So where will they all end up? Speculation is rife that some of the Premier League’s biggest names will be packing their bags this summer as soon as the World Cup comes to a climax.
Sky Bet have been busy compiling the latest odds for many of the hottest properties in the game.
Here we give you the latest odds from Sky Bet as well as our assesment of the runners and riders.
James Milner: This Villain is the subject of plenty of speculation and the dynamic Yorkshireman has done nothing to dampen it. Sky Bet make Man City the 2/5 odds on favourites to land Milner and the Citizens have already showed they are not afraid to splash the cash with the captures of Yaya Toure, David Silva and Germany’s Jerome Boateng. Chelsea are second favourites rated by Sky Bet at 4/1. Further out are Man United and Roy Hodgson’s Liverpool both at 16/1.
Our verdict: The momentum appears to be with the Citizens and we think this will be a two-horse race between City and Chelsea. Anecelotti though may well have the advantage, crucially being able to offer Champions League football. Doubts over whether United or Liverpool could afford a Dutch auction for the Yorkshire workhorse. We’ll go with Sky Bet and say City will just nick it.
Joe Cole: Officially a free agent following an acrimonious split with the Blues. The England ace didn’t get his chance to shine at the World Cup and was restricted to brief cameos throughout. Spurs favourites at 8/11 with Harry Redknapp confirming talks have been held. Arsenal a close second at 6/4 and Wenger is a confirmed admirer. Liverpool at 8/1 following Hodgson’s appointment, while previous favourites United are at 14/1 – this following off the record briefings to journalists that the Red Devils won’t make a move.
Our verdict: We think Arsenal are the perfect fit for Cole and at 6/4 reckon this is where the value is. Spurs have the Redknapp connection (Harry worked with Cole at West Ham and gave him a full debut) but we wonder if the Tottenham boss will go all out for Cole when he has the talismanic Modric. United have briefed journalists they won’t make a move, but haven’t gone on the record with any quotes – we think they are still in the hunt. We’d be surprised if Liverpool we’re serious contenders. Our money is on The Gunners for this one.
Steven Gerrard: This is an interesting one; rumours are rife that Gerrard is finally on his way out of Anfield amind rumours of serious problems off the pitch. Sources claim the ‘ink is dry on the contract’ with Real Madrid and intriguingly Sky Bet make this option the favourite at 4/6. An Inter switch is surely folly with Gerrard and Benitez not enjoying the best of relationships during the Spaniard’ s Anfield tenure. Man City have been linked persistently at 8/1 but would Stevie G really leave Liverpool for another Premier League side? Remember he turned down Chelsea twice when they were at their peak under Mourinho.
Our verdict: Seems a straight fight between staying at Liverpool or finally linking up with ‘The Special One’ at the Bernabeu. Our money is on Gerrard to be wearing white in August.
Wayne Rooney: Surely a longer shot to depart than the aforementioned Cole, Milner and Gerrard. If Rooney goes then United would be in turmoil without their star man. After losing both Ronaldo and Tevez last summer (and never really recovering) we can’t see a transfer happening. That said, Sky Bet are quoting Real Madrid at 6/1 and Barcelona at 8/1. They have even priced Man City at a distant 50/1.
Our verdict: The only way the England ace will leave is if the Glazer Family are in serial meltdown. Keep your money in your pocket, we think ‘The White Pele’ is staying at Old Trafford.
Other runners and riders: Sky Bet are also offering odds on the futures of other Premiership and World Cup stars including Tevez, Robinho and Torres.
Check out the link below to place a bet on this summers transfer activity – new customers also get a ‘mystery bonus’ for signing up.
Odds are accurate as of July 4th 2010 – odds will change over time.
Share this page with friends…
You can tell all of your friends on Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites about this article by clicking on the share button below.