Transfer Watch: Manchester United and Liverpool among this week’s realistic rumours
Tiemoue Bakayoko (Monaco)
A trio of the Premier League’s biggest clubs have been put on alert by an apparent change of heart from Monaco, who are now thought to be willing to cash in on promising midfielder Bakayoko. Manchester United are believed to be leading the charge for the 22-year old, though they reportedly face competition from local rivals City and league leaders Chelsea for one of Ligue 1’s top performers in the current campaign.
Excelling in both the league (7.51 rating) and Champions League (7.58) this season, Bakayoko has made exceptional progress and was in fine form ahead of the French winter break. In fact, the youngster was named WhoScored’s Ligue 1 player of the month in both November and December and is one of only seven players to have made more than five appearances in Europe’s top 5 leagues in that time to earn a rating in excess of 8 (8.09).
GRAPHIC: Tiemoué Bakayoko - December’s Ligue 1 player of the month #ASM pic.twitter.com/QJ1f8ENEJw
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) January 4, 2017
The fact that interest is mounting is understandable then, with the tall and strong central midfielder completing 88% of his passes this season, while averaging 3 tackles and 2.2 dribbles per game. His sheer presence in the middle of the park makes him a tough opponent to both beat and dispossess, using his size to great effect both on and off the ball. Given United have recouped £22m for Morgan Schneiderlin this month it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them spend that on his compatriot Bakayoko if he is made available.
Quincy Promes (Spartak Moscow)
With the Dutch winger widely expected to be on the move this month, Liverpool have reportedly jumped to front of the queue to recruit Quincy Promes. The Reds are understandably keen to steal a march on their rivals after a superb first half of the season from the 25-year old for Spartak Moscow. Helping his side to the top of the league ahead of an extended winter break, Promes has taken the mantle from Hulk as the Russian Premier League’s star player and it be no shock if the option to follow the Brazilian to China arose.
Liverpool are believed to want to act fast then, particularly as they are anticipating being without Sadio Mane for the duration of the African Cup of Nations due to Senegal’s talented squad. Promes is certainly in a similar mould and given Liverpool lack genuine width in attack beyond their summer signing - with Lallana, Coutinho, Sturridge and Origi all preferring a central role - Klopp’s apparent desire to bring in another natural winger makes sense.
Dutch international Promes is the highest rated player in Russia’s top-flight this season (7.57) and has impressive figures, with 6 goals and 6 assists in 14 appearances. Capable of playing from either flank, his versatility in that sense is a real asset and would suit Liverpool’s fluid front three. Given he leads the way for key passes (3.1 per game) and only four players have won possession in the attacking third more in the RPL (10), Promes would seem a logical fit for a fee in the region of £20m.
James Bree (Barnsley)
There is believed to be widespread interest in Barnsley right-back Bree this month, though reports that Manchester City are keen may just blow the rest of the competition out of the water. Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce is among those to have cast an eye over the teenager but Premier League suitors are not thought to be in short supply. Bree, however, has previously rejected offers from the top-flight when coming through the Barnsley academy, with playing time his priority, so that will surely effect his decision.
Pep Guardiola is known to be in the market for reinforcements at full-back and adding both young and homegrown talent to his squad seems to be an objective. The 19-year old fits the bill then, and his ability to contribute further forward will also be a desirable asset. Of all Championship full-backs only Cyrus Christie (1.3) has created more chances per game than Bree this season (1.1), whose overlapping runs and impressive deliveries have heralded 2 assists thus far.
With Barnsley performing above expectations to find themselves in with a chance of a play-off push they would be loathed to losing their prized assets - with captain Conor Hourihane also in high demand - but a big offer could force their hand. Villa are thought to have offered in the region of £4m but it may take closer to double that to convince the Tykes to a sell a player that is currently the second highest rated teenager (6.92) in England’s second tier.
