The eleven players we expect to be on everyuone’s minds once the transfer window reopens.
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The January transfer window is now just a couple of weeks away, with the rumour mill grinding into top gear and managers starting to make their plans for the frantic month of transfer activity that lies ahead. Some names will inevitably dominate the headlines, however – this is our January transfer XI that you’ll be hearing a lot more about over the coming weeks:
GK) Iker Casillas (Real Madrid)
The legendary Spanish stopper seems to be coming to the end of his team at the Bernabeu, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United all sniffing around.
RB) Nathaniel Clyne (Southampton)
Now an England international, Clyne has had a stupendous couple of seasons for Southampton so it should be little surprise that Manchester United are reportedly ready to swoop.
CB) Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa)
‘Out of contract at the end of the season’ is a phrase you’ll hear plenty during January – it applies to Aston Villa skipper Ron Vlaar, who has been linked with Arsenal and Manchester United.
CB) Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)
Perhaps the most sought after defender in European football right now, Hummels could be leaving sturggling Dortmund, with Arsenal, Manchester United and Barcelona the names regularly linked.
LB) Andy Robertson (Hull City)
A start to life in the Premier League as impressive as that made by Andy Robertson at Hull City will also win you admirers – Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United in the case of the former Dundee United star.
RM) Zakaria Bakkali (PSV Eindhoven)
There is clearly no room for sentiment at PSG, who have demoted teenage winger Zakaria Bakkali to the reserves due to his refusal to discuss a new contract. Manchester United could be set to swoop.
CM) William Carvalho (Sporting Lisbon)
The Sporting Lisbon holding midfielder was one of the dominant players of the summer market, but he stayed in Portugal, will the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea have more luck prising him away this time?
CM) Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton)
Considering the fine form that Ronald Koeman’s Southampton side have shown during the early months of this season, it is no surprise that their players are being linked with moves away – Arsenal and Tottenham are reportedly interested in Schneiderlin.
LM) Martin Odegaard (Stromsgodset)
Teenage winger Martin Odegaard is expected to decide on his future in January, with Real Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester United battling to secure the Norwegian’s signature.
SC) Andre Pierre Gignac (Marseille)
The form of Olympique Marseille under the management of the mercurial Marcelo Bielsa has been one of the stories of the season, with the goals of Andre Pierre Gignac a huge factor. He is out of contract in the summer and both Arsenal and Liverpool seem to be interested.
SC) Mauro Icardi (Inter Milan)
A colourful character, Inter forward Mauro Icardi is putting in the performances to match up to his talk and the young forward is reportedly attracting the interest of Liverpool.