January Transfers Bound to Dominate Headlines
The transfer market rumour mill is a well-greased machine that runs year-round, not bothering to stop for such petty obstacles as being outside a transfer window.
So, it's of little surprise to see that two months before the January market is once again open for business, speculation is flying about thick and fast in as great a number as ever.
There are those pieces of gossip that stand above others in terms of piquing interest, however.
Looking ahead to the winter opening, read on for a rundown of those stories you're likely to hear most about when football is once again open for business.
1. Marco Reus
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Current Club: Borussia Dortmund
Rumoured Destination(s): Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City
Despite moving to Signal Iduna Park only 18 months ago, Marco Reus once again finds himself in the gossip columns after it was revealed that the attacker has a release clause in his Borussia Dortmund contract, per Sky Sports.
In the report, the Black and Yellows' chief executive, Hans-Joachim Watzke, is quoted as telling German outlet SPORT1Media: "Marco Reus possesses a release clause option in his current contract at our club. He could leave our club due to that. He is, however, the only player in our first-team squad that has such a contract clause."
The inevitable question is why Dortmund would have broken their trend, then, to insert a clause in the deal of one of their biggest stars, but one can't rule out a move as a result.
Some would say any exit is unlikely given that Reus was born in Dortmund and did all his youth training in the region, as well as the fact that his current deal runs until 2017.
However, as we've seen in the past, it's these contractual complexities that often make all the difference in a transfer, and make even the most untouchable of players a realistic target.
2. Andrea Pirlo
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Current Club: Juventus
Rumoured Destination(s): Tottenham, Real Madrid
It's a story that hasn't gained much momentum since first emerging in September, but talk of Andrea Pirlo's Juventus departure still has plenty of time to find its feet before heating up in January.
Several months ago, the Daily Mail's John Edwards published an exclusive, stating that Pirlo, up there with the most respected of Italian heroes, was yet to agree terms on a new deal at the Old Lady, with a move to the Premier League a possibility.
In his report, Edwards stated:
"Despite his brilliant form since joining Juventus from AC Milan two years ago, Italy’s midfield maestro is effectively on trial for the next three months, as coach Antonio Conte assesses whether he merits another contract.
If the decision goes against him, it is widely expected he will seek a fresh start abroad, with England and Spain joint top of his wish list.
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Pirlo has been crucial to Juve's success in recent seasons but will be 35 years of age by the time the current season, and his contract, comes to an end.
Sky Sports have since reported that the reigning Serie A champions are planning talks with their midfield maestro, but whether or not the terms will suit Pirlo is another question.
3. David Luiz
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Current Club: Chelsea
Rumoured Destination(s): Barcelona
David Luiz's supposed exit from Chelsea is a story that's already dominated headlines in the past and looks set to do so again this winter, with talk of a move to Barcelona once again looking strong.
The Daily Mail's Rob Shepherd says that the Blues are ready to sell their flashy centre-back in the January window and adds that some squad members are becoming fed up of his overzealous ways.
The report goes on to say that it will once again be Barcelona—presumably looking for one fuzzy afro to replace the ageing one of Carlos Puyol—who raise interest in his services.
Just whether or not there's a side out there willing to stump up the cash necessary to prise Luiz away from Stamford Bridge is up for debate, but the Brazilian would appear available after making just five Premier League appearances this term.
4. Leighton Baines
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Current Club: Everton
Rumoured Destination(s): Manchester United
A rumour that's only been heightened since David Moyes was announced as the man replacing Sir Alex Ferguson at the Manchester United helm, Leighton Baines' protracted move to Old Trafford has been talked about for going on two years now.
According to John Richardson of the Express, the Toffees already have a contingency lined up as a successor to Baines, who will finally complete a £15 million move to Manchester in January.
Richardson's report reads:
"They are aware that Baines, who is 29 in December, is keen on rejoining Moyes at Old Trafford and believe it would be unfair to deny the attacking full-back, who has displayed admirable loyalty to Everton, the biggest move of his career.
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Baines has been for some time as the man to replace 32-year-old Patrice Evra in United's left-back spot, and it helps that the Red Devils have already taken one Goodison Park star this year in the form of Marouane Fellaini.
Having said that, this story isn't likely to ease away anytime soon, with Baines once again set for a transfer window spent predominantly in the transfer pages.
5. Javier Hernandez
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Current Club: Manchester United
Rumoured Destination(s): Arsenal, Tottenham
Having made just the one Premier League start this season, one can't blame Javier Hernandez for being favourable of a move away from Manchester United, where he's failed to get consistent first-team football thus far.
That pursuit could come to an end in January, however, with talk of a switch to some of United's Premier League rivals gathering pace.
Jamie Sanderson of the Metro has reported that Arsenal will be the ones leading the chase for his signature this winter while the Telegraph's Jason Burt has noted that Tottenham will challenge their North London rivals with a bid of their own.
One might be tempted to agree that the two capital clubs would be able to offer the Mexican international a better chance of first-team minutes as Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck continue to beat their teammate in Moyes' pecking order.
6. Lucas
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Current Club: Paris Saint-Germain
Rumoured Destination(s): Sao Paulo
Lucas' move away from Paris Saint-Germain is far from a sure thing, but there are a few factors in his situation that mean a January departure (even a temporary one) could still become a big story.
Speaking to Lancenet (h/t Sky Sports), Sao Paulo's vice-president Joao Paulo de Jesus Lopes admitted that Lucas' former club have made contact with the player's agent of late, saying:
"It's obvious that we want him to return and we had opportunities to talk with his agent two weeks ago, but he said that it's hard because Lucas wants to stay. If he wants to return to Brazil, he will come to Sao Paulo. But considering the information we have, it's very hard.
There are various issues, the first one is that his family have adapted to Europe and the second one is his financial situation. Lucas won't want to reduce his wages, which are very high and the club, if they do release him, will try and loan him to another European club.
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The Brazilian has made just six Ligue 1 starts in his 12 appearances this season and, like many others, may not want to risk inactivity in a World Cup year, especially when that World Cup is being played on his home soil.
Another Sky Sports article reads that the player is happy at Parc des Princes, but there's a long time in between now and January's conclusion where that disposition might change.
7. Hulk
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Current Club: Zenit St. Petersburg
Rumoured Destination(s): Tottenham
Another Brazilian international who could be on the move this winter is Zenit St. Petersburg talisman, Hulk, who has admitted that the idea of linking back up with former Porto boss Andre Villas-Boas is one that appeals to him.
The Metro's Jamie Sanderson reported just last week that the South American speedster was open to a North London switch, stating:
"I learned a lot with Andre Villas-Boas at Porto. He is very intelligent tactically. He was almost so well informed about the opponents that we pretty much knew everything about them when we went out on to the pitch.
It was scary how much we knew. I am really happy Villas-Boas is making a mark in England, and it would be fantastic to play under him again one day.
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Obviously an admirer of his former helmsman, the forward would be hoping to rediscover his best form should an AVB reunion come about, although that's not to say his performances in the Russian Premier League haven't been prolific for periods.
Spurs were among Europe's busiest clubs over the summer period and could have a very willing candidate to continue their business this January with Hulk.
8. Julian Draxler
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Current Club: Schalke 04
Rumoured Destination(s): Chelsea
Speaking to Bleacher Report's Garry Hayes after his Schalke side were thumped 3-0 by a resurgent Chelsea side last week, Julian Draxler hinted that a move to Stamford Bridge in the future would be far from unappealing.
Just this summer, the German starlet penned a new contract in Gelsenkirchen that would keep him at the Veltins-Arena until 2013, complete with a €45 million buyout clause, according to ESPN's Stephan Uersfeld.
For the past few transfer windows, Draxler has been one of those talents linked feverishly with an exit from his club and could arguably go on to bigger and better things were he to move elsewhere.
The extension to his deal was a bold statement on the player's part, but contractual obligations only mean so much nowadays, with many a European club possessing the kind of riches needed to bail out even the priciest players.
9. Luis Suarez
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Current Club: Liverpool
Rumoured Destination(s): Arsenal, Real Madrid, Barcelona
His captain doesn't believe it to be true, but the perpetual cycle of Luis Suarez exit talk is already in full effect, not ever really having stopped.
Steven Gerrard was reported by ESPN (h/t the Metro's Jamie Sanderson) as claiming that the striker will remain a Red for the foreseeable future, noting:
"I think January will be difficult for us because Luis is committed. I think he is happy. I think he is pleased with the decision he has made to stay around.
He is in good form. The team is playing well so I think January won’t be a problem. He is the key. His goals, his performance and his form will be the key whether we finish in the top four or not.
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One factor that's remained constant throughout talks of any Suarez departure from Anfield is that the forward is keen to join a side challenging for top European honours, but there's a chance Liverpool may get back to that with the Uruguayan leading their attack.
Sanderson's report mentions Arsenal, Real Madrid and Barcelona as those clubs still interested in the possibility of luring Suarez away from Merseyside, meaning the striker's steep transfer price may not be the biggest obstacle.
10. Robert Lewandowski
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Current Club: Borussia Dortmund
Rumoured Destination(s): Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Chelsea
Will he? Won't he?
It's a conundrum that's surrounded Robert Lewandowski for over a year now, but one thing for certain is that the Polish international will not be a Black and Yellow come next season.
Instead, it seems only a question or where and when Borussia Dortmund's attacking focal point will be moving in 2014.
The player himself has told German publication BILD (h/t Independent's Gordon Tynan) that he has decided upon his next destination, which many believe to be Bayern Munich:
"I will reveal my future next year. No one needs to get in touch with me anymore. I have decided what I am to do. I simply want to have a new challenge next season, despite the fact I am feeling very, very happy being at Borussia Dortmund.
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But then there are reports which say that Dortmund are still willing to cash in on their attacker, with the Daily Star's Paul Hetherington alleging that a number of Premier League clubs would be interested.
In any case, it seems only Lewandowski is certain of his 2014 fate, and January will be the month where it all becomes apparent.
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