January Transfer Window: 10 Best Players Likely to Be on the Move

The January transfer window is likely to result in some really good players switching teams.

Judging which transfer rumours are most likely to occur is no exact science as no transfer is certain regardless of the amount of rumours surrounding a player.

While we say best players likely to be on the move it doesn't necessarily mean these players are the best in the game. The key factor here is the probability of a transfer.

For this list the probability that a club's interest and need for a player is considered. On the other side the players willingness to move to a certain destination is also judged. 

There are certainly plenty of reasons why players on this list could be on the move. On the other hand they are just as likely to stay put.

Whether it's a lack of form, a problem with the manager, being a prime target for another club or something else.

In some cases reports may indicate a summer move is on the way. A few queries from a potential suitor may change the situation though.

We've tried to find the most probable upcoming transfer in the January window.

Click through to find out who's on this list!

10. Marouane Chamakh

Marouane Chamakh hasn't been the same since the second half of the 2010/11 season.

He had a bright start to his Arsenal career but faded considerably while trying to compete with Robin van Persie.

The Moroccan forward's playing time this season, he has only featured six times this season, highlights that fact.

Arsene Wenger has been unable to get him off the club's wage bill during the last few seasons. It seems things may work out in the Frenchman's favour this time around.

According to the Metro both Inter Milan and West Ham are interested in Chamakh.

09. Lucas Biglia

Lucas Biglia's name has popped up in transfer rumours a lot in recent transfer windows.

Talksport reports that the Anderlecht hierarchy is willing to let their captain leave for a set fee of €10.25m amid interest from Liverpool.

That news may spark even more interest in the 26-year-old with teams like Arsenal and Real Madrid having been linked in the past.

Many players would take a chance to move to a stage such as the EPL and Biglia is no different. If the right team and offer comes then the Argentinian midfielder may move on to newer pastures.

08. Jack Butland

The Metro revealed that Jack Butland is another young English talent Liverpool has set their sights on in January.

The young Birmingham City goalkeeper's positive response to the interest in him may mean such a move may occur. (via the Mirror)

The Reds aren't going to be the only team interested in Butland, however, and that may improve the chances that he leaves.

The more clubs interested would mean Birmingham could increase their asking price though they could increase it high enough that nobody remains interested.

Birmingham City will not let one of their prized assets leave easily but a good offer can always change a situation.

07. Michel Bastos

According to Sky Sports a number of EPL teams will be interested in signing Michel Bastos come January.

Here's more from the Sky Sports article;

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Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas revealed earlier this week he would consider selling Bastos for the right price in January in a bid to reduce the wage bill at Stade Gerland.

"

Tottenham, Liverpool and Newcastle are the teams in question and all could use the versatile player.

Bastos has been a solid contributor for Lyon in the past few seasons and his experience would be useful for any new team.

06. Nene

PSG's Brazilian winger Nene is definitely set to leave the French club in January. (per ESPN Soccernet)

He may find no shortage of suitors with teams such as Inter, Besiktas, Corinthians and Flamengo being mentioned as possible destinations in the article.

The 31-year-old has been a solid performer for PSG during the last few seasons but has seen his role diminish slightly with the influx of attacking talent.

His compatriot Lucas Moura is set to join the club in January and that puts his playing time in even further doubt.

05. Demba Ba

With his contract release clause it seems only a matter of time that Demba Ba leaves Newcastle.

According to the Mirror QPR will be willing to shell out the necessary £7m to improve their goal-scoring threat.

QPR may not be the most enticing suitor given their current relegation position, but there are other suitors.

The Senegalese forward has reportedly shown interest in PSG with Arsenal and Liverpool also in the mix. (via Daily Mail)

The two English clubs are in definite need of attacking reinforcements and would provide Ba with a new challenge.

04. Fernando Llorente

Reports may state a summer move is the intended action but there is every possibility that Fernando Llorente leaves his club in January. (via the Guardian)

There are plenty of suitors for his signature who could tempt him and Athletic Bilbao. Add that to his paltry 20 appearances this summer, most of them as a substitute, and the picture is clearer.

According to Talksport Juventus seems to be the front-runner in this race but a number of top English clubs have also been linked, via the Metro.

It would be foolish of Bilbao to let such a player leave without receiving some sort of compensation for his growth.

While it would certainly lessen the quality of attacking options, a suitable replacement could be found with the money Bilbao receive should they let him go in January.

03. Nicolas Anelka

Both QPR and West Ham have been linked (via the Daily Mail) with a move for Nicolas Anelka.

"Le Sulk" is reportedly on the verge of ending his contract with Chinese super club Shanghai Shenhua. (h/t FoxSports)

Both EPL sides are in need of a goal-scoring boost in the second-half of the season.

QPR is locked in the relegation battle and West Ham trying to ensure they will remain in the EPL next season.

Anelka has played for five different English teams in his career and would have no problem adjusting and making an impact. 

If he can get his contract situation resolved a move is very possible.

02. Riquelme

Riquelme may not be currently playing with a team but he may be on his way to one.

The Argentinian maestro had his contract suspended earlier this year but has since been linked with a move back to former club Boca Juniors. (per Goal.com) 

While the Argentine club would be strong favourites to sign the player there is interest elsewhere in South America.

Santos' Neymar has called for playmaker to join his club while Palmeiras coach Gilson Kleina has stated his interest in the player. (per Goal.com)

01. Wesley Sneijder

Wesley Sneijder's contract situation with Inter is leading to an exit for the Dutch star.

Sneijder has not featured for Inter since the end of September and there is unlikely to be any reconciliation between club and player.

According to ESPN.co.uk the Inter playmaker could be on his way to Tottenham.

More suitors are sure to pop up as the transfer window draws closer but Sneijder certainly fills a need for Tottenham.