depending on results this season, West Ham have the option to sign him on a permanent basis.
Slaven Bilic is also eyeing up another Argentine to join his ranks, this time one with decidedly more experience.
The London Evening Standard report that Esteban Cambiasso is looking for a new club after rejecting a contract extension from current club Leicester.
Bilic will look to strengthen the midfield amid injury concerns to key midfielders, namely Alex Song.
Premier League new boys Norwich are monitoring the situation of Robbie Brady very closely.
Steve Bruce confirmed Norwich have yet to improve on their latest £6million offer for Brady, and Hull are sticking to their £8m valuation.
Brady may push for a move back to the Premier League, but at the moment there is no movement.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are also trying to force through Christian Benteke’s paperwork to have him available for the start of the season.
Sky are reporting that it is only an administrative delay keeping the transfer from going ahead.
And of course, it wouldn't be a transfer round-up without Manchester United and their ringmaster, Louis van Gaal.
Despite all of the Dutchman’s protestations, it appears Angel Di Maria is nearing the United exit door and a lavish cruise liner to Paris awaits.
Rumours continue to circulate that Di Maria is unsettled in Manchester and after an attempted break-in on his Cheshire home, van Gaal may look to recoup some of the £59.7m splashed on the record signing.
Something tells me the PSG piggy bank won’t take too much of a hit.
Elsewhere, it is still unclear whether or not Ed Woodward will bring another big signing into the squad.
Yesterday the media descended into a game of Cluedo as journalists tried to figure out whether it was Cavani in the kitchen with candlestick or Muller in the hall with a revolver that van Gaal was eluding to in a cryptic press conference.
It would appear the 63-year-old has an ace up his sleeve and dark horse Fernando Llorente is now a frontrunner to land on Old Trafford's doorstep.
We await his next clue with baited breath.
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