Franck Tabanou
If what it takes to get truly noticed by the Premier League is a wondergoal, then Swansea’s reported interest in Franck Tabanou makes perfect sense. The left-back struck an extra-time volley from 25 yards into the top corner of the Nancy goal to win a Coupe de France tie just after the turn of the year, and is now being linked with a move to Wales. With Neil Taylor attracting glances from elsewhere, Tabanou could be lined up as a potential replacement.
A stinging shot from a wonderful left foot makes Tabanou a threat going forwards, and although that was his first – and only – goal of the season so far, he does have 2 assists to his name, while his 0.8 key passes per game might well generate further goals in a more free-scoring side than Saint Etienne (who have scored just 24 times in 22 Ligue 1 matches this term).
2.5 interceptions and 4.5 clearances per game hint at a decent reading of the game, while his aerial ability – 53 aerial duel victories from just 73 contests (72.6% success) – would add steel to any defence. At Swansea, the only Premier League team yet to score from a corner situation this season, his presence in the air could be of great benefit. The French market is one that is arguably not tapped into enough, so Tabanou, the third highest rated player for a highly impressive St Etienne outfit, could prove a snip at a suggested €4m.
Memphis Depay
Manchester United’s exuberant spending spree since Louis van Gaal took the reigns has sparked rumours even the unpredictable world of football would find farfetched. Marquinhos is one of the latest to be linked with a move to Old Trafford, apparently for the preposterous fee of £112m.
One player for whom the links have remained persistent is PSV’s Memphis Depay. Acquainted with Van Gaal thanks to their time together in what can reasonably be considered a successful World Cup campaign with the Netherlands this summer, any connection made is often cast aside as too obvious, but there is definitely no doubting Depay’s quality.
Only Mark Uth (12) has scored more Eredivisie goals this season than Depay (11), who averages a whopping 5.1 shots per game. Across Europe, only Red Devils legend Cristiano Ronaldo (6) shoots more, but with significantly fewer goals Depay’s conversion rate of 14.5% leaves a lot to be desired. A young, exciting right-footed left-winger who dribbles (2.3 per game), creates chances (2.1 key passes per game) and primarily scores goal would undoubtedly appeal to United fans yearning for a bygone era.
Quite where he would fit in amongst United’s incredible attacking ranks is another question, but at only 20 years of age he may add a new impulsive spark to a group of rather more experienced players. Reportedly facing competition from Spurs and after announcing himself on the world stage in the summer, a hefty fee could prove a stumbling block with FFP in mind.
Bakary Sako
Charlie Austin and Danny Ings bridged the gap between Championship and Premier League incredibly impressively; after scoring for fun in England’s second tier, both have made the step up to the top flight this season seamlessly. The success of these players has perhaps encouraged other teams to take a closer look at the best goalscorers lower down the leagues.
Bakary Sako’s exploits have reportedly attracted the attention of West Brom and Aston Villa, respectively the third-lowest (20 goals) and lowest scoring (11) Premier League teams. In a goal-shy Wolves team, Sako has scored or assisted 9 goals from a wide berth this season, accounting for 29.0% of his side’s strikes, so would be accustomed to shouldering a heavy burden in this regard.
He oozes confidence, averaging 3.1 shots and 2.5 completed dribbles per game, but this, naturally, precipitates wastefulness, with the Malian giving the ball away 19.4 times per appearance, which is amongst the most of Championship players. This might need to be nurtured should be look to make the step up to the top flight.
At the Africa Cup of Nations at present – and with a goal to his name already – Sako will be hoping to catch the eye of potential suitors by helping his team through to the knockout stages on Wednesday (without the lottery of randomly drawn lots). Currently the 12th highest rated player at the tournament and with the propensity for goals unquestionably within him, he could well inspire Mali to qualification. Whether or not he manages that, interest from Premier League teams will understandably continue.
Which of these players would you like to see complete a move this January? Let us know in the comments below
