Premier League transfer talk hotting up in northwest

With just little over a month to go until transfer deadline day, talk is already hotting up in the northwest of the country, with the likes of top clubs Liverpool, Manchester City and Everton all still in the market for talent.

The Reds (10/1 Premier League chances) have already splashed out on players such as Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, Lazar Markovic and Emre Can, following the big money departure of Luis Suarez to Barcelona. But they are still searching for a left back, and Chelsea’s Ryan Bertrand is on their radar to add to their growing English contingent.

Jose Mourinho reportedly wants around £8m for the 24-year-old Stamford Bridge youth graduate, but may want to keep him as back up to new signing Filipe Luis, after Ashley Cole’s move to Roma. Bertrand did manage one league appearance for Chelsea last term, though was loaned to Aston Villa midway through the season, and it seems he will need to leave if he is to get regular football.

According to reports, Liverpool are also closing in on QPR forward Loic Remy and Southampton centre back Dejan Lovren on permanent deals, as well as bringing in young right back Javier Manquillo on loan. There are also rumours that Brendan Rodgers could be looking to sign Arturo Vidal and Marco Reus from under bitter rivals Manchester United’s nose.

Just down the road at Goodison Park, Everton (13/2 for a top four finish) are reportedly set to sign Bosnia and Herzegovina World Cup star Muhamed Besic from Ferencvaros for a fee in the region of £4m.

The German-born 21-year-old midfielder played every minute of the three group games Bosnia competed in at the Brazil finals, and his versatility would be a real help for the Toffees, as he featured mostly in defensive roles for his club last term.

Premier League second-favourites Man City (12/5), meanwhile, are in the hunt for Real Madrid star Isco. Last season’s Champions League winners recently signed Colombia sensation James Rodriguez for £63m, who plays in Isco’s position, and club chiefs will be looking to recoup some funds.