Manchester United’s David de Gea, and Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling have both been liked with Real Madrid…
Real Madrid are on the transfer hunt again. Recent reports are linking the European Champions with a move for Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea, while there has been plenty made about their apparent interest in Liverpool starlet Raheem Sterling.
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Both players have been crucial to their respective club’s seasons thus far, with de Gea’s heroics helping United reach the top four, and Sterling’s goals helping fill the sizable gap left by the injury to Daniel Sturridge, and the departure of Luis Suarez.
But of course, every Premier League team has a player that they prize above all else, and cannot afford to lose. Here’s a countdown of every team and who they will be trying to detract interest in this year.
Arsenal – Alexis Sanchez
The Chilean has already justified his summer transfer fee with goals galore. But if Arsenal fail to make the top four, he will be unlikely to stick around next season.
Aston Villa – Christian Benteke
His goals will prove crucial to a side that even with him in the team are struggling to find the net. Villa’s drought has thrown them into the relegation scrap, something the Belgian can help them avoid.
Burnley – Danny Ings
His value is slowly creeping up as the goals start to come for him after his early-season injury problems. If he can find some consistency, he’ll keep Burnley in the Premier League – a fantastic achievement.
Chelsea – Eden Hazard
The Belgian midfielder has been crucial to Chelsea competing on four fronts so far this season, and is on the verge of becoming a truly world class player. With still so much potential, the Blues would be loathed to lose him.
Crystal Palace – Yannick Bolasie
A sparkling talent that has improved massively since he arrived in the Premier League in the middle of last season. Certainly has plenty of quality, as well as the skills and quick feet, but can he now kick on?
Everton – Ross Barkley
One of the highest rated English midfielders, the future is bright for a 21-year-old – who is already an established England international, and a key player for his club side.
Hull City – Curtis Davies
There haven’t been many bright spots in a difficult season so far for Hull, but their captain has shown the consistency that they have otherwise lacked.
Leicester City – Kasper Schmeichel
Like Hull, Leicester have struggled badly so far this season, but their keeper – currently sidelined through injury – has kept them in plenty of games, and will surely star attracting interest soon.
Liverpool – Raheem Sterling
The 20-year-old has done a fine job of filling the shoes of Sturridge and Suarez, after being asked to play in a central striker role. His endless potential continues to shine.
Manchester City – Sergio Aguero
The second top scorer in the Premier League, despite missing the last couple of months through injury. Also carried City in the Champions League, scoring the goals to guarantee what looked an unlikely qualification.
Manchester United – David de Gea
The United stopper has won his team countless points so far this season with his brilliance between the sticks. With the club struggling despite a wealth of new talent, they’ve needed him to come through.
Newcastle United – Moussa Sissoko
Newcastle have leaned heavily on their French midfielder for much of the season. Capable of driving them forward and helping defend a lead, Sissoko is a key player, and would be sorely missed.
Queens Park Rangers – Charlie Austin
Only Diego Costa and Sergio Aguero have scored more Premier League goals so far this season – where would Rangers be without Austin’s 13 goal? He will be the difference between them staying up and going down.
Southampton – Morgan Schneiderlin
The French midfielder remained at the club in the summer, despite a mass exodus from his teammates, but he has only enhanced his reputation as a result, inspiring the Saints run to the top four.
Stoke City – Ryan Shawcross
Mark Hughes has brought a new style to Stoke City, but the club are still reliant on their captain, who they would miss more than any of their new stars. The centre back is reliable and consistent.
Sunderland – Adam Johnson
Sunderland have struggled at both ends of the pitch this season – they’ve struggled for goals, but have also been on the end of the odd beating, including at 8-0 loss to Southampton. The winger has been at the heart of their best moments.
Swansea City – Gylfi Sigurdsson
With Wilfried Bony gone, Swansea will now lean all the more towards their Icelandic midfielder, who must have attracted some interest from around the Premier League.
Tottenham Hotspur – Harry Kane
The England hopeful has quickly established himself as they key man in a star-studded Spurs squad. His 17 goals in all competitions have catapulted Tottenham into contention on four fronts, with Champions League qualification a realistic ambition.
West Bromwich Albion – Saido Berahino
The young striker has scored 14 goals in all competitions so far this season, and with new boss Tony Pulis devoid of many other attacking options, those goals will likely be crucial.
West Ham United – Alex Song
Only on loan at Upton Park of course, but the Hammers encouraging start to the season has slowed somewhat in his absence. It would be a huge coup if they could get him permanently from Barcelona.
SEE ALSO: Liverpool transfer news