Halfway through January, the winter transfer window has remained unusually quiet, with there being more speculation than action at this point over various proposed moves.
The rumour mill remains in overdrive, however, with news of potential deals flying thick and fast.
We’re running the rule over three of the latest transfer rumours doing the rounds, with our analysis and predictions below.
ALVARO MORATA – CHELSEA TO ATLETICO MADRID
Morata is being linked with a return to Spain.
Goal first reported last week that the Spanish giants Atletico Madrid are interested in taking Alvaro Morata, who has never found top form at Chelsea, on loan, and recent reports suggest talks have progressed further.
Why it will happen: Sevilla signing Munir El-Haddadi means they’re less likely to add another striker, clearing the path for Atletico, who desperately need someone to take the scoring burden off of Antoine Griezmann.
Why it won’t happen: Morata’s form since leaving Spain will hover over him, and given that Atletico need a proven goalscorer, the young Spanish striker may not fit the bill.
Prediction: A Chelsea exit seems increasingly likely this window and Atletico, who are fighting on three fronts this season, may be desperate to pull the trigger.
Rating – 8/10
IDRISSA GUEYE – EVERTON TO PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN
Everton will be reluctant to let go of Idrissa Gueye.
According to L’Equipe, Ligue 1 giants PSG are trying to bring Idrissa Gueye back to France, though Everton are reluctant to sell one of their most important midfielders.
Why it will happen: If PSG want a player, they usually get him. Everton may be able to drive up the price but ultimately money will be no bar for the French champions.
Why it won’t happen: PSG don’t really need a ball-winning midfielder, and as good as Gueye can be, there are better options out there if they decide they absolutely must happen.
Prediction: Tanguy N’Dombele’s form for Lyon makes him the more eye-catching signing for PSG, who will also have Giovani Lo Celso returning from his loan spell at Real Betis at the end of the season. Signing Gueye seems unlikely.
Rating – 4/10
MILAN SKRINIAR – INTER MILAN TO MANCHESTER UNITED
Milan Skriniar continues to be linked with a move away.
Manchester United continue to be linked with a centre-back, but Inter Milan manager Luciano Spaletti said on Sunday that nobody could afford Milan Skriniar.
Why it will happen: Spaletti may like to believe that Inter would be able to price rivals out of a transfer, but United – and Skriniar’s other suitors – would likely stump up the astronomical fee required if they believe Skriniar is the solution to their defensive woes.
Why it won’t happen: Skriniar himself has hit out at speculation over a move, and talks between him and Inter over a new contract remain ongoing. He seems happy in Milan, and at 23 is in no rush to move.
Prediction: It’s not likely that Inter will sell one of their prized assets in the middle of the season – though they could command an even higher price than usual in the January window, known for its panic buys. But expect Skriniar to stay until at least the summer.
Rating – 3/10
MORGAN SCHNEIDERLIN – EVERTON TO ROMA
Schneiderlin has barely featured over the last few months.
Corriere dello Sport claim Roma are ready to rescue Morgan Schneiderlin from Everton, where the French midfielder has played only 39 minutes across three appearances since mid-September.
Why it will happen: Roma have been looking to strengthen their midfield all season after allowing Radja Nainggolan to leave the club last summer. And Everton have clearly deemed Schneiderlin surplus to requirements.
Why it won’t happen: If other clubs get a whiff that Schneiderlin is on the move, they could swoop in. For example, Moussa Sissoko’s injury has left Tottenham light in midfield, and Mauricio Pochettino got the best out of Schneiderlin when they were at Southampton together. Roma will need to move quickly.
Prediction: Everton aren’t likely to play hardball over a fee for a player who’s hardly featured in the last four months, Roma will want to get a move done quickly, and Schneiderlin will go to any club that can guarantee him playing time. Expect this to go through.
Rating – 9/10
