World Football Transfer Rumours: 5 Transfers to Shake Up Champions League

As another transfer window fast approaches, the rumour mill has only just begun to churn, and already some high profile moves have been discussed as teams jockey for position in the race to acquire some of the game's top talent.

Here are five rumoured moves that could have an earth-shattering effect on the Champions League.

Carlos Tevez: To Juventus?

Juventus, looking to recapture its dominance of the Italian Serie A, has been rumoured to be aggressively exploring its options to facilitate acquiring increasingly dissatisfied Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez.

While the club has reportedly denied entering direct negotiations with City, one has to believe that the prospect of acquiring one of the world's most electrifying goal scorers has Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta scrambling to put together a package that would satisfy the demands of Manchester City, with whom Tevez is under contract until 2014.

Tevez has certainly worn out his welcome with the Blues, reportedly refusing to enter a game against Bayern Munich as a substitute, upset that manager Roberto Mancini had waited so long to put him in.

Despite his current disposition, Tevez would be a great acquisition for any team, given his world-class talent. The Argentinian would surely be a game breaker for Juventus, as the team looks to recapture its pre-scandal glory.

Hulk: Headed to Arsenal?

Brazilian international Hulk has been the subject of recent speculation of a monster acquisition for Arsenal. The striker's agent has claimed that the Gunners have entered in serious talks with FC Porto, Hulk's current club, to attain one of the world's best young goal-scoring talents.

In his last 63 matches with FC Porto, Hulk has scored 40 goals and tallied 27 assists. His arrival would surely provide some much needed help for Arsenal, who have been relying heavily on Robin van Persie to carry the scoring load.

Marouane Chamakh has been a huge disappointment for the North London club, and Carlos Vela and Nicklas Bendtner are out on loan, not likely to return.

Hulk, born Givanildo Vieira de Souza, has been rumoured to be a possible insurance policy of sorts for Van Persie, who is reportedly undecided about his future with Arsenal. Many have speculated that Arsenal is pursuing Hulk aggressively as a result of Van Persie's wavering commitment to the club.

The Gunners do not want to be left without a world-class option up front in the event that he does leave.

Moussa Sow: To Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur?

French Ligue 1 sensation Moussa Sow is the ultimate prize in an increasingly heated battle between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. The Lille striker, who scored 25 goals to help his team win the league title last season, has been followed closely by both clubs recently.

Sow, whom Lille will desperately try to retain, led Ligue 1 in goals last season and would be a game changer for either club.

Liverpool would like to sign the productive forward to compete with stalwarts Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll after selling David N'Gog last year, while the Spurs, spurned by almost every recent target, desperately need to breakthrough and finally sign an important transfer target.

In fact, Tottenham is reportedly so desperate to sign the French scoring champion that they are reportedly willing to explore either trading or selling Russian Roman Pavlyuchenko in order to get him.

Yoann Gourcuff: Could He Be Headed to Arsenal?

It was recently revealed that Arsenal sought to replace Barcelona-bound Cesc Fabregas with Lyon midfielder Yoann Gourcuff during the last transfer window and were rebuffed but may yet well succeed in acquiring the creative midfielder they have lacked since Fabregas' departure.

Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas admitted that Arsenal had come calling for Gourcuff, but he turned them away. However, as he looks to balance his team's books, his hand may be forced this time around and Arsenal may get their target.

While Gourcuff's last season was anything but memorable as he was slowed by injuries, his acquisition would surely provide spark for Arsenal.

Conversely, his loss would be huge to Lyon, who have tried desperately to find a way to keep Gourcuff, so look for them to move on any deal only if Lyon has been knocked out of the Champions League come time for the next transfer window.

Ashley Cole: Barca-Bound?

Chelsea left back Ashley Cole has reportedly become a top target of European champion Barcelona.

Barcelona head man Pep Guardiola has reportedly made left back a top priority, and Cole fits the bill. While some have said that with a long-term solution being the obvious goal for Barcelona, Cole, 30, is too old to be a top target. However, Cole has arguably seen his best form only in the last two years and has a lot left in the tank.

If Barcelona can pull the trigger on the move, it would serve to further their current dominance over all of Europe. Like they say, the rich get richer.