Could Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Chelsea, Fulham, Everton and Stoke City be persuaded to allow their fringe players to leave?
The Championship loan window re-opens tomorrow (Feb 8) giving clubs in the Football League a chance to negotiate deals to improve their squads. Which Premier League players could about to drop down a level to get some playing time? Here is a list of 10 who might.
Will Keane
The young Manchester United forward is on the edge of the first team squad, but is unlikely to get much of a look in between now and the end of the season. He came on to make his debut at the end of their defeat to Blackburn Rovers, and has a good scoring record at youth level. He would likely score goals wherever he goes.
Robbie Blake
Blake has played just nine times for Bolton since signing for the club in 2010 and is bound to be looking for a way out. Could he head back to his old club Burnley? He doesn’t appear to have much of a future at the Reebok, and its time to put himself in the shop window.
Ryan Bertrand
The young left-back is one of England’s best young prospects at full-back, but has barely got a look in this season at Chelsea. As an understudy to Ashley Cole that’s understandable, but he was snubbed by Villas-Boas when Cole was suspended last Sunday, and it’s time for him to get playing regular football.
Conor McAleny
McAleny nearly had instant fame when he came inches away from curling in a spectacular equaliser at the Emirates earlier this season. Since then he has not been given many opportunities for Everton, and with new signing Nikica Jelavic adding even more competition for places to the squad, he will be better off playing his football on loan.
Marcel Gecov
The young Czech was tipped to be a surprise hit for Fulham this season after Martin Jol’s acquisition of him following the European under-21 Championships last summer. It has not worked out like that, he has barely featured, so going out on loan would help him adjust to English football, allowing him to return next season as a better player.
Mehdi Abeid
The Algerian midfielder is on the fringes of the Newcastle squad. He was tipped to provide cover for Cheik Tiote in midfield when he was absent, but has not been required. After signing last summer he has been unable to show what he can do, so it would be good for everybody if he could spend a couple of months on loan playing competitively.
Ezekiel Fryers
The young defender is believed to be one of Manchester United’s hottest prospects. He is out of contract in the summer with a new deal still not agreed, which could complicate any loan move. He has today been linked with a loan deal to Burnley, and if United can be persuaded he would be a coup for any Championship club.
Danny Rose
Another member of England’s under-21 squad from last summer, Rose’ career seems to be plateauing at Tottenham. He came on against Liverpool on Monday but this was only due to Spurs’ injuries which will soon ease. He went out on loan last season, and it looks like it may be the best move again.
Gio Dos Santos
The diminutive Mexican has had a frustrating time at Tottenham, and was unable to clinch a permanent move away last month. He has previously been loaned to Ipswich Town, and playing in the Championship again may be the only way to guarantee himself regular football before the season ends.
Ricardo Fuller
The Stoke City forward is fourth choice at the Britannia behind Peter Crouch, Kenwyne Jones and Cameron Jerome. He has been a regular contributor to Stoke in recent seasons but has found chances extremely limited this season. Could he head back to former club Portsmouth?
image: © Ronnie Macdonald
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