Transfer gossip column: Gotze's future is anyone's guess

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:

Gotze signs new contract, or makes Dortmund return

In a contrasting fate with his waistline, Mario Gotze's star has fallen considerably since he won the World Cup for Germany with a lush chest-and-prod in 2014.

Rumours of a transfer to Liverpool first surfaced after Pep Guardiola demoted the stocky forward to the bench at Bayern Munich but, under new boss Carlo Ancelotti, he could be given a weightier role in Bavaria. Sport Bild reports Gotze will be rewarded with a five-year contract.

But The Mirror's Alex Richards pooh-poohs that notion. Three years after leaving, Gotze could be returning to Borussia Dortmund to the tune of £23 million, apparently, fitting snugly into a void left by the sales of Ilkay Gundogan and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Benatia buy paves way for Bonucci exit

Juventus' imminent signing of Medhi Benatia from Bayern Munich will open the door for Manchester City to swoop for Leonardo Bonucci, according to The Sun's Andrew Richardson.

Guardiola quickly noted that in Nicolas Otamendi and Eliaquim Mangala he has two defenders that are as confused as a Boris Johnson political campaign, so has submitted a ballot to the club's hierarchy requesting a certain Bonucci.

A £38-million bid was rejected by the Old Lady for her composed centre-half, but those scamps from the northwest may the topple the elderly bird's resolve with more coin.

Vietto would rather be a loanee than play for Barcelona

Barcelona's peculiar pursuit of Luciano Vietto has fallen short, reports Lluis Miguelsanz of Sport, with the 22-year-old instead preferring to move on loan to Sevilla.

Vietto's promising beginnings at Villarreal haven't been evident at Atletico Madrid. Following his lucrative €20-million transfer last summer, the striker bagged just one goal as Antoine Griezmann romped the goalscoring charts.

For some reason, this was enough to tempt Barca into tempting him to the Camp Nou, but he's opted for Andalusia instead. All very odd.

Inter readies two-day contract for Bielsa

Amid apparent tensions between Roberto Mancini and Inter Milan's boardroom, plans are allegedly afoot to line up eccentric tactician Marcelo Bielsa as his successor.

Football Italia reckons Bielsa's friendship with vice president Javier Zanetti would help secure the appointment if required.

The Argentinian would prove a real coup given his significant Serie A experience. The 60-year-old oversaw Lazio for 48 hours earlier this summer.