Giovani Lo Celso
Giovani Lo Celso

Transfer news: Ten moves backed to happen this summer including Paul Pogba, Wilfried Zaha and more


The transfer window is in full swing with a number of big deals already being completed this summer.

Eden Hazard's big money move to Real Madrid has caught the headlines, but other clubs across Europe have also made some significant additions.

Portuguese wonderkid Joao Felix has opted to sign with Atletico Madrid, while Ajax star Frenkie de Jong has completed a switch to Barcelona.

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

With the transfer window closing in England on August 8, a month from today, clubs will be working hard behind the scenes to ensure that their targets are wrapped up before the deadline.

Here, using odds from Sky Bet, we take a look at some of the transfers that have been backed to happen this summer in the markets.


Wilfried Zaha to Arsenal

Sky Bet odds: 8/11

Wilfried Zaha: The Ivory Coast forward rejoined Crystal Palace from Man United in 2015
Wilfried Zaha has been linked with a move away

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 it looks like this summer will see a deal done.

The Ivory Coast winger had a direct involvement in 20 Premier League goals during the 2018/19 season, fluctuating between the forward areas on the pitch.

He's been backed to make the switch to Arsenal, with reports saying that they have already seen a £40m bid rejected.

The Gunners will need to up their offer significantly if they are to land their man, but the North London outfit have been backed into odds-on to secure the switch in this window.


Neymar to Barcelona

Sky Bet odds: 1/3

Neymar in action for Brazil
Neymar in action for Brazil

The Brazilian is a player that can be seen as difficult to control, and after two successful seasons at PSG, Neymar has been backed to make a return to Barcelona.

The 27-year-old made the switch to France for a measly €222 million fee in 2017 but apparently wants out, with the cash-rich club unable to make an impact in the Champions League.

Ousmane Dembele was brought into replace him, but Philippe Coutinho has struggled to establish his best position at Barca, which could spark them into making a move to bring back the talented forward.


Paul Pogba to Real Madrid

Sky Bet odds: 1/2

Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba

Pogba made a big money move to United in 2016, but last season appears to have been his last with the World Cup winner wanting a move away from Old Trafford.

The midfielder scored 16 goals and contributed a further eleven assists in all competitions during 2018/19, but a breakdown of relationship with then-manager Jose Mourinho dominated headlines earlier in the campaign.

His agent, Mino Raiola, has also recently said publicly that he is working on a potential move for Pogba after he expressed a desire to leave.

"Everyone within the club from the manager to the owner knows Paul’s wishes," Raiola told The Times.

"Everyone knows the willingness of Paul to move on. We are in the process of that. Everyone knows what the feelings of Paul are."


Bruno Fernandes to Manchester United

Sky Bet odds: 1/2

Bruno Fernandes: Midfielder attracting Premier League interest
Bruno Fernandes: Midfielder attracting Premier League interest

The attacking midfielder has caught the eye of a number of elite clubs around Europe, although Manchester United are fancied by most to be his next destination.

Fernandes had a remarkable campaign with Sporting last season, scoring an incredible 32 goals and contributing another 18 assists in 53 games across all competitions.

He'll carry a heavy price tag, particularly at the age of 24, but United could have a big windfall incoming with Pogba's potential departure and that could be reinvested to bring in the Portugal international.


Charlie Austin to Sheffield United

Sky Bet odds: 4/7

Charlie Austin celebrates scoring a goal for Southampton
Charlie Austin celebrates scoring a goal for Southampton

The Blades are said to be on the hunt for a striker this window and while Oli McBurnie and Neal Maupay have been previously mentioned as the priority, another fancied name is Charlie Austin.

The 30-year-old didn't exactly light up the Premier League last season, with just two goals in 25 appearances, although he did strike in their Carabao Cup victory over Brighton.

A move could be on the cards for Austin after he was left out of Southampton's travelling squad for their pre-season tour of Austria.


Dani Ceballos to Tottenham

Sky Bet odds: 1/2

Dani Ceballos
Dani Ceballos

The cliche of buses applies to Tottenham in this transfer window, you wait ages for one to come, and then two come along at once.

Spurs have already brought in Tanguy Ndombele and Jack Clarke this summer, although the latter has been loaned back to Leeds.

That ended an 18-month wait for new players and they are fancied to make further additions before the window closes.

Central midfielder Dani Ceballos is backed to make the switch to North London after a summer where he won the Under-21s European Championships with Spain.

Ceballos failed to nail down a regular spot in Real Madrid's first team last season, which could see him open to a move to the recent Champions League finalists.


Giovani Lo Celso to Tottenham

Sky Bet odds: 1/3

Giovani Lo Celso
Giovani Lo Celso

Another midfielder plying their trade in Spain, Real Betis' Giovani Lo Celso is reportedly another target for Mauricio Pochettino.

Despite smashing their transfer record once already this summer, Football Insider say that they are preparing a 'mammoth £100m offer' for the Argentina international.

They may have to move quickly though, even with a big offer apparently being readied, as Atletico Madrid and Manchester United have also been linked with his signature.


Jarrod Bowen to Southampton

Sky Bet odds: 4/6

(video no longer available)

The talented Hull winger was on the radar of numerous Premier League teams in January and the Tigers could be willing to cash in on Jarrod Bowen this summer if the price is right.

The 22-year-old scored 22 goals last season in a Hull side which finished mid-table in the Sky Bet Championship, 18 of those goals coming from December onwards.

Bowen was included in the 2018/19 Sky Bet Championship Team of the Season and won Hull's Player of the Year, Supporter's Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year awards at the conclusion of the campaign.


Kieran Tierney to Arsenal

Sky Bet odds: 1/6

Kieran Tierney celebrates his opener
Kieran Tierney has been linked with 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.

Again, a sticking point for Arsenal may well be the transfer fee, with numerous areas needing improvement but limited funds available.

The 22-year-old has been backed to make a switch to the Emirates Stadium this summer though.


Kalvin Phillips to Aston Villa

Sky Bet odds: 1/3

Leeds United's Kalvin Phillips
Leeds United's Kalvin Phillips

Phillips has established himself as a key player for Marcelo Bielsa and it is little surprise to see Leeds slap a £30m price tag on the midfielder.

Aston Villa are said to be keen on Phillips, although the Whites are yet to receive a bid for him.

With the addition of Tyrone Mings, Villa's spending is now up to past £70m this summer and the big tag on Phillips may see them look elsewhere.


Odds correct at 1530 BST (08/07/19)

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