The transfer window slams shut this Friday night. Who are we going to be hearing the most about between now and then? These, probably...
Julian Draxler
Now Arsenal are top of the league and the supporters aren’t calling for his head, Arsene Wenger’s probably less inclined to shell out £40m(ish) on a single player. Back to nicking 15 year-olds from Barca’s academy, it’s been emotional… Though seeing as Draxler’s currently injured, and has a clause in his contract that means he’ll be available in the summer for a lot less than the £37m Schalke are demanding now, his reluctance is understandable. The rumours aren’t going away though, and he’s clearly keen. Time for a compromise to be struck between now and the end of the week?
Yohan Cabaye
It’s Difficult To Get Top Players In January, Clubs Don’t Want To Sell And Jeapordise Their Tile/Top Four/European Prospects. Luckily for everyone (Man Utd and PSG), Newcastle haven’t a got a thing to play for and Mike Ashley’s quite partial to the odd £25m. It’s probably in Cabaye’s interests to push something through by the end of the week too. When the top, top players are available in the summer, he might not seem such an appealing prospect to the biggest of the big boys. Going on strike again should do it.
Tom Ince
Now Paul doesn’t have to concern himself with the tedious business of managing Blackpool, he can fully concentrate on shifting his nipper. They’ve had talks with Swansea today, Palace are up tomorrow and don’t be surprised if Stoke, Hull and Sunderland aren’t entertained before the week’s out, maybe Liverpool too. He’s out of contract in the summer, so the suggestion that any move would only be a loan one is a touch confusing really. Surely it’d make sense to cash in now? Maybe Blackpool don’t know their arse from their elbow? This one’s got the potential for big time japes and many a twist-and-a-turn. One to watch.
Dani Osvaldo
Who’d have thought head-butting a team-mate could have such disastrous consequences? Dani Osvaldo’s got 2 weeks to think about that little misdemeanour, but whether or not he’ll be welcomed back in to the fold at Southampton once the suspension’s up is another matter. There’s a World Cup around the corner, he’ll want to be there with Italy, and 3 or 4 months training with the kids really isn’t the best way to go about getting picked. A loan (or permanent, if anyone’ll risk it) move away might be best for everyone. West Ham are keen, obviously, and so are Inter, Juve and Fiorentina. It’ll be one of them three won’t it?
Fabio Coentrao
With Leighton Baines signing a new contract at Everton and Luke Shaw most likely staying where he is for now, David Moyes is running out of options. He’s also let Fabio join Cardiff, which means he’s only a Patrice Evra injury away from having to play Alexander Buttner (the horror) at left back. Could a reprisal of one of last summer’s more comical transfer sagas be on the cards?
John Heitinga & Joleon Lescott
Back in the early days of this window, before our expectations were raised to unrealistic levels by a certain Juan Mata, these two were big time. It’s all gone quiet of late but West Ham surely can’t be planning on playing Roger Johnson at centre half for the rest of the season? Seeing as Heitinga already rejected them it’ll have to be Lescott. As for Johnny, Fulham, Cardiff, Sunderland and Norwich should all be giving him some serious consideration.
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