We take a look at ten central defenders who could be available for top Premier League clubs during this transfer window.
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Winston Reid (West Ham United)
A consistent Premier League performer since their return to the Premier League under Sam Allardyce, interest in West Ham star Winston Reid has intensified as a result of his contract status. Arsenal are believed to be leading the chase for the New Zealander, whether that is on the cheap in January or on a bosman at the end of the campaign.
Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)
Borrusia Dortmund central defender is perhaps the most sought after defensive player in world football – and he could be tempted to leave Signal Iduna Park on account of his side’s dreadful form in the Bundesliga, where they sit in the relegation zone for the winter break. Manchester United are said to be particularly interested.
Benedikt Howedes (FC Schalke 04)
Hummels is not the only German central defender to be attracting the interest of Premier League champions – Benedikt Howedes is said to be interested in leaving Schalke, with Manchester United leading the chase but Arsenal also tracking his position.
Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)
Once called the ‘best young defender in world football’ by Jose Mourinho, it should be no surprise that there is big interest in Real Madrid star Raphael Varane as his club consider selling the Frenchman for £20m. Manchester United and Chelsea are set to battle it out for the former Lens star.
Matija Nastasic (Manchester City)
Even with Manchester City’s lack of depth at the back this season, youngster Matija Nastasic has not been given much of an opportunity by Manuel Pellegrini, with suggestions that City could use Nastasic as bait in a deal for Julian Draxler.
Nicolas N’Koulou (Marseille)
Another player who is out of contract at the end of the season is composed Marseille centre back Nicolas N’Koulou, who has helped his side to the top of Ligue 1 – West Ham appear to be most strongly interested, but Arsenal have also been linked.
Nicolas Otamendi (Valencia)
A player who was passed up by Manchester United in the summer is Valencia centre back Nicolas Otamendi, who has been superb for the La Liga side this season since arriving, leading to reports that the Red Devils could reignite their interest.
Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa)
Yet another player out of contract when the season comes to a close is Aston Villa central defender Ron Vlaar, who was a big part of Louis van Gaal’s Dutch side at the World Cup – Napoli, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool have all been linked.
Vlad Chiriches (Tottenham Hotspur)
Central defender Vlad Chiriches has never really settled at White Hart Lane since signing from Steaua Bucharest 18 months ago, and it appears that he is now set to be moving on, with Serie A duo Juventus and AS Roma strongly linked with moves.
Chris Smalling (Manchester United)
Manchester United centre back Chris Smalling has been on the fringes of things since Louis van Gaal took over at Old Trafford, and will not have endeared himself to his manager with a calamitous display in the Manchester derby – the Red Devils could consider selling him to Arsenal.