Will Hughes to Liverpool
Another one of English football’s finest prospects currently plying his trade in the lower leagues is Derby County midfielder Will Hughes. The 18-year-old is a skillful playmaker who has drawn comparisons with Barcelona duo Xavi and Andres Iniesta. He looks certain to be a star in the near future, and Liverpool are hoping to snap him up this summer, though they have been told they will have to pay £15million to do so. Depending on their other targets, this could be a player they pursue right to the final day.
Burak Yilmaz to Lazio
Highly prolific striker Burak Yilmaz really caught the eye last season with his performances for Galatasaray in the Champions League. The likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea were linked with him at points this summer, though they may be set to miss out on the Turkish international now, as he closes in on a late switch to Serie A side Lazio.
John Obi Mikel to Galatasaray
A player who could be heading in to Galatasaray is Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel. The Nigerian has been at Stamford Bridge for almost his entire senior career since controversially pulling out of a deal to join Manchester United as a youngster. Although a solid performer for the Blues, Jose Mourinho is supposedly keen on bringing a better all-round midfielder to the club, and Mikel could make way if the Portuguese coach is successful in landing his other main targets.
Daniele De Rossi to Chelsea
One of Mourinho’s top targets is Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi. The 30-year-old has spent his entire career in Rome so far, though he has been linked with an exit on several occasions. The Italian international was a target for Manchester City last year, though the move never materialised. His future is now under speculation again after missing some of Roma’s pre-season games, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Blues make a late attempt to sign him in the dying hours of the transfer window.
Sami Khedira to Chelsea
Failing a move for De Rossi, Chelsea could turn their attention to Real Madrid’s Sami Khedira, another player at the Bernabeu to be linked with an exit this summer. The German international has been at the club since signing from Stuttgart in 2010, and was a favourite of Mourinho during his time in charge at the Bernabeu. PSG have also been chasing the 26-year-old, and though he has committed his future to the club, there’s always time for a late twist on deadline day if Chelsea are serious about landing him.