English Premier League January Transfer Window: Ranking the Week's Best Rumours
As the opening of the January transfer window draws ever closer, several sides will be looking to expand their squads, while others will be looking to rid themselves of those not making the desired impact. Although history tells us we shouldn’t expect much in the way of cataclysmic transfers in the winter window, the compacted nature of the Premier League means anyone that isn’t trying to escape the trap door is looking at a European push or even a title.
At the top, Man City might well be replacing as many as four strikers, with various doubts surrounding the futures of Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor, Roque Santa Cruz and Jo. Chelsea will be also be looking to enter the market as they seek to augment a squad which has been exposed in recent weeks.
So who are the most likely movers and shakers? Here’s the best rumours we’ve seen this week.
Robbie Keane: Tottenham to West Ham
1 of 10
The Irish captain has found himself frozen out at White Hart Lane and the time appears to be afoot for yet another move. With West Ham needing goals and creativity, Keane could be just the man to provide a little bit of both. A loan deal with a permanent option in the event of the Hammer’s escape seems the most likely scenario.
Michael Owen: Manchester United to Aston Villa
2 of 10
With Javier Hernandez establishing himself as a genuine first team player, Owen’s opportunities could well be limited. Villa have been short of goals this season and Gerard Houllier is said to be eyeing up the opportunity to renew acquaintances with the former England striker.
Johan Elmander: Bolton to Liverpool
3 of 10
The Swede has finally found his feet in the Premier League, contributing handsomely to Bolton’s impressive early season form. With a new contract still to be arranged, a move away is conceivable with Liverpool most heavily linked. The Anfield outfit still require an alternative goalscoring threat to Fernando Torres and a cut price move may appeal.
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David Luiz: Benfica to Chelsea
4 of 10
With Carlo Ancellotti reluctant to put his faith in Jeffrey Bruma even in the midst of an injury crisis, there could be a defender on the way at Stamford Bridge. David Luiz has long been earmarked for a move to Stamford Bridge and it would be no surprise to see the Brazilian wearing blue before January is out.
Scott Parker: West Ham to Tottenham
5 of 10
Tottenham face a tough second half of the season, with Serie A leaders AC Milan waiting in the Champions League coupled with the challenge of re-qualifying for Europe through the league. If there’s one man who’s proven himself to have the stomach for any such battle it's Scott Parker and Spurs may well be eyeing up a bid to give their midfield that bit of bite that’s been lacking since Wilson Palacios’ loss of form.
David De Gea: Atletico Madrid to Manchester United
6 of 10
Edwin Van Der Sar seems to have seen more festive periods than Santa Claus, and it appears this could well be his last as a professional footballer. Anders Lindegaard has been signed already, although this could well be as a backup option with the impressive young Spaniard coming in to succeed Van Der Sar.
Luka Modric: Tottenham to Chelsea
7 of 10
Chelsea’s decision to replace Deco and Michael Ballack with just Ramires, coupled with the injury to Frank Lampard has left the Blues depleted in midfield. Modric has excelled both in central midfield and in an advanced playmaker role and would slot ideally into Chelsea’s engine room. He also possesses Champions League experience although Chelsea fans would have to wait until next season to see that bear fruit.
Andy Carroll: Newcastle to Tottenham
8 of 10
Carroll has been a marauding, goalscoring presence in Newcastle’s impressive return to the top flight and bigger clubs have started to take notice. Foremost among his admirers is Harry Redknapp and rumours abound of a deal that would see a significant sum of cash and Peter Crouch go in the other direction. Carroll’s eligibility for Champions League football means he wont be short of admirers, with Chelsea also apparently expressing interest.
Edin Dzeko: Wolfsburg to Manchester City
9 of 10
Among the most sought after commodities of the last two summers windows, the Bosnian’s big move finally appears to be edging closer. Statements of intent don’t come much clearer than writing to your prospective new club, and given the club's spending power and striker problems, it would be a surprise if Dzeko isn’t wearing sky blue by February 1.
Carlos Tevez: Manchester City to Chelsea
10 of 10
His transfer request may have been rescinded, but Tevez is surely on borrowed time at Eastlands and sources have suggested he has been hawked around the Premier League with a view to a new club. With Didier Drogba struggling for form, perhaps owing as much to age as his malaria the time could be nigh for his successor to be sought. Tevez has been the most consistent striker in England for the past 18 months and his capture would signify a major coup that could push the title balance back in Chelsea’s favour.
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