As one Barclay’s Premier League season comes to a close another type begins, yes silly season is well and truly upon us. It’s that time of the year where clubs are linked with players you’ve never heard of and preseason predictions are as wide of the mark as a Fernando Torres attempt at goal.

Already suspicion is rife on the futures of Wayne Rooney, Gareth Bale and managers such as ex-Wigan boss Roberto Martinez. Starting with Wayne Rooney, the Manchester United forward has publicly expressed his desire to leave Old Trafford after 9 years much to the sorrow of thousands of his fans. It’s not out of the question he stays with the Premier League champions but going along with the idea that he is to depart, where will he end up? Manchester City is a club capable of dealing with Rooney’s wage demands, as are Chelsea but I believe he will end up aboard if he is to leave. Paris Saint-Germain are favourites to land him with new Champions League winners, Bayern Munich just behind. If David Beckham remains in Paris in some fashion, then expect that to appeal to Rooney. 

Now, Gareth Bale, what hasn’t been said about him recently? After cleaning up every award possible, Bale appears to be on his way out of White Hart Lane. Should he stay, Tottenham will have to convince him that the Europa League is as good as the Champions League (it’s not) and they’ll need to break their own wage structure at the same time. Where will he end up? Real Madrid is well placed to secure his signature and I would not rule out Manchester United who could possible see Bale as a replacement for Rooney. Roberto Martinez is a sought after manager right now. Fresh from winning the FA Cup and err, relegation with Wigan Athletic, clubs are climbing over each other to secure the charismatic Spaniard. In the Premiership alone Everton, Stoke City and Chelsea are on the lookout for a new manager with the Merseyside club at the front of the queue and a deal is expected soon.

Martinez has been noticed back in his homeland so be shocked but not too shocked should Real Madrid show some interest after Jose Mourinho departs for Chelsea as expected. On Monday Crystal Palace secured the final place in next year’s Premier League with a Championship Playoff Final victory over Watford. Ian Holloway, with the help of his predecessor Dougie Freedman has guided the London club to the big time with a squad that cost just a shade over £2 million and are now set for a £120 million windfall at the least. Currently in a state of delirium after their success, reality will hit next season and it could hit very hard should they not invest in some new players. Already they are the favourites with the bookmakers to go down along with newly promoted rivals Hull City and Cardiff City.

For what it is worth, my prediction is that Chelsea will win the league with a top four of Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham. Yes, I believe David Moyes will have some teething problems but eventually turn it around, should he be given the time to do so. Dropping out of the league will be Crystal Palace, Hull City and Norwich. So there we have it, a summary of silly season so far and you can be sure it will continue until the big kick off on the 17^th August 2013.