Transfer gossip column: Manchester United considers £45-million John Stones bid

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.

Manchester United to end Anderson interest

Felipe Anderson will not be a Red Devil anytime soon with Louis van Gaal put off by the Lazio man's price tag and poor form this season, if you believe Dean Jones of Bleacher Report.

The Brazilian hasn't cut the most willing figure at times for Le Aquile and, despite Manchester United having a dearth of penetration coming through its midfield, the Dutch gaffer has decided Anderson isn't worth the gamble.

Manchester United ready £45-million Stones bid

But Manchester United isn't willing to give up in the January transfer market, despite the Mirror stating otherwise.

The team is lacking at both sides of the back four and across the midfield, but Van Gaal is instead eyeing up central defender John Stones, according to the Daily Star's Colin Harvey.

A long-term target of Chelsea, the 21-year-old is to be subject of a whopping £45-million bid - an amount which is sure to test the resolve of Everton manager Roberto Martinez and club chairman Bill Kenwright.

Swansea eyeing Rhodes

Blackburn Rovers favourite Jordan Rhodes has scored relentlessly since his £8-million move from Huddersfield Town in 2012, but promotion to the Premier League with the Ewood Park outfit remains out of reach.

Swansea City is offering the Scotland international a shortcut into the top tier, according to the South Wales Evening Post, but is apparently digging its heels over the £10-million valuation of the striker. It could be forced to part with the cash, however, if Newcastle United's advances to Bafetimbi Gomis are successful and leaves Swansea short in attack.

Rhodes could be left with quite the conundrum if Blackburn accepts an offer for him: remain at a club that has no hope of promotion from the Championship but has invested well since the lifting of its transfer embargo, or join Swansea which sits rather precariously in 17th - just one point from the drop.