There’s likely to be some transfers between the Premier League top clubs this summer. We pick five big movers.
SEE ALSO: 10 possible replacements for struggling Man United boss David Moyes
5. Christian Benteke to Tottenham
Spurs were reportedly keen on signing the powerful Belgian last summer before turning their attentions to Roberto Soldado – how they must have wished they’d stumped up Aston Villa’s asking price now! After Jermain Defoe’s departure, Spurs need another forward and Benteke is likely to be as keen as ever to leave Birmingham after another abject season from Paul Lambert’s men. Despite signing a bumper new deal at Villa Park last summer, Benteke’s price is likely to have dropped slightly after a slightly less impressive second season in England.
4. Leighton Baines to Manchester United
Baines appeared to commit his future to Everton earlier in the season but sadly new contracts mean little nowadays, and Manchester United are likely to make a fresh approach for the left back in the summer. David Moyes has already tried and fail twice to bring his former charge with him to Old Trafford and if the Scot is still at the helm in the summer, he will surely make another attempt.
3. Jan Vertonghen to Liverpool
Spurs are notoriously reluctant to sell to Premier League rivals and will be particularly uncomfortable dealing with Liverpool, who appeared to be below them in the food chain until fairly recently. Regardless of Spurs’ feelings, star centre half Jan Vertonghen has made it clear he wants to play Champions League football next season and, barring a miracle, it’s unlikely to be at White Hart Lane. If Spurs cannot find a buyer on the continent, Liverpool are reportedly keen to sign the classy Belgian.
2. Bacary Sagna to Man City
Arsene Wenger called Manchester City’s approach for Bacary Sagna ‘illegal’ on Friday but it’s looking increasingly likely that the right back will follow Emmanuel Adebayor, Kolo Toure, Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy in swapping the Emirates for the Etihad this summer. Sagna, 31, is out of contract at the end of this season and reportedly demanding three more years from the Gunners and a six-figure weekly salary. Wenger is reluctant to cede to his demands, whereas money-bags City are happy to pay up.
1. Luke Shaw to Chelsea
Real Madrid are the latest club to be linked with Southampton’s teenage prodigy but in all likelihood, Shaw will end up replacing his idol Ashley Cole at Chelsea. The 18-year-old, who made his England debut earlier this month and could pip Cole to a spot in England’s World Cup squad, was reportedly a Chelsea fan growing up. Manchester United and Tottenham are also thought to be interested in the teenager, who will cost in excess of £25m.