The end of the season is very near and clubs need to start planning their summer transfer business early to prevent a poor start to the next campaign. This has proven to be a problem for several sides in the past, costing managers their jobs in process, therefore it’s crucial for clubs, especially near the bottom, to have a good start to the season. There are a lot of players in the Premier League who haven’t got a contract for next season, and they’ll be keen to get a deal sorted either with their current club or another side in the Premier League.
Bacary Sagna
Bacary Sagna looks set to leave the Emirates in the summer after seven years at the club. He has proven to be a very good player and Arsene Wenger is still keen to keep him at Arsenal, but it appears that the right back wants a new challenge. He has played in 34 of Arsenal’s league games this season, starting all but one. The French international has one goal and two assists to his name, which is good considering his limited attacking license at right back. There have been reports linking Sagna to a move to Manchester City in the summer, which would be a questionable move as they already have Pablo Zabaleta at the club, who is regarded as the best right back in the league. There have also been links with a move to Italy, which may prove to hold better career prospects for Sagna.
Joleon Lescott
The Manchester City centre back has been on the outside for the past couple of seasons and he desperately needs a move to breathe fresh impetus into his career. He has only played in ten games this season, which is incredible given the defender’s undoubted Premier League class. Lescott has seen his World Cup hopes die, due to his failure to get a move in January and to be involved with the international side in the future, he has to play first team football. The likes of Aston Villa and West Ham would really benefit from having a player of Lescott’s ability and experience, while even Arsenal may consider bringing him in on a free to give the defence more solidity in the big matches.
Tom Ince
Tom Ince has struggled to make an impact at Crystal Palace, but there will be plenty of clubs chasing his signature in the summer. He proved himself to be a very good young player at Blackpool, scoring goals for fun, in addition to the numerous assists to his name. His pace and dribbling ability makes him a very dangerous player in the final third and several clubs would benefit from having Ince in their squad next season. He has only played 6 matches for Palace, but he has managed to get a goal and an assist showing he can cut it in the top flight. There are several sides who should look to sign Ince on a free, including West Ham, Newcastle, Sunderland and Swansea, there will also be the opportunity for a big sell on value in the future.
Steve Sidwell
The future of Steve Sidwell is uncertain, he may well stay on at Fulham after becoming a key player in the side, but there will be Premier League interest if he chooses to leave the recently relegated side. He has been an ever present for Fulham this season, playing a part in all 37 games to date and he has been without doubt the club’s player of the year, scoring seven goals and getting two assists. This is a very good return for a player, not known for his goal scoring ability. Moreover, at the age of 31, he still has two or three seasons left at the top level. He would be a perfect signing for most of the bottom half clubs, while either Burnley or Leicester may look to bring him in on a free to add top flight experience to their sides.
Jack Colback
Jack Colback has played a vital role in Sunderland’s recent run, which is likely to lead to their survival in the Premier League, but he is approaching the end of his contract. He is only 24 years old and will develop into a player of top flight ability. The midfielder is an excellent passer of the ball and his work rate is second to none, which will interest clubs in the Premier League. Sunderland are desperate to keep their home grown talent, but it looks likely he could leave, with rivals Newcastle being favourites for his signature. It would be incredible if he chose to move to Newcastle as he would be the first player to move directly between the two clubs since Lee Clark’s move to Sunderland in 1997.
