Real Madrid Transfer Talk: 5 Bold Predictions for Jose Mourinho in January

Jose Mourinho could make a few changes to his Real Madrid squad when the winter transfer window reopens in January.

Madrid is easily one of the strongest teams in the world but there are still areas where the team could use some help.

With his side eight points behind a Barcelona side showing no signs of slowing down, and with no guarantee as to how things will go in the Champions League, Mourinho may have some decisions in mind.

Here are five bold predictions of what Jose Mourinho may do in the winter transfer window.

Buy a Young Star

Buying young talents to develop is not something Jose Mourinho usually does, but if recent reports are true, the Portuguese manager has set his sights on two of world football's young talents.

The Mirror recently reported that Wilfried Zaha has caught Mourinho's attention. Meanwhile, InsideFutbol.com presented his interest in AC Milan youngster Stephan El Shaarawy.

What Mourinho would do with either of these two players is anyone's guess. They have both been in great form this season, with Zaha's performances earning him an England senior team appearance and El Shaarawy leading AC Milan's scoring charts.

Both would be good buys for the future of the club, but fans would possibly question why Mourinho is bringing in youth talent as opposed to picking from Madrid's own setup.

Still, these two look set for bright futures in the game. If Mourinho is enticed enough, he could very well sign one of these players or any other youngster on his radar.

Sign Ashley Cole

According to the Daily Mail, Real Madrid are interested in Ashley Cole.

Considering that Jose Mourinho has been linked to a lot of his former players since joining Madrid, that rumour isn't really surprising.

However, considering the player himself, the team he will be coming from and the fact Mourinho already has two players in that position in Fabio Coentrao and Marcelo, it is still a bold move.

Mourinho could be looking for a way to shake up his side without letting either of the two players leave, and that would most likely result in Fabio Coentrao becoming more of a utility player within the squad.

Mourinho Will Keep Kaka in the Squad

Kaka may not be the type of player to voice his displeasure at a lack of playing time, but should an opportunity to move arise in the winter, he may jump at it.

Common sense would say that Jose Mourinho would be willing to let the 30-year-old Brazilian leave as he has only featured in four games for the club this season.

At this point, it would be better for both club and player if Kaka left, which is why it would be bold for Mourinho to keep him. He will feel the player is necessary to retain squad depth as the season progresses

According to ESPN, Jose Mourinho may indeed give Kaka a decent role in the squad this season. That was backed up by comments from his assistant, Aitor Karanka, per Goal.com.

Mourinho shouldn't just keep Kaka in the squad for depth's sake, though. He should play him as he has shown in his recent international outings that he is still a class player.

Sign Michael Essien on a Full Deal

It was a bit of a surprise when Real Madrid signed Michael Essien on loan at the end of the summer window.

The Ghanaian has made six appearances since joining the club, but what would make the situation even more interesting is if he signed on a permanent basis.

Essien played some of his best football under Jose Mourinho at Chelsea, and the Portuguese manager may feel he can provide the experience and energy to help his team in the rest of this season and beyond.

The 29-year-old is still not back to his best, but Mourinho may feel that he can get him there and that it will benefit the squad.

Sign a Central Defender and Return Sergio Ramos to Right-Back

While Alvaro Arbeloa usually produces efficient performances, he is arguably the weak link at Real Madrid. He provides little attacking threat and is okay enough defensively not to be targeted as a weakness.

Madrid could do with a player who provides a more attacking threat but without any defensive deficiencies. They already have that player in Sergio Ramos, but this move would be bold for two reasons.

Firstly, Sergio Ramos may not want to revert to his old position, despite his excellent performances at full-back and the fact that it would benefit the team.

Secondly, the central defender who replaces him would have to be of high quality. Mourinho could use either Raphael Varane, Raul Albiol or Ricardo Carvalho in Ramos' place, but Varane is too young, Albiol is not fully trusted and Carvalho is too old.

Daniel Agger was one player linked (via the Mirror) during the summer, and he would provide a reasonable option for the squad.

In Ramos, Mourinho already has a player in his squad capable of giving him an upgrade at right-back, but Mourinho would have to ensure that he is kept happy.