Transfer Predictor: Gonzalo Higuain to Chelsea and Jack Butland to Liverpool are both 7s

David Cooper - Writer 15:55 01/06/2018
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  • The Premier League transfer window is now open and the market in the rest of Europe will spark into life soon.

    With the transfer rumours growing in pace and volume during this ‘silly season’, it can be difficult and painstaking to separate the stories of some legitimacy from the rest of the noise.

    Fortunately, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to do it for you.

    Below, you’ll find some of the latest transfer news churned out of the rumour mill broken down and analysed for your benefit along with our calculated predictions.

    GONZALO HIGUAIN – From Juventus to Chelsea

    Juventus are keen on signing Alvaro Morata and are prepared to offer Gonzalo Higuain as part of the deal, reports the Evening Standard.

    Why it will happen: Morata has struggled for form at Stamford Bridge and the Blues will be enticed by the prospect of signing a proven marksman in Higuain who has scored 55 goals in 105 appearances over the last two seasons at Juventus.

    Why it won’t happen: Higuain may well be past his best and the 30-year-old did have a more modest second season in Turin. With Olivier Giroud already on their roster, the Blues may want to consider a young, quicker option.

    Prediction: Given his poor form this past season, this may be Chelsea’s best chance to offload Morata who would likely enjoy returning to Italy where he had settled before Real Madrid took him back. Higuain may be aging but should still deliver in the short term.

    Rating – 7/10

    Gonzalo Higuain.

    Gonzalo Higuain.

    PATRICK VAN AANHOLT – Crystal Palace to Everton

    Everton are set to revive their interest in the Crystal Palace defender this summer now Marco Silva has taken up the Goodison Park hotseat, reports the Daily Mail.

    Why it will happen: Leighton Baines is in the twilight of his career and the £20m-rated left-back would be an affordable replacement.

    Why it won’t happen: While Van Aanholt may be tempted by higher wages at Everton, he only just moved to Palace last summer and has settled well. The Eagles enjoyed a good season under Roy Hodgson and the Dutchman may want to stay put and see how far they can go next term.

    Prediction: The appointment of Silva may have some bearing on Van Aanholt’s decision but Palace won’t want to sell. A huge bid will certainly force them to reconsider though.

    Rating – 5/10

    Patrick van Aanholt.

    Patrick van Aanholt.

    JACK BUTLAND – Stoke to Liverpool

    Stoke will not allow their goalkeeper to move on the cheap this summer, despite heavy interest from Liverpool.

    The Sun reports the Potters will demand at least £30 million (Dh150m) for his services this summer.

    Why it will happen: There’s no question that Liverpool need a new number one and in Butland would get a young English goalkeeper with plenty of talent and scope for improvement. The 25-year-old will be desperate for a move to a Premier League club following Stoke’s relegation.

    Why it won’t happen: The fee would be a big stumbling block. The Reds may opt to invest more instead and land the likes of Alisson or Jan Oblak. Or they could go the other way and bring Pepe Reina back to Anfield on a free transfer.

    Prediction: Liverpool may well bite the bullet and meet the asking price for Butland who could potentially be England’s number one in the near future. He’s a relatively affordable option and proven in the Premier League.

    Rating – 7/10

    Jack Butland.

    Jack Butland.

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