20 Hottest Transfer Rumors in European Football Right Now

Bleacher Report takes a look at the 20 hottest transfer rumours in Europe right now.

With one quarter of the footballing season in the books, teams know where they need to strengthen and will be looking for suitable additions.

Who will win the race for Radamel Falcao, will Fernando Llorente finally leave the San Mames and what will happen to poor old Theo Walcott?

Radamel Falcao

We'll start with one that simply won't go away.

Radamel Falcao, Atletico Madrid and Colombia's goalscoring prodigy, has put himself firmly on the radar after yet another impressive start to the season.

The Daily Mail are reporting that two English clubs are in for him, namely Chelsea and Manchester City, to rival los Colchoneros cross-city rivals Real Madrid for his signature.

He's scored 10 league goals already in addition to his UEFA Supercup hat trick against Chelsea.

Didier Drogba

With Liverpool struggling for goals, they need some help up front. Luis Suarez works hard, but he's taken the most shots off target in the English Premier League so far.

Didier Drogba is a man who takes his chances, and Brendan Rodgers is eyeing the Ivorian on a short-term loan deal (via The Mirror).

Financial issues at his current club, Shanghai Shenhua, continue to irk the UEFA Champions League winner, and he may well jump at a return to the EPL.

Kevin Strootman

Manchester United's purported interest in Kevin Strootman is constant, but The Metro believe Sir Alex Ferguson has missed his chance to sign the Dutchman cheaply.

PSV Eindhoven reportedly want £25 million for the midfield international, making him an incredibly expensive option for the Red Devils to consider this winter.

Strootman has made his name as a destructive holding midfielder and currently fulfills that role well for the Boeren.

Gareth Bale

Real Madrid are continuing their quest to sign Gareth Bale (via The Sun).

This time, they're willing to offer a package worth £50 million, comprised of cash plus Fabio Coentrao as a potential replacement.

Andre Villas-Boas is a known admirer of the Portuguese left-sider, but would the Welshman really fit at the Santiago Bernabeu?

Fernando Llorente

The Mirror suspect Juventus will be the club to end Fernando Llorente's struggles at Athletic Bilbao.

The Euro 2012 winner is desperate to depart the San Mames after a colossal falling out with Marcelo Bielsa, and The Old Lady's only weak spot on the roster is a striker.

With Sebastian Giovinco struggling, could this Spaniard be the one to take the Bianconeri to the next level?

Daniele De Rossi

Manchester City's long-term chase for Daniele De Rossi could come to an end soon, as Real Madrid have set their sights on the central midfielder.

According to talkSPORT, Jose Mourinho has admired the Italian from afar ever since his days with Internazionale and will look to pounce this January.

The World Cup winner signed a contract extension with Roma as recently as February, but that won't deter los Blancos from bidding.

Lazar Markovic

Sevilla are the latest in a long line of clubs to express their interest in Lazar Markovic (via talkSPORT).

The Partizan Belgrade has impressed potential suitors in the UEFA Europa League and at the U21 level for Serbia, and sides from Italy, Spain and England are monitoring his situation.

Willian

Shakhtar Donetsk star Willian has been the centre of attention in Ukraine for a while now, and his latest showing in the Hirnyky's win over Chelsea has only served to fuel speculation over a move.

The Telegraph is predicting a fearsome duel between London rivals Andre Villas-Boas and Roberto Di Matteo as they vie for the Brazilian's signature, with both managers looking for more options in midfield.

Demba Ba

According to a source at Newcastle, Demba Ba's £7 million release clause will be reactivated in January (via The Mirror).

While Alan Pardew will certainly receive funds to replace him, Brendan Rodgers is supposedly licking his lips at the thought of having a goalscorer this prolific in his attack.

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is the name amidst a furore of transfer speculation due to him stalling on signing a new deal at the Veltins-Arena.

HIs current contract expires at the end of this season, and according to The Daily Star, Brendan Rodgers wants to make him a Red.

He'll be free to talk to other clubs with regard to a pre-contract agreement on Jan. 1, 2013 and could be available in a cut-price deal this winter.

Pablo Osvaldo

Pablo Osvaldo has given Cesare Prandelli a real headache, scoring three goals from six appearances and taking on an important role during the absence of Mario Balotelli.

He is not, however, Zdenek Zeman's favourite person in the world and seems out of favour with Roma. The Giallorossi could be open to selling, and Goal.com think Juventus may be in the market for him.

Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola is as hot—if not hotter—of a commodity than most players in the upcoming transfer windows.

The successful head coach is probably fending off approaches from clubs left, right and centre at the moment, and Manchester City appear to have upped their game in the sweepstakes.

The Citizens have hired Txiki Beguiristain as their new Director of Football, sparking wild speculation that he's in town to lure his old friend to the Etihad stadium (via The Independant).

Stevan Jovetic

ESPN have reconfirmed what we've known for a long time—Manchester City want Stevan Jovetic.

This is another rumour that's been ticking along for some time now as Roberto Mancini continues his seemingly personal mission to rip every shred of talent away from the Artemio Franchi.

The Montenegrin forward has been impressive form this season, racking up five goals and two assists from nine Serie A appearances.

Neymar

According to Sambafoot.com, the Neymar to Barcelona transfer saga hit new heights as a supposed dossier for the switch and payments was released.

It was suggested that la Blaugrana had already set aside €40 million for the Brazilian forward and paid €10 million for the rights to acquire the player.

Even still, sporting director Andoni Zubizaretta is still unsure how this protracted ordeal will end (via SportsMole).

Ashley Cole

The Daily Mail are reporting that Sir Alex Ferguson will continue to raid rival English Premier League clubs for star players.

This time, it's Ashley Cole who's the target, as Roman Abramovich's one-year extension rule for players aged 30 and over continues to irk the England left-back.

With Patrice Evra still not performing and Alexander Buttner a rough-edged prospect, fullback reinforcements are a need at Old Trafford.

Lucas Digne

According to various news outlets (h/t IBTimes.com), Chelsea scouts have been taking notes on Lucas Digne's increasingly promising performances for French outfit Lille.

The left-back, seen perhaps as a long-term replacement for the potentially outbound Ashley Cole, is one of Europe's rising stars and gains valuable experience every week as a starter for the les Dogues.

Theo Walcott

The Daily Mail reckon we could be seeing Theo Walcott's last season in England, as Juventus look to trump Liverpool and Manchester City to the winger's signature.

The Southampton youth product is perfectly happy to stay at the Emirates provided he plays in his preferred role of striker, but that doesn't look at all likely in North London any time soon.

The Old Lady are in need of a forward, and if the capture of Fernando Llorente falls through, Walcott is a nice alternative.

Lewis Holtby

SkySports are reporting English interest in Schalke star Lewis Holtby.

The German midfielder is thriving in the support role behind Klaas-Jan Huntelaar at the Veltins-Arena, and contract talks with his current club have hit a brick wall following purported interest from Liverpool.

Could we finally see this diehard Everton fan in the English Premier League soon?

Isco

Malaga are working hard to extend Isco's contract and raise his buyout clause, but they'll need to do it before January if they want to keep him around.

The Andalusian club are at risk of losing their most prized asset for as little as €17 million—Juventus and Manchester United are vying for his signature (via GiveMeFootball.com).

Robert Lewandowski

Robert Lewandowski's well-taken goal against Real Madrid probably boosted his value by €2 million.

The Borussia Dortmund star has questioned whether there's anything else he can win at his current club, putting Europe's elite on red alert.

Again, it seems Manchester United and Juventus are going head to head on this one (via The Daily Mail), and Sir Alex Ferguson may even throw in Javier Hernandez or Nani as bait.

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