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The summer transfer window is a lot like a property chain; once one deal goes through, several others soon follow. With this in mind, it seems the saga of Leighton Baines’ future at Everton could be holding everything up at the moment. The Life’s a Pitch panel discusses the defender’s future at Goodison Park, along with a possible arrival from the continent at West Ham and Arsenal’s hunt for a certain Rennes midfielder, marking the transfer possibilities out of 10 in terms of likelihood.

First up, the Sunday Mirror’s David Walker runs the rule over former Spurs player Reto Ziegler as a possible replacement for Baines. “It was intriguing to see when he [Baines] came back from the Euros: he was saying that Everton seem to get in a position where if the deal is right, everyone gets sold in the end, and he was applying that logic to himself. I think if Baines goes, then clearly David Moyes will be looking to bring a left-back in. The interesting thing is that people have been complaining about Baines’ defensive qualities, but this guy [Ziegler] is the same: he can move up, push on and play as a left-sided midfielder. I’d give this a six out of 10.”

Meanwhile, journalist and author Ian Ridley thinks there must be a method to Allardyce’s madness, with his West Ham side linked to practically everyone this summer. “They’ve got this scattergun approach,” he says, “but I’m sure Allardyce knows what he’s doing. Joselu is the striker for Castilla [Real Madrid's B team], and they’d be happy to take an offer. About a week ago, Hoffenheim came in with an offer and the fee was €5m, apparently, then West Ham came in – an English club with a new TV deal – and suddenly it’s £10m. I think this is one on their radar, but he’s not proven at this level and he’s only made two substitute appearances for Real Madrid. I don’t see this as more than a three out of 10.”

While the Hammers are being linked with players of all positions, Arsenal seem to be focused on bagging a new midfielder, with Rennes’ Tongo Doumbia [pictured] being mentioned. “I know they’re after Yann M’Vila, and this guy is his team-mate,” says footballer-turned-journalist Adrian Clarke. “He’s a good player, but technically he’s not the best. He’s a bit rough around the edges, but what he does have in abundance is energy and legs. I think there’s no question that Arsenal would benefit from more of this in their midfield – they did get overrun at times last season. But is he good enough technically to play in an Arsène Wenger side? I have my doubts, so I can only give this a three out of 10.”

Watch the full video discussion by clicking on the play button in the image above. 

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