Transfer Rumours - How are players selected to be there?

When looking at the Transfer Rumour page I find that 'my club' is linked with x,y and z even though I have never heard of them and not scouted them. So on what basis does AI select these players?

I don't know but it irritates me, on my FM2011 save I've been managing two clubs, Dundee Utd whom I aim to be best in the world, snapping up all the best players and developing my own talent irregardless of where they're from. Inverness Caledonian Thistle also, who I aim to be the best squad they can be using almost exclusively scottish (mostly bought from Dundee Utd due to facilities) talent. So naturally, if I have a young player who wont make the grade at dundee Utd, but could make the grade at ICT and still be "best of scot" I sell that player on.

Only I keep getting linked in the press with players I've just sold to ICT for some wild reason.

It may be players in positions the AI thinks you're lacking in. Sort of similar to how the assistant manager used to suggest players to sign in your weakest area.

from what i've seen, its based on if you've ever scouted them, if they're on your shortlist, maybe you have a propensity to buy players of the same nationality.

i've been linked with some real donkeys in the past so i dont always pay attention to it.

I find it funny really, check on the players profile and it mentions there's minor interest from your club, despite not being on your shortlist or ever hearing of the player. Always seems to be a player that has been scouted though, and like somebody mentioned in positions you're short of, eg, I'm currently playing a more narrow formation so I'm constantly being 'linked' with mediocre wingers.

These sort of transfer rumours from nothing happen IRL so I'm not too bothered, sort of adds to the realism.

i guess it could also be the players agent trying to stir up interest in his client. i'm often inundated with offers from agents.