It’s almost that time again, as agents, clubs and players all position themselves to try and engineer transfer deals during the mid-season window. Normally quite a bit less busy than its summer counterpart, there are enough players across the divisions that will become free to talk to other clubs on January 1, 2019. Some have become disillusioned at their current clubs or have low enough buyout clauses to tempt potential suitors. With some teams still having a lot to play for in the second half of the campaign, there’s every reason to think that a handful of big moves will make it over the line. Some La Liga players could be persuaded to swap sunnier climbs for the cut and thrust of the Premier League too…

Andre Gomes

Andre Gomes appears to be enjoying his loan spell at Everton, and the Toffees are similarly impressed with the central midfielder. With that in mind, one might suspect that he would see out his season on Merseyside, particularly as he didn’t make his debut until October. But Tottenham are circling. Into the Champions League knockout stages by the skin of their teeth, thanks in part to Gomes’ parent club Barcelona, Spurs will need to strengthen in the early part of the New Year after not bringing in anyone during the past summer window. Still hanging on in the Premier League title race by their coat tails, the north Londoners also have the FA Cup to contend with. Quite simply, they need strength in depth in certain positions and that’s where Gomes fits the bill. Strong, physical and quick, he’s already shown that his game is far more suited to the English top flight than Barca’s short, sharp passing carousels.