30. Pepe Reina – Liverpool to Atletico Madrid
The Spaniard has no future at Liverpool, and talk of a move to Barcelona seems to have hit a brick wall as they eye someone younger. That leaves Atletico Madrid, who will be sizing up replacements for Thibaut Courtois when for when he returns to Chelsea. Reina would do well in Madrid, where he would make a strong addition to their revolution.
29. Jermain Defoe – Tottenham Hotspur to Newcastle United
Magpies boss Alan Pardew has already admitted that he wanted to sign the England man last summer, and there is every chance that he will try again in the new year. Defoe has not had much of a look in this season and will want to play in a World Cup year. Newcastle are desperate for more options up front too, having only brought in Loic Remy during the off season.
28. Edin Dzeko – Manchester City to Borussia Dortmund
The German giants have already conceded that they are going to lose Robert Lewandowski next summer, and so they have begun their search for a replacement in earnest. Their search has led them to Dzeko, who is still struggling to cement a place in the first team under Pellegrini and could find that a move to Dortmund as an ideal solution to his problem.
27. Christian Benteke – Aston Villa to Arsenal
The prolific Villa striker has been monitored by a number of clubs for some time now, but it is Arsenal who have been credited with the heaviest interest as they need the firepower. Benteke has struggled with injury this season and has yet to light his fire and really get going. His height and strength would offer the Gunners something completely different to what they have now.
26. Tom Ince – Blackpool to Liverpool
Ince was once let go by the Reds as doubts over his size meant they thought he was best suited elsewhere. He did things properly after that and dropped down division in order to gain as much experience as possible and he is now one of the most sought after young players in the country. Liverpool could look to spring for his signature as they need to add more width, and it would be a move that he would be open to.
25. Danny – Zenit St Petersburg to Manchester United
A surprising name for David Moyes to be linked to, but his midfield is struggling and the experienced Portuguese star has been one of the best players in the Russian Premier League for a number of seasons. The 30-year-old had previously been linked with a move to Spurs, but United are now thought to be at the front of the line.
24. Juan Mata – Chelsea to Paris Saint Germain
Mata mysteriously can’t get into the side under Mourinho, and even though the Special One has denied that he is for sale, the player himself could demand a move if his exile continues as he targets a place in Spain’s World Cup squad next summer. PSG have been keeping an eye on the situation and they would certainly have the money to pull off the move.
23. Iker Casillas – Real Madrid to Manchester United
City were put on alert last month when the talismanic stopper announced that he could move soon if his situation in the Spanish capital fails to improve. Furthermore, his own World Cup place is under threat and he may be intrigued to work with Pellegrini again and ease the club’s woes after Joe Hart’s colossal dip in form.
22. Blaise Matuidi – Paris Saint Germain to Chelsea
The former Saint Etienne man has struggled for game time this term, and it looks increasingly unlikely that the club will offer him fresh terms as his current deal winds down. Both Chelsea and Manchester City are keen to cook up a pre-contract agreement with him in the new year, and with Chelsea’s greater need for some defensive midfield cover it would be no surprise to seem them make the first move.
21. Hulk – Zenit St Petersburg to Tottenham Hotspur
Despite having three (almost) world class strikers at the club, Spurs have only been utilising Roberto Soldado, and thus are in the market for further reinforcements to their front line. Hulk is known to be unhappy in Russia, and has admitted that he would welcome the chance to work with Andre Villas-Boas again in London.