Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho is keen on a move to Barcelona amid interest from the Spanish side, and La Liga expert Guillem Balague has hinted that the wheels for a move have been set in motion.

The 23-year-old Brazilian playmaker has emerged as the key man at Anfield over the course of the past year, with the exits of Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard, allied to Daniel Sturridge’s injury woes, having made him, arguably, the most influential player in the Reds’ first choice XI.

However, as has been the case with many of the Merseysiders’ star names through the years, interest from bigger clubs has surfaced of late, with Barcelona understood to be looking at him as a 2016 target.

WANT MORE? >>ÂLiverpool transfer newsÂ|ÂLatest transfer news

And Sport now claims that the player himself is open to a move, although a recent interview with the silky passer revealed that he’s happy at Liverpool.

And further to the reports, Balague has suggested on Twitter that a campaign to turn the player’s head has been instigated by Neymar and David Luiz, with the latter sharing the same agent as the skilful Premier League schemer:

“On Coutinho: FCB [Barcelona] have not contacted LFC [Liverpool] (not yet anyway) but the campaign to take him to FCB from his circle (David Luiz, Neymar) continues.

“[He is] very good friends with Neymar (who wants him at FCB) and shares agent with David Luiz. They both said FCB ideal destination for him.â€

Speculation is rife heading into the turn of the year at Elland Road, with a host of players linked with joining the Whites. Owner Massimo Cellino recently called off a club sale to a consortium to Leeds fans, who reportedly wanted to install David Moyes at the helm.

Suggestions of a rather bizarre move for Peter Crouch have been quashed, though Evans is reportedly trying to strengthen a frontline already boasting the likes of Chris Wood and Mirco Antenucci with some well thought out loaned moves.

With academy graduates linked with a move away, the turn of the year could be a big point in the season for Leeds. A promotion push is not out of the realms of possibility, though they are nine points outside the playoff spots as things stand.

With an awful lot still to play for, in a ridiculously competitive division, perhaps some wheeling and dealing when the transfer market is once again open for business can help Evans secure a place in the top six.

As you’d expect at such an infamous outfit, there is a lot of talk surrounding transfer dealing this winter. Both incoming and out.

Here are FIVE Leeds January transfer rumours that may come true…

LEWIS COOK

First it was Eric Cantona, then it was Alan Smith. Could Lewis Cook be the next player to cross the Pennines and join Manchester United?

The England Under-19 starlet has followed on from his good form last year, and established himself as one of the most crucial players in the Whites squad. The current incumbent of the Championship Apprentice of the Year award, the 18-year-old has already played 50 league games for the Yorkshire giants.

Despite having only recently signed a new deal at the club, it’s hard to imagine the might of Manchester United not being able to prize the youngster away. However, a move clearly for the future, perhaps the Elland Road club can keep a hold of him on a loan deal should he depart this January.

KYLE LAFFERTY

Despite his crucial role in taking Northern Ireland to Euro 2016 next summer, Kyle Lafferty can’t buy a place in the Norwich squad for love nor money. The former Palermo man has played just once this season, and will want to be as sharp as possible for the most important tournament of his professional career.

Linked with a loan move, the 28-year-old could be the man to provide the spark upfront to get Evans’ side firing. He has a wealth of experience, having played in Italy, Switzerland and Turkey during his journeyman career.

It is a realistic possibility he will end up at Elland Road, and would surely be an ideal move for all parties involved.

LIAM BRIDCUTT

Sunderland midfielder Liam Bridcutt has reportedly been a target since the start of the international break, as Leeds desperately try to do a deal with the midfielder ahead of the loan window deadline.

Nothing has come to fruition to date, though January could represent another chance to land the former Brighton man. A classy defensive midfielder, he is experienced at Championship level and surely eager to earn his place back into the Scotland side.

It’s not worked out for him in the North East, though the 26-year-old would be a class addition.

ANDERS LINDEGAARD

West Brom custodian Anders Lindegaard has been linked with a switch to Yorkshire. The Danish shot stopper may once have played for arch rivals Manchester United, but his limited role at Old Trafford is unlikely to cause too much of a problem should he make the move.

The 31-year-old has experience at a top club, as well as international football. Ross Turnbull has suffered injury problems, and the Baggies ace finds himself behind Boaz Myhill in the pecking order at the Hawthorns, with Ben Foster nearing a return.

Current option between the sticks, Marco Silvestri, could use both cover and competition making this potential deal a wise move all round when January comes.

LEWIS GRABBAN

Norwich forward Lewis Grabban is thought to be a target for Leeds. The former Bournemouth ace has played just 98 minutes of Premier League football this term, and looked set to leave Carrow Road this summer.

Like the aforementioned Lafferty, the 27-year-old is not getting much of a look in with the Canaries and could benefit with a temporary switch. Having plied his trade with the likes of Bournemouth, Motherwell and Brentford and has worked under Evans’ tutelage at Rotherham.

Was excellent for the Cherries, and could help fire Leeds up the league.

Manchester United boss and club captain Wayne Rooney both believe that defender Marcos Rojo is capable of replacing injured left-back Luke Shaw for the rest of the campaign, according to reports from the Daily Star.

Shaw started the season off in spectacular fashion, but then the England international broke his right leg in their Champions League opening fixture against PSV Eindhoven last month which is set to keep him out for the rest of the campaign.

WANT MORE? >> Manchester United Transfer News | Latest Transfer News

However, after shifting summer signing Matteo Darmian from his usual right-back position in Van Gaal’s first games without Shaw, the Dutchman has now started Rojo on the left side of defence and has been impressed by the Argentina international.

“I didn’t know that he played for Spartak Moscow, but I saw him in the World Cup in Brazil when he played for Argentina very well,” the former Barcelona manager said.

“I analysed him at Sporting Lisbon. What I like is that he is physically a very strong guy, he is a good header and his pass is fast.

“I think there is great potential in him to become a very good player for Manchester United.”

But Van Gaal is not alone in praising Rojo, with Rooney also satisfied with the 25-year-old’s ability ahead of their Champions League game against CSKA Moscow on Wednesday.

He said: “For me, he is a fantastic player and a fantastic team-mate.

“He is a player who is very tough to get around. For him to be from Argentina and play in the Premier League is not easy but he has done a great job.

“He will be a very important player for us for the rest of the season.”

Last season Rojo made 26 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal.

[ad_pod id=’writeforus’ align=’center’]

Having now endured five scoreless draws in their last nine games across all competitions, clearly something is amiss with Manchester United’s attack.

Indeed, the Red Devils have scored the fewest goals of any club in the Premier League’s top six, 20, and averaged just 11.1 shots per match, ranking them 15th throughout the division.

After failing to find the net against West Ham United on Saturday, supporters are growing impatient with United’s abundant lack of goal threat – a far cry from the ever-exciting football played under the great Sir Alex Ferguson.

There are a number of causes behind the club’s underwhelming goal tally, not least including Louis van Gaal’s conservative tactics.

But nonetheless, an in-form striker tends to have a positive effect on any team’s efforts going forward, regardless of style of play, which is where the Red Devils find themselves particularly lacking. Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial have scored just five Premier League goals between them this term.

So with that in mind, a Premier League title on the line and the January transfer window just around the corner, here are FIVE strikers United must target when the transfer market reopens next month – even if it costs an arm and a leg to sign them.

ROMELU LUKAKU

Only Leicester City’s record-breaking extraordinaire Jamie Vardy has scored more Premier League goals than Romelu Lukaku this season, who boasts 10 goals and four assists in 14 outings for Everton.

Certain aspects of the Belgium international’s game – particularly his link up play – still require improvement, but he’s shaping up to be a very complete centre-forward with power, pace, leap and netting prowess in equal measure.

He’d give the Red Devils a much-needed physical presence in the final third and seems like one of the safest long-term investments around at the minute, having already notched up 52 Premier League goals at the age of 22.

Resultantly, however, and having originally purchased him from Chelsea at a whopping £28million, it could take a £40million-£50million fee to convince the Toffees to sell midseason.

PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG

No player in Europe’s five leading top flights has scored more league goals than Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this season, who has amassed a whopping 17 in just 15 Bundesliga outings.

That brings the 26-year-old’s Black-Yellows total to 66 goals in 117 games and there has been a consistent improvement in his tallies since arriving from St. Etienne in summer 2013.

More than just firepower, however, it’s the Gabon international’s penetrative pace that could prove so vital to a United attack calling out for a striker who can stretch defences. Indeed, Aubameyang is notorious for his relentless speed and all-round athleticism, with an agile 6 foot 1 frame.

Dortmund’s ‘pain threshold’ is reportedly £42million, but the German giants would expect a premium on top if they’re to sell their leading goalscorer halfway through the campaign.

GONZALO HIGUAIN

Gonzalo Higuain has continually insisted he’s happy at Napoli, but there will inevitably be January interest in one of Europe’s most established goalscorers who isn’t cup-tied in the Champions League.

Indeed, the Argentina international boasts a career return of 232 goals in 477 appearances from his spells with River Plate, Real Madrid, the Naples outfit and Albiceleste, including a division-best haul of 14 Serie A strikes this season.

Higuain isn’t the quickest, the strongest or the most powerful, but his natural poacher’s instincts represent something the Red Devils abundantly lack in the final third at the moment.

Similarly, the 27-year-old is the most experienced suggestion on this list and is probably the likeliest to hit the ground running at Old Trafford. His release clause, however, stands at a whopping £67million and Napoli will be reluctant to sell for less.

MICHY BATSHUAYI

Belgium internationals have taken the Premier League by storm over the last five years and many are tipping Michy Batshuayi to have a similar effect should he move to the English top flight.

The 22-year-old simply hasn’t looked back since making his debut for Standard Liege in 2011. He netted 39 times in 97 appearances for the Belgian outfit, paving the way for a move to Stade Velodrome in summer 2014, and now boasts 19 in 42 Ligue 1 outings for Marseille.

That includes ten strikes and five assists this season, leaving Batshuayi third in the French division’s scoring charts behind Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Benjamin Moukandjo.

Marseille president Vincente Labrune has publicly valued the 5 foot 11 striker at £35million, however, and many will view that as a shot in the dark on United’s part considering his lack of experience.

JAMIE VARDY

Already 28 years of age and apparently valued at a whopping £30million, Jamie Vardy isn’t exactly a cost-effective investment.

But few players in Europe are enjoying better form than the record-breaking England international right now and if his goals lead the Red Devils to their first Premier League title of the post-Ferguson era, that £30million will be widely viewed as money well spent.

Furthermore, the former non-leaguer embodies what United need in the final third – relentless energy, threat on the counter-attack and perhaps more simply, the sheer willingness to take the game to the opposition.

Despite his incredible achievement and Leicester City sitting top of the Premier League table, Vardy’s industriousness has never waned and it’s unlikely to upon moving to Old Trafford – especially with Euro 2016 just around the corner.

Still, however, it’s a monumental risk and United are unlikely to get much back for the 5 foot 10 striker if he can’t repeat his Leicester City form.

Liverpool star Daniel Sturridge is in contention to start against West Ham United in their FA Cup replay this Tuesday, according to reports from the Mirror.

Sturridge has been recently linked with a move away from Anfield, with the England international coming under some scrutiny for his constant injury problems.

His frustrations at the supposed lack of support has seen Sturridge consider an exit, but Reds manager Jurgen Klopp is confident that he will make a comeback and his troubles will disappear.

“We had to wait for Daniel, and that always sounds like a criticism, but really it is only a description of the situation. Nothing else,” he explained.

“Yes, we are hoping that waiting means he is through that period. Everybody hopes this. Daniel hopes it. I hope it.

“That’s absolutely normal. That’s what we tried to do after the last injury.

“When we saw him in training, then yeah, you know why everybody is waiting for him. There are a lot of reasons.”

After making the bench for Liverpool’s 2-2 draw against Sunderland this past weekend, the 26-year-old may even start against West Ham on Tuesday.

However, Klopp wants to make sure that Sturridge is 100% fit to avoid any reoccurring problems as Liverpool look to push for a spot in Europe in the remainder of the season.

“Everybody knew about it – it was like it was. And now it is like it is. And in this moment, it is thumbs up,” he said.

“Now if it’s possible, don’t let us think about the past, and how it was, maybe now we can start.

“Why shouldn’t it be possible? It’s possible (for him to be injury free). And then everything will be good, and hopefully in one year, we don’t want to talk about this any more.

“I don’t know if it’s realistic, but we will see.”

The former Chelsea striker has made six appearances in all competitions this term, scoring four goals.

[ad_pod id=’writeforus’ align=’center’]

Danny Welbeck is often the centre of ridicule for many fans who don’t support one of the few teams he has played for.

For Arsenal fans, he has been an injury prone liability who cannot find consistency. For Manchester United fans, he was the local lad who never quite managed to make the cut. But for England, Welbeck often finds that extra level of form which has seen him get 14 goals in 33 appearances.

With his return to football coming in the shape of a dramatic injury time winner against title rivals Leicester City at the weekend, could Welbeck be the secret to success for Arsenal’s 13 year wait for Premier League glory, as well as England’s hopes of success in the summer.

[ffc-gal cat=”arsenal” no=”5″]

This season Arsenal have relied solely on the talent of Mesut Ozil to set up Olivier Giroud, but they have no other strike options, unless they put Alexis Sanchez or Theo Walcott upfront.

Welbeck creates another choice for Wenger to utilise. If Welbeck starts, he can play off Giroud and help provide the goals. However, you can guarantee he’ll more than likely be the substitute striker, and will be relied upon to score off the bench.

Wenger, though, has a knack of playing Welbeck out of position. The Arsenal boss often plays Welbeck either as a lone striker, where he struggles for goal scoring opportunities, or on the left wing. Even though the England international does have the ability to cut in off the flank, more often or not he is wasteful in front of goal.

Giroud has done so well this season and Arsenal are fighting for Premier League honours, but the return of Welbeck still couldn’t have come at a better time. There have been a few times when the Gunners have struggled for goals, and hopefully in the business end of the season Welbeck can contribute.

For England, it will be a lot harder for Welbeck to force his way in to Roy Hodgson’s plans. Since his injury, Harry Kane, Saido Berahino, Danny Ings, Jamie Vardy and Charlie Austin have all been called up for the national squad, as well as Daniel Sturridge and Wayne Rooney.

Out of all of those strikers, you would feel that Sturridge, Rooney and Kane will be definitely in the squad that travels to France. If Sturridge stays fit and scores goals, he will most probably start alongside Rooney. Kane, too, if he continues to score and fires Spurs to glory before the end of the season, it will be hard to see Welbeck getting called up.

For the Arsenal striker to be considered, he will need to be consistent and score regularly for Arsenal between now and May. For a player that isn’t a consistent goal scorer, it will be very hard for him to be included.

[ad_pod id=’writeforus’ align=’center’]

Leicester City’s footballing miracle is showing no signs of letting up – and some fans are already convinced that they’ll clinch this season’s title.

Earlier today, the Foxes recorded a one-nil win over Southampton – their fifth single-strike victory in their last six league games – courtesy of a goal from Wes Morgan to push seven points clear of second-place Tottenham Hotspur at the Premier League’s summit.

The King Power stadium outfit are now just a handful of games away from lifting the English crown amid the most unexpected title bid the Premier League has ever witnessed and one cheeky chappy is shrewdly cashing in on the club’s miraculous rises

Indeed, an unnamed entrepreneur travelled to the Midlands for today’s game to flog a unique line of scarves already declaring the Foxes as Premier League champions.

The phrase ‘don’t count your eggs before they hatch’ certainly comes to mind and many have drawn comparisons with Liverpool’s capitulation in 2014. Reds supporters began celebrating in April after an apparent title-grabbing win against Manchester City, only for the Merseysiders to eventually fall short and finish in second place.

Nonetheless, after today’s triumph against Southampton, you can understand why fans are already convinced Leicester will win the league. Here are some of the best responses on social media:

[ad_pod id=’writeforus’ align=’center’]

West Ham have had a truly remarkable season in the Premier League.

Leicester’s unlikely title bid has rightly stolen most of the plaudits, but the Irons, almost under the radar for much of the campaign, have been steadily winning games and now find themselves in a great position.

Slaven Bilic’s men are mixing it with Manchester’s big two in the fight for Champions League football and if results go their way at the weekend, they could leapfrog United into fifth place with five games to play.

There have been plenty of standout performers in the Hammers’ ranks, but the diminutive Dimitri Payet stands head and shoulders above the rest.

Sir Alex Ferguson famously referred to Eric Cantona as the “the catalyst” that sparked success for his team. Payet has been a revelation in the same mould. His contribution to Bilic’s side this term is all the more incredible given that he suffered a five-week injury lay off mid-season.

So good has the Frenchman been, so pleasing on the eye his play, that he has been the subject of multiple rumours linking him with the exit door, despite being in his first season with the club.

Could the West Ham faithful really lose their star man after such a short love affair, or will Payet be lighting up the Olympic Stadium for years to come?

Some would argue that whether or not the East London outfit can secure Champions League football will be the deciding factor. The talent of the Reunion-born man and his ability to be a match winner over the remaining games would therefore go some way towards defining his own fate.

A strong showing from the playmaker at Euro 2016 with France would also increase interest in his services.

With Payet though, things are not that clear cut. If he were a younger player, then a move would be much more likely, while in another season, dominated by the usual forces in the Premier League, things might be different, too.

This summer though, those clubs that would normally be potential destinations, could well find that their stock has fallen below that of Payet’s current employers. West Ham are likely to finish above Chelsea for example, and it is not unlikely that they could also surpass one, or both, of the Manchester powers.

The former Marseille man is also a late bloomer and at 29 years old is undoubtedly a player at his peak. While he would represent a quality signing for most teams, one thing he certainly would not be is an investment, nor will he prove to be long-term value for money.

He has 18 international caps, but did not make his debut for Les Bleus until late in 2010 and the £14m West Ham forked out to acquire him was by no means a sure bet. Having floated around in French football for most of his career, Payet had one standout season with Marseille which prompted the Upton Park outfit to produce the cash. In an almost unique turn of events, the attacking midfielder has gathered further momentum and has been even better since his move to England.

With considerable delay, the former Lille and St-Etienne man has become the player he always promised to be. His current form, however superb, is surely the peak of his powers.

West Ham also had the good sense to tie down their talisman in February this year to a deal, which will keep him at the club until 2021. By that time, Payet will be 34. This means that only a huge offer for a player nearing 30 would release him for transfer. Such a bid is unlikely from most of Europe and reduces the number of potential suitors dramatically.

Should West Ham finish in the top four then the chances of Payet moving to another English club would be virtually zero.

Looking abroad, the player has been linked with PSG, but apart from that the big clubs around Europe seem like non starters.

At this stage of his career, and in the form of his life, Payet needs to be virtually guaranteed a starting berth. West Ham can offer that.

Clubs currently just below the very top echelon of the European game – such as the Italian heavyweights, Borussia Dortmund or perhaps Atletico Madrid – would all be places a player with such natural ability could continue to flourish.

But in reality, at the present time they can guarantee little more than West Ham, who could have the potential to become a genuine European name virtually overnight.

They are set to move into a new stadium, have a young, talented and energetic manager, a passionate fan base and the bright lights of London to attract talent.

A top four finish would all but guarantee Payet’s commitment to a club on the up and even if they just miss out, West Ham United remains a place he would surely be keen to stay.

[ad_pod id=’writeforus’ align=’center’]

There’s a problem when you do well. In fact, it’s worse when you do better than you were expected to.

West Ham have just had a better season than anyone would have thought was possible before a ball was kicked, and now on the back of that success, more will be expected and required by the board, but more importantly by the supporters, inn 2016/17.

Realism will vanish and be replaced with fervent optimism to the point of disappointment should the Hammers fail to capitalise on Slaven Bilic’s first season.

To come into a club and stamp your mark, not just on the team but on every aspect of that club, with more than 11 new players arriving takes some doing, but Bilic achieved that and more. West Ham’s academy looks to be thriving once again, too, and a few of the players were given a chance at the beginning of the season – many have recently signed new contracts, as well. Reece Oxford is expected to stay after the usual transfer rumours, which again is a positive.

But with all of the exultation of a past season comes the realisation that West Ham need to keep competing and remain a serious challenger for the title, for Champions League football and for silverware.

Where do West Ham’s problems begin? Well, here are FIVE big ones…

Deal with expectation

This will be the biggest problem for everyone connected with West Ham. Some of the fans will be on cloud nine, and rightly so, but the need to stay competitive is a necessary evil that will haunt clubs that cannot keep pace with the very best. West Ham are nowhere near in terms of pulling power or spending power yet, but without doubt they will be in the next three or four seasons.

For now, the board and the fans will need to realise that this is a club with great ambition, but not the kind that will be fulfilled overnight. They may not sign exactly who they would like, they may not break into the top four next season and they may not win a trophy, however, if they can stay close to 2015/16’s efforts, then West Ham must be satisfied.

Improve the defence

Although West Ham struggled to put out a defence that played consistently together, there were occasions when they seemed tight and adept at dealing with all that was thrown at them. With replacement right-backs, who deputised exceptionally well, West Ham still leaked goals – often at a rate of two per game in the last quarter of the season. For a team to push up the league, this record is a concern. The left-back spot appears safe, but the right-back slot will be a challenge and the centre-halves need to play together more frequently.

Wing additions

The midfield was one of West Ham’s strongest positions with Mark Noble becoming a better player as the season progressed and Cheikhou Kouyate developing into a significantly influential individual. Pedro Obiang’s stay looks tenuous, even though the fans like him, but with Manuel Lanzini and the wonderfully gifted Dimitri Payet attacking at the head of the midfield, any strengthening here will be on the wings. With a defensive midfielder already signed, there’s not a lot of tinkering to be done here.

[ad_pod id=’euro-2016′ align=’center’]

Bring in an attacking focal point

The biggest problem. Payet was the leading scorer for West Ham last season, but the line of Enner Valencia, Andy Carroll, Diafra Sakho, Mauro Zarate and then Emmanuel Emenike, just didn’t do enough. Carroll, once fit, did make a contribution, especially with his hat trick over Arsenal, but largely the forward line lacked bite and a killer touch, and subsequently the team had to rely too much on Payet for goals. A number of potential additions have been circulated, but time will tell and whomever comes in will be expected to do a whole lot better, especially if the Hammers spend £30m on one player.

[ad_pod id=’euro-2016′ align=’center’]

Ease the burden on Payet

It is fair to say that Bilic and the team were possibly too reliant on the Frenchman. When he was out injured, the team struggled and once he returned, West Ham picked up. The Hammers averaged 0.9-goals-per-game without Payet compared to two goals per game with him in the side. Equally their win percentage also dropped from 53.8% to 25% in his absence.

His trickery on the ball, the way he draws defenders in when he attacks make him the stand-out player, but West Ham will hope that others around Payet and any new signings, will hopefully take any pressure off the 29-year-old and allow him even more freedom to express his edge-of-the-seat talents.

[ad_pod id=’euro-2016′ align=’center’]

How do you improve a squad that is already made up of global superstars? Simply add more.

This philosophy has been implemented at Manchester City ever since Sheikh Mansour poured his billions into the club seven years ago.

However, after two years without a major trophy (excluding the comparatively insufficient League Cup silverware), a major change was required…and it duly arrived in the form of Pep Guardiola.

The Spaniard faces a tough task in implementing his system to the Premier League while giving the Man City team a much needed facelift.

The concern for City fans should be Guardiola’s ability to choose players who can fit into the system and play in the unrelenting Premier League without issue.

Here are five players Manchester City won’t sign, but really should…

N’Golo Kante

Arguably the best player in the Premier League last season, N’Golo Kante was incomparably impressive and really displayed all the attributes of a world class modern day defensive midfielder.

One thing that is lacking in the middle of the park for Man City is a bit of bite. Kante will certainly provide that; the Frenchman made more tackles than any other player in the Premier League last season by some distance.

Aymeric Laporte

If any aspiring young defender wants to learn a thing or two about no-nonsense, classy defending, look no further than Aymeric Laporte.

The youngster is not the tallest or the quickest but more than makes up for this with his incredible tactical reading of the game – a perfect attribute for a Pep Guardiola team.

However, the Frenchman has only just put pen to paper on a new contract at Athletic Bilbao so will not be moving to Manchester this summer.

Toni Kroos

The perfect answer to the absence of a deep-lying midfielder playmaker that works so well in Guardiola’s teams, Toni Kroos could well establish himself as the key man at Man City if he ever makes a move to the Etihad.

However, Zinedine Zidane will unlikely want to sell one of his most prized midfielders and unless City make an outrageous bid of £60 million, the German will be staying in Madrid for the foreseeable future.

Jerome Boateng

After another exceptional display at the heart of the German defence at Euro 2016, Jerome Boateng firmly established himself as the best centre-half in world football today.

Formally at City, Guardiola would be severely disappointed that they didn’t keep hold of the 27-year-old for longer than one season.

However, the big defender will likely never return to the Etihad; his dire experience at City first time around means that a reunion with former boss Pep Guardiola is off the table.

Gonzalo Higuain

After netting 38 times for Napoli last season, Gonzalo Higuain is one of the most wanted men in the football world right now.

The 28-year-old has more than a goal every other game during his time in Italy and would no doubt provide similar tallies in the Premier League.

A striking combination with compatriot Sergo Aguero could truly set the Premier League on fire. However, the Argentinian does not fit the formation or style of play for a Pep Guardiola team, therefore making any transfer deal very unlikely.