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4 Premier League clubs that need a busy end to the transfer window

With just a couple of weeks to go until the transfer window closes, Premier League managers will be assessing the state of their squads and examining where new arrivals may be needed.

 

Lots of activity is expected across the league with a couple of deals having the potential to trigger a chain of transfers before the deadline, which has been set for September 1.

 

Here are four Premier League clubs in dire need of a busy end to the transfer window.

 

Manchester United

 

Even before a terrible start to the new season, it was clear Erik ten Hag needed help in terms of improved recruitment into Old Trafford. None of United’s signings have impressed so far either. A protracted chase for Frenkie de Jong has defined the summer, while the Dutchman’s early weeks in charge have been dominated by the sideshow regarding Cristiano Ronaldo’s future. Ten Hag says he wants to keep Ronaldo but, in reality, it might suit all parties if the veteran Portugal forward was to find a new home, given he does not fit United’s pressing system.

 

Adrien Rabiot was reportedly close to joining from Juventus to boost Ten Hag’s midfield options but that deal has apparently fallen through over the Frenchman’s wage demands late in the day. United also need a new forward regardless of whether Ronaldo stays or goes this month. Apparent interest in former West Ham striker Marko Arnautovic was widely dubbed a “PR disaster” but United’s squad lacks goals, belief and confidence, which he might have provided. Reports indicate United may be interested in Jamie Vardy, who would only be a short-term fix.

 

What is for sure is United, rock bottom after two games, certainly need new signings. Fast.

 

Chelsea

 

Todd Boehly’s takeover means it was always going to be a summer of upheaval off the pitch at Old Trafford, with the American billionaire filling in as sporting director in recent weeks.

 

Boehly has delivered the signings of Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly – who scored a stunner against Spurs – and England forward Raheem Sterling, as well as Marc Cucurella. But there is a striker shortage at Stamford Bridge after flop signings Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner were given the green light to return to Inter Milan and RB Leipzig respectively.

 

Thomas Tuchel may want reinforcements in midfield considering the continuing question mark over N’Golo Kante’s ability to stay fit, though Conor Gallagher is waiting in the wings. Chelsea are credited with an interest in De Jong too – and they can offer Champions League football. Defensive reinforcements could also still be needed with Chelsea having lost Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen at the end of their contracts. Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta have been linked with joining Christensen at Barcelona, who pipped the Blues to Jules Kounde.

 

Everton

 

The £33 million capture of midfielder Amadou Onana from Lille is Everton’s major signing so far, with James Tarkowski and Conor Coady having also arrived to bolster a leaky Toffees back line. Tarkowski’s ex-Burnley team-mate Dwight McNeil has also arrived, but Everton need a striker.

 

Injury issues for Dominic Calvert-Lewin restricted the England international to 15 starts in the league last term. The 25-year-old is yet to feature this season either, with Everton also yet to replace the goals and creativity of Brazil star Richarlison, who joined Spurs for up to £60m.

 

Everton have been linked with Idrissa Gueye, who could rejoin to improve Frank Lampard’s midfield, but the Toffees boss has a decision to make over the future of Anthony Gordon. The Everton winger is reportedly a target for both Chelsea and Newcastle United and could raise £50m, allowing Lampard more room to manoeuvre in the transfer market ahead of deadline day.

 

Leicester City

 

The Foxes have only added backup goalkeeper Alex Smithies to their ranks this summer and manager Brendan Rodgers appears to be frustrated at the lack of activity at the King Power.

 

Leicester do have valuable assets but it appears they need to sell before they can buy. Wesley Fofana is among the centre-backs linked with Chelsea, while star playmaker James Maddison has been the subject of interest from Newcastle United. With Youri Tielemans now in the last year of his contract, Leicester also need to decide if they want to try to cash in on the Belgian.

 

While the Foxes have held out for bumper fees in the past – selling Harry Maguire to United for £80 million was a sensational deal – Rodgers will want time to spend any incoming funds.

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