Jump directly to the content
Feature
Numbers game

Manchester United holding the No7 shirt for Antoine Griezmann… but what does your club’s available jersey numbers suggest about the transfers to come?

MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly keeping the No7 shirt free for the arrival of Antoine Griezmann.

The French forward, 26, opted to stay on at Atletico Madrid this summer, despite being heavily linked with an Old Trafford move.

 Man United are holding the famous No7 jersey for Antoine Griezmann
23
Man United are holding the famous No7 jersey for Antoine Griezmann
 Chelsea are in need of a No8 to fill the void left by Frank Lampard
23
Chelsea are in need of a No8 to fill the void left by Frank LampardCredit: Getty

In a conscientious move, Griezmann stayed on at Los Rojiblancos so as to not leave them short-handed as they play out the final six months of their transfer ban.

However, Atletico's embargo is set to be lifted in January, with Jose Mourinho keen on a move for the France star.

With that in mind, United have kept the iconic No7 jersey - famously worn by David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo and George Best - free for the potential arrival.

With that in mind, we take a look at the available shirt numbers at ALL 20 Premier League clubs, to grab an early insight into the potential January transfer targets.

From Chelsea and Liverpool both needing to replace club legends at No8, to Arsenal's need for a No3, there are a host of high-profile holes to be filled.

Check out the full list, below...

 Liverpool are also in need of a No8 - with the shirt remaining untouched since Steven Gerrard's departure from Anfield at the end of the 2014-15 season
23
Liverpool are also in need of a No8 - with the shirt remaining untouched since Steven Gerrard's departure from Anfield at the end of the 2014-15 seasonCredit: PA:Press Association

ARSENAL

 Arsenal are striving to bolster their centre of defence by signing Jonny Evans
23
Arsenal are striving to bolster their centre of defence by signing Jonny EvansCredit: Reuters

Numbers available: 1, 3 & 5

Positions: Goalkeeper, left-back, centre-back

Top targets: Jonny Evans, Virgil van Dijk

ARSENE WENGER is keen to bolster his defensive ranks, with Premier League centre-halves Evans and Van Dijk the potential heirs to the No5 jersey.

Meanwhile, boss Arsene Wenger could be in the market for the long-term successor to No1 goalkeeper - but No33 jersey-holder - Petr Cech.

Meanwhile, back-up for the left-back position alongside Sead Kolasinac would be a huge boost to the Gunners.

🏆Latest Champions League odds🏆

SUN BETS ARE BEST PRICE FOR BRITISH CLUBS IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

  • Liverpool to beat Sevilla: 8/11
  • Man City to beat Feyenoord: 2/5
  • Spurs to beat Borussia Dortmund :11/8

EXCLUSIVE OFFER: BET £5 GET A FREE £10 BET

BOURNEMOUTH

 Leicester youngster Demarai Gray is a target for Bournemouth
23
Leicester youngster Demarai Gray is a target for BournemouthCredit: Rex Features

Numbers available: 10

Positions: Centre-forward/attacking-midfield

Top targets: Demarai Gray

THE Cherries do in fact have a No10, Max Gradel, however he is spending the season on-loan at Toulouse.

Eddie Howe had hoped to land Leicester hot prospect Gray this summer, but fell short in his pursuit.

BRIGHTON

 Moussa Marega was on the radar of Brighton this summer
23
Moussa Marega was on the radar of Brighton this summerCredit: AFP

Numbers available: N/A

Positions: N/A

Top targets: Moussa Marega

WHILE the Nos1-11 spots are all filled at Brighton and Hove Albion, boss Chris Hughton did try - and fail - to land Porto striker Marega on deadline day.

BURNLEY

 Aaron Lennon was a loan target for Burnley boss Sean Dyche
23
Aaron Lennon was a loan target for Burnley boss Sean DycheCredit: Getty

Numbers available: 7

Positions: Winger

Top targets: Aaron Lennon

SEAN DYCHE made no secret of the fact he attempted to land Everton winger Lennon this summer on a season-long loan deal.

He may be persuaded to go back into the market for a top wide-man this winter.

CHELSEA

 Chelsea have joined Juventus in the hunt for Liverpool's Emre Can
23
Chelsea have joined Juventus in the hunt for Liverpool's Emre CanCredit: Rex Features

Numbers available: 5 & 8

Positions: Centre-back and central-midfield

Top targets: Virgil van Dijk, Emre Can

DESPITE signing midfielders Tiemoue Bakayoko and Danny Drinkwater, the Blues still have a hole at No8 - the jersey last worn by Oscar, following the departure of club legend Frank Lampard.

Chelsea had hoped to land Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain but were beaten to the punch by Liverpool and could go in for Reds star Emre Can, who is out of contract in the summer.

Back in defence, Antonio Conte will still be hoping to land unsettled Southampton defender Van Dijk, but faces plenty of competition.

CRYSTAL PALACE

 Crystal Palace are keen on Everton misfit Oumar Niasse
23
Crystal Palace are keen on Everton misfit Oumar NiasseCredit: Getty

Numbers available: 9

Positions: Striker

Top targets: Oumar Niasse

NIASSE has had a torrid time at Goodison Park and been frozen out by boss Ronald Koeman - with the Eagles expressing interest in the striker this summer.

EVERTON

 Ivan Marcano could be a target to boost Everton's defence
23
Ivan Marcano could be a target to boost Everton's defenceCredit: Getty

Numbers available: N/A

Positions: N/A

Top targets: Ivan Marcano

THE Toffees invested heavily this summer, bringing in the likes of Jordan Pickford and Gylfi Sigurdsson.

However, Koeman is interested in bringing experienced Porto defender Marcano to Goodison Park this January.

HUDDERSFIELD

 Andre Carrillo was on the brink of a move to Huddersfield this summer
23
Andre Carrillo was on the brink of a move to Huddersfield this summerCredit: Reuters

Numbers available: 5 & 7

Positions: Centre-back and winger

Top targets: Sverrir Ingason, Andre Carillo

WITH current club No7 Sean Scannell on loan, David Wagner may be keen to replace him sooner rather than later, with the signing of Carrillo.

The Benfica winger is on loan at Watford for this season, with the Terriers aiming to bolster their defence with the signing of Iceland's Ingason.

LEICESTER

 Leicester are still hoping to have Adrien Silva eligible to play this season
23
Leicester are still hoping to have Adrien Silva eligible to play this seasonCredit: Getty

Numbers available: 4

Positions: Central-midfield

Top targets: Adrien Silva

AFTER losing Danny Drinkwater to Chelsea, Craig Shakespeare needed to fill a void in the heart of midfield, with Adrien Silva brought in.

However, the FA are now debating delaying the transfer until January, as the required documentation was filed 14 SECONDS late.

LIVERPOOL

 Liverpool are still itching to boost their leaky defence with Virgil van Dijk
23
Liverpool are still itching to boost their leaky defence with Virgil van DijkCredit: PA:Press Association

Numbers available: 3, 4, & 8

Positions: Left-back, centre-back and central midfield

Top targets: Virgil van Dijk, Naby Keita

THE Reds have Alberto Moreno (No18) and Andrew Robertson (No25) at left-back... but neither took the traditional No3 shirt.

However, Jurgen Klopp could be tempted to add a new left-sided defender this January, as well as add Van Dijk to the heart of his back-four after a long, unsuccessful chase this summer.

In the middle of the park, Liverpool have been without a No8 since the departure of club legend Steven Gerrard.

However, record-signing Keita links up with the club next summer and could don the famous shirt.

MAN CITY

 Swansea youngster Joe Rodon is a shock target for Manchester City
23
Swansea youngster Joe Rodon is a shock target for Manchester CityCredit: Rex Features

Numbers available: 6, 7, 9 & 11

Positions: Centre-back, winger and striker

Top targets: Virgil van Dijk, Joe Rodon

WHILE investing heavily in a new goalkeeper and no fewer than three full-backs, Pep Guardiola knows he needs to add some steel in the heart of defence.

City are one of many clubs keen - and confident - in landing Van Dijk, while Swansea youngster Joe Roden is shock option.

However, with star forwards Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus at the club, Guardiola is unlikely to swoop for a new No9 any time soon.

On the wings, with a wealth of options - particularly since the arrival of Bernardo Silva from Monaco - there are unlikely to be any new additions.

MAN UNITED

 Man United are all-but certain to sign Antoine Griezmann this January
23
Man United are all-but certain to sign Antoine Griezmann this JanuaryCredit: Rex Features

Numbers available: 7

Positions: Winger/forward

Top targets: Antoine Griezmann, Gareth Bale

MOURINHO has made no attempt to hide the fact his No1 target is Griezmann, with Bale another long-term target of the Red Devils.

At this stage it's more a case of when, rather than if, that one - if not both - join in January.

The No7 shirt will be waiting for them...

NEWCASTLE

 Newcastle could go in for Man City outcast Eliaqium Mangala once more
23
Newcastle could go in for Man City outcast Eliaqium Mangala once moreCredit: AFP

Numbers available: 5

Positions: Centre-back

Top targets: Eliaquim Mangala

IN truth, Rafa Benitez knows he needs reinforcements all over the pitch in order to avoid Premier League relegation.

But with the No5 jersey waiting, the top target this January could well be Man City's Mangala - who is unlikely to feature much this season.

The only potential stumbling block would be the transfer fee, with owner Mike Ashley refusing to free-up funds for much activity during the summer.

SOUTHAMPTON

 Gregoire Defrel is on the radar of Southampton as they look for goals
23
Gregoire Defrel is on the radar of Southampton as they look for goalsCredit: Rex Features

Numbers available: 1, 4 & 9

Positions: Goalkeeper, central-midfield and striker

Top targets: Gregoire Defrel, Yann Karamoh

ALTHOUGH none take the No1 jersey, Saints are well-stocked in the goalkeeping ranks and have No4 Jordy Clasie set to return from a season-long loan in the summer.

Their main target is a striker having netted just ONCE from open play all season - with Defrel and Karamoh high on the list of targets.

STOKE

 Ashley Young would prove an intriguing option in the Stoke defence
23
Ashley Young would prove an intriguing option in the Stoke defenceCredit: Getty

Numbers available: 2

Positions: Right-back

Top targets: Ashley Young

WITH Glen Johnson bizarrely opting for the No8 shirt, a new No2 could be on the cards at the Potters.

With Young's career beginning to wind down, he is playing more and more in the full-back spot - with Stoke potentially intrigued by the option.

SWANSEA

 Norwich striker Nelson Oliveira was a target for Swansea this summer
23
Norwich striker Nelson Oliveira was a target for Swansea this summerCredit: Rex Features

Numbers available: 3 & 9

Positions: Left-back and striker

Top targets: Nelson Oliveira

WILFRIED BONY rejoined the Swans this summer... but incredibly snubbed the No9 jersey left vacant by Fernando Llorente to take the No2 shirt.

Should the Welsh club opt to go in for another new striker in January, the traditional number could go to Norwich man Oliveira - a summer target for the club.

TOTTENHAM

 Tottenham are likely to have another crack at signing Ross Barkley
23
Tottenham are likely to have another crack at signing Ross BarkleyCredit: PA:Press Association

Numbers available: 8 & 9

Positions: Central midfield and striker

Top targets: Ross Barkley

VINCENT JANSSEN, Spurs current No9, was finally shipped off on loan to Fenerbahce this summer - and could be set to leave for good sooner rather than later.

With Fernando Llorente linking up with the club during the summer, hr was the obvious choice to take the shirt... but will need to wait for Janssen's permanent departure.

Meanwhile, Barkley is likely to leave Everton this winter, with Tottenham one of the clubs in pole position for the England star's signature.

WATFORD

 Watford could go back in for Bournemouth man Max Gradel in the winter
23
Watford could go back in for Bournemouth man Max Gradel in the winterCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS

Numbers available: 7

Positions: Winger

Top targets: Max Gradel

CURRENT No7 Nordin Amrabat is away on loan at Spanish side Leganes - and seems set to stay after gushing about the quality of La Liga.

Should the Moroccan fail to return, the Hornets could turn their attention back to a player they've admired for months, Bournemouth's Gradel.

WEST BROM

 The best piece of business West Brom could do in January is keep hold of Jonny Evans
23
The best piece of business West Brom could do in January is keep hold of Jonny EvansCredit: PA:Empics Sport

Numbers available: N/A

Positions: N/A

Top targets: Jonny Evans

THE Baggies were ambitious during the summer window, but successful, as they landed Kieran Gibbs and Oliver Burke.

Now their biggest signing will be to tie down Evans to a new contract.

WEST HAM

 West Ham reportedly narrowly missed out on Andre Schurrle on deadline day
23
West Ham reportedly narrowly missed out on Andre Schurrle on deadline day

Numbers available: 1 & 11

Positions: Goalkeeper and attacking midfielder

Top targets: Andre Schurrle

SCOTTISH winger and current No11 Robert Snodgrass could yet return to the club after his spell on loan at Aston Villa.

However, West Ham are likely to go back in for former Chelsea star Schurrle - a potential No11 himself.



Keep up to date with ALL the football news, gossip, transfers and goals on our club page plus fixtures, results and live match commentary.


Topics