Eric Dier to Chelsea
Chelsea have been linked recently as admirers of one of English football’s brightest prospects making a name for himself abroad. 19-year-old defender Eric Dier has been at Sporting Lisbon for his entire career, since his family moved to Portugal when he was 10 years old. Now an England Under-21 international, several clubs are said to have looked at bringing him home, and Chelsea may feel he is a good long-term replacement for John Terry, and a very capable backup to his current first-choice defenders. Dier could be a bargain as well, available for just £4.2million, and it will be interesting to see if the Blues make a late move for him.
Eliaquim Mangala to Manchester City
Talented Porto youngster Eliaquim Mangala has been a target for many top clubs this summer, including Chelsea, Manchester United and Barcelona, but with Manuel Pellegrini’s recent defensive crisis and seeming inability to bring in his main target Pepe, Mangala could now be subject to late bid from Manchester City. The 22-year-old Frenchman is one of the best young defenders in the world and looks more than ready to compete in the Premier League with a big club. With City’s defensive problems, this move makes sense, the only question is whether City can tempt Porto into selling so late on.
Oscar Cardozo to Barcelona
Short of options upfront since the sale of David Villa to Atletico Madrid, Barcelona are reportedly keen on bringing in Benfica’s Oscar Cardozo as a backup. The 30-year-old, who was also a surprise target for West Ham, has enjoyed prolific form in his time in Portugal, scoring 105 goals in 160 appearances for the club. He was also on the score sheet in last season’s Europa League final defeat to Chelsea as he had one of his best seasons yet. A late bloomer perhaps, and a player who could certainly do a job for Barcelona if they manage to complete the deal in time.
Nicklas Bendtner to Hull City
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger made a surprise announcement that Nicklas Bendtner could end up staying at the club this summer, after being linked with numerous clubs for the last couple of years. The Dane had failed loan spells with Sunderland and Juventus, and is now finding that no one will take him. Newly-promoted Hull City seem to be his biggest admirers, but have had some struggles to meet his wage demands. Arsenal fans will be hoping to see the back of him, and as he surely has no future in the first-team plans of Wenger, a late compromise could see him make the move to the KC Stadium, where he would be reunited with his former manager Steve Bruce, whom he played under in a loan spell at Birmingham City.
Yohan Cabaye to Arsenal
It is perfectly possible that Arsenal will try again to sign Newcastle playmaker Yohan Cabaye. The Frenchman has been one of the Premier League’s most impressive midfielders since signing for the club in 2011, and his playing style would make him a great fit at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners have already seen an offer of £10million rejected by the Magpies, but with Wenger losing players to injury and short of options in midfield, he may be tempted to push through a late deal for the 27-year-old, who looks good value for Newcastle’s asking price of £20million.