Eight Premier League stars who MUST change clubs before the window shuts

The end of the Premier League transfer window is now only three weeks away, but most clubs still have plenty of business to do.

It is the first time the window will shut before the season kicks off and not at the usual end of August or beginning of September, meaning clubs get three weeks less to complete their deals.

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However, it appears that clubs are actively struggling with the deadline with fewer deals completed this summer than in the same period last year.

But it’s not just clubs that need to urgently complete their business – some players desperately need a move away as well. Are we about to see a three-week spending spree of unprecedented proportions?

Yahoo Sport picks out eight English players who should push for a move away from their current club before the August 9 deadline.

Marcus Rashford

A controversial choice perhaps, since Rashford did play 51 times for Manchester United across all competitions last season. But look a little deeper and the picture isn’t so rosy – Rashford started less than half of United’s matches in the Premier League and Champions League and only managed 10 goals in those competition.

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That’s not entirely his fault because with Romelu Lukaku ensconced up front, the 20-year-old has been forced out of his best position up front and asked to compete with Anthony Martial and new signing Alexis Sanchez for gametime on the left.

Surely a move away from Jose Mourinho’s defensive setups to a more attacking team would release the shackles on Rashford and allow his natural abilities to flourish?

Joe Hart

Staying in Manchester, it is clear that England’s former no.1 needs to leave Manchester City. Hart has been taken on City’s pre-season tour but with Ederson the undisputed starter, it is clear Hart’s future lies away from the Etihad.

Hart needs to find a club that is willing to take a punt on him after a couple of tough seasons at Torino and West Ham. So where could he go? He’s unlikely to start for a top-10 side unless Chelsea struggle to replace Thibaut Courtois or Leicester need to replace Kasper Scheimchel, who may leave after a strong World Cup with Denmark.

Maybe another season offshore would be best, where Hart could rebuild his reputation away from the glare of the British media.

Daniel Sturridge

The Liverpool striker is threatening to become the forgotten man of the Premier League.

Sturridge was one of the Premier League’s top strikers from 2012 to 2014 but a succession of injuries, managerial changes and bad luck has seen the ex-Chelsea striker slip well down Jurgen Klopp’s pecking order. A disastrous loan to West Brom last season, where he didn’t score in six matches, further dented his standing at Anfield.

At 28 years old, this is almost the last chance saloon for the 26-capped England striker to rebuild his career with a mid-table side looking his best bet to start with.

Luke Shaw

Having broke into Southampton’s first team as a 17-year-old, big things were expected when he signed for Manchester United in 2014 for £30 million. However, his four seasons at Old Trafford have been a frustration (not helped by a horror leg break against PSV Eindhoven in 2015-16) and Shaw’s only played 43 Premier League matches over four seasons.

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Now in the final year of his original five-year contract, and with questions marks over his dedication and a rocky relationship with Mourinho, Shaw could be approaching a cross-roads moment in his career.

He’s still only 23 so time is definitely on his side, but Shaw needs to start playing regularly again. He’s been linked with Spurs, among other clubs in the past, and a fresh start away from Man United could get his career back on track.

Danny Welbeck

A combination of injuries, some poor form and competition for places has seen the England striker’s career stagnate since joining Arsenal four years ago.

While Welbeck’s height, pace and versatility has seen him highly-valued in the Three Lions’ set-up, he has struggled to translate that to club form, never scoring more than five goals in a Premier League season for the Gunners.

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With Pierre-Emerick Aubamayeng and Alexandre Lacazette ahead of him in the striking pecking order, and competition for attacking roles strong under new manager Unai Emery, Welbeck’s international career could be over unless he gets more game time. A mooted move to Everton should suit, with the Toffees in need of reinforcements in the final third.

Reuben Loftus-Cheek

A promising, young player who had a strong season on loan away from Chelsea but who can’t seem to earn a chance at Stamford Bridge. Sound familiar?

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Loftus-Cheek now needs to play regularly to realise his potential but will he get the opportunities to do so at Chelsea? History would suggest not, and after his decent showing at Crystal Palace last season, there’s never been a better time for the 22-year-old to force a move away from the Blues.

Alfie Mawson

The centre-back has been a revelation for Swansea since being signed from Barnsley following their promotion from League One two seasons ago. The 24-year-old played in every Premier League match last season and impressed despite the Swans’ relegation to the Championship.

Mawson is too good for the second tier and with the England lacking quality defensive depth, another decent campaign in the Premier League should see him given a national debut. Burnley are attempting to sign him, and a season under Sean Dyche should be beneficial to both player and club.

Jack Butland

Butland is back in the Championship where he originally cut his teeth as a teenager at Birmingham City but, like Mawson at Swansea, the Stoke goalkeeper is too good not to be playing in the Premier League.

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With rival Jordan Pickford having an outstanding World Cup, Butland needs to be back in the top flight if he wants to become Engand’s no.1. Many Premier League clubs would be keen on signing Butland, potentially even Chelsea or Leicester if either club needs to replace their current incumbents.