Premier League spending on transfers in a single season could break the £1bn mark for the first time.
The 2014-15 campaign saw a record £965m spent, but this has already been surpassed this season and it is likely the final figure will be in excess of £1bn by Monday’s 23:00 GMT deadline.
Most of the Premier League deals done in this transfer window have been by teams near the foot of the table and it would appear that business will remain restricted to the bottom half clubs as they seek to climb up the table.
The most expensive signings by a British club have been the £12m Newcastlespent on England midfielders Jonjo Shelvey and Andros Townsend. The most expensive sale has been Brazil midfielder Ramires’ move from Chelsea to Chinese club Jiangsu Suning for £25m.
The window however is not shut yet- Here are five player’s that could be on their way to a new club by 11PM tonight:
Saido Berahino (West Bromwich Albion)
POSSIBLE DESTINATION? Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur
WHY? Newcastle – who have made a £21m bid – are desperate to add some firepower in an attempt to drag themselves up the table and, for all his fragile relationship with West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace since a move to Spurs fell down in August, Berahino brings goals.
Spurs’ need is not so desperate but history suggests he is a player manager Mauricio Pochettino rates as potential support for Harry Kane, who Berahino has partnered for England U21s.
LIKELY COST? £25m.
WHERE WILL HE FIT IN? He is a young player with pace and an ability to become a regular goalscorer – important assets for any team. He scored 14 league goals for the Baggies last season and was central to their survival and has 22 goals in 88 Premier League games in all.
At Newcastle he would become a focal point alongside 21-year-old Aleksandar Mitrovic. At Spurs he would lend valuable support to Kane but also provide a danger with his ability to drop deep.
WILL IT HAPPEN? May go down to the wire and no-one should expect the tough negotiator Peace to offer any bargains to potential suitors – August demonstrated he will not be railroaded into doing business. Newcastle could also find Peace unwilling to do a deal that would considerably strengthen a close rival. And of course Spurs love a late deal.
