5 Americans Who Could Benefit from a January Transfer

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As the United States national team prepares for their last two friendlies of the year against France and Slovenia in November, manager Jurgen Klinsmann will be looking to see who can fit into his squad best against two tough European nations.

Klinsmann has stated that he will only name players to the American squad if they are getting consistent playing time.

Here are five players that could have a huge impact on the national team if they can secure a transfer in January to get more playing time just like Michael Bradley, Carlos Bocanegra and Jozy Altidore have, after making moves in the summer to guarantee their place on the national team.

Brad Guzan

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Guzan has been stuck as a backup at Aston Villa since his move to Villa Park in 2008 from Chivas USA.

Under former coach Bob Bradley, Guzan was always named to the squad as a backup to Tim Howard but now that Klinsmann has taken over Guzan has not been able to break into the squad.

A move down to the Championship may help Guzan as he played in the English second division last season on loan at Hull City and made 16 appearances.

Jermaine Jones

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Jones debuted for the Americans in 2010 after declaring he would play for the Red, White and Blue instead of Germany.

The midfielder was sent on loan to Blackburn last January from Schalke and did not have much success.  On his return to Schalke he did not have an open spot in the starting lineup waiting for him.

Jones last featured in the American side in August against Mexico.

Eric Lichaj

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Yet another American stuck on the bench at Aston Villa is the 22 year old defender, who has already been sent on loan three times since joining the club in 2008.

Lichaj did impress at Leeds United after moving on loan there in January but could not secure a permanent move there because of the new management at Villa Park.

Clint Dempsey

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Dempsey is not a case of someone who is looking for playing time in Klinsmann's squad but he is a case of someone very gifted who should be on a better club than Fulham.

Dempsey has been with the London club since 2006 and has been one of their best players but with the Cottagers struggling this season in the Premier League, it may be time for the 28 year old to say good bye to Craven Cottage and find a new home to play more competitive football than he is right now.

Ricardo Clark

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Clark has drifted off into the abyss of European club football since he left the Houston Dynamo in 2009 for Eintracht Frankfurt.

Clark was in the squad for the Mexico game in August but he has failed to make a consistent impact since his move to Germany because of injuries.

A move to a smaller league in Europe may benefit Clark as looks to get his career back on track.