Premier League: Transfer XI shopping list facing the drop
By David Gate
Sunderland Athletic
With many Premier League clubs in need of a better goalkeeper Jordan Pickford will be appearing on many scout reports going into the summer. The young Englishman has displaced Vito Mannone as the Sunderland number one. It will be interesting to see if the bigger clubs view his performances as resulting from talent or the large workload of operating behind Sunderland’s terrible defense. The remaining games of the season could have big say on whether he ends up at a mid-table side or a top 6 challenger.
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WHERE HE WILL LAND: He could find himself at Southampton or replacing Schmeichel at Leicester. If he impresses he could end up at Liverpool or Arsenal.
In the January transfer window veteran striker Jermain Defoe was the subject of multiple approaches from West Ham. I expect there will be a strong market for the 34-year-old striker off the back of 14 goals already this season. At this stage of his career if he would be willing to settle in being a back up for one of the top clubs. Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal all have need for attacking reinforcements. He could end up having a late career swan song as an impact sub and back up.
WHERE HE WILL LAND: My money is on Manchester United as both Ibrahimovic and Rooney could be on the way out. He would give them a much-needed veteran presence up front and pick up a nice wage for his trouble.
Other notable players: Lamine Kone & Fabio Borini