40. Jeremy Menez (PSG)
Formerly a target of the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United, PSG winger Jeremy Menez looks likely to be on the move this January after falling down the pecking order behind several of the Ligue 1 champions’ big-money purchases. Liverpool and Monaco are now said to be leading the chase for the French international’s signature, and there’s no doubt he remains a top talent even if he isn’t featuring regularly for PSG. Liverpool could do with his kind of skill and ability from the flanks and a move to Anfield makes sense for the talented 26-year-old.
39. Wilfried Zaha (Manchester United)
After joining up with the club this summer having officially signed for Manchester United from Crystal Palace in January, much was expected from young forward Wilfried Zaha this season, though he has surprisingly not managed to wriggle his way into David Moyes’ first-team plans. This has now led to inevitable rumours that the youngster may be sent out on loan to continue his development, and he will now be considered hot property in the loan market this January, with a long queue of Premier League clubs ready to take him on and give him the first-team football he desires. Newcastle, Southampton, Fulham and Stoke are among his suitors, as are former club Crystal Palace, who also wanted him on loan again in the summer.
38. Marco Verratti (PSG)
Talented young playmaker Marco Verratti, hailed by some as the next Andrea Pirlo, has struggled to settle in since his big move to PSG last summer, and could be heading back to Italy to revive his career. Formerly of Serie B side Pescara, the likes of Inter Milan and Fiorentina are keen to bring him to Serie A, though Manchester United and Real Madrid have also been monitoring his situation as they seek new creative midfield players this January. There’s no doubt Verratti has plenty of potential and it seems likely that he will take the chance to move as soon as possible to get his career back on track.
37. Fabio Coentrao (Real Madrid)
Real Madrid left-back Fabio Coentrao looks set to be the centre of much speculation again this January after nearly leaving the club during the summer transfer window. The Portuguese international is not currently first choice at the Bernabeu and a number of clubs will look to take advantage when January comes around. Manchester United and Tottenham seem the most likely candidates to snap up the 25-year-old, as they both seek new left-backs at the next possible opportunity. United looked close to sealing a move for Coentrao on deadline day, though like many of their proposed summer moves, it fell through at the last minute. Spurs had also been keen on securing him as part of the Gareth Bale deal, though this never materialised either. He is still likely to be available and could yet be Premier League-bound this season.
36. Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle)
Although Yohan Cabaye has apologised to Newcastle fans over this summer’s transfer saga linking him strongly with a move to Arsenal, it doesn’t seem impossible that clubs will be back in for him this January, with PSG also one of his admirers. Manchester United have also been linked with the French playmaker in the past and could look to him again as they continue to search for their Paul Scholes replacement in midfield. Cabaye would cost around £20m but is surely worth the big money due to his immense talent, and he is surely too good to remain at St James’ Park for much longer.