Rumour of the Silly Season

Well, it doesn't take a genius.

The story of Cesc Fabregas and his proposed transfer, rumoured negotiations, constant tapping-up, shirts and crying in public... it's gone on for so long and on so many websites I decided not to include a link to every single story on this blog. Cesc is this Silly Season's exception.

However, it's too tempting to re-publish today's list of "related stories" from skysports.com. When reporting comments made by Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta today, this list shows just how many stories that website ALONE has published on the Cesc saga. Chronologically:

We all want Cesc - Iniesta; Fabregas in Barca hint; Djourou urges Fabregas stay; Messi expects Cesc arrival; Flamini - It's up to Cesc; Wenger - We will keep Cesc; Puyol - Let Fabregas leave; Cesc torn over future; Wenger ignores Barca 'noise'; Arsenal stand firm on Cesc; Iniesta - Cesc will stay; Villa desperate for Cesc; Henry pleads Cesc understanding; Xavi - Cesc deal will happen; Barca building Fab bridges; Henry - Tough choice for Cesc; Puyol - Cesc is coming; Wenger - Cesc talk stops; Cesc stands by Barca wish; Barca duo get shirty with Fab; Messi eyes Cesc return; Cesc talks 'on stand-by'; Rosell to discuss Fabregas; Wenger aims to keep Cesc; No distractions for Fabregas; Xavi reiterates Cesc call; Ingla announces Fab dream; Toure agent hints at Fab deal; Barca deny Cesc reports; Pique points to Fabregas focus; Barca keep up Cesc chase; Barca candidate in Cesc claim; Barca will be back; Arsenal reject Cesc bid; Barca make Fabregas bid; Barca - No quick Cesc deal; Gunners can spend Cesc cash; Ingla expects Fabregas deal; Fab - Future out of my hands; Barca make Arsenal contact; Barca won't force Fab issue; Arsenal - No Barca contact; Readers split on Cesc move; Barca respect Fab stance; No offers for Fabregas; Best deal or no deal; Gunners reluctant to sell Cesc; Fab without Cesc?; Cesc wants out of Arsenal

That's 29. Twenty-nine. Thirty if you count today's Zubizarreta story. Now multiply that with the Daily Mirror, the Daily Mail, the Metro, sport.co.uk...

Life's too short.