Transfer gossip column: Lewandowski rejects Premier League in hopes of Real Madrid move

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.

Chelsea to offer cash and Remy for Vardy?

The rumour pages clearly believe Chelsea is in panic mode. The latest transfer the Blues are said to be pursuing is a dramatic capture of the Premier League's leading scorer, Jamie Vardy. Chelsea is said to be willing to sweeten a potential deal for the Leicester City star by offering Loic Remy, whom the Foxes have added to their list of potential transfer targets, according to The Mirror's Darren Lewis.

Real Madrid strikes out on 3 attempts to sign Messi

In the last five years, Lionel Messi rejected three separate offers from Real Madrid, according to a report from Spain's Cadena COPE radio station translated by The Irish Times. Los Blancos made its first attempt to lure Messi away from Barcelona in 2011, followed by futile attempts in 2013 and 2015. The toxic atmosphere inside the Camp Nou would likely make Luis Figo's return - which featured someone throwing a pig's head onto the pitch - seem like a homecoming compared to the reception Messi would get in a Real kit.

Lewandowski to reject Premier League clubs in favour of Real Madrid

It seems like Premier League teams queuing up at the Allianz Arena might as well accept that Robert Lewandowski isn't coming to England. Despite interest from the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, and Chelsea, the Bayern Munich forward has his sights set on a move to Real Madrid, The Independent's Mark Ogden reports. However, the situation could take a drastic turn if FIFA upholds its transfer ban on Real.

Arsenal emerges as favourite to sign Isco

Arsenal is the latest team to pull ahead of the pack in the race to sign Real Madrid midfielder Isco. The north London team faces competition from Manchester City for his signature, but could submit an offer during the summer if it's willing to meet Real Madrid's £25-million valuation, according to a report from Spanish outlet El Confidencial translated by The Irish Independent.

Arsenal agrees to pay Dynamo Kiev £23M for Yarmolenko

The Gunners are also said to be prepared to offer £23 million to Dynamo Kiev for the services of forward Andriy Yarmolenko. A report from Ukrainian outlet Sport, as translated by Alex Wood of the Daily Star, indicates the two sides have already agreed to that deal, but it won't be completed until the summer.