7 Premier League Players Sure to Move in January Transfer Window
As the new year draws closer, so too does the jungle that is the January transfer window.
And as usual, the rumours and transfer talk are already underway, with all 20 Premier League clubs being linked with a number of different targets.
But of course, with squad sizes limited to just 25 spaces, clubs need to move players out to make room for any prospective new acquisitions.
Therefore, here's a look at seven Premier League players, all senior internationals, who can be expected to make a move away from their current clubs in January.
Emmanuel Adebayor (Tottenham Hotspur)
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The Togolese striker is behind both Roberto Soldado and Jermain Defoe in the pecking order at White Hart Lane and hasn't had a sniff in either the Premier or Europa Leagues this term.
He flattered to deceive for the most part last season, having joined Tottenham permanently and endured a difficult summer—both personally and professionally—but while he can't get near Andre Villas-Boas' starting XI, he'd certainly do a job for someone.
Provided they can pay his wages, of course.
The Daily Mail linked Besiktas for a move in January, and with none of the Premier League's top sides likely to take a punt—surely Arsenal wouldn't dare—it seems Adebayor's route will be one out of the Premier League.
Wilfried Zaha (Manchester United)
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Say what you want about training day-in, day-out with better players, but it simply cannot compare to actually playing each and every week.
And in that respect, this season has been a bust for Wilfried Zaha so far. David Moyes has given him just two starts for Manchester United, while the 21-year-old has watched Adnan Januzaj push the queue in regards to playing time.
With Shinji Kagawa working his way back into favour in a nominal left-sided position, and Luis Antonia Valencia having found some semblance of form on the right, expect Zaha to head out on loan for the second half of the campaign.
Crystal Palace fans used to sing "He's just too good for you," but we still don't know whether that's the case or not.
Raheem Sterling (Liverpool)
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The young Reds winger had an extremely promising debut season under Brendan Rodgers, but his second campaign has seen him struggle for regular playing time with Liverpool.
Whether it be because new signings are preferred in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 or because he isn't strictly suited to a role in a 3-4-1-2 formation, Sterling's progress has stalled, and Brendan Rodgers has challenged him to do more, as per The Mirror.
Certainly his long-term future would seem to remain at Anfield, but expect a loan move as he looks to really kick on in the second half of the season.
Joleon Lescott (Manchester City)
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The England defender has been out of favour with manager Manuel Pellegrini for the most part of the 2013-14 campaign.
Even with Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany having struggled with injuries, Lescott has made just four appearances (all competitions) since the start of September, with Matija Nastasic preferred as the Chilean's left-sided defender, and with Pellegrini not keen on fielding Lescott to his right.
Lescott was England's starting centre-back at Euro 2012 under Roy Hodgson, but his place in the Three Lions squad for next year's World Cup could be in doubt if he remains at the Etihad Stadium.
As such, expect the 31-year-old to move in search of regular action in the new year.
John Guidetti (Manchester City)
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The Swedish international striker returned to the Etihad Stadium with his reputation greatly enhanced after an excellent loan season with Dutch giants Feyenoord, where he scored 20 goals in 23 Eredivisie matches.
However, a mystery illness affecting his central nervous system almost ended the youngster's career, and other injuries have been forthcoming, meaning that having been tipped to make a big splash with the Citizens, Guidetti has yet to make a single first-team appearance since leaving Rotterdam.
With his contract in Manchester set to expire in January, the 21-year-old could be set for a cut-price January move as he looks to get his career back on track.
Gaston Ramirez (Southampton)
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As Southampton continue to represent themselves in a fantastic manner under Mauricio Pochettino, 2012's marquee summer signing Gaston Ramirez continues to be unable to force his way into the starting XI.
The Uruguayan international has a magnificent left foot and technically is a very good player, but his languid style doesn't fit with Pochettino's, and he's played just 99 Premier League minutes so far.
Shane Long (West Bromwich Albion)
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Despite his scoring turn against Chelsea recently, Shane Long's West Bromwich Albion future remains up in the air.
Having seen his deadline day move to Hull City pulled at the very last minute, Long's contract issues at the Hawthorns still haven't been resolved—his deal expires at the end of the season.
And the Republic of Ireland international has made just three Premier League starts so far, two of which came in the opening two league games, prior to his Hull move falling through.
His excellent showing at Stamford Bridge will have got him back on a number of clubs' radars, so don't be surprised if he heads elsewhere in January; with his hard-running style, Arsenal could do worse in their quest for a back-up to Olivier Giroud.
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