Transfer gossip column: Isco to Manchester City, Van Gaal wants a new striker

This is not the place for legitimate reports and completed deals. Here, we compile the ludicrous transfer rumours that arise during this month of madness in the football world. Each day until the January window shuts, theScore will provide a rundown of the most outlandish babble from the backpages, briefing you on the transfer gossip throughout Europe.

If you're searching for a list of finalized transfers from each of Europe's top five domestic leagues, the following pages have you covered:

• Transfer Tracker - Premier League
• Transfer Tracker - Bundesliga (Jan. 3)
• Transfer Tracker - Ligue 1 (Jan. 3)
• Transfer Tracker - La Liga (Jan. 4)
• Transfer Tracker - Serie A (Jan. 4)

And now, back to the rumour mill.

Isco trying to engineer move to Manchester City

Reportedly unhappy at the lack of playing time under manager Rafa Benitez, Spanish midfielder Isco is looking for a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu, according to The Mirror. The 23-year-old, whose involvement in Euro 2016 this coming summer likely revolves around his ability to get on the pitch and showcase his skills consistently, is said to be interested in a loan move to Manchester City, with the two clubs discussing the possibility of a permanent, £25-million move this summer.

Juventus is also said to be interested in the diminutive playmaker.

Louis van Gaal desperate for a new striker

With his team having scored a mere 22 goals in 19 Premier League matches heading into Saturday's contest against Swansea City, under-fire Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal is said to be desperate for a new striker.

(Courtesy: Nick Sutton)

Chicharito - and his 19 goals with Bayer Leverkusen - would look good in a United kit right about now, wouldn't he?

Liverpool to free Ter Stegen from Barcelona's bench

Stapled to the pine at the Camp Nou, German shot-stopper Marc-Andre ter Stegen could be offered a lifeline by Liverpool, as RMC reports that, while the inquiries are in their infancy, the Reds have opened discussions with representatives for the goalkeeper. Firmly second-fiddle to Claudio Bravo, the prospect of getting consistent minutes between the sticks could be enough to tempt Ter Stegen to make the switch to the Premier League.

Newcastle to offer £15M for Michy Batshuayi

Newcastle, mired in a relegation battle, is reportedly looking to one of Europe's most sought-after young attackers to ensure safety from the drop. The Sun claims that manager Steve McClaren has identified Marseille star Michy Batshuayi, 22, as the potential saviour for the Magpies, with a (ludicrously low) £15-million bid inbound.

Batshuayi, who has scored 11 goals in Ligue 1 this season, has been linked with a host of other clubs, which would suggest Newcastle will need to up the ante significantly to secure the Belgian's services.

Insigne wanted by Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain

Pint-sized Napoli winger Lorenzo Insigne, one of Serie A's most exciting players this season, is being targeted by a pair of marquee European clubs, according to the agent for the 24-year-old Italian.

"PSG and Arsenal are clubs at the top of the world and their interest is certainly gratifying, but right now Lorenzo is only thinking about Napoli," Antonio Ottaiano told Radio Kiss Kiss.

Concrete? Or is this simply the latest example of an agent trying to drum up interest in order to ensure a new contract and big payday - for both the player and himself?