Transfer gossip column: Bayern to battle Manchester clubs for Zlatan's signature

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 summer transfer window shuts, theScore will provide a rundown of the most outlandish babble from the backpages, briefing you on the transfer gossip throughout Europe.

Here's what the rumour mill is churning out today:

Bayern out to hijack Ibrahimovic

Bayern Munich is eager to beat Manchester United in the race to sign Swedish superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Despite the endless supply of reports linking Ibrahimovic with a move to Old Trafford, Bayern has thrown its hat into the race, according to German publication Bild, via the Daily Mirror.

Adding fuel to the speculation is Ibra's relationship with current Bayern gaffer Carlo Ancelotti, whom the Swedish striker played under at Paris Saint-Germain.

De Gea tells Mourinho he wants to stay at United

A summer of transfer rumours linking David De Gea with a move to Real Madrid may not be on the horizon, after all.

The Spanish net-minder has apparently met with new Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho to confess his desire to stay with the club, according to The Sun. It's good news for United and its fans, but terrible for gossip columnists...

Berahino close to West Ham move

West Ham is willing to give a little in order to secure Saido Berahino's services for next season at the Olympic Stadium.

The east London outfit has reportedly agreed to swap Diafra Sakho in order to convince West Bromwich Albion to let the young striker leave this summer, The Mirror reports.

However, don't expect a deal to be completed any time soon if last summer's drawn out transfer saga is anything to go by.

Manchester clubs target Stones

John Stones is receiving attention from the north this summer after Chelsea's efforts to bring him to London last summer fell through.

According to the Daily Star, both Manchester clubs have joined the race for the talented young centre-back, whose price tag is likely lower than the reported £30 million Everton demanded last summer.