Four of the most memorable Premier League transfer sagas - Ronaldo, Van Dijk...

With the Euros a distant memory and the Premier League still weeks away, the newspapers need something to fill their pages.

That's where the transfer window comes in. Speculation, rumours and conjecture suddenly become headline news. And with no fake news filter, it becomes difficult to separate the truth from the fiction.

This summer, it has been the Harry Kane show after the England captain made it clear he wants to leave Tottenham in his pursuit of silverware.

Kane, who has been heavily linked to Manchester City, believes there is a gentleman's agreement in place that would allow him to depart.

With the Kane's future likely to dominate headlines for the remainder of the window, Planet Sport looks at four other drawn-out transfer sagas that dominated the back pages.

Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid

It may have taken him three years, but Cristiano Ronaldo eventually got his dream move from Manchester United to Real Madrid. It all stemmed from the 2006 World Cup, when he famously winked at United team-mate Wayne Rooney after he was sent off for England in their exit to Portugal. 

Ronaldo revealed after the incident that he wanted a move to Spain. However, United responded by insisting he was staying at the club. Unsurprisingly, the speculation refused to die down.

In 2008, after winning the Champions League, Ronaldo pushed for a move again, as did his potential employers Real who publicly stated that they would sign the Portuguese winger. The two were publicly flirting, but Sir Alex Ferguson managed to persuade Ronaldo to stay for another year.

In December, when asked about Ronaldo's situation, Ferguson snapped back by saying: "You don't think we'd get into a contract with that mob. I wouldn't sell them a virus." Well... it turns out they would, and at the end of the 2008/09 season, United accepted a world record £80million from Real for the Portuguese star.

Now, 12 years on, Ronaldo plies his trade for Juventus, but after a disappointing fourth-placed finish in Serie A, is back among the headlines. With the 36-year-old seemingly unsettled, he has been linked with a return to either Madrid or Manchester. And rather than pour cold water on the stories, Ronaldo seems determined to fan the flames.

Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona

With his opportunities limited in Spain, Cesc Fabregas first left Barcelona in 2003 to join Arsenal.

The Spaniard became one of the Gunners' most influential players in the years that followed, but in 2010, rumours of a return to Barcelona began to circulate.

In May, Fabregas publicly stated his desire to move back home, but Arsenal refused to entertain the move despite having received numerous substantial bids from Barcelona.

Various Barcelona players publicly spoke of their desire for Fabregas to join the Catalan club and were so desperate for his signature, that they reportedly broke FIFA rules during their approach.

As the saga dragged on through the summer, Fabregas eventually refused to train for Arsene Wenger's team. In the end his stubborness saw results, and midway through August he officially signed for Barcelona on a five-year-deal. 

Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool

Liverpool's search for a stalwart defender in 2017 saw the Reds target Southampton defender, Virgil van Dijk. The word from the Saints was that they wouldn't sell Van Dijk, but both the player and Liverpool were desperate to make the move happen.

Even after the Netherlands international submitted a transfer request to try and force a move through, Southampton didn't budge - their intention was to review the situation in January. 

Angered by Saints' failure to sanction the move, Van Dijk's performances dipped. Having such an unhappy player at the training ground "left a cloud" around the club according to Saints chairman, Ralph Krueger. Van Dijk didn't have to stay in Hampshire much longer, though, and three days before the winter transfer window opened, his move to Liverpool was confirmed.

The £75million paid was a world record fee for a defender. And, although many at the time questioned the deal, it has proved to be worth every penny as Van Dijk led Liverpool to Premier League, Champions League and Club World Cup glory.

Carlos Tevez to West Ham

Carlos Tevez's arrival in east London, alongside compatriot Javier Mascherano, raised a few eyebrows in the summer of 2006. Two of South America's most prodigious talents seemingly ended up at West Ham overnight, much to the surprise and confusion of the Hammers' players and even manager, Alan Pardew, who wasn't expecting them to sign for the club.

The transfer had been orchestrated covertly by sports investment guru, Kia Joorabchian, who later landed the club in trouble when West Ham were found to have broken Premier League rules over the signings. 

Despite the drama behind the scenes, Tevez performed well during his time at Upton Park and on the last day of the 2006/07 season, he scored a vital goal in West Ham's battle against relegation which proved to have a significant effect years down the line.

Tevez's winning goal against Manchester United proved to be enough to keep the Hammers safe for another season, relegating Sheffield United at their expense. Unsurprisingly, the Blades didn't take the demotion lying down and demanded West Ham were deducted points for securing Premier League survival via a player they signed illegally. 

In 2009, United were eventually compensated for their relegation, with West Ham paying £20million in an out-of-court settlement.

Tevez's departure from West Ham was also clouded by controversy, with Joorabchian's influence playing a large part in his move to Manchester United, a year after he had arrived in England. 

The Argentine was desperate to join United but West Ham were holding firm. Eventually, an agreement was reached for Joorabchian to pay the club £2million, releasing the striker from his contract and paving the way for his move to Old Trafford.