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Five Sky Bet Championship stars who could move to the Premier League before the deadline
Tom Carnduff looks at five Sky Bet Championship stars who could move to the Premier League before the domestic window shuts on Friday.
Premier League clubs cannot do business among themselves, but there are still players in the EFL who are highly regarded and will be big transfer targets, while free transfers are still available.
That means for those in the top-flight, the Sky Bet Championship may provide the solution to some problems which remain from unsuccessful pursuits over the summer.
There are those who made an impact in the Premier League last season or those who continue to impress in the second tier of English football. Options are available for those at the very top.
That will likely come at a cost though. Clubs in the Championship will know the situation and may increase their valuations based on the timing of the transfer.
But who could be on the move before Friday's deadline? Tom Carnduff looks at five names who could be on Premier League teamsheets next weekend.
Said Benrahma
The player that most Premier League fans will be hoping for before the conclusion of the domestic window. Said Benrahma has been a star throughout his time at Brentford.
The winger was expected to make the switch to England's top-flight during the summer but a move hasn't yet happened and there's a real possibility he could be spending another season in Thomas Frank's side.
In 43 games last season, the 25-year-old scored 17 goals and assisted a further nine from the left wing position; although he can play on the other flank or through the middle when required.
Frank has been clear in wanting Benrahma's future to be sorted. After last month's draw with Millwall, he said: "I don’t know if he will be here after the transfer window.
"But that’s part of football, so we deal with it. And I must say that Said has been bang-on in terms of attitude and being a top professional. That’s just the transfer window."
- Where could he go? West Ham are the 1/2 favourites with Sky Bet with Crystal Palace, who were linked with a move during this window, now huge outsiders at 6/1.
Joe Rodon
Tottenham have been on the lookout for a defender and they could make a move for Swansea defender Joe Rodon before the deadline.
Sky Sports have reported that Spurs are keen on a move for the centre-back with a fee of anywhere between £7m and £18m under discussion between the two clubs.
An ankle injury limited Rodon to just 21 appearances in the Sky Bet Championship last season but he has started in all four of the Swans' games during the current campaign.
The 22-year-old is also a part of Ryan Giggs' Wales plans and recently returned to the senior squad; starting in the recent 3-0 defeat to England at Wembley.
Rodon possesses an aerial threat while being comfortable enough on the ball to pick out passes. He has the right attributes for the modern game and a Premier League move seems inevitable, even if it doesn't happen during this window.
- Where could he go? Tottenham, who are reportedly prepared to offer Cameron Carter-Vickers as part of any deal. West Ham are also said to be interested.
Ismaila Sarr
Ismaila Sarr is a player who was expected to make an immediate return to the Premier League following Watford's relegation, and even with a move failing to happen at an earlier point during the main window, the domestic window still provides a route back to the top-flight.
Sarr has returned to the Watford line-up following absence in the opening weeks and is lining up in a more central role, whereas last season we were used to seeing him more on the right wing.
He netted five goals and provided six assists during 28 Premier League games. Various reports say that Watford are open to selling the 22-year-old and would prefer a permanent move, rather than sending him out on loan.
This means that if a decent offer came in, it's unlikely that the club will look to prevent him from leaving. The issue may be clubs preferring a temporary switch with the option to buy.
It's set to be an interesting week for Sarr. However, if a move doesn't happen, Watford will have a serious talent to utilise in the Championship, until the January window at least.
- Where could he go? Manchester United were heavily linked and tried to address their attacking issues with a few panic signings on deadline day. They're 14/1 with Sky Bet to sign Sarr before the domestic deadline; could we see the Old Trafford club make a move in the final hours?
Todd Cantwell
Leeds were heavily linked with a move for Todd Cantwell but they opted to make a deadline day move for Rennes winger Raphinha; that should signal an end to their Cantwell pursuit.
Cantwell's season seemed to follow the same path as Norwich's as they were relegated from the Premier League last season. A decent enough first-half was followed by a poor second.
The midfielder started both of the Canaries' opening two fixtures this season but hasn't featured in the squad since with head coach Daniel Farke unhappy with the player's attitude.
He hit out at Cantwell and teammate Emi Buendia following defeat to Bournemouth and stuck with it when asked again a few days later.
"I want players who are fully focused on the next task," he said. "Yes, they should be our best offensive players but they were not focused. It wasn’t about blaming them.
"We are humans, not robots, and the speculation can affect different players in different ways. But I cannot let my standards drop or that sends the wrong message."
- Where could he go? It was expected to be Leeds but they've addressed their need for a wide player. This has left Cantwell and Norwich in a potentially tough situation; other Premier League clubs could be tempted by a move before the deadline though.
Josh King
Another one linked with Manchester United; another one unlikely to get that Old Trafford move following their deadline day rush for new recruits.
Josh King is another of the relegated bunch who were expected to return to the top-flight immediately. However, as has been the case throughout the window, a move is yet to come about.
The forward has only played 23 minutes this season, that coming in the 1-0 victory over Norwich, and he hasn't featured in any of the other three matchday squads.
King's issue may be that he ends up being a second-choice striker in the Premier League. West Ham and Everton, two clubs who have been linked, already have players who have nailed down the spot; King may have to be patient.
In 26 appearances last season, King scored six goals with four assists. Eddie Howe was happy to utilise him in any of the forward positions, which will make him an attractive prospect to a buyer, but it's likely he'll remain through the middle at a new club.
- Where could he go? West Ham are the 5/6 favourites with Sky Bet, while Everton are 9/4. It could be argued that the Hammers need him more given their depth issues beyond Michail Antonio, although King would certainly make an impact in an Everton side focused on attack.
Odds correct at 1015 BST (10/10/20)
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