Top English talent that could make big moves in the next transfer window.
Wilfried Zaha (Manchester United)
Things haven’t exactly worked out for Wilfried Zaha since his big move to Manchester United in the summer. The 20-year-old forward was a big hit in the Championship in his time with Crystal Palace, prompting Sir Alex Ferguson to pay big money for him last January before allowing him to remain at Selhurst Park on loan for the second half of the campaign as he helped Ian Holloway’s side to promotion to the top flight.
Still, Zaha is seemingly not fancied by new United manager David Moyes, who has not used him in any Premier League games yet this season, and this has alerted a number of clubs to his potential availability this January, as many are keen to land this exciting English youngster on loan.
Crystal Palace were known to want him on loan again this season and may be back in for him when the transfer window re-opens, while the likes of Newcastle, West Brom, Stoke and Swansea are also all reportedly ready to make a move for Zaha in the new year. For one of England’s most exciting prospects, this looks like the best possible solution for him at the moment.
Saido Berahino (West Brom)
After a superb start to the season, West Brom youngster Saido Berahino is already attracting a great deal of attention as another player who could be the next big thing in English football. The 20-year-old forward has an impressive five goals in six appearances in all competitions so far this term, including a well-taken winner against Manchester United in the Baggies’ shock win at Old Trafford.
It has also emerged that the England Under-21 international only currently earns £850 a week, and several top clubs look ready to pounce for him as his contract comes to an end in the summer. West Brom are understandably keen to tie him down to a new deal, but with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Everton sniffing around, the talented youngster may feel he is ready to move on and take on a bigger challenge at a top club to continue his development.
With pace, skill and great finishing ability, Berahino looks like the real deal and it’s no surprise to see interest in him growing so quickly after this great breakthrough season.
Will Hughes (Derby County)
A highly promising talent currently making great progress outside of the Premier League is Derby County starlet Will Hughes, who looks like one of the best players in the Championship even at just the age of 18. The skillful playmaker’s style of play from midfield has seen him draw comparisons with Barcelona pair Xavi and Andres Iniesta, and it is even thought that the Catalan giants could be one of many clubs in for him when the January transfer window opens for business.
Seen by many Premier League clubs as the next big thing in England, it is no surprise to see the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle all linked with Hughes as well ahead of the winter window, as he looks to have all the ability to become a star for club and country for many years to come.
Derby have hinted they could sell him this season, and it is likely that the youngster would already command a fee of around £15m – arguably an inflated price that is so common with English youngsters and the hype they create, though it wouldn’t be surprising to see a number of teams meet that fee.
Tom Ince (Blackpool)
Another promising youngster currently working his way up in English football’s second tier is Blackpool winger Tom Ince. Son of former England captain Paul, the 21-year-old looks like another player who could take the Premier League by storm and do a fine job of representing the Three Lions at senior level, and he could be snapped up as early as this January.
Tottenham are said to be leading the chase for Ince, though the likes of Newcastle, Aston Villa and Everton are also all keen on the skillful attacker. There is even interest from abroad, with the likes of Juventus, Napoli and Inter Milan also eyeing him up for a January transfer as they may be able to move to a foreign club for a cut-price fee.
Ince started his youth career at Liverpool, and has really blossomed into a fine player at Blackpool, and it is no surprise to see him become so high in demand ahead of the next transfer window.
Ross Barkley (Everton)
Perhaps the most exciting young player in the Premier League at the moment, Ross Barkley’s fine start to this season for Everton has attracted a huge amount of attention. The immensely gifted 19-year-old midfielder has been compared with a young Michael Ballack by his manager Roberto Martinez and earned his first call-up to the senior England squad.
With a combination of power and skill, Barkley looks a terrific all-rounder and his ability certainly wouldn’t be out of place at a bigger club, with Manchester United and Chelsea already rumoured to be ready to fight it out for his signature this January in a deal that could be worth as much as £20m already.
Although inexperienced, Barkley certainly looks like a player who is going to rank as one of the best in the country in no time, and the high transfer fee may be worth paying for the Premier League giants as they invest in a star of the future. Barkley’s fast development is a timely as well, with the World Cup approaching next summer. Could the Toffees starlet be a new saviour for the Three Lions as they seek glory in Brazil?