The winter transfer window has started to heat up now that there are only a few days left before it closes.
The rumour mill is in overdrive, with news of potential deals flying thick and fast.
We’re running the rule over four of the latest transfer rumours doing the rounds, providing our analysis and predictions below:
CARLOS SOLER – VALENCIA TO TOTTENHAM
Tottenham are plotting a £30 million swoop for Valencia midfielder Soler this summer, according to ESPN.
Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be interested in the Spaniard who has two goals and six assists for the La Liga outfit this term.
Why it will happen: Tottenham has endured something of an injury crisis this season and Mauricio Pochettino will be keen to add to his squad depth ahead of the next campaign. Soler has had a good couple of seasons under his belt at Mestalla and should be ready to take the next step.
Why it won’t happen: Valencia rate Soler highly who is one of their stars for the future and will likely demand a higher fee from the Premier League club. The 22-year-old may not be first-choice in London immediately and that may be a factor in his decision-making.
Verdict: Should Pochettino remain at Spurs next season, Soler may be tempted to move given the Argentine’s reputation of developing good young players to great ones. In the last couple of years though, Valencia have been in a similar position to Tottenham in terms of their league standing and a switch may not be enough of an upgrade for the midfielder apart from his wages.
Rating: 6/10
BRUNO ALVES– PARMA TO INTER MILAN
Inter Milan are interested in signing Parma’s Alves, according to Gianluca DiMarzio.
With a struggling Monaco side being heavily linked with Inter centre-back Miranda lately, the Italian outfit are considering the Portuguese as a replacement.
Why it will happen: Monaco may go all out to sign Miranda to help rectify their leaky defence and force Inter’s hand. Alves would bring plenty of experience to the San Siro. Cagliari will be keen to earn a fee for the centre-back before his contract runs out in six months.
Why it won’t happen: Inter are also tracking Domagoj Vida and Sassuolo’s Gian Marco Ferrari. At 37, Alves may be past his sell-by date even for the Serie A.
Verdict: Alves would jump at the opportunity to join the Nerazzurri. Miranda hasn’t been as integral to Inter this season, making just eight appearances in the league. Replacing the Brazilian may not be a matter of urgency.
Rating: 4/10
IDRISSA GANA GUEYE – EVERTON TO PSG
Gueye has requested Everton to allow him to leave for PSG despite the Merseyside club’s reluctance to sell, according to Sky Sports.
Why it will happen: The Toffees have insisted that the player is not for sale but with the Parisians expected to up their offer coupled with the player’s desire to leave, a move is starting to seem more likely. PSG are in desperate need of reinforcements in midfield and Gueye would bring a vital defensive component to it.
Why it won’t happen: Everton are in a spot of bother themselves and in danger of slipping further down the Premier League standings. Gueye is one of the best ball-winners in England’s top flight and without him, Marco Silva’s side will only be more vulnerable defensively.
Verdict: It would take a substantial offer from PSG to force Everton into selling. At 29, the midfielder would certainly be in favour of what could be the biggest move of his career but ultimately, he may be too crucial to Silva’s team to leave Goodison Park.
Rating: 5/10
DANNY DRINKWATER – CHELSEA TO BOURNEMOUTH
Bournemouth are looking to sign central midfielder Drinkwater on a loan deal from Chelsea, according to the Daily Mail.
Why it will happen: Drinkwater has barely featured for Chelsea at all this season and is in desperate need of some playing time. The 28-year-old Premier League winner will bring experience to Eddie Howe’s young side and the energetic Englishman could slot in perfectly at the heart of their midfield.
Why it won’t happen: Drinkwater has also attracted interest from Fenerbahce, who recently signed Victor Moses on loan.
Verdict: The former Leicester midfielder’s career has stalled at a time when he is in his prime. He needs to get back to playing football after making just 23 appearances since joining the Blues in 2017. The Cherries could use more quality in central midfield.
Rating: 8/10
