A look at some of the deals to expect on deadline day

Transfer news: The moves backed to happen on Premier League and Sky Bet Championship deadline day

By Tom Carnduff

Football

Wed August 07, 2019 · 5y ago

With less than 24 hours remaining before the transfer window shuts, we look at some of the deals that have been backed to happen.

We've already seen some big-money moves - Eden Hazard's long-awaited switch from Chelsea to Real Madrid has caught the headlines, but other clubs across Europe have also made some significant additions.

English clubs have played their part, as Manchester City broke their transfer record to bring in Rodri while even Spurs got the chequebook out to complete the signing of Tanguy Ndombele from Lyon.

Using odds from Sky Bet, we assess some of the deals that have been backed to happen before 5pm on Thursday.

Wilfried Zaha to Everton

Sky Bet odds: 5/6

Wilfried Zaha has reportedly handed in a transfer request

Wilfried Zaha has long been linked with a move away from Crystal Palace, such is the impact he has made in his second stint at Selhurst Park, but as things stand it's hard to be sure where he'll be playing his football this season.

The winger had a direct involvement in 20 Premier League goals during the 2018/19 season, fluctuating between the forward areas on the pitch, and it's been clear since May he's been on many a wish list.

Arsenal were previously linked with a move, but that is now likely to be off the table given their big-money addition of Nicolas Pepe.

Everton have already spent this window with Andre Gomes, Fabian Delph, Jean-Philippe Gbamin and Moise Kean all signing. Zaha would give them that additional bit of creativity which may be needed if they are to break into the top-six.

Verdict: 8/10 - This looked unlikely a couple of days ago but Everton's chances have been boosted massively by the fact that he has reportedly handed in a transfer request. Everton are looking to add someone in that area and they could now get him at a lower price to make a move happen before the deadline.

Paulo Dybala to Tottenham

Sky Bet odds: 3/10

Could Paulo Dybala be on his way to the Premier League?

A player who is expected to depart Juventus for the Premier League, although his destination isn't certain.

Manchester United were fancied as the destination as part of a potential swap deal for Romelu Lukaku, but the Argentina international turned down the chance to move to Old Trafford.

Christian Eriksen could leave Tottenham and a replacement will be needed. Although Dybala is likely to be deployed in a similar role to Lucas Moura.

The 25-year-old netted ten goals and assisted a further five in 42 games for Juve across all competitions last season.

Verdict: 7/10 - An exciting one to watch if you're a Tottenham fan but this is a deal that will need to be moved on quickly. It may sound simple, but logistics can start to work against you on deadline day, particularly with a 5pm deadline.

Kieran Tierney to Arsenal

Sky Bet odds: 1/20

Kieran Tierney could join Arsenal

The Celtic full-back has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal this summer with the Gunners looking to secure a player to line up on the left side of defence.

Tierney is defensively sound while posing an attacking threat that would suit Unai Emery's style of playing, particularly with Hector Bellerin on the opposite flank.

A discussion point at the start of the window would be regarding where Arsenal could find the money to bring him in after reports of a budget limited to £45m.

However, they've spent £72m on Nicolas Pepe alongside a further £27m on William Saliba so funds are clearly there. Celtic also seem like they are expecting another offer.

Verdict: 8/10 - Arsenal have spent, and spent big, which has come as a surprise. They still need to improve their defence though and Tierney looks like a player that is affordable for a top-six Premier League club.

Giovani Lo Celso to Tottenham

Sky Bet odds: 1/7

Giovani Lo Celso could make the switch to Tottenham

Spurs have started to spend and Real Betis' Giovani Lo Celso is reportedly another target for Mauricio Pochettino.

Despite smashing their transfer record once already this summer by bringing in Tanguy Ndombele from Lyon, reports say that they are expected to pay big money to bring in Lo Celso.

This is a deal that has been rumoured throughout the transfer window with Atletico Madrid and Manchester United also said to hold an interest.

Whether this move is truly on the verge of completion, as is suggested in some outlets, remains to be seen, but we think it will happen in time.

Verdict: 9/10 - Sky Sports have reported that Tottenham have submitted a bid around the £55m mark and they are clearly keen on the player. He's one you'd expect to arrive before the deadline.

Ryan Sessegnon to Tottenham

Sky Bet odds: 1/16

Ryan Sessegnon could soon be back in the Premier League

Ryan Sessegnon has long been linked with a move to Tottenham but it's been backed heavily to happen this summer.

Sessegnon has proven to be a player that is comfortable playing anywhere down the left and has already had a season to adjust to the Premier League.

With Danny Rose potentially on the way out, Sessegnon would be a more than suitable replacement and should be a player who continues to grow.

Verdict: 9/10 - Sky Sports have recently said that this deal is alive once again and Tottenham could get the youngster at a good price before the deadline.

Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan

Sky Bet odds: 1/20

Romelu Lukaku is expected to leave Manchester United

A move to Italy seems the most likely for Romelu Lukaku, with Inter now in pole position to sign the Belgium international.

Juventus were previously linked with a move but their efforts in trying to swap Lukaku for the talented Paulo Dybala have come to nothing.

Inter initially offered to take him on loan before making the move permanent in 2021 for £62million, but it was rejected by United. The fact Lukaku headed to Australia with United for pre-season made it tough for a deal to happen prior to August.

But manager Antonio Conte has supposedly told the Inter decision-makers he wants the club to land Lukaku, Edin Dzeko and Nicolo Barella this summer, with the latter already secured.

Verdict: 9.5/10 - This looks like a deal that could well happen before the deadline, it's just a case of the clubs working out a way to structure it, although some reports are saying that it has been agreed. Lukaku has reportedly been banished from Manchester United training so it is looking increasingly likely that he'll go.

Eddie Nketiah to Leeds

Sky Bet odds: 1/7

Eddie Nketiah is set to join Leeds

Bristol City had been backed to complete the signing of the talented striker all summer, with Nketiah reportedly their top target, but it is Leeds who are poised to win the race.

The Robins were the front runners before Unai Emery felt the striker would stay at the Emirates Stadium this term.

But the Gunners have now decided to let him leave, despite impressive pre-season performances, ahead of Thursday's transfer deadline.

Leeds director of football Victor Orta has a good relationship with Emery and PA reports that he made a personal pitch to Arsenal for Nketiah on Tuesday.

Verdict: 9.5/10 - This looks like a deal that is incredibly likely to happen based on reports. Nketiah will fill the void left by Kemar Roofe who has left for Anderlecht.

Odds correct at 1815 BST (07/08/19)