Today's round-up also includes a scale, ranking the possibility of each rumour (aren't we helpful) running from the traditional 1 to 10 system, 1 for example being "Thierry Henry decides to opt for Leyton Orient" with a 10 being a virtual done deal.

Lets begin:
Newcastle are apparently very close to nabbing Alan Smith from Manchester United (Daily Mirror). It’s a move that will suit both parties so on the ranking meter I give this a 8/10. However, if Big Sam is expecting Alan Smith to score more goals than yellow cards he is sadly mistaken, but at least he is getting a player who has heart and limitless determination.

Sunderland are closing in on much touted Championship striker David Nugent (various). Roy Keane can be hard man to turn down and a move to such a club would at least guarantee a prolonged spell in a Premiership outfit so I think this one could well bear fruit.

Apparently Charlton are to give in on their massive £17m evaluation of Darren Bent and bring it down significantly to £16m. Now that will get them banging down the doors at the Valley. Spurs are almost 100% certain to get their man. Somewhat less likely is the idea of Jermain Defoe moving in the other direction (that is a rumour I just made up myself!) Bent to Spurs 10/10.

Liverpool are to sweeten the deal for West Ham's Israeli midfielder Yossi Benayoun by throwing Craig Bellamy into the deal. Now I am not a big fan of the midget madman. Alan Shearer also is clearly not a fan. However I do think he can do a job for West Ham. It all depends on whether Alan Curbishley can 'curb' (see what I did there) his maniacal behaviour (hide those Golf clubs guys) I give this a 6/10 on my highly scientific scaling system.

Talking of the size-challenged among the footballing fraternity, Deco is said to be on his way to the Premiership from Barcelona (DiarioSport). The impish diver is said to have attracted the attention of three of the top four (not Man United). I can see Deco coming to England and Chelsea seem the most likely choice, although given their crammed midfield, finding a place for him would mean losing one of their 67 internationals. 7/10.

Personally the idea of moving to Bolton post-Allardyce seems a fairly dumb move, but a whole host of players are supposedly close to moving to the Reebok. The players mentioned include Francisco Pavon, Djibril Cisse and Paddy Kenny. Eyebrows back in place (various). I rate these as 1/10, 1/10 and 10/10 respectively.

Finally, Martin O'Neill is hoping to fool players into thinking that Aston Villa are a good bet for continuing improvement.  One target is said to be Shaun Wright-Phillips (Daily Star). To me this just doesn't seem to make sense. If SWP wants the regular first team football he undoubtedly deserves he can surely do so at a better club, such as Spurs, Newcastle or even Blackburn Rovers. 2/10.