Why Seamus Coleman Could Be the Steal of the January Transfer Window

Seamus Coleman has emerged as one of the top right-backs in the Premier League in recent seasons, and with Everton faltering, acquiring his signature could be the best bit of business done in the January transfer window.

According to Bruce Archer of the Daily Star, Coleman is a key target for Manchester United, who aim to beat Chelsea to him by securing his talents in January rather than wait until the summer.

The Irish international would be a great addition to either side. For United in particular, Coleman would be another big step toward returning to the glory days of Sir Alex Ferguson.

One of Coleman's best attributes is his attacking prowess. Notably, the defender has an impressive goal tally:

Including his goals against Queen's Park Rangers in last year's FA Cup tie and Wolfsburg in the Europa League, the 26-year-old has 10 since the start of last season. That's one more than the Toffees' resident free-kick and penalty expert Leighton Baines, whom United also hold in high regard.

In an attacking sense, Coleman offers far more than just goals though.

Last season, Coleman created 45 goalscoring chances for his team, including two assists. He completed 64 successful take-ons—dribbling past his opponent more than any other defender—and had the second-highest pass completion of any full-back in the league (h/t James Maw of FourFourTwo).

The video below shows Coleman's decisive performance against United last April. The Irishman completed 28 of his 30 passes and laid on five goalscoring opportunities for his team-mates, including his marvellous pass to assist Kevin Mirallas (0:38). His marauding, pacey runs (1:13 onward) caused United's defence huge problems, and he can bring these qualities to any prospective suitor.

Royal Blue Mersey of Metro.co.uk believes Coleman has been "listless and devoid of ideas" this season. However, Everton's entire team has struggled, and their problems extend far beyond Coleman, so singling him out for criticism is somewhat unfair.

Not to mention, Coleman has already equalled the number of assists he registered last year. Having created 19 chances in 17 games, he's also not too far short of replicating the number of chances he created either. Hardly devoid of ideas, then.

Coleman's level of attacking contribution would undoubtedly yield results at either United or Chelsea. With the likes of Diego Costa, Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie up front, the chances created by Coleman are far more likely to be converted than they are at Everton.

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

At Chelsea, the full-back's runs would be reminiscent of Ashley Cole's, albeit on the other flank. United, meanwhile, would have their best right-back since Gary Neville retired.

The Red Devils are currently managing with Rafael da Silva and Antonio Valencia.

Rafael, now 24, is still yet to convince as a starter for a title-challenging team. In his prior six seasons for United, the most league appearances he has managed is 28, and the next highest is just 19.

Per Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News, his fractured cheekbone at Yeovil Town in the FA Cup (announced by Van Gaal in the clip below) was the 27th injury of his United career.

Further, in his limited time on the pitch, he has done little to convince Louis van Gaal. On dropping him for the 3-0 win over Liverpool in December, the Dutchman said: "Rafael is not injured. Last week he was fit but I have to select [on merit]," according to Jamie Jackson and Daniel Taylor of the Guardian. 

Valencia has proved a competent deputy in his absence, but a team of United's ambition requires more. Last season Coleman was defensively superior to Valencia, winning a higher percentage of tackles and aerial duels.

Chelsea, generally, are very solid defensively. However, this is not to say Coleman can't add something.

The Blues' first-choice right-back is Branislav Ivanovic. Ivanovic is an excellent player, and has been for a long time, but he turns 31 in February, so his years at the top may be numbered. 

Much has been made of Nemanja Matic's outstanding defensive contribution from midfield. Indeed, the Serb has become a key part of Jose Mourinho's side. However, Tottenham Hotspur's magnificent 5-3 win over Chelsea on New Year's Day was thanks, in part, to Spurs bypassing the 26-year-old.

In the graphic below, courtesy of FourFourTwo's Stats Zone, Spurs' chances were largely created from their left flank—the area where Coleman would be defending. They nullified Matic by simply going around him. With Coleman in the team, he could help strengthen Chelsea's flanks to mitigate this tactic.

FourFourTwo's Stats Zone

Further, the presence of Matic would give Coleman even more licence to break forward when Chelsea are in possession, which could enhance his attacking contribution.

The defender would also fit in well at United. Solid in defence and creative in attack, Coleman is an exemplary modern full-back and would slot in well in a traditional back four or in Van Gaal's favoured 3-5-2 formation.

United have also been linked with Dani Alves, per Ed Malyon of the Mirror. Set to leave Barcelona for free this summer, Alves is an experienced campaigner who would fit equally well into the Red Devils' side. However, the Brazilian will be 32 by the end of the season.

Coleman, although he will reportedly cost £20 million at the very least (h/t Jamie Jackson and Daniel Taylor), would be a much more long-term signing, the kind United need if they are to return to the success they enjoyed under Ferguson.

Because of United's more pressing need and the guarantee of first-team football, a switch to Old Trafford does seem more likely than to Stamford Bridge.

Relations between United and Everton are believed to have soured in the wake of United's bids for Baines and Marouane Fellaini, so Coleman will definitely cost United a premium.

However, Bruce Archer reports that Roberto Martinez is keen to bring Adnan Januzaj to Goodison on loan for the remainder of the season. With the youngster only making four starts for the Red Devils this campaign, Van Gaal would be astute to offer the youngster to reduce the cost of the deal.

Martinez operates under a tight budget at the Toffees, and after spending £28 million on Romelu Lukaku, selling is likely the only way to fund more signings. With this being the case, the transfer is a very realistic possibility, so long as United have learned their lessons from the Baines fiasco. 

Royal Blue Mersey at Metro.co.uk believes Coleman's sale "would not be a loss for the club." With the dearth of top-quality right-backs in the Premier League, and with his outstanding offensive and defensive capabilities, Coleman would be a loss to any team.

More importantly, any team that signs him will have everything to gain.