With the Premier League Transfer deadline day is fast approaching, here are 5 players who could be involved in a late switch and possible late moves to other clubs.
Harry Maguire to Man Utd
Will England’s World Cup star Harry Maguire become the most expensive defender in history? sources understand Manchester United are preparing to make a big for the Leicester centre-back – and that it could take a huge sum for the Foxes to part with their player of the year.
Maguire returns to Leicester training on Monday following his exploits in Russia, where he was a standout performer in England’s run to the semi-finals. The former Hull City defender was ever-present for Leicester last season – but will he be in their colours or playing for the home side when the clubs meet live on Sky Sports on Friday night at Old Trafford?
Reports suggest it could take a bid of £80m to get the deal done.
Wilfried Zaha to Chelsea
Wilfried Zaha was a star performer for Crystal Palace last season, with his nine goals and three assists playing a key role in their surge towards survival. But could he be departing Selhurst Park for a second time?Palace youth product Zaha – who had two unsuccessful years at Manchester United before returning to south London – is now being linked with a big money move across the capital to Chelsea. The Sunday Mirror reported the Blues are preparing a £75m transfer for the winger after Tottenham dropped their interest in the 25-year-old.
The word from Palace boss Roy Hodgson is Zaha remains happy at Palace – but speculation is unlikely to go away over the coming days.
Thibaut Courtois to Real Madrid
New Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri and Blues goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will discuss the player’s future on Monday. The agent for the Belgian shot-stopper spoke out last week, saying Courtois – who has one year left on his contract – wants to return to Madrid to be closer to his children, with a move to Real a possibility.
However, Sarri says he is only interested in what his player has to say. “I am not interested in the agent. I want to hear Courtois,” Sarri said after the Community Shield defeat to Manchester City. “If Courtois [on Monday] will say to me the same, I have to speak with my club of course. I want only players who play with a very high level of motivation.”
One stumbling block could be Chelsea’s ability to find a high-quality replacement for Courtois – they are only likely to sanction his exit if they can do so.
Yerry Mina to Everton
After an impressive World Cup display for Colombia, there has been a buzz around Barcelona centre-back Yerry Mina this summer, with Manchester United linked with the defender. But could Everton be the ones to land his signature? Sources understands Everton remain in contact with the Catalan club over a potential deal. The 23-year-old – who scored against England in the last-16 – would cost around £28m.
Anthony Martial to Tottenham
Where’s Anthony Martial? It’s been a question asked by a variety of people over the past few weeks. First the Manchester United attacker appeared to get on the wrong side of Jose Mourinho by not returning to the club’s pre-season tour after attending the birth of his second child. That reportedly landed the Frenchman with a heavy fine.But Martial was then not named in the United squad for their final pre-season game against Bayern Munich on Sunday.
Martial’s agent has previously stated the player wants to leave Old Trafford and reports suggest Mourinho is happy to let him go – but two interested parties, Tottenham and Chelsea, may miss out if United prefer not to sell to a Premier League rival.