From Luka Milivojevic to Andrea Ranocchia, the 31 January deals may play a part in how these Premier League teams shape up for the rest of the season The 25-year-old Serb has joined Palace from Olympiakos for a fee in the region of £12m and has been signed primarily to add extra steel and security in front of Sam Allardyce’s back four, although six goals in 17 appearances for the Greek champions this season is a more than decent return for a defensive midfielder. Milivojevic was highly regarded as a youngster in his own country, where Robert Prosinecki was an early admirer and instrumental in securing his services for Red Star Belgrade. From there the player went to Greece via a season in Belgium with Anderlecht and when Vítor Pereira moved from Olympiakos to manage Fenerbahce in 2015 he tried to take Milivojevic with him. Olympiakos decided their captain was too valuable a part of their title-winning side to allow to leave cheaply and Palace appear to have met an asking price that deterred a few others. It is not usually too difficult to work out what Allardyce wants in a defender but in addition to strength and discipline Palace will be hoping Milivojevic can bring organisational qualities and a degree of leadership to their defensive unit. Olympiakos feel they have lost their best player. Continue reading...
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