big deals that could make a difference
As the January transfer window opens once again, SIMON JONES looks at some of the business that could be about to take place as teams and players try to hit the new year running ...
DANIEL STURRIDGE Liverpool
FAR from happy at Liverpool, Sturridge will weigh up any opportunity to leave but the club need his threat from the bench and would want £25million-plus, which limits his options. Suitors such as West Ham would prefer a loan due to his wages and unreliable fitness.
SAIDO BERAHINO West Bromwich Albion
WEST BROMWICH have offered Berahino a substantial contract which will protect them should he opt to see out his deal and go for a compensation fee in the summer. Everton have enquired about him and Stoke City are pushing to sign him now, with loanee Wilfried Bony weighing up a move to China.
VIRGIL VAN DIJK Southampton
CLAUDE PUEL is hopeful that Manchester City will wait until the summer before offering £50million for the stylish centre back but City’s defensive frailties plus Chelsea’s interest may prompt a January deal. Southampton have asked about the likes of PSG’s Presnel Kimpembe as a precaution.
PATRICK VAN AANHOLT Sunderland
SUNDERLAND will do all they can to keep West Ham target Jermain Defoe but recognise that Crystal Palace’s interest in Van Aanholt may offer them vital cash to make a crucial signing in the January market. Sam Allardyce needs a left back and knows the 26-year-old Dutchman well.
MORGAN SCHNEIDERLIN Man Utd
WEST BROM have had a bid of £13m plus add-ons rejected by United and may turn to Fabian Delph at Manchester City or Newcastle’s enforcer, Cheick Tiote. Everton are confident they can wrap up a deal for Schneiderlin — who joined from Southampton for £24m in 2015 — and have asked about his United team-mate Memphis Depay, who also has interest from Porto.
GLEN JOHNSON Stoke City
WEST HAM have made approaches to Stoke in the knowledge Johnson has six months left on his contract. Slaven Bilic needs a right back and has discussed Arsenal’s Carl Jenkinson and Spurs’ Kieran Trippier, too, as Stoke are keen to keep Johnson beyond the summer.
ADEMOLA LOOKMAN Charlton Athletic
EVERTON have agreed a fee that will rise to around £10m for the 19-year-old forward amid competition from Arsenal. Charlton wanted him to stay on loan but Everton say they need him now. As a consequence, Spaniard Gerard Deulofeu is discussing a loan move to AC Milan.
JORDAN RHODES Middlesbrough
MIDDLESBROUGH are discussing moves for Rudy Gestede at Aston Villa and Patrick Bamford, currently at Burnley on loan from Chelsea. They are willing to let Rhodes and David Nugent leave but their £9m asking price for Rhodes has cooled Derby’s interest and Aston Villa are unsure, too.
SAM JOHNSTONE Manchester United
JOSE MOURINHO will allow the goalkeeper to leave on loan. Aston Villa remain the favourites to sign the 23-year-old, although Bristol City, Wigan and Stoke have also made approaches. However, Stoke are close to agreement for Derby County’s Lee Grant after the asking price was dropped.
ROBBIE BRADY Norwich City
ASTON VILLA, Crystal Palace and West Ham have all shown interest in the versatile 24-year-old who will be made available by Norwich as they look to generate funds to bolster their squad elsewhere. Brady has 18 months left on his contract and is keen to move.