DIEGO COSTA
Chelsea’s Diego Costa was approached by Tianjin Quanjian in the Chinese pre-season transfer window. Since then his form has dipped considerably and looks set to leave in the summer. The Super League is his favoured destination. Cannavaro-led Tianjin are almost certain to target the Spaniard again. If and when the move happens, Costa will become one of the top wage-earners in the world. A £30m a season deal has been mooted.
WAYNE ROONEY
For the first time since breaking into Everton’s side as a teenager, Wayne Rooney has fallen to a reduced role in the first team. The all-time record scorer for both England and Manchester United was targeted by more than 2 clubs from China during the pre-season window. But with first-team opportunities limited, Rooney will in all likelihood leave Manchester for another club. Shandong, Tianjin and Shanghai are all rumoured to be interested in the striker. But they face competition from a host of MLS clubs and Everton.
JOHN TERRY
John Terry is the latest high-profile name to be targeted by Chinese clubs. The defender will leave Chelsea in the summer. A number of Premier League and MLS clubs are reportedly vying for his signature. But Chinese clubs have the financial power to match any deal. Shanghai Shenhua are willing to pay Terry as much as £12m a year.
ASHLEY YOUNG
Manchester United winger Ashley Young is another Premier League warhorse targeted by Chinese clubs. Young was widely tipped to move to Shandong Luneng in February before the season kick-offed. Shandong offered him a stunning £10m a year and are expected to return with an even better offer in the summer window.
TROY DEENEY
Watford’s Troy Deeney has been in contact with a number of CSL clubs about a potential move in the summer. The striker would fit right in a number of clubs like Henan Jianye and Chongqing Lifan. The two clubs are willing to part with big money to get their man.
VINCENT KOMPANY
The big Belgian has had his injury issues and recently made a comeback. But it is evident he is behind Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones in the pecking order. At 31, it might be the perfect time for new pastures for Kompany. Beijing Guoan have also inquired about Kompany’s availability. The Capital club are also willing to triple his wages.
YAYA TOURE
Yaya Toure was widely expected to leave Man City in January when he was frozen out by Guardiola. But he has since made his comeback. Despite this, Toure is expected shift camp in the summer window. Beijing Guoan are the club interested in him and like in Kompany’s case, are willing to triple wages.
DANIEL STURRIDGE
Daniel Sturridge is probably last on Liverpool’s pecking order, with Klopp willing to play Firmino in a No.9 role ahead of the England International. It is presumed that he will be on the move in the summer. With few Premier League clubs interested in signing him, Sturridge may have to make to China or the MLS. As of now, no clubs have expressed an interest in the Liverpool man. His ability is proven and is top notch striker when healthy and would be the perfect addition to a number of CSL teams.