Though the punters in the Transfer Tavern are used to all sorts of rather bizarre transfer tidbits after spending oh so long propping up the bar, even they were shocked by recent reports.
According to the Daily Express, West Ham United striker Andy Carroll is attracting interest from the mega wealthy Chinese Super League in January.
Both Beijing Guoan and Guangzhou R&F are reportedly ready to offer the former Newcastle United forward a huge £300k-per-week deal in order to tempt him to the Far East.
Over the past two transfer windows, the CSL has managed to attract big names after spending heavily, including the likes of Ramires and Paulinho from the Premier League.
Graziano Pelle and Papiss Cisse are two forwards who swapped these shores for a Chinese adventure and it’s likely there will be further interest in players plying their trade here.
So, with that in mind, here are THREE PL players who could follow Andy Carroll to China in January.
Yaya Toure
Out of the picture at the Etihad, Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure looks unlikely to even get a kick under Pep Guardiola for the Citizens.
Though the marauding Ivorian is entering the autumn of his career, the former Barcelona is likely to command a huge salary wherever he goes.
One last big payday could in line for the 33-year-old.
Bastian Schweinsteiger
Much like the aforementioned Toure, there’s another big name midfielder frozen out of proceedings in Manchester.
This time in the red of United, World Cup winner Bastian Schweinsteiger has been written off at Old Trafford as his unhappy spell at the Theatre of Dreams draws to an end.
Having previously announced the Red Devils would be his club in Europe, a move East could be a good way to end his illustrious playing days.
John Obi Mikel
Chelsea stalwart John Obi Mikel has already been linked with a January move away from Stamford Bridge and, even in the past, has been touted as a potential target for those in the CSL.
Having reportedly been told his contract won’t be extended in the summer, the Nigerian could well call an end to his trophy-laden spell in west London.
