30. Zakaria Bakkali (PSV)
Still only 17 years old, there are fewer more exciting teenage prospects in world football at the moment than Belgian starlet Zakaria Bakkali, currently of PSV Eindhoven. The skillful attacker is the youngest-ever scorer of a hat-trick in the Eredivisie and looks to have the world at his feet. His fine form has already attracted interest from top clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea, and they will all be keen to snap him up this January as talks continue with PSV over a new long-term contract. Interest in Bakkali is no surprise, and whoever eventually lands him will be signing a real star of the future.
29. Adil Rami (Valencia)
After a fall-out with his manager Miroslav Dukic, Valencia defender Adil Rami looks set to attract more interest this January after also being one of the most talked about players during the summer. The French international is known as one of the most solid centre-backs in La Liga and could be a great addition to a number of top clubs this season. Arsenal and Manchester City are said to be leading the chase for him in England, while AC Milan and Napoli represent major suitors from Italy. His time at the Mestalla certainly seems to be coming to an end, and Rami will surely be the subject of much speculation again this January.
28. Luke Shaw (Southampton)
After a superb start to his career as a senior player at Southampton last season, 18-year-old left-back Luke Shaw is now a highly in-demand young star, and looks set to make the headlines again this January with the news that Manchester United could step up their interest in bringing him to Old Trafford. Compared with a young Gareth Bale with his attacking style of play from the back, Shaw could already move for big money at his young age, with United said to be willing to pay as much as £25m to land him. Shaw could also attract bids from the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham, who won’t want to miss out on this future star of English football.
27. Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United)
Although Adnan Januzaj has only just managed to break into the Manchester United first-team this season, the 18-year-old Belgian is already the cause of a great deal of excitement. The skillful attacker scored two fine goals to help United to a 2-1 win at Sunderland on Saturday, showing the fine potential that has seen him talked up as one of the best young players at the club. The Red Devils are keen to tie him down to a new contract, though the likes of Manchester City and Juventus are reportedly ready to pounce if he fails to agree a new deal. If this uncertainty over his future continues into January then there could be plenty of other clubs sniffing around for this exciting prospect.
26. Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle)
Another player stalling on signing a new contract is Newcastle winger Hatem Ben Arfa. The skillful Frenchman has been a brilliant if inconsistent player for the Magpies since joining the club in 2010, and perhaps he would be justified in thinking he could really hit top form on a more regular basis in a stronger team. Liverpool are said to be monitoring his situation at St James’ Park as they seek additions on the flanks, and the 26-year-old is also attracting interest from his native France from Monaco.