World Football: Top Five January Transfer Window Rumors

A look at the last week or so brings some interesting rumours to the fore. World football always has a soap opera or two playing through the middle of it, and tales of unhappiness, stalling contract talks and struggling managers always spring up these stories and these are the best of the week so far.

Kranjcar On the Move

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LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 07: Nico Kranjcar of Tottenham Hotspur in action during the pre-season friendly match between Tottenham Hotspur and Fiorentina at White Hart Lane on August 7, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)

Spurs attacking midfielder Niko Kranjcar is looking to move away from White-heart Lane following an extended period on the sub bench. Too good to sit all the time but not good enough to oust the excellent Van der Vaart, Kranjcar will have no shortage of Premier League suitors. 

Icelandic Starlet To Manchester?

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LEICESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 24: Glyfi Sigurdsson of Reading celebrates after he scores from the penlaty spot during the Coca-Cola Championship match between Leicester City and Reading at The Walkers Stadium on March 24, 2010 in Leicester, England. (Photo

Manchester United are apparently interested in signing Hoffenheim midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson. Sigurdsson only recently played for Reading and has enjoyed a quick progression through footballs ranks, and a good start to his Bundesliga career may have attracted attention from Sir Alex Ferguson. 

Schweinsteiger To Leave Bayern?

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MUNICH, GERMANY - AUGUST 20: Bastian Schweinsteiger of Bayern scores his team's second and winning goal against goalkeeper Diego Benaglio of Wolfsburg during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and VfL Wolfsburg at Allianz Arena on August 20,

Bastian Schweinsteiger's Bayern contract is due to run out before long, and the talented German midfielder has yet to sign an extension. He has been quoted as saying that he and Bayern are not "joined at the hip" and rumour has it Chelsea is a possible destination. He may join Lahm in re-signing with Bayern or perhaps a transfer to England or Spain is possible. 

Mancini Facing The Axe?

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 13: Roberto Mancini the manager of Manchester City reacts during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Birmingham City at City of Manchester Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Manchester, England. (Pho

When you spend over $200 million on footballing talent the goals are supposed to come rolling in, but Manchester City's dour displays have left a bitter taste in the mouths of many. Mancini favours a five man midfield, even at home, and unless Man City start to fire again Mancini could be facing the sack as the mega-rich owners look for instant results.  

Ex-Barcelona Coach to Take Over at Liverpool?

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MURCIA, SPAIN - MAY 17: Barcelona 's Dutch manager Frank Rijkaard smiles before the start of the La Liga match between Murcia and Barcelona at the Nueva Condomina stadium on May 17, 2008 in Murcia, Sp?in. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Frank Rijkaard is one of the bookies favourites to take over from struggling Roy Hodgeson at Anfield. The man who reputedly laid the foundation for the current Barcelona team could be a great success with Liverpool but many would rue the lack of time given to Hodgeson.