January Transfer Window: 13 Bold Predictions for Deadline Day

The curtain is starting to come down on the January transfer window, which has seen only minimal movement thus far despite there being just over a week's trading left.

Gary Cahill's move from Bolton Wanderers is probably the biggest deal that has occurred so far, but that was hardly a shock with the Englishman's contract nearing its end at the Lancashire club and Chelsea in need of cover at center back.

I'm not surprised at the lack of buying and selling at this stage as a lot of deals happen quite late in the January window.

Perhaps it's desperation that causes it to be that way, but just before the clock stops you should be expecting a whirlwind of movement.

That said, here are some bold predictions for Tuesday 31st January. 

Depending on your point of view of course, some may be bolder than others.

Chris Samba Leaves Blackburn

Blackburn Rovers Chris Samba thinks he's ready to move on from Blackburn Rovers and has handed a transfer request in to manager Steve Kean.

Arsenal are the favourites to land the big Congolese defender and there's a fair chance that we could be hearing a lot about him on deadline day if a bidding war starts.

Steve Kean Gets Sacked

Blackburn manager Steve Kean is 5/1 to be the next to lose his job in the Barclays Premier League, but his result against Manchester United may have given him an extended stay—for now.

It seems that Blackburn's owners are quite happy with the job he's doing, but I predict that by deadline day he could be heading down to his local job centre.

Fernando Torres Still Doesn't Score

Chelsea have two more matches before the January transfer window closes.

This Saturday's FA Cup tie see's QPR take on the Stamford Bridge outfit, followed by a Premier League game against Swansea on deadline day itself.

I'm predicting Chelsea go into deadline day with Fernando Torres still not having scored for his club this year.

Arsenal Will Sign Somebody

English bookmakers WilliamHill.com are offering odds that Arsene Wenger will stick to his word and not sign anybody in the January transfer window.

Wenger made the statement before Christopher Samba handed in his transfer request which might mean Wenger changes his mind.

Arsenal have defensive injury problems which could see the Frenchman's hand forced.

Carlos Tevez Will Stay at Manchester City Until the Summer

Carlos Tevez doesn't want to play for Manchester City anymore, and his club want to sell him.

Seems like everybody would be better off all around if the Argentinian leaves the Etihad Stadium as soon as possible.

With AC Milan, Inter Milan and now possibly Paris St. Germain all seemingly unable to strike a deal for the player for one reason or another, could it be possible that Tevez will still be at Manchester on February 1st?

Didier Drogba Will Also Stay at Chelsea

There's been a lot of speculation linking Cote d'Ivoire and Chelsea forward Didier Drogba with a move away from Stamford Bridge, possibly to join Nicholas Anelka at Shanghai Shenhua.

With Drogba currently on International duty at the African Cup of Nations, the chances are he will see out the rest of this season before departing in the Summer.

Kenny Dalglish Will Make a Purchase

Kenny Dalglish declared last week that he was expecting a quiet window.

While that statement doesn't mean he won't be signing anybody, it suggests it's more unlikely than likely.

That said, I think Liverpool will have a new face or two come February 1st and one of them will be a striker.

Frank Lampard Stays at Chelsea

Another big name at Chelsea linked with a move away was Frank Lampard.

Lampard has been disposable in Andre Villas-Boas' new-look Chelsea side, and speculation was that he may move in order to prolong his playing career.

My predicition is that he will still be a blue long after deadline day.

Manchester City Will Open Their Cheque Books

Manchester City are still spearheading the race for the Barclays Premier League title and they have excellent strength in depth.

Despite manager Roberto Mancini having an excellent squad to choose from, I wouldn't be surprised to see the cash rich Manchester club add a new face or two in the next week.

That may all balance on the sale of Carlos Tevez however.

The Totaliser

Sky Sports have a totalizer which adds together all the purchase prices of each January transfer to measure how much the clubs have spent collectively in the window.

At the time of writing this article, that figure stands at £18.4 million.

My prediction is that deadline day will see that figure rise, but stay under £120 million.

Last years' total was £225 million thanks largely to the deals involving Fernando Torres, Andy Carroll, Luis Suarez and Darren Bent.

Modric Will Wear Red

With Manchester United Manager Alex Ferguson coaxing Paul Scholes out of retirement, it's clear the Old Trafford club have yet to secure his long-term replacement thus far.

Crocked Tom Cleverley may be the man one day, but his injuries have cost him a chance so far this season.

Modric may find himself subject to a big bid by Manchester United on deadline day in an effort to secure their midfield future.

Tottenham may find they can't refuse a big offer if Manchester United make one.

QPR Will Be Busy

After the sacking of manager Neil Warnock a few weeks ago, QPR will be the busiest team in the transfer market this January,

The Loftus Road club have struggled in the league of late and new manager Mark Hughes is reported to have £30million to spend.

I predict he will spend a fair chunk of that cash in the next week.

Andrei Arshavin Will Leave England

After being panned by supporters following his lacklustre substitute appearance against Manchester United at the weekend, Andrei Arshavin may find himself shipped off to pastures new next week.

The Russian exploded onto the scene when he scored four goals in one game against Liverpool in the 2009/10 season and was grabbing goals and assists consistently throughout the campaign.

He now cuts a forlorn figure at the club and with the emergence of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain he may no longer be required.

After Thoughts

So there are 13 bold predictions for the deadline day of January 31st 2012.

As always, no one knows what's going to happen and the speculation will increase by the day right up until the final hours.

There will likely be some shocks and surprises on the way, but one thing for sure is that there are some ambitious clubs out there this season, and everybody wants their own measure of success and are willing to buy it if they can.

Let me know your thoughts on what you think will happen come deadline day by leaving your comments below.

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