Transfer Talk: Hatem Ben Arfa to PSG; Wilfried Zaha to Manchester United; Will Hughes to Manchester City
The Independent's Jack Pitt-Brooke analyses today's January transfer window stories and separates the reality from the rumour
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Your support makes all the difference.Player: Will Hughes
Club: Derby County
Possible move to: Manchester City
Time left on deal: Two-and-a-half-years
The story: The talented teenage midfielder has been attracting attention all season with his intelligent, imaginative displays for Derby County. Arsene Wenger is a known admirer but Manchester City are now in, according to this morning’s Daily Mirror. David Platt has seen him play and he could be the next step in City’s buying of British youth.
Chance of moving: Four stars
Player: Loic Remy
Club: Marseilles
Possible move to: Newcastle United
Time left on deal: Two-and-a-half-years
The story: Newcastle desperately need attacking reinforcements in the absence of Demba Ba and their move for Remy is nearly done. The France international does not have a great goal-scoring record but will add pace and dynamism to a Newcastle front line which has lacked both recently.
Chance of moving: Five stars
Player: Hatem Ben Arfa
Club: Newcastle United
Possible move to: PSG
Time left on deal: Two-and-a-half-years
The story: One of the most technically gifted players in the Premier League, Ben Arfa was quoted over the weekend as saying he would love to move to French league-leaders Paris Saint-Germain. The Qatari-owned club could buy anyone they wanted in the world, and are said to be keen on a star who would be popular with Paris’ north African community. Whether now or in the summer, Ben Arfa would be perfect.
Chance of moving: Four stars
Player: Martin Olsson
Club: Blackburn Rovers
Possible move to: West Ham United
Time left on deal: Two-and-a-half-years
The story: Sam Allardyce needs defensive reinforcements and quickly, as injuries are threatening to derail West Ham United’s season. He managed Blackburn full-back Martin Olsson when he was in charge at Ewood Park and given the turmoil there he could move quickly to bring Olsson to Upton Park.
Chance of moving: Four stars
Player: Wilfried Zaha
Club: Crystal Palace
Possible move to: Manchester United
Time left on deal: Four-and-a-half-years
The story: The England international winger has looked close to the exit door at Selhurst Park for some time. Although Arsenal were early favourites for his signature Manchester United are now thought to be in pole position and may move this January while allowing Zaha to stay at Crystal Palace for the rest of the season, to help their faltering promotion challenge. Zaha certainly looks quite interested in a possible move to the Premier League.
Chance of moving: Four stars
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