Transfer gossip column: Balotelli could make Premier League return this month

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 finalised transfers from each of Europe's top five domestic leagues, the following pages have you covered:

• Transfer Tracker - Premier League
• Transfer Tracker - Bundesliga
• Transfer Tracker - Ligue 1
• Transfer Tracker - La Liga
• Transfer Tracker - Serie A

And now, back to the rumour mill.

West Ham, West Brom in for Mario Balotelli

Mario Balotelli's disappointing injury-hit loan return at AC Milan could be cut short this January, and both West Ham and West Brom are reportedly ready to pounce for the controversial Italian.

There is no role awaiting Balotelli at parent club Liverpool despite its depleted strikeforce, and according to the Brentwood Gazette, the forward could have his pick between the Hammers and the Baggies.

With just two league goals since March 2014, the 25-year-old seems to have prematurely frazzled out after the explosive fireworks of his earlier days.

Atletico raises Griezmann asking price to £75 million

Chelsea has been hit with a double blow in its pursuit of Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann.

The Express speculates that the striker's buy-out clause has been lifted from £60 million to £75 million by the second-placed La Liga outfit in a bid to ward off those clubs sniffing around its prized asset. And this came before Griezmann's words to Telefoot, which suggested that he is settled at the Vicente Calderon Stadium.

"I am feeling very well at Atletico," he said. "This is a big club and I want to achieve great things here. I am ambitious and my goal is to win trophies here.

"I have become more mature. The club and my team-mates rely on me."

Chelsea eyes 17-year-old Rick van Drongelen

With the present appearing bleak compared to its preseason expectations, Chelsea is looking to the future, and reportedly eyeing Sparta Rotterdam teenager Rick van Drongelen.

The 17-year-old defender has drawn attention through his mature performances over four appearances for the table-topping Jupiler League outfit, and also when marshalling the back for the Netherlands' Under-19 side.

"I have filed a report about Van Drongelen to Chelsea," the player's agent Piet de Visser told Omroep Zeeland, as translated by the Express. "I think he's a serious guy who always trains extra hard and shows good mentality. First, he must focus on his spot at Sparta and the Holland Under-19s. There he is doing a good job."