Why we should be suspicious about Everton's link with Sergi Roberto

Just like Christmas music in shopping malls seems to be played earlier with each passing year, so the summer transfer rumour mill appears to creep ever deeper in spring every season.

This year is no exception, with rumours already linking Everton with a number of new faces during the close season despite it being only mid-April.

One of the more eye-opening links is a move for Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto, who has apparently been told he can leave the Nou Camp at the end of the season.

Rumours linking Everton with Barcelona players is nothing new as relations between the two clubs are strong following Gerard Deulofeu's successful loan last season.

But before you get too excited, a closer look at this rumour suggests it's credibility should be brought into question.

Firstly, The Metro, that wrote the story this morning, cites reports in Spain as its source. That report is from Spanish website Fichajes.com.

That story though cites a report in the Daily Mirror back in England. That story, from March 3, is five lines long and without a single quote or source, but claims Everton are in 'pole position' to land the player.

Most supporters have learned to treat such stories with suspicion. But like a criminal laundering money, a rumour picked up by a foreign news website and re-reported back again is suddenly given some new found credibility.

Just because a website is in a foreign language doesn't mean it is any more reliable than the gossip columns in the English tabloids.

Therefore, as great as this transfer would be, I would highly recommend you don't purchase a 'Sergi Roberto' Everton top just yet.