It’s approaching crunch time for a number of Premier League clubs looking to scramble together squads for an assault on Manchester City’s title – with Manchester United and Chelsea in particular still keen to do business ahead of Thursday’s transfer deadline.
Elsewhere, others are looking to bolster their ranks as they bid to survive a torturous campaign, including newly-promoted Cardiff and Europa League-chasing Burnley.
Below are a list of the most in-demand players for Premier League clubs and the likelihood of deals being completed before Thursday’s deadline.
CHRISTIAN PULISIC – BORUSSIA DORTMUND TO CHELSEA
Is Pulisic Chelsea-bound?
Chelsea again here. To be fair, did you see the gulf in class between them and City at Wembley? The 19-year-old has been linked with a move to a myriad of clubs this summer, although this seems another one that is likely to happen in the future rather than be rushed through in a few days.
Undoubtedly talented, it would perhaps be more beneficial for the American teenager to hone his craft for another season at Dortmund where manager Lucien Favre has a young side to mould for the future.
However, with Chelsea possibly losing the likes of Eden Hazard and Willian, they may be pushed into a move for Pulisic.
Chances of it happening – 3/10
AARON RAMSEY – ARSENAL TO CHELSEA OR LIVERPOOL
Aaron Ramsey’s contract is up in 2019.
This is a deal that has come to light very recently and for that reason, seems unlikely to come to fruition.
The Welshman would be a quality addition to either side’s midfield but Unai Emery would be foolish to want to let the 27-year-old leave for a Premier League rival. Having lost the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Robin van Persie in similar circumstances in recent seasons, that would see the amount of rants on Arsenal Fan TV skyrocket at a time when they’re happy to have just got rid of Arsene Wenger.
Ramsey himself is surely keen to see what unfolds in the Spaniard’s debut season at the Emirates. He is though entering his prime as well as the last year of his contract, so if the Gunners fail to fire this season, this could be a move we’ll see next summer.
Chances of it happening – 2/10
THEO HERNANDEZ – REAL MADRID TO FULHAM
On the move? Theo Hernandez.
From the Santiago Bernabeu to Craven Cottage. Not a move that’s been completed too often in football history, but it could just happen before Thursday’s deadline.
Fulham have already had a sensational summer window – signing Jean Michael Seri, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Alfie Mawson and Andre Schurrle – and it could get even better if they pull this loan move off.
The 20-year-old left-back has not pulled up any trees in Madrid and is in need of a move to rejuvenate his career.
Chances of it happening – 7/10
MARCOS ROJO – MANCHESTER UNITED TO WOLVES OR EVERTON
Rojo seems set to move on.
Whether it’s Alderweireld, Maguire or Jerome Boateng, one of them looks likely to be a United player by the end of the week.
And if they are, the current Old Trafford defender most likely to be shifted on is the Argentine. Erratic, unreliable and injury-prone, his initial signing after the 2014 World Cup was a head-scratcher.
He has failed to convince since but the good thing is that Mourinho isn’t short of suitors for the 28-year-old, with Everton and promoted Wolves after reinforcements.
Chances of it happening 7/10
DANNY INGS – LIVERPOOL TO CRYSTAL PALACE, NEWCASTLE, SOUTHAMPTON OR BOURNEMOUTH
Plenty of admirers: Danny Ings.
The former Burnley striker has endured a nightmare few years at Anfield with injury and his Reds future was underlined when he was left at home while they went to the US on their pre-season tour.
Although he’s going to be taking a step down, the good news for the 26-year-old is he won’t be short of options, with a string of lower tier Premier League clubs looking to snap him up.
Ings is in need of a fresh start and a £20 million fee feels like a great deal for someone.
Chances of it happening 9/10
JAY RODRIGUEZ – WEST BROM TO BURNLEY
Source of goals: Jay Rodriguez.
Rodriguez is one of those perennial players that seem to make a career out of being a nomadic Premier League player. Nowhere near good, or consistent, enough to be an elite operator – to be fair horrendous injuries have curtailed his career – yet he appears in demand after relegation with West Brom last term.
The Clarets will have to stump up £20m if they want to bring Rodriguez back to Turf Moor – the 29-year-old scored 41 goals in 128 games from 2007-12 before moving on to Southampton.
Burnley’s striking corps is stacked with middling forwards – Sam Vokes, Ashley Barnes, Chris Wood and Jonathan Walters – so what’s one more to add to the mix.
Sean Dyche’s side are looking to improve on a superb seventh-place finish last term and need more goals – they were the fourth-lowest scorers (36) in the Premier League last term.
Chances of it happening – 8/10
ALVARO NEGREDO – BESIKTAS TO CARDIFF
Is Negredo set for a Premier League return?
A Premier League winner with Manchester City in 2013/14, Alvaro Negredo certainly has Premier League pedigree, something Cardiff will desperately need as they look to try and survive their second attempt in the top-flight.
In 2013/14 they finished rock bottom and will be favourites for 20th place again. Last season’s promotion was built on solidity and they have wily Neil Warnock in charge so they will be tough to crack – even more so if they land the burly Spaniard.
Their other summer acquisitions hardly strike fear into the rest of the league – Josh Murphy, Bobby Reid, Greg Cunningham and Alex Smithies coming aboard a ship most are already saying will struggle to stay afloat.
The 32-year-old would add some quality to a Bluebirds striking department that currently includes Kenneth Zohore, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and Gary Medine.
Chances of it happening – 8/10
