Which players are set to be most sought after this January?
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With the January transfer window now just a month and a half away, the rumour mill is beginning to refind its pace and clubs are looking towards the holes in their side that have emerged during the opening months of the season.
There are likely to be hundreds of starts linked with big moves in January – but this XI includes those who are set to take up the most column inches in the January window:
GK) Iker Casillas (Real Madrid)
It appears that the Real Madrid legend’s time between the Bernabeu sticks is coming to an end – could a Premier League side such as Arsenal or Liverpool offer the Spaniard a lifeline?
RB) Martin Montoya (Barcelona)
The 23 year-old is seemingly frustrated by living in the shadow of Brazilian international Dani Alves and is angling for a January move, with Liverpool reportedly interested.
CB) Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)
Borussia Dortmund’s dreadful Bundesliga form under the management of Jurgen Klopp has only led to increased speculation over the future of Mats Hummels, with Arsenal and Manchester United likely destinations for the German superstar.
CB) Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao)
Athletic Bilbao are another European giant to be struggling this season – which could lead to their star asset, French centre back Aymeric Laporte, leaving the Basque club. Arsenal and Manchester United again have the greatest need, but will they pay Laporte’s release clause?
LB) Fabio Coentrao (Real Madrid)
Portuguese international Fabio Coentrao appears to have lost his battle with Marcelo for the Real Madrid left back berth, which could reignite Manchester United and Tottenham’s interest.
RM) Pedro (Barcelona)
Following on from Alexis Sanchez and Cesc Fabregas this summer, it seems as though another seasoned international could be surplus to requirements at Barcelona – would Arsenal or Liverpool suit the raw pace of winger Pedro?
CM) Sami Khedira (Real Madrid)
Khedira is the most high-profile star to be out of contract next summer, with most of the Premier League’s big boys, notably Arsenal and Chelsea, looking for a bargain buy despite his exorbitant wages.
CM) Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton)
Southampton’s wonderful form under Ronald Koeman has only served to boost the reputation of Frenchman Morgan Schneiderlin, who is the heartbeat of the Saints’ team. Spurs and Arsenal were unable to prise him away from St. Mary’s in the summer, but they could return for another bite of the cherry.
LM) Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund)
Another player who could move on due to Dortmund’s poor form is forward Marco Reus, who has a release clause coming into play next summer. Could Jurgen Klopp’s side cash in whilst they can still dictate the fee for Chelsea and Manchester United target Reus?
SC) Edinson Cavani (Paris Saint Germain)
Despite his claims to the contrary, Edinson Cavani does not seem happy at the Parc des Princes and there is a clear rift between him and fellow striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Will any Premier League club be willing to pay the price that PSG will demand, however?
SC) Saido Berahino (West Bromwich Albion)
A glut of goals for West Brom at the start of this season have made Burundi-born Berahino one of the Premier League’s most in-demand young stars, with Tottenham and Liverpool seeming like the ideal destinations for the hotshot.