January Transfer Window: Calling Fact or Fiction on the 15 Hottest Rumours

Transfer rumours sometimes have a mixture of truth and untruth about them, and the January window has no shortage of rumours.

In some instances, it's obvious which rumours are false and which are more likely to be true.

The January transfer window usually has some interesting rumours and some interesting transfers.

Let's take a look at some of the hottest January rumours to see which are fact and which are fiction.

15. Scott Sinclair to Everton

Prediction: Fact

Everton have been linked (via the Metro) with a move for Manchester City flop Scott Sinclair.

The former Swansea star has made just seven appearances since joining City, with the majority of those being substitute appearances.

Sinclair would add even more pace and depth to David Moyes' squad, and if he replicates his Swansea form, he would be a great addition.

14. Pablo Osvaldo to Tottenham

Prediction: Fiction

Talksport reports that Tottenham could be in a transfer battle with Italian clubs Fiorentina and Juventus for Pablo Osvaldo's signature. 

The Italian striker has been in good form this season, with nine goals in 13 Serie A appearances (statistics courtesy of ESPN Soccernet).

While Tottenham could use the reinforcement to strengthen the squad's depth, the deal is unlikely to happen.

Osvaldo, in statements published by Goal.com, declared his preference for Italian football during the summer of 2012.

13. Kevin Gameiro to Liverpool

Prediction: Fiction

According to the Telegraph, Liverpool are interested in signing PSG forward Kevin Gameiro on loan.

Gameiro has seen his playing time reduced quite drastically since the arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

As revealed by the the Mirror, Liverpool is already on the verge of adding Daniel Sturridge, and though they could use more help, the addition of Gameiro seems unlikely.

Sky Sports reports that the French forward currently has no interest in a move from PSG.

12. Frank Lampard to Lazio

Prediction: Fiction

Frank Lampard has been linked( via Talksport) with a move to Italian club Lazio.

There has been a lot of doubt surrounding Lampard's future at Chelsea in recent times. His contract expires at the end of the season, and there's no sign of an extension coming.

Despite that, a move to Italy certainly isn't in the cards.

The LA Times reports that Lampard could be on his way to the MLS and the LA Galaxy, with the two sides talking about a deal.

Last season, the Chelsea hierarchy was willing to let players like Didier Drogba leave on a free transfer. They could take the same route with Lampard.

11. Wilfried Zaha to Arsenal

Prediction: Fiction

According to Talksport.com, Arsenal have lost interest in Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha.

The Gunners are among a number of clubs linked (via the Guardian) with the English youngster in recent times.

Sky Sports reports that Theo Walcott may be closer to signing a contract and that has led to Arsenal's lack of interest in Zaha.

That would give their rivals Manchester United the upper hand in the transfer battle.

10. Alvaro Negredo to Chelsea

Prediction: Fiction

Chelsea have been linked (via the Daily Mail) with a move for Sevilla forward Alvaro Negredo.

With reports from the Daily Mail that their pursuit of Radamel Falcao is seemingly finished until the summer, the Blues have turned to other options.

Alvaro Negredo is a dependable forward with plenty of experience. He has scored more than 10 goals in each of his La Liga seasons since 2007/08.

Still, he is not the superstar that Chelsea prefer to bolster their attack, and he isn't a cheap option like Newcastle's Demba Ba.

09. Alexandre Pato to Corinthians

Prediction: Fact

Alexandre Pato's time at Milan seems to be at an end.

Sky Sports reports that the Brazilian forward is set to return to Brazil during the January window.

This despite being linked (via Talksport) with a number of Premier League teams. 

Pato has failed to live up to expectations since joining Milan, and that's mainly down to his constant struggles with injury.

This season was expected to be his season to lead the line, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic gone, but Stephan El Shaarawy has duly stolen the limelight.

08. David de Gea to Real Madrid

Prediction: Fiction

According to the Sun, Real Madrid is interested in Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea.

De Gea has failed to silence all the doubters since his move to Manchester United in the summer of 2011.

Despite that, the Red Devils will be unwilling to give up so easily on a player they invested in quite heavily to be their future No. 1.

Jose Mourinho's recent decision to drop Iker Casillas to the bench against Malaga has highlighted problems within the Real Madrid camp.

It is highly unlikely that the Spain and Madrid No.1 will see any extended time off the pitch however. 

07. Ezequiel Garay to Manchester United

Prediction: Fiction

According to the Sun, Manchester United are interested in Benfica defender Ezequiel Garay.

The Red Devils' problems in defense have been well noted this season, but they are in no need of a new defender.

Garay may have seen his stock rise while at Benfica, but he would not receive the same amount of playing time at Manchester United that he does at the Portuguese club.

Injuries have been a major part of the problem for the club in that arena, and they are currently close to being fully fit in that department.

With quality players like Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra in the squad, it is only a matter of time before the United defense tightens up.

06. Mathieu Debuchy to Newcastle

Prediction: Fact

Newcastle is, as reported by the Independent, very close to signing French fullback Mathieu Debuchy.

The Tyneside club was interested in Debuchy during the summer but were unable to finalize a deal.

As revealed by the Daily Mail, Newcastle boss Alan Pardew hopes that signing Debuchy will prompt some of his other star players to remain with the club.

05. Adrian Lopez to Arsenal

Prediction: Fiction

According to Goal.com, Arsenal has put forward a bit for Atletico Madrid attacker Adrian Lopez.

While Arsenal is in need of attacking replacements, Lopez is not a good option.

ESPN.co.uk revealed Arsene Wenger's comments that he was looking to sign an exceptional player and Lopez does not fit the bill.

His goal return is worse than some of Arsenal's key attacking players, and what the club needs most is a player who is productive in front of goal.

04. Jack Butland to Liverpool

Prediction: Fact

According to the Mirror, Birmingham City may have to let young star Jack Butland leave the club in January.

Here's more from the Mirror article;

"

The club is up for sale and takeover talks are dragging on with Gianni Paladini and a Far East consortium.

But Pannu warned fans that more sales are inevitable in January to avoid City going into administration.

"

Liverpool and Southampton have been linked (via the Daily Mail) with the young goalkeeper. The Reds should have the finances to tempt City and certainly provide a more attractive option than Southampton.

While Pepe Reina is still a solid enough goalkeeper, Liverpool should not hesitate to try to sign a player who can certainly be a long-term replacement.

03. Fernando Llorente to Juventus

Prediction: Fact

According to Talksport, Fernando Llorente is nearing a move to Italian giants Juventus.

Juventus seems to be making progress with a deal despite Sky Sports reporting that Llorente would not leave his club until the summer.

A January deal certainly makes sense for all involved. Athletic Bilbao would receive compensation for a player they molded, while Juventus would get the star striker they desperately need.

Llorente would also get his chance to move, and Juventus is certainly a good option.

02. Wesley Sneijder to Tottenham

Prediction: Fiction

Despite his own admittance that a January move is the best option, Wesley Sneijder is unlikely to move to Tottenham in January.

The Dutch playmaker said so himself in a recent article in the Daily Mail while also downplaying a move to Liverpool.

Sneijder would certainly be a good option for either side, but he doesn't seem interested in such a move.

As reported by ESPN Soccernet, Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas has said that the club won't make any moves during the window

01. Demba Ba to Chelsea

Prediction: Fact

According to the BBC, Chelsea has been given permission to speak to Demba Ba after triggering the Newcastle forward's release clause.

The Blues' interest in increasing their depth at the forward position is no secret, and Ba certainly presents a good option.

Chelsea has been linked (via the Daily Mail) to Radamel Falcao, but Ba presents a much cheaper option.

The Telegraph reported that the move had stalled before due to Ba's wage demands, but the sides should be eager to conclude negotiations this time around.