4 of this winter's hottest transfer targets
As the festive season approaches, clubs all over Europe will be planning their January transfer strategies. Many will have long-term targets in mind while others will be prompted into action by injuries. And with league titles, European qualification, promotion and relegation at stake, this time of year can be crucial in determining a club’s fortunes at the end of the season.
So which players have got tongues wagging ahead of the latest transfer window? We look at some of the hottest targets in the market place.
1. Ozan Kabak
He may only be 18 years old, but Turkish defender Ozan Kabak has already turned the heads of some of Europe’s top teams according to some UK media sources. The Daily Mirror claim that the Galatasaray man is being monitored by title-chasing Manchester City ahead of possible £20m move. Bookmaker redbet shows Pep Guardiola’s men are still 7/20 favourites to win the Premier League title despite losing ground to Liverpool in early December. The Spanish boss may look to tweak his squad further in January to ensure they get over the line.
2. Miguel Almiron
Paraguayan footballer Miguel Almiron was the driving force behind the Atlanta United side that claimed the 2018 Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup. The attacking midfielder is also a key member of the Paraguay national team.
The player has been linked to a move to Premier League club Newcastle United on three separate occasions by Daily Mirror reporters, with Arsenal also said to be interested. The stumbling block for the Magpies could be the £30m price tag. Owner Mike Ashley has not shown much willingness to splash the cash in recent times so Toon fans will be hoping that the rumoured takeover will happen sooner than later. If negotiations continue to drag on, the northeast club might not be in a position to move for their targets opening the door for other clubs to move for Almiron.
3. Shoya Nakajima
Japanese international Shoya Nakajima has been in blistering form since making the move from FC Tokyo to Portuguese Premeira Liga club Portimonense. The winger has bagged 15 goals in 39 league appearances attracting interest from the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leicester and Southampton according to the Daily Mail.
The 24-year-old has a £35m buyout clause, but the English sides will be hoping they can get him for less. The cash-strapped Portuguese club signed him on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee a year ago and will likely be willing to cash in.
4. Eder Militao
Another young prospect potentially heading for the Premier League is Eder Militao. Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has had his eye on the 20-year-old Porto and Brazil defender according to the Daily Record.
The youngster arrived from Sao Paulo for €4 million in August and has already impressed at league and Champions League levels, despite only making 14 appearances. The Brazilian club would receive 10% of any future transfer fee. Other sources suggest the Red Devils may have to battle Chelsea and Juventus for his signature.
These are just a few of the names that are sure to set tongues wagging as the transfer gossip hots up in January.