January Transfer Rumours: 14 Defenders Who Could Change Sides

Too often during the transfer window, attacking players get all the attention. But defenders are often on the move, too.

Defenders might not command the huge fees of a 30-goal-a-season striker, but they're just as valuable to the success of any club. That's why the winter transfer market should be full of quality defenders.

This is a list of 14 defenders who could be changing clubs this month. You've heard of some of them. You might not know some others.

Let's get right to the list.

Gary Cahill to Chelsea

Gary Cahill represents perhaps the biggest name in the current defensive transfer market. The other day, he seemed set for a transfer when his club, Bolton, agreed a £7 million fee with Chelsea.

Almost immediately, the deal hit a snag over personal terms. Now, Cahill, an England international, is reportedly reconsidering the move entirely.

The deal could still happen. Cahill and Chelsea have until the end of the month to agree on terms.

Christopher Samba to Tottenham Hotspur

Blackburn pulled off the shock of the season with their win at Old Trafford on New Year's Eve.

The Rovers still sit well within the relegation zone, though, and a number of their players have been linked to other clubs.

Perhaps the most prominent name is Christopher Samba, Blackburn's giant defender, as Samba has been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur.

The fee is believed to be in the range of £8 million. QPR are also interested, but the Daily Mail seems to think it's almost certain Samba is going to the Spurs.

Raul Albiol to Manchester City

Raul Albiol has fallen down the defensive pecking order at Real Madrid. With Euro 2012 looming next summer, the Spanish international might look abroad for first-team playing time.

Strange, then, that he's being linked with a move to Manchester City. Thanks to all their new money, City have perhaps the deepest squad in Europe, with competition for spots throughout.

Nonetheless, the 26-year-old Albiol is reportedly wanted by Blues boss Roberto Mancini.

Liam Ridgewell to West Brom

Not all transfers deal with established internationals and Euro 2012 spots. Case in point: Liam Ridgewell.

Ridgewell, who has never played for England's senior squad, is being linked with a move from Birmingham City to West Bromwich Albion.

This is not the first time. West Brom tried to sign Ridgewell last summer.

James Tomkins to Tottenham or Newcastle

Spurs aren't just interested in Christopher Samba. They're also reportedly keeping tabs on West Ham United's James Tomkins.

Newcastle have also expressed interest. The Magpies reportedly had a £2.5 million bid rejected.

Lewis Dunk to Newcastle

Newcastle have been watching Brighton defender Lewis Dunk for most the season, according to ChronicleLive,

The Magpies could make a move for him this month, or they might wait until summer.

Dunk, 20, is a 6'4" England Under-21 international.

Saad Al-Mukhaini

Football365's latest gossip column passes along this rumour. Arsenal are apparently giving a trial to Oman defender Saad al-Mukhaini, a 24-year-old defender from Fanja SC, an Omani football club.

That's him in the picture, on the right, playing for Oman against Australia.

Let's see: an unknown, young player from an unheralded club. Yes, that sounds exactly like an Arsene Wenger signing to us.

Hamdan Al Kamali to Lyon

Here's another Middle East-based rumour.

United Arab Emirates defender Hamdan is reportedly in talks over a transfer to French club Olympique Lyonnais.

Al Kamali, 22, is UAE's Olympic captain and a member of the senior national squad.

Michel Salgado to China

From the comedy files comes this rumour about Blackburn defender Michel Salgado and the reported interest from China.

Apparently, the 36-year-old Salgad is approaching the number of appearances that would qualify him for a new deal with Blackburn. And apparently, Blackburn don't the Spaniard to get there.

Off to China then, we suppose. Ouch.

Jordi Alba to Barcelona or Manchester United

Valencia might be losing defender Jordi Alba this month. But we don't know where he might go.

Alba played at Barcelona as a youngster—Jordi is a Catalan name—and the club have reportedly shown interest in bringing him back.

Manchester United are also reportedly interested. So it seems Alba has a big decision on his hands.

Chris Gunter to Norwich

Or elsewhere. Gunter has indeed been linked with a £2.5 million move from Nottingham Forest to Norwich City.

But Fulham and Blackburn are also interested.

Alex to QPR

Chelsea outcast Alex is apparently set for a move. The biggest question seems to be where.

One option might be Queens Park Rangers.

The London club reportedly have a good chance to sign Alex, though he could also return to his native Brazil.

Kyle McFadzean to Bolton

If Bolton do lose Gary Cahill to Chelsea, manager Owen Coyle apparently has a replacement already lined up.

That would be Kyle McFadzean of Crawley, according to The Sun.

"You always want to play at the highest level," McFadzean reportedly said, prompting thousands to wonder whether he knows that he is, in fact, talking about Bolton.

Nedum Onuoha to Stoke City

Nedum Onuoha, a former England Under-21 international, is employed by Manchester City. We bet you didn't know that.

But sure enough, there he is, playing for City against Arsenal in the Carling Cup.

Anyway, he might be moving on to Stoke, if this rumour is correct.

Bolton, Blackburn and Sunderland are also reportedly interested.