As we approach the business end of the Premier League season, clubs are battling it out to secure the best finish possible. But there are also plenty of off-field matters to address in the coming weeks.
With a host of loan deals due to expire at the end of the campaign, some of England’s top teams have some important decisions to make.
Here are five loan deals that could become permanent in the summer.
Having been signed by Real Madrid at the age of 16, Martin Odegaard is now on his fourth loan spell away from the Bernabeu, following stints at Heerenveen, Vitesse and Real Sociedad.
Now 22, things haven’t quite worked out in Spain. But after impressing at the Emirates during the second half of this season, Arsenal will be keen to sign the Norwegian permanently.
It is no secret that Liverpool have struggled this term. With Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all sustaining lengthy injuries, Jurgen Klopp was forced to bring in replacement centre-backs.
The Reds have looked shaky in defence this season, although Ozan Kabak has impressed. The 21-year-old could be signed by Liverpool on a permanent basis in the summer.
Despite recently stating his desire to return to Real Madrid, Gareth Bale will remain a transfer target for Spurs this summer, even if the Welshman’s wage demands are astronomical.
The winger has bagged 14 goals and three assists in 30 appearances since returning to North London and netted a hat-trick in Tottenham’s recent 4-0 thrashing of Sheffield United.
It’s safe to say that Cengiz Under hasn’t been able to make a huge impact at the King Power Stadium this season, with a couple of injuries keeping him on the sidelines.
However, the Turkish winger has racked up two goals and three assists for Leicester and has shown real promise when called upon. Brendan Rodgers may look to sign the Roma star this summer.
Wolves were always going to struggle when Raul Jimenez suffered a season-ending head injury earlier in the campaign. Unfortunately, Willian Jose hasn’t been able to fill the void.
The Brazilian striker has only managed one goal and one assist in 13 Premier League outings, although his all-round game could be enough to convince Wolves to sign him permanently.