January Transfer Window: 40 Biggest Names Likely to Be on the Move

Tom Sunderland@@TomSunderland_X.com LogoFeatured ColumnistSeptember 10, 2012

January Transfer Window: 40 Biggest Names Likely to Be on the Move

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    With the summer transfer window now done and dusted, it's time to put our gossiping garments to one side and tuck our speculation caps firmly away for a few months, right?

    Wrong, as the January transfer window is another chance for clubs to complete some midseason strengthening, and there will be more inter-league moves on their way.

    Even though we're currently three-and-a-half months away from the New Year period, we can already see some transfers slowly crafting themselves in preparation for the next window to open.

    This list is comprised of players who have already emerged as candidates to move on in 2013, for whatever reasons those may be.

    Whether it's a new face coming to the division or one moving away from it, here are the biggest Premier League storylines that could unfold in the January transfer window.

40. Brede Hangeland

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    Yet to pen an extension on a contract that expires next summer, Brede Hangeland is looking like a major possibility for the Craven Cottage exit the January.

    The Norwegian international has been heavily linked with moves to Arsenal and Tottenham in recent seasons, but has so far remained true to the Fulham cause.

    However, speaking to Norwegian channel, tv2 (h/t Daily Mail), the player's agent was quoted as saying Hangeland is "not even close" to agreeing a new deal.

    Rather than lose their man on a free in the summer, Fulham may consider cashing in on their star defender this January.

39. Jermaine Jenas

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    Seemingly surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane, Jermaine Jenas may finally get a permanent move away from Tottenham this winter.

    The 29-year-old is currently struggling to fit into a flooded Spurs midfield, competing with the likes of Gylfi Sigurdsson, Moussa Dembélé, Scott Parker, Sandro, Jake Livermore and others.

    The Daily Mail has reported that Jenas could complete a move to Leeds United this week. Should this move come off, the championship club may opt to make the deal a permanent one in January.

38. Nenê

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    As a direct result of their Qatari takeover last year, the competition for places at Paris Saint-Germain has become incredibly tight at the Parc des Princes.

    One of those who appears to have lost out slightly in that time is Nenê, who, despite having an incredible 2011-12 season, is alleged to longer figure in the plans of Carlo Ancelotti (via Sky Sports).

    Although Brazil and Turkey are the most likely options as things stand, a Premier League side may yet weigh in on a move for Nenê, whose time in the French capital looks all but done.

37. Mapou Yanga Mbiwa

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    A player who allegedly turned down a move to Arsenal over the summer (via Mirror), Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa may yet agree to a move to the English top flight this January.

    The Montpellier captain, who was vital in their Ligue 1-winning 2011-12 campaign, appears adamant to complete a move to AC Milan, but could still make a Premier League switch if the right offer comes in.

    Another star whose contract runs out next summer, Montpellier won't want to lose their wantaway leader as a free transfer.

36. Marouane Chamakh

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    Having made just one Premier League starts last season, it's safe to say that Arsenal are adamant to utilise alternative striking options other than Marouane Chamakh.

    The Moroccan international is now competing with Olivier Giroud, Lukas Podolski, Andrey Arshavin and others for a spot in the Arsenal squad, and August saw him linked with a loan move to Blackburn (via Guardian).

    Whether it's a loan move or a permanent departure, one would think Chamakh's time at the Emirates Stadium is slowly winding down.

35. Sebastien Squillaci

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    Chamakh's teammate and fellow Arsenal outcast, Sebastien Squillaci's time in north London will come and go without many even knowing he was there at all.

    The ex-Lyon defender made just four starts for the club across all competitions last season, none of which were in the Premier League.

    Squillaci is now 32 years old and incredibly unlikely to break into the starting XI, so a winter departure is a firm possibility.

34. Kaka

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    Kaka remains adamant to make his mark on Real Madrid matters despite featuring less than sporadically for the Spanish giants in a three-year stay.

    The Brazilian playmaker was supposedly close to joining Manchester United on loan over the summer months (via Daily Mail), and a similar temporary solution may emerge in January.

    That being said, a more permanent move is also in the reckoning, as Kaka looks to recapture the kind of form he displayed during his happiest days at AC Milan.

33. Leandro Damião

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    Another Brazilian international to make the cut, Leandro Damião would appear likely to be chased by his Premier League suitors again in January (via Daily Mail).

    Although Tottenham tied up a deal to sign Emmanuel Adebayor in August, Andre Villas Boas may yet make further acquisitions this season, with his strikeforce a particular area he may look to strengthen.

    Damião currently plays for Internacional, but is one of several Brazilian starlets edging closer to exits from their native land.

32. Adrían Lopez

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    Just weeks after the player rejected the thought of a move away from Atletico Madrid, Adrían Lopez is now reported to be stalling on a new deal with the club (via AS, h/t Metro).

    Barcelona, Tottenham and Arsenal were all linked with the player over the summer and will assuredly look into gaining his services again in January.

    Lopez has a release clause in his contract that is a mere £14.5m, and unless he can agree a new deal, Atletico are liable to losing their attacker in the winter months.

31. Wilson Palacios

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    With Steven N'Zonzi joining the club on transfer deadline day, it would seem that Wilson Palacios' days as a Potter are numbered.

    The Honduran international has made only a handful of appearances for Stoke City and was reportedly inches away from joining Fulham on loan over the summer (via SportsMole).

    Even when fit, Palacios' chances of a first-team spot under Tony Pulis—notorious for playing out with players—would seem limited and a January loan or sale is on the cards.

30. Daniel Agger

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    Although the player states that he is happy in his current surroundings, Daniel Agger could yet complete a move to Manchester CIty in January (via Guardian).

    The Danish defender was incessantly associated with a move to the Etihad Stadium over the summer, but the Premier League champions were rebuffed in any pursuit of Agger's signature when quoted a fee of almost £30 million.

    If Liverpool don't turn around their lacklustre start to the season, Agger may become disenchanted with his future at Anfield and instead opt for a January exit.

29. Etienne Capoue

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    Although the 24-year-old remained with Toulouse over the summer, the elite interest in Étienne Capoue is unlikely to die down in a hurry, and the likes of Barcelona and Arsenal will undoubtedly maintain their pursuit until January (via talkSPORT).

    The defensive midfielder made his debut for the French national team earlier this year and is drawing a considerable amount of praise in his Ligue 1 ventures.

28. Javier Hernandez

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    With Robin van Persie now at the club for added competition, Javier Hernandez is a surprise candidate for this list, but one that may nonetheless complete a January transfer.

    The competition for places against Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck seemed fierce enough, but with last season's Premier League golden boot winner now in the mix, Hernandez's chances look all the slimmer.

    The Mexican international is a valued member at Manchester United, but may seek a move away if a starting place is too hard to come upon.

    The International Business Times report that Tottenham will emerge as possible suitors for the striker as they look to beef up their attack.

27. Florent Malouda

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    After being forced to train with the club's youth and reserve teams, it would be a surprise if Florent Malouda ever pulled on a jersey as part of Chelsea's first team again (via Telegraph).

    Chelsea spent big on their midfield this summer, and the acquisitions of players like Eden Hazard, MArko Marin, Victor Moses and Oscar make Malouda's chances all the worse.

    The Frenchman was linked with numerous Brazilian teams over the summer so that he could move his family to his wife's native, but a transfer failed to materialise.

    Surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge, it's more than possible that the Blues will look for any sort of fee for Malouda in January.

26. Willian

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    A man once plugged as the most likely candidate to replace Malouda at Chelsea, Willian has made no secret of his desire to play in the Premier League.

    The Brazilian international was one of three Shakhtar Donetsk stars interesting Tottenham over the summer, and the north London club may go back in for the winger in January.

    Sky Sports News (h/t Football365.com) broke the news of a failed Tottenham bid in the final days of the summer window, but that desire to sign Willian should translate into the winter period.

25. Robert Green

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    After leaving West Ham on a free transfer, Robert Green only joined QPR at the beginning of the summer but is already eyeing a January exit.

    Following some early-season blunders, the Rs took advantage of Julio Cesar's predicament in Italy and signed the Brazilian for next to nothing.

    Going up against a Champions League winner and Brazil international, Green is understandably despairing in his hopes for a starting spot, and Mark Hughes has already said the exit door is open for Green (via Goal.com).

24. Andrey Arshavin

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    After spending the second half of last season on loan at former club Zenit St. Petersburg, Andrey Arshavin appeared set to return to the Russian club on a free transfer on deadline day.

    However, the move fell through (via Daily Mail), and Arshavin remains a Gunner.

    Unless the 31-year-old sees a significant increase in playing time, he's likely to finally give up on his Arsenal future and opt for a move away in January.

23. Kevin Gameiro

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    Yet to make a start for Paris Saint-Germain this season, the arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic may finally bring about the departure of Kevin Gameiro from the club.

    Gameiro was being linked by Broadcaster Canal with a move to Arsenal earlier this summer (via Sporting Head), and the Gunners could emerge as suitors again if they're able to offload some fringe players.

22. Cheik Tioté

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    An impressive past two seasons in the Premier League have put a number of the English elite on high alert regarding the signature of Cheik Tioté.

    The Ivorian anchorman has established himself as an integral member of the Newcastle United squad that made a successful run at the European places last campaign, bringing about a heap of interest in his services.

    The Daily Mail have touted Manchester United as suitors in the past, and the Red Devils could raise their heads again in four months' time.

21. Jordan Ayew

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    Just days after a season-long loan move to OGC Nice fell through, a similar deal may yet emerge as a possibility in January.

    Reading have shown their intent by seeking a deal for the Ghanaian international in recent weeks and could enquire about another move in the winter (via Daily Mail).

    Marseille are supposedly willing to sell the 20-year-old striker and could let their asset go in January, provided there's a club willing to meet the French club's £4 million valuation.

20. Stevan Jovetic

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    Fiorentina may have managed to hold onto their star striker past the 2012 summer transfer window, but the club are already planning for the future after telling the forward he can leave at the end of the current season (via Goal.com).

    The 22-year-old was supposedly being chased by Manchester City, Chelsea and Juventus over the summer, a trio who will all be pleased to hear the Florence outfit's announcement.

    However, in a bid to beat the competition, interested parties may try to sort out a deal for the forward in January instead of waiting until the summer.

19. Ganso

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    One of several Brazilian starlets set to become the nation's next generation, Paulo Henrique Ganso could follow compatriot Oscar by completing a move to the English top flight.

    The Mirror have reported that Tottenham will make an inquiry for the creative midfielder in January in the hopes of completing an £8 million deal.

18. Moussa Sissoko

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    Moussa Sissoko has made no secret of his desire to play for a top Premier League side and could very well achieve a dream by moving to an elite English side in January.

    Goal.com have reported that the Frenchman will make the best of his time with Toulouse, but could be tempted should the Premier League come calling.

    Despite this loyalty, a January move is a possibility if the right move is on the table.

17. Cristian Tello

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    After it seemed as if the winger would have no part to play in Barcelona's season, Cristian Tello's situation at Barcelona remains in some doubt.

    The youngster was left out of Tito Vilanova's 25-man squad for the season, but has since gone on to make two league appearances for the club and may yet have a future at the Camp Nou.

    Tello has less than a year left on his contract, and the likes of Arsenal ans Liverpool could revive their interest in his signature this winter (via Daily Mail).

16. Michael Dawson

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    It would seem as if Andre Villas Boas isn't adamant to hang onto the signature of Michael Dawson and came close to selling his centre-back to QPR in August (via BBC Sport).

    With Younes Kaboul, William Gallas, Jan Vertonghen and Steven Caulker all apparently ahead of Dawson in the pecking order, the captain may opt for a January departure in the hunt for first-team football.

    Dawson has struggled with injuries in the past and can apparently leave White Hart Lane if the right offer comes in (per the Daily Mail).

15. Kolo Toure

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    After failing to make Manchester City's Champions League squad, it would appear as if Roberto Mancini is open to the possibility of selling Kolo Toure in January.

    The Ivorian was closely linked with Galatasaray in the summer, and despite claims that Toure is happy where he is, the centre-back might leave in these waning years of his career.

    The Daily Mail report that City may already be in talks with the Turkish outfit, and Toure may spend the second half of next season on loan at Gala.

14. Marouane Fellaini

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    Following a bombshell of news, Marouane Fellaini has allegedly suggested that he could leave Everton as soon as January.

    The Belgian international was reported by Het Niuewsblad (h/t Telegraph) as saying that he could leave the Merseyside outfit in the New Year after "seeing all he has to see" with Everton.

    Emerging as a key part of the Toffees setup, a number of clubs will be interested in Fellaini's signature should he leave Everton.

13. Nani

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    In what is supposedly becoming a bit of a saga at Manchester United, Nani could be on the way of the club after it emerged that the player may be threatening to run down his current deal before leaving on a free transfer (via Mirror).

    The Portuguese international has slipped down the ranks at Old Trafford behind the likes of Ashley Young, Antonio Valencia, Shinji Kagawa and Danny Welbeck.

    The winger came close to a move to Zenit St. Petersburg in the final days of the summer window but priced himself out of a move due to exorbitant wage demands (via Daily Mail).

12. Edin Dzeko

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    With Carlos Tevez once again loved amongst the Manchester City faithful, Edin Dzeko could be deemed surplus to requirements at the Etihad Stadium before January rolls around.

    The Bosnian international is undoubtedly a major talent, but with the likes of Tevez, Sergio Aguero and Mario Balotelli all at the club, places are proving hard to come by.

    AC Milan and Juventus have held interest in Dzeko before and may do so again in 2013 (via Daily Mail).

11. Yann M'Vila

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    After months of being linked with a move to many of Europe's giants over the summer, Yann M'Vila ultimately opted to stay with Rennes for the 2012-13 season.

    However, have no doubt that the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham will come back for the French international in January (via Daily Mail).

10. Mathieu Debuchy

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    Mathieu Debuchy has been clear in his desires to complete a move to Newcastle United in recent months, but the northeast club have so far failed to agree a deal with Lille as of yet.

    Real Madrid attempted to stage a deadline day move for the French defender (via Daily Mail), but Debuchy remains at Lille.

    With Danny Simpson having less than a year on his contract, the Magpies are bound to revive their interest in the new year and could finally complete the transfer. 

9. David Luiz

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    Despite reports that Robero Di Matteo will rebuff offers of any price for his extravert defender (via Daily Mail), the Chelsea manager may have to entertain yet more bids for David Luiz this January.

    The Brazilian has attracted the attention of Manchester City and Barcelona in recent weeks, and the pair may rise as candidates for the Brazilian once more in January.

8. Loic Remy

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    Having spent most of the summer months involved in the transfer speculation, it's very possible that Tottenham maintain their interest in Loic Remy this winter.

    Chelsea were also linked with the striker in August and reportedly had a deadline day bid turned down (via Daily Mail).

    Both clubs could still do with some attacking reinforcements and may look to the French international as one of their primary targets in January.

7. Radamel Falcao

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    One of Europe's most sought-after talents at the moment, Radamel Falcao is bound to find himself featuring in the transfer gossip this winter.

    ESPN have reported the Atletico Madrid president, Enrique Cerezo, as saying that the striker is going nowhere but stranger things have happened. 

    The player's father is reported as saying that Falcao has dreamed of a move to Chelsea, opening up the chance for a January switch from the Spanish capital (via Guardian).

6. Lewis Holtby

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    With less than a year left to run on his Schalke 04 contract, Lewis Holtby may be moved on in January as the Bundesliga side look to command a fee for their German international.

    Holtby is a fan of Everton and has spoken of his desire to join the Toffees at some point, but Arsenal may move to spoil that transfer in January (via Mirror).

5. Cristiano Ronaldo

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    Following reports that the superstar attacker is "sad" at Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo's future with the La Liga champions is supposedly in doubt (via BBC Sport).

    What's more, The Mirror (h/t The Week) has alleged that Sir Alex Ferguson is looking to take his former charge back to Old Trafford in what could be the biggest transfer in the history of the sport.

    Just how "likely" the transfer is at this point is debatable, but it would still make for earth-shattering news if it were to come about.

    Real would undoubtedly rather sell their star at the end of the season, but a January deal is just as possible, supposing the right offer is made.

4. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar

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    Another of Schalke's stars with less than a year left on their contract, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar may be sold this January as the German outfit seek to get a fee for the striker while they still can.

    The Dutch international has a release clause of around £17 million in his contract, meaning an English club may opt to take advantage while they still can (via Daily Mail).

    Tottenham and Arsenal have been linked with Huntelaar in the past and may revive interest in the Schalke hitman again the January (via Metro).

3. Daniel Sturridge

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    Currently fighting for a starting spot at Stamford Bridge, Daniel Sturridge may take the chance to get a move away from Chelsea this January following a draft of summer expenditures at the club.

    Now with the likes of Eden Hazard, Marko Marin, Juan Mata, Ramires and Oscar to compete with, minutes could be harder to come by with the Blues.

    With less than a year on his contract, Sturridge would leave the club for nothing if he were to leave in the summer, so Chelsea may sell to the interested parties of Liverpool if the right bid were to come in during the January window (via BBC Sport).

2. Fernando Llorente

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    By the time January comes around, Fernando Llorente will have around six months remaining on his contract, and Athletic Bilbao might be keen to cash in on the forward's signature while they can.

    The Independent have reported that Llorente won't be extending his current deal and will instead seek his football elsewhere; it's just a matter of how soon.

    Liverpool are just one club interested in the Spaniard (via The Sun), and a Premier League switch is definitely on the cards for the Euro 2012 winner.

1. Theo Walcott

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    One of the top transfer stories to keep your eye on in the new year will be whether or not Theo Walcott renews his loyalty as a Gunner or moves onto new pastures.

    The England international will see his Arsenal contract run out next summer, and seeing as how the club would be due no fee if he were to leave, Arsene Wenger's side may take a payment for his services in January.

    BBC Sport report that Wenger is confident of his winger signing a new deal with the north London outfit, but with competition for wide spots heating up at the Emirates Stadium, the likes of Liverpool or Manchester City could get their man in 2013 (per the Telegraph).

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