EPL Transfer News: 10 Bold Transfer Predictions for the January Window

The English Premier League season is taking shape.

We can see who figures in the manager's plans and who doesn't. Which squads need a boost and which squads are packed.

From here, we can make some informed judgements on what might happen in January.

Here are 10 bold predictions for January. Enjoy the slide show!

Gary Cahill Will Go Nowhere

Gary Cahill is widely tipped to move on this January as he runs out the final year of his contract.

He is considered 'hot property' as the talented England international will have his pick of a number of potential suitors looking to secure his signature.

But Bolton Wanderers are not looking great at the moment. They've endured a torrid start to the season and may well look to keep Gary Cahill despite losing him for free in the summer.

It's inevitable he will leave, but the estimated £7 million fee they could receive for him in January may pale in comparison to the money earned by avoiding relegation in utilising his talents for a further six months.

Robin van Persie Will Sign & Commit

In another uncomfortable season for Arsenal supporters everywhere, Robin van Persie has been a shining light for them.

With the emergence of some Manchester City related interest in the Dutch striker however the mood soured and the Gunners fans were left fearing the inevitable.

Robin van Persie has pledged his commitment to the Arsenal cause as recently as last weekend though and I believe he'll be going nowhere this January.

In fact, he's more likely to sign a contract extension than leave.

Giovani dos Santos Will Depart the EPL and Never Return

Giovani dos Santos has not had a great time in England.

Having signed for Juande Ramos, he's failed to find form or regular playing time in a Tottenham shirt and has taken in so many loan spells that his résumé resembles that of a veteran.

He's not in favour with Harry Redknapp and he will surely be off in January. Critically, I don't think we'll ever see him grace the EPL turf ever again.

His game is very much suited to the continental leagues and he knows that. He'll find success, but it'll never be here in England.

Manchester City Will Make Just One Signing

Taking a break from the usual influx of new signings this January might well be Manchester City.

The billionaires have built a formidable squad and are utilising it with perfection this season, sitting atop the English Premier League.

They have considerable strength in depth for every position and it may well be the outgoings that catch the headlines.

Nevertheless, the Daniele De Rossi rumours are continuing the gather pace and it seems he may well come in. If not him, then Alessio Cerci from Fiorentina also looks a viable option.

City will have their least expensive January for several seasons—a marker for how well they are doing. 

Arsene Wenger Will Spend

He knows he and his team are in trouble. They are looking better at the moment but they are out of the title race and that's not acceptable for a club like Arsenal.

Arsene Wenger whipped out the cheque book at the end of the summer transfer window and made a few much-needed signings. It's something he desperately needs to do again and I think he will.

Whether it be Eden Hazard or a relative unknown, Arsenal need options in most positions as injuries are tearing their season apart at the moment.

If I was manager, I'd check in on the wing situation. Theo Walcott is, in my opinion, inept and Andrei Arshavin may well be off to Russia this January, if not then in the summer.

QPR Will Sign Several More Average Players

While Neil Warnock did make some good signings in the last few days of the summer transfer window, he made some useless ones too.

Queens Park Rangers are an attacking force but they look vulnerable at the back. Anton Ferdinand and Danny Gabbidon are not the kind of players you want to rely on to keep the goals out and Jay Bothroyd looks absolutely terrible.

You get the feeling QPR should use their riches to sign some quality to help them stay up. But they probably wont. They'll probably sign a few more average players leaving them no better-off in reality.

Aston Villa, Sunderland & Everton Will Sign No-One

While some clubs fill their rosters in the January transfer window, some do absolutely nothing.

I expect this to be the case with Aston Villa, Sunderland and Everton this January.

Villa have wage bill problems which means signings are hard to make (beyond the pre-agreed transfer of Enda Stevens). Bruce spent big in the summer and Moyes hasn't got anything to spend.

Everton fans may well look for the Arteta money to be used but history suggests they won't see all of it.

Steve Kean Will Be Fired, but Not Until January

Steve Kean is everyone's favourite to get the sack any day now.

Blackburn's owners have stuck by the Scot so far, pledging faith and trust in him and his team. To be fair, Steve Kean worked the transfer market well this summer and made some good acquisitions.

Scott Dann was one the signings of the summer and Simon Vuckevic will prove a valuable acquisition.

But he won't last any longer than January, unless he works some miracles between now and the new year. The owners may look to bring a new man in and give him a budget to avoid relegation.

Wigan Will Recruit in Vain

Wigan Athletic don't look good.

The Latics have been in and around the relegation battle for several years now and there is a feeling amongst most football fans that the inevitable is due to happen very, very soon.

Each transfer window Roberto Martinez continues to recruit players no-ones heard of with uninspiring reputations producing uninspiring performances.

Don't expect Martinez to buck his own trend this January as we are likely to see a small influx of unknown average continental players.

Lack of Activity Will Cost Stoke City

Stoke City should have a quiet January having spent big at the end of the summer window on the likes of Cameron Jerome, Peter Crouch and Wilson Palacios.

It could ultimately cost them as their travelling in the Europa League coupled with the double schedules they're playing will drain them.

We've seen it before with many teams, notably Aston Villa whilst challenging for a top four spot in 08/09, and the fatigue will hinder the team's campaign for another decent league finish.

Tony Pulis could do with signing a couple of cheap players or securing a few loans, even if they aren't of the highest quality, to enable some of his key players a rest at times.