Where Nuri Sahin fits in

Real Madrid signed Nuri Sahin from Borussia Dortmund last summer, but the move has turned into a nightmare.

Hailed as Europe's most exciting midfielder a year ago, at 23 his talent remains, and a move away from the Bernabeu would be ideal for him.

Injury and difficulty breaking into a successful side meant that he started just two games in La Liga last season, and boss Jose Mourinho is reported to be ready to grant his request.

Spanish papers have reported Sahin is close to agreeing a loan move with a 'mystery' Premier League club.

Here's a look at where the Turkish midfielder would fit in with his potential suitors.

Arsenal

The arrival of Sahin to Arsenal would be a massive lift for the club. After a bright start in the transfer market by bringing in Podolski and Giroud, Arsenal have had to go on the defensive, forced so by the actions of Robin van Persie. Arguably a blow almost as depressing for Arsenal fans was Arsene Wenger's announcement this weekend that Jack Wilshere is unlikely to be fit until October. With Aaron Ramsey still a little short of the high expectations of Arsenal fans, and Tomas Rosicky also injured, the Gunners are left hoping Abou Diaby can stay fit as cover for Mikel Arteta and Alex Song, a dicey game if ever there was one. Thomas Eisfeld has been a plus in pre-season, but if Arsenal could acquire Sahin then it would be a superb deal. Efforts to sign Yann M'Vila have proved fruitless, and Arsenal have walked away from it, so Sahin would be a welcome alternative. A midfield three of Song-Arteta-Sahin would be among the Premier League's best, and ease the pressure on Wilshere when he actually does return from injury.

Liverpool

Liverpool have been keen to sign a new midfielder, Joe Allen most linked. Swansea are continuing to play hardball, and are pushing for at least £15 million, a fee which the Reds are apparently yet to stump up. The alternative of getting Sahin in for a year would be much more attractive to fans. Now Liverpool do not have Champions League football to offer the Turk, but they might just fit into the same bracket as him. Sahin needs a year of rebuilding after his stalled season at Madrid, and that is exactly what Liverpool are preparing for under Brendan Rodgers. By that logic the pair could be a perfect fit. There is also a place in Liverpool's three man midfield calling for him. Only Gerrard and Lucas are sure starters, and a Gerrard-Sahin-Lucas trio would offer a bit of everything. Then there would be Henderson, Shelvey, Adam and Spearing as cover. Midfielders who each have a lot to prove, but if they are not assured first choices, fans may cut them some slack. After loaning out Joe Cole and Alberto Aquilani it is about time Liverpool took advantage of the loan system. Bringing in Sahin for a year is low risk, and he could fill a void until hot prospect Fernandez Suso is ready for regular first team action.

Manchester United

The gap in Manchester United's midfield is well documented, and a talented player like Sahin would be a welcome arrival at Old Trafford. Injuries to Tom Cleverley and Anderson left the club light in the middle last season, and questions remain over both of the pair's long-term fitness. With Darren Fletcher unlikely to be included in United's 25 man squad, and Park Ji Sung sold, the club are in need of recruits in midfield. Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes are both getting on too and can't be expected to make more than 30 starts each in the league next season. Bringing in Sahin on loan seems to be a no-brainer, and it would still mean transfer funds are available for the club to go about pursuing other targets. A central midfield of Carrick-Scholes-Sahin would be particularly good at keeping possession, and supplying dangerous passes to the club's attackers, with Cleverley coming in for Scholes when the veteran midfielder needs to be rested.

Tottenham

Spurs were the first club to be linked with signing Sahin this transfer window, as part of a possible part-exchange deal for Luka Modric. Earlier reports had suggested Sahin was not keen on the move, but it seems as though haggling over the price of Modric is holding up the deal, and the Turk could yet make a move to White Hart Lane. Tottenham have also been linked with a mega-move for Joao Moutinho of Porto, but Sahin is a very different proposition on what would effectively be a free loan transfer. Sahin should fit in well at Tottenham, able to sit deeper in the midfield and allow Gylfi Sigurdsson to roam forward. The pair of Sahin-Sigurdsson could work very well together, and supplemented with Scott Parker, it would be a midfield three with a bit of everything. Add Sandro as cover and Spurs would not miss Luka Modric one bit. Throw in Bale and Lennon on the wings, plus a top class striker, and fans could get very excited about next season.

Where should Sahin go?

image: © peterfuchs