45. Luis Muriel (Udinese)
Compared by some with Brazilian legend Ronaldo, Udinese striker Luis Muriel continues to attract a great deal of attention as we head towards January. The 22-year-old looks an outstanding prospect from his displays in Serie A, looking a real threat on the ball and a dangerous finisher. This has alerted the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool as they continue to seek new additions to strengthen their attack, and his recent signing of a new five-year contract doesn’t look sufficient to stop clubs chasing him when the transfer window re-opens in the middle of the season.
44. Dieumerci Mbokani (Dynamo Kiev)
Despite only just joining Dynamo Kiev this summer, highly-rated Congolese striker Dieumerci Mbokani could be on the move again this January after expressing his annoyance at not being a regular starter for the Ukranian giants. Many teams had looked at signing him during the summer, particularly West Brom as they saw him as an ideal like-for-like replacement for departing loan star Romelu Lukaku. Arsenal and Liverpool have also kept tabs on him, and it now seems that Tottenham may look to him in the January transfer window as they seek additions upfront. Mbokani would be open to a move to White Hart Lane and could be one of many exciting new additions to the Premier League this season.
43. Kurt Zouma (Saint-Etienne)
Immensely talented youngster Kurt Zouma looks set to spark a big January bidder war when the transfer window re-opens, with the highly-rated 18-year-old said to be a top target for Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United, while Chelsea have also been linked with him in the past. The Saint-Etienne defender would be a great coup for any top side at the moment, as he looks to have the potential to be one of the best defenders in the world in the near future. His outstanding potential has not been missed by Europe’s giants, and a big move sooner rather than later seems increasingly likely for the Frenchman.
42. Joleon Lescott (Manchester City)
As Joleon Lescott and Manchester City seem unable to agree terms on a new contract for the player, the 31-year-old seems more and more likely to be heading out of the Etihad Stadium exit door this January. With Lescott’s current contract set to expire at the end of the season, he could be available on the cheap this January, which has attracted attention from Newcastle, Everton and Aston Villa. This experienced centre-back could certainly be a good option for most of these Premier League sides, and in truth is somewhat unfortunate to be down the pecking order at City after becoming a key player for the club in his prior seasons there, helping them to the Premier League title in 2011/12.
41. Saido Berahino (West Brom)
After a well-taken winner for West Brom against champions Manchester United at Old Trafford last weekend, exciting young striker Saido Berahino will now be on several top clubs’ radars ahead of the January transfer window, particularly as he is into the final year of his current contract with the Baggies. The 20-year-old looks a top young talent and the likes of Everton, Chelsea and Arsenal have already shown an interest in this rising English star who could be available for a cut-down price in the middle of the season if he fails to agree a new deal at the Hawthorns. The interest is certainly justified, and will surely only increase if he continues to catch the eye this season.