January Transfer Window: How Every EPL Manager Can Improve His Squad

With the January transfer window fast approaching, every manager will be assembling a list of targets who they will want to have secured by February 1.

Whether they're pushing for a Champions League place or sweating over the prospect of relegation, every team will be looking to make some additions

Problem Area: Defence

Arsenal thought their central defensive issues were solved when Arsene Wenger signed Per Mertesacker for £8million in the summer, but unfortunately, the big German has not adapted too well to English football.

On top of this, Wenger is having a nightmare in the injury department, with all four of his fullbacks injured, three of which are on the long-term list.

Possible Solutions: While Wenger will be looking to secure the much-fought-over Gary Cahill, he may be better off focusing on picking up more experienced stars. A double swoop for Jose Bosingwa and the imminently-departing Alex from Chelsea coup really bolster Arsenal's back line.

Both players should be available at a reasonable price, as they are set to be the victims of an Andre Villas-Boas clear-out, and we all know that Wenger loves a bargain.

Problem Area: Central Defence

With Habib Beye and Carlos Cuellar likely to be sold in January, Alex McLeish will no doubt be looking to bolster his back line to solidify their mid-table place.

Possible Solutions: Nedum Onouha would be a great addition to the squad, and the young star could realise the potential that he hasn't had the chance to at City. Lewis Dunk of Brighton has been touted as a possible star of the future and could create a solid partnership with Ciaran Clark as the future of the Villa defence. Hamburg's promising centreback, Dennis Diekmeier, has also been linked to Villa in the press.

Problem Area: Defence

After losing Phil Jones to United in the Summer, Grant Hanley hasn't really stepped up to the plate, and Rovers may also face a battle to keep Chris Samba at the club when the bigger clubs come calling. Steve Kean really needs to bring in some decent players to try and win back the smallest iota of the fans' support.

Possible Solutions: While Nedum Onouha could really add something to the squad, there will likely be a list of clubs after him making it harder for Kean to secure the signature; however, Blackburn could also look to teammate Wayne Bridge to come in and add some cover for Michel Salgado and also give Martin Olsson a chance to move up to left midfield.

If Kean could manage to sign this pair, a defence of Onouha, Dann, Samba and Bridge surely couldn't get relegated, right?

Another name in the pot would be Liam Ridgewell, who would relish the opportunity to jump ship back to the EPL and rejoin former teammate Scott Dann.

Problem Area: Central Defence

With the Trotters set to lose prize asset Gary Cahill in January, they will need to start looking for a replacement, and if Owen Coyle is to get the inflated sums that he has requested, then money should not be an issue.

Aside from this, Bolton are rock bottom of the EPL with a terrible defensive record, having conceded 36 goals in 15 games, so they need to considerably tighten up at the back.

Possible Solutions: The word in the media is that Owen Coyle would like to add New York Red Bulls Defender Tim Ream to his squad; however, he may face a tug of war with Roy Hodgson, who wants the centreback at the Hawthorns. Nedum Onouha of Man City will be looking for a move following the summer's e-mailgate, and The Reebok Stadium could be the ideal place for him to revive his career.

Problem Area: Defence

With Villas-Boas already making it clear that he is to get rid of Jose Bosingwa in the new year, he may need to consider bringing in a top quality right back to fill the role.

For the most part this season, this position has been filled by Branislav Ivanovic, who, while being great at right back, is much better suited to the centreback role alongside John Terry.

David Luiz seems too prone to mistakes to stay in the centre of the back line, so he may realise a new role in midfield in the later stages of the season.

Possible Solutions: Chelsea are in the hunt for in-demand Bolton defender Gary Cahill, who could keep Ivanovic out at right back if he is to make the switch to Stamford Bridge.

Villas-Boas may also consider bringing in some friendly faces in the form of Rolando or Alvaro Perreira from his former club, Porto, who AVB did express interest in during the summer. Gregory van der Wiel has also been linked with moves to the EPL and could be brought in to fill the soon-to-be-vacant Right-Back spot.

Problem Area: Attack

Everton are the second-lowest scorers in the EPL this season, and the telling tale is that their top striker is young Super-Sub Apostolos Vellios, who, even as top scorer, has only hit the net three times in the EPL this term.

Louis Saha continues to disappoint, while summer loan signing Denis Stracqualursi hasn't really made an impact on the first team. Moyes' only main problem is the budget which he will be given, as he will surely have little to work with as Everton's financial crisis worsens.

Possible Solutions: Having to work with a tight budget, Moyes will most likely be looking for a free signing or a loanee until the end of the season. Federico Macheda is looking for some first team action in the new year, and would no doubt relish being the centre of attention at Goodison Park, while Romelu Lukaku of Chelsea could also be available for loan. Salomon Kalou has also been linked with a move to the Toffees, as Villas-Boas looks to cut the dead weight from his Chelsea team.

Problem Area: Attack

Zamora and Johnson have scored only three each in the EPL in the first half of the season, which is partly down to injury on both of their behalves; however, Fulham do need to find themselves a 20-goals-a-season striker. Currently, a lot of the goals are coming from the midfield, with the likes of Dempsey, Murphy and Ruiz netting nine between them.

Possible Solutions: Fulham have been linked with Marseille's Andre-Pierre Gignac, who has found himself out of favour at the French club, and Fulham may be able to get him in either on loan or relatively cheap following bust-ups with manager Didier Deschamps. Juventus striker Amauri has also been on Jol's radar recently, and could be available for free in January if Fulham choose to save him from the Juve Reserves. Spurs pairing Jermaine Defoe and Roman Pavlyuchenko could also fit the bill given a decent amount of playing time.

Problem Area: Attack

While Luis Suarez has been a fantastic signing for Kenny Dalglish, the Glaswegian has struggled to get the best out of £35million striker Andy Carroll, who has still not found form in a red shirt.

Sixth-placed Liverpool have scored 13 less than Arsenal, who are only one place above. They will need to start fining the net more regularly so they don't miss out on anything based on their goal difference.

Possible Solutions: Liverpool's recent interest in David Villa will have been culled by his recent injury in the Club World Cup; therefore, there has been speculation amongst fans that Fernando Torres may return to Anfield, although Chelsea are bound to slap a massive price tag on the striker, which may prove a stumbling block.

More intriguing rumours in the press have mentioned Crystal Palace striker Wilfried Zaha, who has been linked with a string of big clubs, including Barcelona, Bayern Munich and of course, Liverpool. Dalglish could be tempted to a move for Didier Drogba, who has been told his time is up at Stamford Bridge by boss Andres Villas-Boas.

Problem Area: Attack

While this may not necessarily be considered a "problem area," City will want to add at least one more striker in January to take the place of the departing Carlos Tevez. Of course we all know that City haven't struggled for goals so far this season, clocking up 49 goals so far, but Mancini will still want another prolific forward to keep up this form into the new year.

Possible Solutions: While Mancini will no doubt be asking Samir Nasri to put a good word in with ex-teammate Robin Van Persie, a more likely target would be Edinson Cavani, who City fans will be more than familiar with after his games against them in the group stages of the UCL.

Problem Area: Central Midfield

It's the same old story from the summer. Man United just haven't found an adequate replacement for Paul Scholes. To make matters worse, Darren Fletcher announced this week that he is taking an extended break from football for health reasons.

Possible Solutions: While United fans have been praying for the last six months that Wesley Sneijder will end up gracing the Old Trafford field, a more sensible option may be Luka Modric, whose move to United could be aided by Michael Carrick and/or Michael Owen going the other way, as Harry Redknapp has expressed interest in these players.

Alongside these, there has been a string of young midfielding talents connected with United, such as Javi Martinez, Marek Hamsik, Jack Rodwell, Ross Barkley and Christian Eriksen, and any of these would be great additions to the team at Old Trafford.

Problem Area: Attack

Demba Ba has been flourishing in his current role as Newcastle's talisman, but what he really needs is a strike partner who he can bounce off of to cause even more havoc in the opposition's half. Shola Ameobi and Leon Best don't really seem to make the grade on this one, and while Sammy Ameobi has potential, I don't think that he's cut out for the EPL yet.

Possible Solutions: Since the close of the previous transfer window, there have been rumours that Sochaux striker Modibo Maiga is looking to sign for the Magipies for a sum suggested to be around £7million. Luuk De Jong of FC Twente is another player who has been rumoured to sign, but Pardew may face a transfer battle with David Moyes who is desperate for a prolific forward.

Of course, it's difficult not to mention Spurs duo Roman Pavlyuchenko and Jermain Defoe, who will be hot properties during the January window.

Problem Area: Goalkeeper

Ruddy has performed admirably so far this season; however, under pressure, he has made silly mistakes which have been all too costly for the Canaries. At 25, he is a young goalkeeper, and Norwich could do with investing in a more experienced pair of hands to ensure that there are no slip-ups this season.

Possible Solutions: Carlo Cudicini won't be enjoying being third in the pecking order at White Hart Lane, and he is still a fantastic keeper who could ensure Norwich stay in the EPL. Tomasz Kuszczak is another player who is disenchanted with his position at his club and could welcome a move where he could show his old club what they're missing. Plus, he's probably already got a green and yellow scarf.

Problem Area: Attack

While Heidar Helguson has had a great season so far, it seems that the R's are relying on him too much, meaning that they will need to bring in at least one more prolific striker in January. The question is how much owner Tony Fernandes is willing to pump into the club to fund these transfers.

Possible Solutions: With Emannuel Adebayor firmly the first choice at White Hart Lane, Neil Warnock could look to either Jermaine Defoe or Roman Pavlyuchenko to come in in January. Both strikers have not seen a lot of first-team football this season due to the Togolese forward's great form, and they would undoubtedly relish a move to any club who could offer them a start every Saturday.

A loan signing could be another option, with young stars like Federico Macheda and Romelu Lukaku possibly looking for short term moves in January.

Problem Area: Defence

Stoke are not the feared team that they were last season; in fact, they have shipped 25 goals in 16 games this season, which is a far cry from their impressive defensive record of last season. It's time for Pulis to bolster his defence, especially with the latter stages of the Europa League approaching.

Possible Solutions: Sunderland's Phil Bardsley would be a great signing to take over the Right-Back position, while Wayne Bridge of Man City would be a solid signing on the opposite flank. Both of these players would fit in well with Stoke's rough-and-ready style of play and would really complete their back line. Of course, you have to mention hot properties Nedum Onouha and Liam Ridgewell, who would also be fantastic additions.

Problem Area: Attack

Following Darren Bent's move to Aston Villa, the end of Danny Welbeck's loan and the bizarre departure of Asamoah Gyan, the Mackems haven't really been left with many attacking options. Bendtner has not lived up to the hype which he made himself, and fellow striker Ji has struggled to adapt to English football, meaning that goals have been few and far between at the Stadium of Light. Can new manager Martin O'Neill make some super signings and save Sunderland's season?

Possible Solutions: Bobby Zamora's name has been mentioned recently; however, Fulham are looking for around £10million if they are to lose the striker. Martin O'Neill could be tempted to bring promising English striker and former protege Nathan Delfouneso from Aston Villa, although the Villains' shallow squad could make them unwilling to let the starlet go.

Sunderland could also consider a move for Hugo Rodallega, who has a point to prove to the EPL if he is to save himself from Championship football. The Black Cats could also join the races for Roman Pavlyuchenko, Jermain Defoe and Salomon Kalou.

Problem Area: Central Midfield

While Swansea have got a top quality keeper, creative wingers and decent strikers, they are really lacking in the centre of the park. During the transfer window, Brendan Rodgers should be looking to sign a passmaster in the midfield to start supplying the likes of Sinclair, Dyer, Allen and Graham to get the goals that will ensure the Swans avoid a relegation scrap come May.

Possible Solutions: Brendan Rodgers told the press this week that he wasn't willing to make an offer for Blackburn's Keith Andrews, who has been priced out of a move to the Liberty Stadium. Josh McEachran could be loaned out by Chelsea in the new year, and Swansea will likely be in the mix of clubs vying for his signature.

Another possible loan signing would be Darron Gibson from Man United, who will be looking for first team football in January. Stoke's Glenn Whelan is also rumoured to be moving to the Liberty Stadium in January.

Problem Area: Central Defence

With the ageing pairing of Gallas and Dawson both injury prone, 'Arry will no doubt be looking for a Centre Back to cover them and to be groomed as their replacement(s).

Possible Solutions: In-demand Gary Cahill would be near the top of Redknapp's wishlist. Although it will likely be a financial tug-of war that decides the young efender's fate, could the chance of working with a prospective England manager sway his decision?

Rio Ferdinand has reportedly been under Tottenham's radar in the recent past, although Nemanja Vidic's recent injury probably means that United will want to hold onto the experienced defender. Following the English theme, Phil Jagielka could also be tempted to a move to Spurs if the "Wheeler Dealer" is willing to splash the cash.

Problem Area: Defence

West Brom's 13th place is deceptive, as really they are only five points above the drop zone. In the second half of the season, they will be looking to solidify a mid-table spot and will need to tighten up their back line to do so.

Possible Solutions: Roy Hodgson has shown interest in New York Red Bulls centreback Tim Ream, although he will face a stern battle with Owen Coyle, who is also looking to sign the defender. Birmingham's Liam Ridgewell could also be a target who would no doubt jump at the opportunity to return to the EPL, although Brum could be reluctant in selling to local rivals. Nedum Onouha, who is looking to move away from the Etihad, would also be a great addition to the squad at the Hawthorns.

Problem Area: Attack

Manager Roberto Martinez has made some brave choices this season, dropping star players like Ben Watson and Hugo Rodallega due to poor form. Unfortunately these risks have not paid off for him, and he will surely be looking for some quality attacking players in January if Wigan are to avoid the drop.

Possible Solutions: Barcelona's Jonathan Soriano has been linked with a move to England; however, Wigan would likely be in a battle with clubs like QPR and Swansea to secure the player's signature. Nathan Delfouneso would be a fantastic loan signing for the Latics, or Adam Johnson from Man City, who has found himself very out of favour at the club despite recently signing a new contract. A move for Leeds' Robert Snodgrass could also be a potential avenue.

Problem Area: Midfield

Wolves have a fantastic asset in their lone striker Steven Fletcher; however, the supply of the Wolves midfield does not meet the demands of the Scottish striker, so Mick McCarthy may need to bring in some more creative midfielders.

Possible Solutions: Leeds' Robert Snodgrass could be ready to take the step up to the EPL and link up with international teammate Fletcher. Darron Gibson of Man United and Tom Huddlestone of Tottenham are both likely to be available for loan and either could be a great playmaker for Wolves. If they could prise him away from Blackburn, then Junior Hoilett would be a fantastic addition to the squad at Molineux.