Kieran Trippier (Burnley to Tottenham Hotspur)
Along with Danny Ings, Kieran Trippier was one of the true bright sparks of Burnley’s battle to beat the drop. And while they ultimately fell through the trap door, there was a lot of interest in keeping both players in the top flight. Ings has joined Liverpool, while the full-back appears to be heading to White Hart Lane, with The Guardian reporting that he will cost just £3.5m. He does face a difficult challenge however, with his favoured position already boasting plenty of depth in Mauricio Pochettino’s squad.
Micah Richards (Manchester City to Aston Villa)
With Aston Villa conceding more goals than two of the sides that were relegated last season, it was important that more experience was added to a predominantly youthful side. Micah Richards has been involved in first-team football for nearly a decade now, but is still just 26, so will bring the knowledge that comes from playing in two Premier League winning sides, but also the youthfulness that will enable Tim Sherwood to construct his defence around him. And with his Manchester City contract expiring this summer (via The Guardian), it would have surely been an easy decision to go after his signature.
Tom Cleverley (Manchester United to Everton)
Like Scott Sinclair, Tom Cleverley rebuilt his career at Villa Park last season. His consistent performances were not enough however, to secure him a new deal at Manchester United. Everton would prove to be the benefactors from Louis van Gaal’s decision to release the player, as The Guardian reported that the Toffees had signed the midfielder on a five-year deal.
