The clock’s ticking and as always at this time of year, clubs are rushing around like headless chickens looking for last minute deals.
There isn’t a single club who isn’t being tipped to complete some late January business before the window slams shut on Thursday evening, with so many managers still desperate to strengthen their squads ahead of the final run-in of fixtures this season.
You’ve only got to look at any of the live transfer feeds around the internet to know that we haven’t seen the last of the business being done this month, with a number of huge deals touted to go through.
Will Solskjaer dip in to the market to make his United team even more unbeatable? Can Sarri bring in another attacker to complement Higuain in Chelsea’s attack?
Will West Ham go ahead of break another club-record transfer before the weekend? Here’s a look at the most likely deals expected to go through before Thursday’s deadline, and some of them will get fans very, very excited…
Vincent Janssen – Cardiff, Boro, Wolves, Burnley
A switch to China is currently the most likely of destinations for the Dutch striker, who is hoping to bring an end to a nightmare spell at Tottenham. Cardiff (9/1), Middlesbrough (12/1), Wolves (2/1) and Burnley (4/1) are currently the leading favourite English clubs, according to the bookies.
Youri Tielemans – Leicester City
Reports this week have linked Leicester with a move for Belgian wonderkid Tielemans. It’s believed, with a number of midfielders being allowed to leave the King Power Stadium this month, funds have been freed up in order for Puel to make a move for the youngster.
Gelson Martins- Newcastle
Newcastle being linked with anyone these days doesn’t normally lead to a deal being done but reports over the last few days suggest Rafa Benitez may just be able to secure a few deals before the window shuts. Gelson Martins is one of the favourites to sign for the Magpies before Thursday. Watch this space.
Adrien Rabiot – Spurs
The Frenchman is in to the final six months of his PSG contract and therefore is able to start discussing personal terms with other clubs. Tottenham have reportedly already made an offer to Rabiot and we wouldn’t be surprised to see him being brought in to replace the departed Mousa Dembele. He’s as short as 3/1 with some bookies to agree a move to North London.
Nathan Ake – Chelsea
This would be classic Chelsea, but it does seem as though Sarri is interested in bringing Nathan Ake to Stamford Bridge. He’d cost a fair whack financially but it’s no secret the Blues need to tighten up defensively and it’s believed they’re lining up a huge bid before the window closes.
Michy Batshuayi – Crystal Palace, Everton
Higuain’s arrival last weekend has all but ended the Belgium international’s Stamford Bridge career, but there shouldn’t be a shortage of suitors ready to offer him a way out. Crystal Palace (4/1) and Everton (2/1 are currently the favourites among the English clubs interested in him, but Spurs, West Ham, Watford, Southampton and Fulham are all considering late moves.
Bradley Dack – West Ham, Burnley
Bradley Dack has been smashing it in the Championship for Blackburn, so it’s no surprise to see him being linked with a move to the Premier League. It’s widely expected that he’ll be rocking up in Stratford before the month is out, with the Hammers the bookies’ favourites to sign him at 4/1, while Burnley are priced at 10/1 to complete a deal.
Gary Cahill – Crystal Palace, Fulham, Arsenal
Gary Cahill, once a mainstay stalwart of dominant Chelsea teams gone by, is widely expected to leave the Blues in January and despite his age, there does seem to be some concrete interest in his signature. Crystal Palace (9/4), Fulham (3/1), Arsenal (10/3) and even Aston Villa (4/1) are all battling for his signature this week.
Nicolo Barella – Man United, Chelsea
The 21-year-old Cagliari midfielder is quite rightly attracting interest in some of Europe’s biggest clubs, but it’s Man United and Chelsea who are both leading the chase to sign him this week. The bookies currently have Chelsea down as the favourites at 4/1 but reports suggest the youngster would prefer a move to Old Trafford. Keep an eye on this one!
Che Adams – Southampton, Burnley
Che Adams can’t stop scoring for Birmingham in the Championship, so it’s little wonder Southampton and Burnley have been keeping close tabs on him this month. Both Premier League clubs have struggled for goals this term so expect Adams to be rocking up at one of these clubs come Thursday evening.
