Transfer rumours galore as season end nears

Premier League clubs are already busy in the transfer department as they desperately try to plan ahead for next season.

Odds-on title favourites Manchester City (5/6) are reportedly chasing former city rivals United’s youth product Paul Pogba in a mammoth £53m deal, that could include offering either Aleksandar Kolarov or Edin Dzeko. Since the 21-year-old left Old Trafford for Juventus for free two seasons ago, his stock has risen sky high.

The France international is certainly one of the world’s hottest properties, and will be seen as a ready-made replacement for Ivory Coast superstar Yaya Toure, as the 30-year-old enters his latter years.

Top four outsiders Everton (20/1), meanwhile, are being linked with young Scottish duo James Forrest and Andrew Robertson.

With on-loan winger Gerard Deulofeu likely to return to parent club Barcelona when the season ends, Roberto Martinez is reportedly stepping up their interest in Celtic’s £7m-rated Forrest.

Dundee United have produced a fair amount of talent in recent years, and left back Robertson certainly falls into that category. The 20-year-old has virtually played in every game this term for his side, and would be seen as fantastic backup for current Toffees player Leighton Baines.

Everton’s Merseyside arch-rivals Liverpool, meanwhile, will be busy this summer in terms of transfers, as they look to build on their already successful season of finishing in the top four. Although the Premier League title is no longer in their hands, the second-favourites (6/5) will be more than pleased with their achievement.

With their Champions League money, they will be able to spend big, and are already linked with Newcastle United misfit Hatem Ben Arfa, who is worth £6m. The Frenchman has reportedly fallen out with boss Alan Pardew, and will almost certainly leave this summer.

Stoke City, whose top-flight status is confirmed for next season, are lining up an offer for Portugal international Hugo Almeida, after missing out on Ivica Olic.

Porto’s Almeida, 29, would be an excellent signing, and the bulky forward would suit the Premier League and the Stoke style well.