This January transfer market is always a period of intense rumour and potential major transfers. A number of prominent players find themselves connected to transfers out of their current clubs. We examine some of the key names who could be on the move this month.
Despite the Black Stars' inability to reach the AFCON, this has kept the player in contention, reports suggest a major move is imminent. The Bournemouth attacker possesses a deal with a £65 million buy-out clause applicable for a short period at the start of the month. Recent reports suggest Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his services. Other interested parties such as Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have moved on to other options, leaving teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a last-minute bid.
This England centre-back has continued to impress for Crystal Palace despite a summer move to Liverpool falling through. With his contract due to run out in the close season, this represents the club's last opportunity to secure a fee for their skipper. Numerous elite clubs, including City and several continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly be interested. Yet, a January departure remains difficult, especially given the manager's dependence on the defender.
The Wales forward has found first-team opportunities limited at Tottenham this campaign. Despite being the side's leading goalscorer last season, he has begun only a handful of league games. It is understood the North London outfit is willing to consider a transfer for the right valuation, thought to be in the around forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also credited with an interest.
Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at around forty million pounds.
The Portuguese midfielder could be set for a comeback to the English top flight following a period in Saudi Arabia. Now just 28, and with his agreement ending in the summer, he represents a possible bargain. Clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United are linked with the former Wolves man. Additionally, there have been rumours from Spanish media that he is willing to accept a reduced salary for a switch to the Spanish giants.
The veteran German shot-stopper is now as third-choice at Barça following new manager Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had surgery, a January departure looks highly probable. Villa were initially linked as a possible suitor, but that move currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly showing interest in the 33-year-old.
This proven English striker has kept finding the net regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could enhance his dwindling hopes of being in the England squad. However, arranging a transfer poses major hurdles. His current club are reluctant to part with him, and his reported huge weekly wages make any move difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all linked as interested parties.
The striker helped Al-Ahli to a win in the domestic cup showpiece.
The energetic midfielder drew widespread interest in the summer but stayed at Atlético. With few starts in Spain this term, he may be keen to find more minutes ahead of the tournament. United have been strongly connected, and a return to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on loan, remains a option, although wage demands could be a problem.
Despite excelling and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, this talented midfielder has struggled for game time during his loan spell at Villa. Unai Emery has stated the loan move will not become permanent. Because of specific rules about representing multiple teams in a season, a return to Liverpool before next summer appears to be the only viable solution.
The highly-rated Turkish attacker has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this season. As his current contract running down, a host of English clubs – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. Juventus are eager to tie down the youngster to a new long-term agreement but face a race to keep one of the continent's brightest prospects.
This much-admired Netherlands teenage midfielder has earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. Following starring at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar side. The 19-year-old is widely tipped to complete a major move this month. Newcastle reportedly are leading the chase, but could face strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a deal valued at around twenty-two million pounds.
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