Hottest Premiership targets this summer

The Premiership season has just ended and while the players are headed to one of the famous seaside resorts, the club officials will have the chance to prove that their wage bill is not just an unnecessary burden to the club’s budget. This is the perfect time to start looking for new players, who can improve the team’s chances next season. Just like every previous season, a lot of foreign players will get the chance to play in the best league in the World, but a fair share of domestic players will switch clubs this summer as well. This is the list of the Premiership’s most wanted targets in the next transfer window. Bear in mind that I have only considered players who are likely to remain in the Premiership after leaving their current clubs.

Number 10: Stewart Downing
Wanted by: Tottenham

Stewart Downing has been one of the hottest targets for a couple of years now, but his downtrend in form saw him lose most of the admirers and it seems that only Tottenham is still interested in his services. Spurs have been missing genuine left winger for quite a while now and this is a great opportunity to purchase Downing, whose price has decreased following Middlesbrough’s relegation to the Championship.

Number 9: Jermain Pennant
Wanted by: Practically every team outside the top four

It is more than evident that Jermain Pennant has got enough quality to become a key player in one of the Premiership clubs but you never know what to expect of him. He is simply too inconsistent but considering that he will be able to leave Portsmouth on free transfer, most of the relegation threatened teams would like to acquire his services.

Number 8: Tuncay Sanli
Wanted by: Fulham, Sunderland

Turkish forward has been the only bright spot in Gareth Southgate’s team this season and his versatility and enormous working rate will help him stay in the Premiership even though his team failed to avoid the drop. Fulham and Sunderland will definitely try to sign him, provided the price is not too high, and thus boost their attacking options.

Number 7: Brede Hangeland
Wanted by: Arsenal, Aston Villa

Brede Hangeland have been the part of one of the best defences in the Premiership and his commanding performances have earned him a lot of admirers. Arsene Wenger sees the Norwegian as the ideal signing to boost his poor defence, while Aston Villa are also interested in his services. However, it seems that Fulham are not ready to let him leave but that will probably change if the Cottagers receive a big money offer.

Number 6: Obafemi Martins
Wanted by: Arsenal, Everton, Aston Villa

Numerous injuries prevented Martins from showing all his potential but most of the Premiership managers are aware that if the Nigerian is fit, he is one of the best strikers in the league. Considering that Newcastle have been relegated and that they have got to cut the enormous wage bill, Martins is likely to leave this summer, with Arsenal, Aston Villa and Everton eagerly waiting.

Number 5: Michael Owen
Wanted by: Everton, Aston Villa, Manchester City

Michael Owen has had another injury-plagued season and it is more than evident that he is no longer the player he once was. Nevertheless, nobody doubts his attacking qualities and most of the clubs outside the big four would be happy to see him wearing their shirt. Newcastle will probably not stand in his way and we only need to wait and see what his next destination will be.

Number 4: Joleon Lescott
Wanted by: Arsenal, Manchester City

Joleon Lescott has enjoyed another very successful season and he is now one of the leading centre-backs in the Premiership. Arsenal and Manchester City are just some of the teams interested in his services but David Moyes will probably do everything he can to keep the towering defender at Goodison Park.

Number 3: Glen Johnson
Wanted by: Chelsea, Liverpool

Chelsea certainly regretted for selling Glen to Portsmouth after seeing the full-back play this season and the Blues are eager to correct this error this summer. Johnson is one of the first names of Carlo Ancelotti’s wish list and the odds are that he will return to Stamford Bridge. Rafa Benitez is also keen on acquiring the full-back but the Spaniard is likely to be priced out of the deal by Chelsea.

Number 2: Xabi Alonso
Wanted by: Chelsea

Xabi Alonso is another potential target for the Blues, although they face stiff competition from Real Madrid. Alonso has been one of the most consistent performers at Anfield and his great showings haven’t gone unnoticed. Alonso is very close to joining Real but Chelsea will not give up without fight. Cesc Fabregas stated that Alonso would be the perfect acquisition for Arsenal and maybe Arsene Wenger will think about his captain’s proposition.

Number 1: Carlos Tevez
Wanted by: Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham

Carlos Tevez is definitely the hottest target in England at the moment as he is likely to leave Manchester United after becoming disillusioned with life at Old Trafford. A bidding war for the diminutive striker is set to start but his situation is very complicated as the Argentine is owned by MSI Company, or rather Kia Joorabchian. We expect to see a long transfer saga, similar to the one involving Andrei Arshavin, but the only thing which looks certain at the moment is that Tevez will leave Old Trafford.

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