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As a gentle flutter slowly morphs into something of the gale-force variety, the Life’s a Pitch team peers through the transfer window before it all gets too much. On today’s menu, we have stories concerning Manchester United’s youngster Ezekiel Fryers (pictured, right) heading to Tottenham, United’s Frenchman Paul Pogba packing his bags for Juventus, and Barnsley’s Jacob Butterfield taking his buckets of talent to Norwich. Will these young signings hit or miss at their new clubs?

First, David Walker of the Sunday Mirror dodges Norwich and Barnsley, settling on the news that Man Utd’s talented defender Fryers will be turning out for Tottenham next season. A side with a Ledley King-shaped hole to fill. “It’s a strange one, this, in that the boy was getting some games at Man Utd,” says Walker. “He was showing promise, and was being brought along nicely, but there have been recent examples of young players getting above their station at Man Utd – demanding more money, better contracts, more game time. I can understand the frustration, but I find it incredible that Tottenham are going to pay him as much as is rumoured. He should be a hit, but in the long term.”

With Norwich and Man Utd to choose from, journalist and author Ian Ridley goes for the glamour tie – Pogba’s switch to Juventus. “Good riddance, according to Alex Ferguson,” says Ridley. “The boy gave him a lot of trouble in the second half of the season, and he’s a shrewd kid to let his contract run down at the age of 19 – he’s either very brave or very foolish. I think he’ll be a hit, because he’s a quality player, but I’m not sure it’ll be this season.”

After a patient wait, footballer-turned-journalist Adrian Clarke discusses Butterfield’s move from Barnsley to Norwich. “He’s not a big name, but I think he’s a very good young player,” Clarke says. “He’s highly rated in the Championship, he put in some superb displays for Barnsley before picking up a bad injury. He hasn’t kicked a ball since, though, so it’s a risky move on [Norwich boss] Chris Hughton’s part, but I think he’s got the ability to succeed in the Premier League. A hit.”

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

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