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Football

13th Jan 2018

Stephan El Shaarawy is reportedly being offered to Premier League teams

A few sides could do with him

Reuben Pinder

Injuries have halted his development.

It’s looking like this January will be one of the busiest in recent years. As the bottom half try to recruit reinforcements to avoid the terrifying prospect of relegation, and the top-six fight over the four Champions League spots, every team has weaknesses that need addressing.

January is often a time for transfers with an element of risk. Teams struggling to score may bring in a maverick winger who could flop, but could just as feasibly light up the league.

Speaking of which, Roma winger Stephan El Shaarawy is reportedly being offered to Premier League clubs. Football Italia credit Rai Sport, an Italian sports TV channel for their reports that “an intermediary has been speaking to several mid-table Premier League outfits”, looking to find a new home for the forward.

El Shaarawy broke through at AC Milan in the 2012-13 season, when he scored 16 goals in 37 league appearances. Since then, however, a series of injuries have prevented him from finding his best form.

He endured a poor loan spell at Monaco, only scoring three goals, all of which came in the Europa League, before moving to Roma. His form has picked up in the Italian capital, but the 25-year-old faces competition in the starting line up from Diego Perotti.

The Italy international could provide the creative spark that many mid-table Premier League sides are missing.