Alex Song (Barcelona to Manchester United)
A slightly surprising rumour, but with Manchester United still looking short in midfield, they could make a move to bring former Arsenal man Alex Song back to the Premier League this January. The Cameroon international has not managed to establish himself as a first-team regular since joining Barcelona and may be looking for a move away, with the club too unlikely to try too hard to keep hold of him. In that regard, this move seems perfectly possible, though it would be surprising if United didn’t consider some slightly better options first. 5/10.
Joleon Lescott (Manchester City to Everton)
After falling down the pecking order at Manchester City, Joleon Lescott has been linked with a return to his former club Everton this January. The rumours started in the summer and look set to continue as the England international remains to be offered a new contract at the Etihad Stadium. This would be a good signing for Everton, and a good move for Lescott as well if he hopes to be in contention for an England place for next summer’s World Cup. A move that certainly seems likely this January. 7.5/10.
Martin Skrtel (Liverpool to Napoli)
Another player who has fallen out of favour with his current club is Liverpool centre-back Martin Skrtel. The Slovakian has been a key player for the Reds since joining the club in 2008, but no longer looks part of the picture as Brendan Rodgers brought in three new central defenders during the summer. Napoli seem the favourites to land him as former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is keen to work with him again. Skrtel surely has no future at Liverpool, and this move seems to make the most sense at the moment. 7.5/10.
Fabian Schar (Basel to Arsenal)
Still short of defensive options, Arsenal could be in the market for a new centre-back this January, and have been linked with a move for promising Basel defender Fabian Schar. The 21-year-old Swiss international has been a regular in the side for a year now and looks a great prospect, though his form has also attracted interest from Italian giants Juventus. Arsenal’s record with promoting and developing youth could play a factor though, and as a youngster still learning the game, Schar would be a very useful squad player for the Gunners this season. 6/10.
Adrien Rabiot (PSG to Tottenham)
Tottenham spent big over the summer and could be set to continue to invest in their squad when the transfer window re-opens in January, with PSG starlet Adrien Rabiot supposedly one of Andre Villas-Boas’ top targets. The 18-year-old spent last season on loan at Toulouse and impressed a great deal, though he faces some stiff competition for a place in PSG’s star-studded lineup. The Frenchman is undoubtedly a great prospect, but perhaps doesn’t seem like a player Spurs urgently need at the moment given their tremendous depth in the attacking midfield positions, so this probably won’t be a priority for them this January. 3.5/10.