January Transfer Rumours: 10 Flashiest Defenders on the Market

The defenders available in the January transfer window have some flair and flashiness in their skill set. Clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal, PSG and others should look at some of these defenders to secure their back line and add an edge to their attack.

In England, having an offensive-minded defender may not be a priority if you are not Arsenal or Manchester City. However, throughout Europe and with certain teams in England, you would covet a defender who isn't shy about taking a stroll up the park.

Several players from across Europe's bigger leagues have been rumored with moves to bigger clubs or a different league, all of whom contain the tenacity on defense and a bag of tricks they can pull out on offense to succeed with their potential new clubs.

The Brazilian defender has been a star for the Bundesliga side. Naldo has shown that he can defend well and be a star during training.

His ability as a defender to nail free kicks has been one of his greatest attributes for Werder Bremen. The Brazilian could be involved in a move back to Brazil.

The 29-year-old Naldo has stated that the Brazilian side Internacional is keen to see him back in his home country.

Udinese have one of the best center-backs in Europe that you probably haven't heard much about. The Moroccan defender has easily been of the better players during the rise of Udinese's current squad.

His ability to stop opposing attackers cold in their tracks, intercept passes and pickpocket strikers in tight quarters has helped make him a desirable commodity in Europe.

Mehdi Benatia also has the ability to find the back of the net. Benatia's headers and presence inside the box have seen him get onto the score sheet for Udinese and Morocco. 

According to Goal.com, there have been reports that Manchester United have been tracking the 24-year-old defender. If that doesn't speak volumes to his ability, then I'm not sure what would.

All you need to watch in the video above is the 0:37-0:45 clips. Jan Vertonghen has enjoyed great success in Amsterdam with Ajax.

The Belgian defender is considered a utility defender and can be used as a defensive midfielder. Vertonghen has a thunderous left foot and bags the occasional goal.

His ability to put his head on the end of a cross or corner adds to his value. Arsenal have been linked to the defender as they look to add another Belgian along the back-line with Thomas Vermaelen.

Raul Albiol could be on the move from his home country of Spain this winter. The Real Madrid man has been linked with a possible move to the Premier League's Manchester City.

Albiol is an extra commodity for Los Blancos, and they are looking to cut some fat. City could use the Spanish defender as a center-back or a defensive midfielder similar to Yaya Toure.

His defensive abilities speak for themselves as a member of Real Madrid and the Spanish national team. However, he also has the ability to knock in a few goals here and there, which is why he made this list.

Not to mention he is a Spaniard, so he possesses skills on the ball when they're needed.

The winger turned left-back has impressed during his time at Valencia. Last season, the La Liga side asked their 22-year-old to take one for the team and play at left-back. He has since shown that he is more than an adequate fill-in at the position.

His skills in defense have been impressive, but it's his ability to go forward during an attack that have caught the eyes of different clubs throughout Europe. He can cross it in, finish or take a defender on one-on-one.

Manchester United have been rumored with a move for the young defender as well as his former club, Barcelona.

The Ajax wingback contains a skill set much like Jordi Alba in the previous slide. Except that Gregory Van der Wiel is more physically imposing and was not converted from a winger.

The Dutch left-back has great recovery abilities and is capable of muscling an attacker off the ball if he cannot poke it away. However, what makes this left-back exciting to watch is his ability to attack.

Van der Wiel can cross it in from the flanks, put a head on an incoming cross or square up with a defender and make him chase the ball's shadow. The Dutchman looked to have a deal secured with La Liga's Valencia, but that looks like it could fall through until this summer.

If both sides come to an agreement, the Ajax left-back could be playing in Spain by the end of the January window.

The Uruguayan defender looks to be on the move before the end of January. Martin Caceres impressed during his time on loan for Juventus during the 2009-2010 campaign, and the Bianconeri are eager to get him back.

His ability to play throughout the back-line along with his experience in Spain and in Italy make him an ideal target for Juventus. Caceres can rise to meet the ball in the box, slam the ball home or navigate his way out of a small space.

Caceres would be a great addition to the Bianconeri and their bid for the Series A league title as they try to fend off AC Milan.

Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United have been linked with yet another La Liga defender. This time, it is Valencia's Adil Rami.

Rami just completed a move from Ligue 1 side Lille a year ago and could be leaving La Liga's Valencia for the Premier League. His size, strength and ability to close down opponents should help him assimilate to English if the move is made.

His ability to find the ball in the back, take a free kick and pass the ball with great accuracy is why he made the list. Rami may not possess the winger-type skills like Jordi Alba, but he certainly boasts impressive skills of his own.

Yet another Uruguayan has made this list. This time around, it is FC Porto's Jorge Fucile.

Porto clearly thinks highly of the 27-year-old defensive back. Liverpool reportedly had made a bid for Fucile in the summer and are now looking to see if the second time around they have better luck. Porto's €20 million price tag was too steep for the Reds.

Fucile can play on either flank. He is a tenacious and fearless defender who plays with reckless abandon at times. Playing with Porto and his national team, Fucile can get up the field to deliver balls into the box or try to force the issue himself.

If Kenny Daglish can land another Uruguyan for his squad, Liverpool could really present a diverse attack.

Gremio could be losing their prize defender, Mario Fernandes, this winter. The Porto Alegre club have stated they do not want to sell their 21-year-old defender.

Fernandes has attracted La Liga's Real Madrid as Los Blancos look to secure the signature of the 21-year-old.

His ability on the pitch had Real Madrid tabling an offer during the summer but to no avail. Fernandes has a natural comfortableness about him when in an attacking position.

He moves off the ball well, makes timely runs and has a stealth back-heel. His defending is also top notch. Bodying players off the ball and timely slide tackles are just a couple things that Mario Fernandes does very well.