A look at 50 potential deals and their chances of happening this January.
Shane Long (West Brom to Hull City)
After missing out on the signing of West Brom striker Shane Long late on on transfer deadline day, Hull City are already said to be thinking about making a move for the Republic of Ireland international again in January. Steve Bruce is keen to add another forward to his ranks after also missing out on the likes of Peter Odemwingie and Nicklas Bendtner during the summer.
West Brom have since said that they plan to keep Long as part of their first-team plans, but given how close they were to selling him in the summer, this move seems pretty likely to happen when the opportunity comes again in January. 7/10.
Patrick Olsen (Inter Milan to Arsenal)
Arsenal have recently been linked with a move for talented young Danish international Patrick Olsen, currently of Inter Milan. The 19-year-old is not yet part of the first-team setup at the San Siro, and may be tempted by Arsene Wenger’s record of giving youngsters a chance to develop at the Emirates Stadium.
Still, this midfield prospect is rated highly by the Italian giants, and they have supposedly rejected Arsenal’s recent enquiries for the starlet, meaning it won’t be easy for the Gunners to force through a move in January. 4/10.
Will Hughes (Derby County to Liverpool)
A whole host of clubs are thought to be keen on exciting Derby County youngster Will Hughes, whose skillful and intelligent play from midfield has seen him earn flattering comparisons with Barcelona pair Xavi and Andres Iniesta. Although still only 18 and unproven at the top level, Hughes could command a fee of around £10m or more, with Liverpool thought to be stepping up their interest.
Still, with the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Newcastle also all interested, it is hard to predict Hughes’ next destination, though with the style of play employed by Brendan Rodgers at Anfield at the moment, perhaps a move to Liverpool would make the most sense as the next step in his career. 5/10.
Lacina Traore (Anzhi Makhachkala to Liverpool)
Liverpool are also being linked with highly-promising Anzhi Makhachkala striker Lacina Traore. The 23-year-old looked likely to be part of the fire-sale that took place at the Russian club this summer after their sudden financial problems, though he ended up sticking around for the time being. At 6 ft 8, this tall target man would offer the Reds something a little different upfront, and he could be a very useful addition to a side that could still do with more attacking options, particularly with Luis Suarez’s future still somewhat up in the air.
Traore seems unlikely to stay at Anzhi, but with Juventus also interested, Liverpool will still face some firm competition for his signature. 5/10.
Piotr Zielinski (Udinese to Manchester City)
Still only 19 years of age, promising midfielder Piotr Zielinski has made great strides with Udinese and the Polish national team over the last year or so, and is now thought to be attracting strong interest from Manchester City as they plan for their January shopping. This skillful playmaker would be one for the future at the Etihad Stadium, but could also provide some depth to their squad as soon as this season, with David Silva struggling for fitness and form. Udinese will be keen not to sell such a promising young talent, but City have the money to tempt them if their interest is serious. 6/10.
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.
Martin Caceres (Juventus to Arsenal)
Arsenal supposedly tried to sign Martin Caceres from Juventus this summer, only for the Serie A champions to reject the Gunners’ advances. Still, with Arsene Wenger failing to land other defensive targets before summer transfer window deadline day, he is sure to be back in the market for a centre-back in the winter. Caceres is a quality player with plenty of experience, but Juventus’ reluctance to sell means this one may be something of a lost cause for Arsenal, unless they really go all out for the Uruguayan as their main priority. 4/10.
Keisuke Honda (CSKA Moscow to Liverpool)
A highly-rated and skillful player, Japanese star Keisuke Honda has hinted that he will be leaving Russian giants CSKA Moscow this January, which could see him move to the Premier League. Unsurprisingly, plenty of teams have shown an interest, with Arsenal and Everton seemingly keen to compete with Liverpool for his signature. Liverpool perhaps are most in need of a playmaker of this variety, and may step up their interest after failing to land the likes of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Christian Eriksen during the summer. 5.5/10.
Bafetimbi Gomis (Lyon to Roma)
After turning down a move to Newcastle in the summer, Bafetimbi Gomis still seems set for an exit from Ligue 1 side Lyon, with Roma keen to land a new striker in January. The Italians lost Erik Lamela and Pablo Osvaldo during the summer and are yet to truly replace them with quality upfront. Gomis looks a good option if he is still available, and could be a good match under the management of fellow Frenchman Rudi Garcia at the Stadio Olimpico. All signs point towards this move happening. 8/10.
Marco Verratti (PSG to Manchester United)
As Manchester United’s search for a midfield playmaker is likely to go on, one player being linked with a move to Old Trafford is highly-rated PSG starlet Marco Verratti. The talented Italian has previously been compared with Andrea Pirlo, though his progress has stalled somewhat after struggling to make the step up in this star-studded French team.
With so many big names coming to PSG these days it would not be surprising if Verratti became surplus to requirements, but United may struggle to land the player as he is also a target for Inter Milan, and a move back to Italy may make more sense for the 20-year-old at this stage in his career. 4/10.
Alvaro Perreira (Inter Milan to Tottenham)
Tottenham could revive their interest for one of their summer transfer targets again this January, with Andre Villas-Boas still believed to be keen on signing left-back Alvaro Perreira from Inter Milan. The Uruguayan played for AVB during their time at Porto and could still be seen as an improvement on Danny Rose, despite the youngster’s impressive loan spell at Sunderland last season and strong start to this campaign.
Perreira had also been a target for the Spurs boss during his time in charge of Chelsea. No doubt a favourite of his, this move does seem likely to happen at some point in the future, particularly as he struggles to command a regular starting place for his current side. 6/10.
Aleksandar Kolarov (Manchester City to Juventus)
A rumour that doesn’t seem to be dying down is that linking Aleksandar Kolarov to Juventus. The Serbian left-back has impressed in fits and starts for Manchester City, but seems unable to establish himself as the regular starter for the team in competition with Gael Clichy. Despite his deadly accuracy from crosses and set-pieces, Kolarov leaves a little to be desired in his defensive duties and the former Lazio man may be better suited to the slower pace of the game in Serie A. Kolarov has denied wanting to leave the Etihad Stadium, but it’ll be interesting to see if the club are happy to let him go if Juventus come calling again this January. 5/10.
Hernanes (Lazio to Bayern Munich)
One of the best midfielders in Serie A, Hernanes has been attracting some serious attention for some time now, with the likes of Manchester City and PSG thought to be keen on signing him during the summer. The 28-year-old is now stalling on a new contract with Lazio, and this has caught the attention of last season’s treble winners Bayern Munich. Although Pep Guardiola’s side aren’t in desperate need of new additions, particularly in midfield, there’s no doubt Hernanes could add something a little different and put himself into contention for a starting spot at the Allianz Arena.
Atletico Madrid are also being linked with the talented Brazilian, so where he ends up is still somewhat up in the air, though a move to Bayern would no doubt be the most attractive prospect. 5.5/10.
Luke Shaw (Southampton to Manchester United)
With Patrice Evra seemingly not convincing David Moyes as Manchester United’s first-choice left-back, Luke Shaw is the latest player being linked with the club in that position. The Southampton youngster has been in superb form over the last couple of seasons, and could be a great long-term addition for the club. However, with the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham also interested, the 18-year-old wonderkid certainly won’t come cheap, and the latest rumours suggest that United may be willing to pay as much as £25m to land him from the Saints this January. It’s a lot of money for an unproven player, but United have often been keen to spend big on the best up-and-coming talent. 6/10.
Tom Ince (Blackpool to Newcastle)
One of the best young players in the country, and certainly one of the best players not currently playing in the Premier League, it is no surprise to see Tom Ince being heavily courted ahead of the January transfer window. The 21-year-old, who started his career at Liverpool, has shown tremendous ability as a goal-scoring winger, and this has seen the likes of Everton and Aston Villa linked with him over the last few months.
However, Newcastle seem to be the favourites to land him at the moment, and are perhaps most in need of new players in the wide positions. With Ince surely too good to be playing in the Championship for much longer, this seems a pretty likely move for the next transfer window. 7/10.
Lewis Holtby (Tottenham to Schalke)
Although Lewis Holtby looked like a great signing when he joined Tottenham in the last January transfer window, the German midfielder has failed to live up to his true potential at White Hart Lane so far. Although it’s only early days so far, he already looks like facing a struggle for regular first-team football at Spurs with the arrival of so many new faces over the summer. The 23-year-old is now being linked with a quick return to his old club Schalke, who may be able to activate a buy-back clause in his contract. Inter Milan and Roma are also interested in the young midfielder, but a return to the Bundesliga makes the most sense for Holtby, so he can pick up where he left off at Schalke. 6/10.
Harry Maguire (Sheffield United to Manchester United)
Manchester United may look to the lower leagues to recruit some talent this January, with David Moyes supposedly keen on young Sheffield United defender Harry Maguire. The 20-year-old has been a regular for the Blades for a few years now, and looks a top performer in League One, even if a step up to the Premier League is certainly a big jump. Looking to the future is always a good thing, but United could arguably do with someone to come into the team now, as their defence has had a shaky start to the season. It is perfectly possible that United have been keeping an eye on Maguire, but it seems unlikely that he’d be a priority for them at this moment in time. 4/10.
Eric Dier (Sporting Lisbon to Chelsea)
Chelsea are also being linked with a young English talent to add to their defensive ranks, as they were believed to be closing in on the signing of Eric Dier towards the end of the summer transfer window. A move never materialised, but the 19-year-old has caught the eye over in Portugal for Sporting Lisbon, where he has started his career after his family moved from England to Portugal when he was 10 years old. A return to England seems likely at some stage, and Chelsea may see him as a good long-term replacement for John Terry. 5.5/10.
Anderson (Manchester United to Juventus)
Anderson has not become the player Manchester United hoped he would be when they signed him for £20m from Porto in 2007, and with David Moyes targeting new additions in midfield this January it would be no surprise if the Scot felt he could be ready to part company with the Brazilian. Juventus are supposedly interested in giving the 25-year-old another chance to prove himself at the top level, and while it’s hard to see what they see in him at this moment in time, it is doubtful that United would get in the way of him leaving the club if the interest from the Italians is genuine. 5.5/10.
Martin Montoya (Barcelona to Arsenal)
With Martin Montoya’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, the young Barcelona defender has a long queue of clubs waiting to sign him in January, as he could be available for a knock-down price with the Catalan giants hoping to avoid losing him on a free. The 22-year-old is a top prospect, but seems unlikely to get ahead of Dani Alves in the pecking order at the Nou Camp, and could be a good option in particular for Arsenal, who still face some uncertainty over the future of current first-choice right-back Bacary Sagna. Montoya will have plenty of other options though, with Liverpool and Inter Milan also circling, so it will ultimately come down to his preference in the end, which is hard to know at this stage. 5/10.
Lucas Ocampos (Monaco to Chelsea)
This talented young Argentine was on the radar of several top clubs last summer before making the move to Monaco, though Chelsea are now thought to be tracking him this January. Lucas Ocampos, 19, is a skillful and direct winger who has been compared with a young Cristiano Ronaldo, though he now faces increased competition for places in this big-spending Monaco side, who have attracted some of the world’s biggest names upon their promotion to Ligue 1. Chelsea are not in desperate need of more wingers of this type, but with Jose Mourinho seemingly keen to keep building a talented young team for the future, Ocampos could be the latest to fight it out for a starting spot at Stamford Bridge. 4.5/10.
Shinji Kagawa (Manchester United to Borussia Dortmund)
Highly-rated Japanese midfielder Shinji Kagawa continues to be frozen out by David Moyes at Manchester United, and seems a likely candidate for the exit door this January. The 24-year-old first caught the eye in the Bundesliga for Borussia Dortmund, and his old club were thought to be keen to re-sign him from United this summer after his first-team struggles at Old Trafford. It is unclear if they will move for him again, but he is certainly a player deserving of more regular playing time, which just doesn’t seem on the immediate horizon at the moment as Moyes continues to target attacking midfield players in January. Atletico Madrid have also been linked with Kagawa, but Dortmund would surely be his first choice. 6/10.
Ander Herrera (Athletic Bilbao to Manchester United)
After a deadline day move for Athletic Bilbao star Ander Herrera fell through in bizarre circumstances, it is widely expected that Manchester United will try to sign him again when the transfer window re-opens in January. The skillful Basque playmaker would be an ideal candidate to solve United’s current problems in midfield, with his composure on the ball and range of passing just what they need now that Paul Scholes has retired. Still, with so many players of this kind being linked with the club at the moment, it’s hard to know which one they will eventually settle on, but the signs are there that Herrera is high on Moyes’ list. 6.5/10.
Lars Bender (Bayer Leverkusen to Arsenal)
Arsenal are known to be in the market for a new defensive midfielder after only managing the free transfer of Mathieu Flamini over the summer. Still missing Alex Song after his sale to Barcelona last summer, Lars Bender looks like a great candidate to fill that defensive midfield slot, and is one of many German players currently admired by Gunners boss Arsene Wenger. Bender is a top talent, and is currently not attracting any serious interest from elsewhere, meaning Arsenal could have a relatively easy task of signing him if they want to. 6/10.
Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid to Juventus)
After a three-month injury layoff looks to have pushed Xabi Alonso down the pecking order at Real Madrid this season, the Spanish playmaker could be on his way out of the club in January as he approaches the end of his contract at the Bernabeu. Juventus are said to be leading the chase for the former Liverpool man, as they have identified him as an ideal long-term replacement for Andrea Pirlo in midfield. There is more interest in Italy coming from AC Milan and Inter Milan, but current champions Juventus will no doubt be the most attractive prospect for Alonso at the moment. 6/10.
Sandro (Tottenham to Roma)
Brazilian midfielder Sandro is undoubtedly a top player on his day, but injuries look to have seriously hampered his chances of being first choice for Tottenham, with the club moving for the likes of Etienne Capoue and Paulinho this summer, as well as for Moussa Dembele last year. The 24-year-old is now being linked with Serie A side Roma, and may feel that is the best next step for him in his development. Spurs, of course, have no need to sell, and may hope to keep Sandro around for a while longer as a squad player, unless they can find a suitable replacement for him in January as well. 4.5/10.
Ezequiel Garay (Benfica to Manchester United)
The transfer of Ezequiel Garay from Benfica to Manchester United seemed to be on the cards this summer, though a reported ‘gentleman’s agreement’ between the two clubs never led to anything concrete. Still, with United looking weak defensively, they may be back in for him this January, and their negotiations over the summer may have given them some kind of first refusal on the Argentine centre-back. Garay would no doubt be a useful addition to David Moyes’ back four at the moment, and a strong long-term replacement for the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, who may well be past their best now. Barcelona are now also interested, but United will be hoping they can make the most of their agreement with Benfica. 6/10.
Andres Iniesta (Barcelona to Manchester City)
Somewhat surprisingly, Andres Iniesta is reported to have rejected the offer of a new contract from Barcelona, sparking attention from Manchester City. The 29-year-old is undoubtedly one of the best playmakers in the world, and his fine performances have helped Barcelona to no end of success over the last few years. Still, it is possible that he wants a new challenge at this stage in his career, and a move to England could be on his agenda. Manchester United are also interested, and while it’s hard to imagine Iniesta leaving Barcelona, City certainly have the money to make this happen, and that might make for an interesting January transfer saga. 5.5/10.
Iker Casillas (Real Madrid to Manchester City)
Another Spanish star who could be on his way from La Liga to the Premier League is unsettled Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas. Despite a fantastic career with the Bernabeu side, Casillas has recently found himself out of favour with both previous manager Jose Mourinho and now new boss Carlo Ancelotti, sparking rumours that he could leave his boyhood club in order to be playing regularly in this crucial World Cup year.
Manchester City are said to be interested, particularly with a recent dip in form from Joe Hart, and a move will continue to seem ever-more likely if the 32-year-old remains frozen out at Real. 6/10.
Arda Turan (Atletico Madrid to Liverpool)
Arda Turan has been linked with a move to several English clubs for some time now, and his recent signing of a new contract with Atletico Madrid doesn’t seem to have cooled the rumours down. Arsenal and Chelsea have both been linked with the Turkish international in recent times, but Liverpool may make the most sense as his next destination as they are arguably most in need of new additions on the flanks. Turan’s skillful play would no doubt suit the style at Liverpool, and although it’s hard to know if a move will happen as soon as this January, it would likely be to Anfield ahead of anywhere else. 5/10.
Radamel Falcao (Monaco to Real Madrid)
Although Radamel Falcao only moved to Monaco in the summer, there have already been rumours that tax reasons could lead to him being sold by the club. He won’t be short of suitors if that happens in January, with Real Madrid thought to be leading the chase for the prolific Colombian. There won’t be many others who can afford this supremely talented £50m-rated striker, so a return to La Liga seems the most likely destination for Falcao if his stay in Ligue 1 comes to an end early. 5/10.
Fernando Llorente (Juventus to Tottenham)
Another player who only moved this summer but who is already being talked up as leaving his current club is Juventus striker Fernando Llorente. The Spaniard joined the Serie A champions from Athletic Bilbao this summer but has failed to make much of an impression early on, falling behind to the likes of Carlos Tevez and Mirko Vucinic in the pecking order. This has led to speculation that the likes of Tottenham and Arsenal could pounce for him this January, and offer him the first-team football he desires in the build-up to next summer’s World Cup.
Spurs are certainly in need of a striker, and their recent big-spending habits may see them as the most likely contenders to snap Llorente up in the next transfer window. 6/10.
Julian Draxler (Schalke to Arsenal)
After spending big money to sign one German playmaker in the summer, Arsenal could be ready to make another exciting move in the transfer market this January for Schalke’s 20-year-old sensation Julian Draxler. The attacking midfielder scored 13 goals last season and looks like one of many exciting prospects coming though in German football at the moment. He would certainly not come cheap, but Arsenal’s new-found financial muscle could see them pull off another major coup here. 6.5/10.
Hugo Lloris (Tottenham to Monaco)
Tottenham will not want to part company with another key player after selling Gareth Bale this summer, but their outstanding goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is hot property back in Ligue 1, with big-spending Monaco keen to recruit the former Lyon shot-stopper. Spurs are unlikely to listen to anything other than outstanding offers for Lloris, so much will depend on how high Monaco are willing to go on this one. 4/10.
Leighton Baines (Everton to Manchester United)
After being linked with Manchester United all summer long, Leighton Baines is still likely to remain a target for the Premier League champions this January, particularly with David Moyes still keen on signing a left-back to replace Patrice Evra. Luke Shaw of Southampton has also been linked with the club, but the more experienced Baines may still be Moyes’ first choice this January, as he looks to raid his old club for a second time since leaving at the end of last season. 6.5/10.
Ross Barkley (Everton to Chelsea)
Ross Barkley’s name is on everyone’s lips at the moment after a superb start to the season, and the Everton youngster seems likely to be the subject of a big-money bid from Chelsea this January. Jose Mourinho has strongly hinted at a liking for the player, and sent scouts to watch him in the club’s recent defeat to Everton at Goodison Park. Manchester United are also keen on Barkley as one of their many midfield targets, but Chelsea’s financial power may give them the edge on this one, as they seek to continue bringing in top young talent, and upgrade their current midfield options. 6/10.
Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle to Liverpool)
Liverpool are thought to be eyeing up a move for Hatem Ben Arfa this January as he continues to stall on signing a new contract with Newcastle. The talented French winger could be forgiven for seeking a move up to a bigger club after an impressive few years at St James’ Park, and he could be a great addition for the Reds, who are still somewhat short of top class attacking options on the flanks. Big-spending PSG are also monitoring his situation, which could prove a stumbling block for Liverpool, and this could make for an interesting transfer saga when the transfer window opens for business again. 4/10.
Ilkay Gundogan (Borussia Dortmund to Arsenal)
In what would be another major coup from the Bundesliga for Arsenal, it is being suggested that Arsene Wenger will look to fill his midfield gap with exceptionally talented Borussia Dortmund star Ilkay Gundogan. The 22-year-old has been a key player for Jurgen Klopp’s side in recent times, scoring in last season’s Champions League final defeat to Bayern Munich, and his form has seen him linked as well with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea.
Arsenal’s ever-growing German contingent could persuade him to move to the Emirates Stadium, though it will take Dortmund some convincing to sell such a crucial player, perhaps making this move a little ambitious for the Gunners. 3/10.
Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund to Arsenal)
Another top German talent at Dortmund that Arsenal have their eye on this January is Marco Reus. The versatile attacker can play in a variety of attacking midfield positions or upfront, and could be an excellent addition for the Gunners as they lack a genuine alternative to current first-choice striker Olivier Giroud.
Again, however, Reus is a key player for Dortmund and it would take a big offer from Arsenal to land him anytime soon. They broke the bank to sign Mesut Ozil this summer, and would have to do so again here for this top talent. 3/10.
Robert Lewandowski (Borussia Dortmund to Napoli)
After being linked with a whole host of clubs during the summer, particularly Bayern Munich, Robert Lewandowski has somewhat surprisingly ended up staying at Borussia Dortmund for this season. Although the prolific Polish striker has hinted that he will see out his contract with the club and leave next summer, Napoli are now keen to bring him in this January, with Rafael Benitez looking to continue to strengthen a highly promising team to challenge for the Serie A title.
Depending on whether Lewandowski still wants a move to Bayern in particular, Dortmund would likely be happy to see him move to Italy instead of to their main rivals, which could help push this move through. 5/10.
Stephan El Shaarawy (AC Milan to Tottenham)
In a highly ambitious move, Tottenham could be in the running to sign exciting AC Milan starlet Stephan El Shaarawy this January, with rumours that the young Italian could be available for around £20m. Spurs are known to still be keen on adding another player upfront, and the 20-year-old certainly fits the bill with his superb finishing ability. It is hard to believe Milan would let such a top prospect go, but Spurs’ ambition in the transfer market has been immense since the sale of Gareth Bale this summer, and they may do everything they can to bring El Shaarawy to White Hart Lane. 5/10.
Eliaquim Mangala (Porto to Manchester City)
One of the best young defenders in the world, it is surely only a matter of time before Eliaquim Mangala swaps Porto for a major European club, and that could be Manchester City as they seek to strengthen their defence this January. The 22-year-old would be a great long-term option for Manuel Pellegrini at the back, and had been a target for City late on this summer. Porto will not let Mangala go cheap, but that shouldn’t be too big a problem for mega-rich City. 7/10.
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United to PSG)
Although Wayne Rooney spurned Chelsea’s advances to stay at Manchester United this summer, he is yet to agree a new contract with the club and officially commit his future to the Red Devils. As long as that is the case there will no doubt be interest from elsewhere, and PSG could be the main contenders for his signature this January, with club captain Thiago Silva urging the big-spending Ligue 1 champions to sign the unsettled England striker. 5.5/10.
Christian Benteke (Aston Villa to Manchester United)
If Rooney does eventually leave Manchester United, it is thought that highly-rated Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke is David Moyes’ first choice to replace him at Old Trafford, and the Scot will keep an eye on the Belgian’s situation this January. Villa did well to hold on to the in-demand forward throughout the summer, though if he maintains his fine form this season there’s no question the big clubs will be queuing up for him again in January.
United would no doubt be in a bidding war with several others, but the big-money sale of Rooney would surely give them an edge if they enter the chase for Benteke. 6.5/10.
Luis Suarez (Liverpool to Real Madrid)
Another player widely expected to leave this summer, Luis Suarez surprised a few by eventually staying put at Liverpool. Still, the Uruguayan will continue to attract interest this January, and Real Madrid are determined to land him as one of their main transfer targets as they seek to upgrade on the off-form Karim Benzema. Arsenal may also be back in for him, but there’s little chance of the Reds selling to a rival, meaning they could cash in if a suitable offer comes in from Real. 7/10.
Juan Mata (Chelsea to PSG)
After being inexplicably frozen out by Jose Mourinho at Chelsea, there seems very little chance that Juan Mata will remain at Stamford Bridge beyond the middle of the season. The supremely talented Spaniard seemed never to be to Mourinho’s liking from the very beginning of his second reign at Chelsea, and this has been confirmed with his continued absence from the first team.
Mata is one of the best playmakers in the world and will not be short of offers this January, but the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham are surely set to be disappointed as Mourinho will know too well not to sell such an influential player to a Premier League title rival, leaving PSG as the main candidates for his signature. The French giants were in for him this summer and will feel confident of getting him when the transfer window re-opens if his situation at Chelsea stays as it is. 8.5/10.