As Norwich prepare for a return to Premier League football next season, rumors have begun to swirl around one of their valuable possessions.
Right-back Max Aarons is strongly linked with a move away from the club after he was priced by a potential transfer last summer. After a series of impressive performances this year helping to secure immediate promotion, reports now suggest he will have to leave for a Premier League club if their asking price is met.
With many clubs on the market for a young, attacking right-back, 90min looks at which clubs will be at the forefront of the queue this summer.
Aarons may be on his way to the East London Pool / Getty Images
The Hammers have had a fantastic season this year and much of it has depended on how good they have been defensively.
David Moyes has switched between playing three and four at the back and Aaron’s ability to drive forward and also defend himself in one-on-one scenarios would see him run into the system quite easily.
He would give a lot of competition to Vladimir Coufal, but the asking price is probably a little too high for a backup option for them.
Suitability: 5/10
Max Aarons is a 21-year-old England international Marcio Machado / Getty Images
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has got Manchester United in the best shape they have been in since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, and that is partly due to the competition in the squad,
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is the undisputed right-back in the club, but he has some obvious shortcomings in the future that cause United problems when he faces a low block.
Aarons can offer something different in attacking scenarios, plus his age and potential means United can see him as an investment.
Suitability: 6/10
Aarons would be a quality addition to Stephen Pond / Getty Images
Steve Bruce’s side have been difficult to look at for the most part this season, with a real lack of talent in attacking areas being a major issue.
Newcastle have often played Jacob Murphy on the wing-back, but Aarons would be a much better solution in the position. He was also able to join a former teammate after Jamal Lewis joined last summer, so he would settle in quickly.
Aarons would be seen as a long-term investment with resale value, something that Mike Ashley is likely to lick his lips at.
Suitability: 7/10
Spurs are likely to get a clearance this summer | ADRIAN DENNIS / Getty Images
With Serge Aurier and Matt Doherty already taking on right-back roles, Aarons may not be needed directly at Tottenham.
But with a new boss set to enter the fray, it is unlikely that Aurier will survive the chopping block again and that would open up a place for Aarons.
Suitability: 8/10
Aarons to Everton? | Marcio Machado / Getty Images
Everton is a world-class manager and a club that wants to break into Europe, and seems like a perfectly placed club to take on a top young talent in its group.
Seamus Coleman is the beginner right now but he is getting a little old and the club can do worse than plan for life without him. Aarons would compete with him for a starting spot first and eventually take over the role.
Everton have the money to make it happen and he’s good enough to make a difference, so it’s no idea.
Suitability: 9/10
