Transfer Talk: David Astori to Liverpool; Jack Butland to Arsenal; David Beckham to West Ham
The Independent's Martin Hardy analyses today's January transfer window stories and separates the reality from the rumour
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Player: Alfred N'Diaye
Club: Bursaspor
Possible move to: Sunderland
Time left on deal: 18 months
The story: Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill wants to add some power to his midfield and the French midfielder tops the bill. The six foot two inch N'Diaye could sign for the club this afternoon in a deal worth around £3million.
Chance of moving: Five stars
Player: Martin Olsson
Club: Blackburn
Possible move to: West Ham
Time left on deal: Two-and-a-half years
The story: Sam Allardyce is one of the main players in the transfer window so far and he wants a left back to stiffen up his defence. He knows Olsson from his time at Ewood Park and the plight of Rovers means they will sell.
Chance of moving: Five stars
Player: Jack Butland
Club: Birmingham
Possible move to: Arsenal
Time left on deal: Two-and-a-half years
The story: Butland remains serious hot property in the transfer window. Birmingham have financial problems and that has only added to the possibility of a move, but Arsenal face competition from Liverpool, Fulham and Southampton.
Chance of moving: Three stars
Player: David Astori
Club: Cagliari
Possible move to: Liverpool/Southampton
Time left on deal: Two-and-a-half years
The story: The two Premier League clubs like the look of the 25-year-old central defender, who has been capped twice for Italy. Southampton could be on the brink of outbidding Liverpool with a near £10million offer but the player did turn down a big money move to Spartak Moscow last summer.
Chance of moving: Three stars
Player: David Beckham
Club: Currently without a club
Possible move to: West Ham
Time left on deal: n/a
The story: Sam Allardyce refused to rule out a move on Saturday. David Gold has already admitted he would like to have Beckham at West Ham, and what a coup it would be as the Hammers look to land the real big one, the Olympic Stadium. Beckham was at Upton Park at the weekend but he has admitted he can't see himself playing for another English club after Manchester United.
Chance of moving: Three stars
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments