English football columnist Richard Jolly looks at some of the stars being targeted and deals that may be happening for Premier League clubs between now and August 31. Click the arrows below to scroll through the players.
As the Premier League’s 20 clubs begin to prepare for their return to pre-season training, or, in the case of West Ham United to Europa League commitments, speculation on player movements before the end of the transfer window in August is set to escalate.
Gareth Bale, Real Madrid
The Welshman has said he does not want to leave Real Madrid and the Spanish club seem unlikely to sell. But if they change their minds, expect a scramble for Bale’s services and for Manchester United to be at the front of the queue. The double PFA Player of the Year is a match winner.
Bastian Schweinsteiger, Bayern Munich
One of the most fascinating possible moves. United are interested in Germany’s World Cup winner, who could be an intelligent alternative to Michael Carrick or a clever box-to-box presence. The key factors are if Bayern want to sell and if Schweinsteiger is willing to leave his only club to link up with Louis van Gaal again.
Kevin de Bruyne, Wolfsburg
Any midfielder who scores 16 goals and creates a further 27 more in a season can expect attention. De Bruyne has progressed so swiftly that he has probably become too good for Wolfsburg to keep him. Manchester City are interested, but so are many of Europe’s major clubs. A return to Chelsea would be particularly intriguing.
Paul Pogba, Juventus
Probably the most coveted player in the transfer market this summer. Whoever prises Pogba from Juventus is unlikely to get much change from €100 million (Dh412.5m). Manchester City and Chelsea could face competition from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain for the dynamic midfielder.
Raheem Sterling, Liverpool
Sterling’s exit strategy seems to entail antagonising as many people at Liverpool as possible. His talent has earned him fans – young, quick and English – and he ticks a lot of boxes for Manchester City, while Real Madrid seem interested, but Sterling’s preference may be for a move to London.
Sergio Ramos, Real Madrid
The tough-tackling Spanish defender is reportedly at odds with his employers over a new contract. Ramos, who has played more than 400 games for the club since moving to the Bernabeu 10 years ago, is said to have a buyout clause of €180m in his contract, which still has two years left. Manchester United, who have missed a formidable leader at the back since the departures of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, could be a possible destination.
Antoine Griezmann, Atletico Madrid
There has been plenty of traffic between Atletico Madrid and Chelsea over the past few years. There could be more. Griezmann’s 25-goal debut year at Atleti has brought suggestions he could add flair and a finishing touch to Chelsea’s forward line. The key may be if Jose Mourinho is willing to pay £43 million (Dh249.5m).
Morgan Schneiderlin, Southampton
The Frenchman wanted to leave Southampton last summer, stayed and enhanced his reputation. Now he has said he hopes to play in the Uefa Champions League. His energy and quality ought to make him the ideal addition to the Arsenal midfield. Manchester United may provide an alternative option, but Schneiderlin could cost £25m.
Christian Benteke, Aston Villa
The Belgian’s end-of-season run of 13 goals in 14 games was a timely return to form for him and Aston Villa. Yet the £32.5m release clause in his contract means the FA Cup finalists could be powerless to keep him. He may well form a part of Liverpool’s remodelled attack next season.
Charlie Austin, Queens Park Rangers
Scoring 18 goals for a relegated club is a feat that is bound to earn admirers. Austin has said he is likely to leave Queens Park Rangers. The only question is where he heads next. Southampton, West Ham and Newcastle United have been reported to lead the bidding, though he could replace Benteke at Villa.
