Analysing the Twitter Buzz Surrounding January Transfer Window

The January transfer window is fast approaching, and the rumour mill is already in full swing. 

The atmosphere around a club can have a huge impact on their fortunes on the pitch. So, how supporters view a potential acquisition is a good indicator of what the atmosphere will be like during the business end of the season, if the signing goes through.

January can make or break a team's campaign, so it's hardly surprising the rumours have pundits and fans alike taking to Twitter in droves to have their two cents.

Here are the latest rumours that have tongues—and thumbs—wagging.

Tottenham Hotspur Are Set to Overhaul Their Squad Yet Again

According to Dave Kidd of the Mirror, Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is determined to rebuild the squad in January.

Targets include Southampton's Jay Rodriguez and Morgan Schneiderlin and Napoli's Raul Albiol, while the likes of Aaron Lennon, Jan Vertonghen, Emmanuel Adebayor and Mousa Dembele will be sold to raise the necessary funds.

Spurs have underwhelmed so far this season, with the Lilywhites languishing in 10th place.

Tottenham's defensive capabilities in particular have come in for criticism, with the Daily Mail's Neil Ashton noting the over-reliance on Hugo Lloris.

Football writer Matt Spiro echoes this sentiment, sharing a colourful headline from French newspaper L'Equipe:

Centre-back Albiol and defensive midfielder Schneiderlin would certainly give Lloris much-needed protection, while Rodriguez would offer firepower, something Spurs have lacked.

However, for a number of Spurs fans, there's the distinct impression they've heard it all before.

Clearly the idea of another total overhaul at Tottenham is a divisive one.

While a quality addition or two could reinvigorate the struggling side, more wholesale change could disrupt the flow of the team and require yet more patience from fans as they wait for the players to gel. 

A gradual, more organic change would be better both for the team and supporters, but with chairman Daniel Levy demanding Champions League football, the overhaul seems more likely.

Pochettino will need to try and incorporate any new faces as seamlessly as possible, or he could find himself the latest manager out the door at White Hart Lane.

Liverpool Hunt for a New Striker as Mario Balotelli Nears the Exit

Simon Jones of the Daily Mail reports that Liverpool are targeting a new forward to bolster their attacking line, while Mario Balotelli could face an early exit.

The mercurial Italian has failed to register a single league goal for his new club. ESPN's Dale Johnson notes:

As ever, Balotelli is a polarising figure amongst the fans and journalists alike.

Neil Jones of the Liverpool Echo is a Balotelli sceptic:

Whatever their feelings towards Balotelli, most Liverpool fans would agree that another striker in January is a must.

Possible candidates include West Bromwich Albion's Saido Berahino, West Ham United's Diafra Sakho and Porto's Jackson Martinez.

The strikers have all been in good form this season, with Martinez being particularly prolific, netting 15 times.

However, going off Twitter, a common feeling amongst Reds supporters is that Brendan Rodgers is underperforming in the transfer market.

"

Brendan Rodgers didn't think that Bony was worth £20 million but paid that for Lovren & Markovic! Would you trust his judgement in January?

— Gary Dixon (@gdixon61) December 7, 2014"

This is a concern for Liverpool and could heavily increase the pressure on his position should he fail to sign one of his targets in January.

However, if he proves them wrong and acquires one of the strikers, Martinez in particular, then this would be a huge boost to the team and the fans.

If Rodgers does the business, then expect a resurgence and a top-four challenge.

Manchester United and Liverpool Are Set to Go Head to Head for Nathaniel Clyne

The old rivals are set for an "epic battle" to secure Nathaniel Clyne's signature, per Ben Jefferson of the Express.

Southampton defender Clyne has been in fine form this season, his Saints' side boasting the best defensive record in the Premier League.

Football writer Graham Ruthven believes Clyne to be the kind of signing United need:

The Red Devils fans are in vocal agreement with him.

"

Clyne finally being linked to United. FINALLY.

— Daniel (@SimplyUtd) December 4, 2014"

Liverpool fans are equally keen.

Clyne has made more tackles than any other Premier League player this season with a phenomenal 68 (per WhoScored.com).

His solidity at the back would benefit either team greatly, and as a right-back he would face little competition for a starting berth from the struggling Glen Johnson or the out-of-position Antonio Valencia.

Whether Clyne remains with the Saints or moves on to pastures new will have a profound effect on the table come the end of the season.

With him, United could emerge as genuine title contenders, while for Liverpool a Champions League spot would at last look a realistic possibility.

Martin Odegaard Is Wanted by Everyone

Fifteen-year-old Martin Odegaard has caused a sensation in recent weeks after becoming the youngest player ever to represent the Norwegian national side.

The schoolboy recently trained with Liverpool and is now set to train with Arsenal, according to Rob Draper of the Daily Mail:

Along with the Reds and the Gunners, Odegaard is thought to be targeted by—wait for it—Manchester United, Manchester City, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Celtic and Ajax, amongst others.

BBC Sport journalist Luke Reddy reports that Chelsea aren't in the running—if Mourinho is to be believed, of course:

With videos like this of Odegaard emerging, it's easy to see why there's been a lot of hype surrounding the youngster.

"

Whoever signs this Martin Odegaard will have one of the most talented players for the future #unbelievabletalent ⚽

— Stefan Davies (@SDavies24286) December 7, 2014"

Of course, there's been plenty of scepticism as well.

Nooruddean Choudry of the Daily Mirror encapsulated the Twitter buzz brilliantly:

Whichever club lands Odegaard's signature will send out a strong message to their European rivals. 

It remains to be seen, however, whether they will have secured the next Lionel Messi or the next Freddy Adu.

Football fans, naturally, are as vocal on Twitter as they are in the "real world." While the impact Twitter has on a club's transfer dealings is negligible, it does reflect the attitudes and atmosphere amongst supporters and this can have a very real impact on their team.

If Van Gaal, Rodgers, Pochettino et al do the right business in January, the outlook of their season can change dramatically.

Do the wrong business and the discontent won't just be limited to social media.