January Transfer Rumors: 10 Game-Changing Deals That Might Just Happen

The January transfer window is one of the most important periods in a season. The decisions made by the managers in the month could have a huge influence in deciding how their season finishes.

Most managers look for quality players in the window. There are others who have to look for short term replacements like on-loan deals due to injuries to their players.

There are not many big name transfers which generally happen in January because they are likely to be Cup-tied. However, in the last January transfer window, clubs like Chelsea and Liverpool spent plenty of money signing the likes of Fernando Torres and Andy Carroll, respectively.

There will be big clubs looking to sign quality players available in this transfer window. They'll try to strike a deal with their clubs to sell the player which will be harder in January. 

Here are 10 important deals which could happen in the window.

No. 1: Wesley Sneijder to Manchester United

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson would certainly not have anticipated that 1-6 drubbing at the hands of "noisy neighbors" Manchester City. It would certainly put a few thoughts into the manager's mind.

The Red Devils were heavily linked with a move for Inter Milan's Wesley Sneijder but did not sign him in the end. With the rise of Tom Cleverley, United did not seem like they needed a central midfielder, especially with Wayne Rooney providing creativity from attacking positions.

However, the injury to Cleverley has exposed their weak midfield and United would do well with the experience of the creative Sneijder. The Dutchman will provide a great attacking threat from midfield and will create goal scoring opportunities regularly for the team.

Inter Milan have not had a good start to the season. Though they will be reluctant to sell the midfielder, there is every chance of United signing him if they are prepared to spend the right money. He could make the difference in this title race. 

No. 2: Carlos Tevez (Manchester City) to Tottenham

Tottenham has emerged as a surprise destination for Manchester City's want-away striker Carlos Tevez, who is no longer a part of Roberto Mancini's setup at City.

Tevez and Mancini were involved in a controversial dispute following the game against Bayern Munich and he has not played since that game. Despite Tevez being involved in many problems previously, it cannot be denied that he is a quality player. The Argentinean has the quality to make a huge impact.

City and Tottenham already have a loan agreement concerning Emmanuel Adebayor. and the former Arsenal striker has started off in good form for Spurs.

Though the high wages earned by Tevez could turn out to be a problem, there is the possibility that Tottenham and City could reach an agreement on a loan deal until the end of the summer.

Manager Harry Redknapp said he would welcome Tevez if he had the opportunity to sign him and there is still every chance of this move happening.

"I would take him if he were available for sure, warts and all. Who wouldn't?" Redknapp told a number of national newspapers. "If Manchester City want to let me have him on loan and massively subsidise it, I'll take him tomorrow. Say what you like, but he's a world-class player and you can't say he doesn't work his socks off when he plays."

No. 3: Neymar (Santos) to Real Madrid

Brazilian striker Neymar is one of the most prodigious young talents to emerge recently. He has the potential to be one of the world's best players.

Neymar has expressed his interest to play in the Club World Cup and could move to a big European club in January. He has been linked with both Barcelona, Real Madrid and a host of other top European clubs as well. 

Madrid have one of the strongest squads in the world and they might not be able to accommodate Neymar in the starting 11 regularly. However, he could be a world class player soon, making the difference for Madrid.

The Los Blancos are making their best efforts to end Barcelona's dominance. They are acquiring talented young players who could help them not only put an end to Barcelona's dominance, but also to build a team capable of attaining consistent success over the years.

No. 4: Luka Modric (Tottenham) to Chelsea

Chelsea were interested in signing Croatian midfielder Luka Modric in the summer. Despite the high price offered by the Blues, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy stood firm and did not allow him to leave the club.

After a slow start to the campaign from Modric, he is slowly getting back to his best, helping Tottenham win many games recently. He is one of the most important players to help achieve a position in the Champions League places.

However, he is uncertain about his long term future with Spurs, considering that there is a very good chance of manager Harry Redknapp leaving to become the England manager.

Chelsea did bid high for him in the summer and if they do the same in January, there is a good chance that he will be interested in leaving the club. He would also be eligible to play in the Champions League as well.

No. 5: Eden Hazard (Lille) to Inter Milan

Lille's Eden Hazard is one of the best young players in the world. It would be a major coup for any team that signs the Belgian international. The 20-year-old winger was named as the player of the French League for his performances which helped Lille win the title.

He is arguably the club's most valuable player and they would be reluctant to sell him, especially after the departures of some important players like Yohan Cabaye and Gervinho.

However, Hazard is attracting interest from plenty of clubs and it will be difficult for the club to hold on to him. Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City are all interested in the Belgian but the latest club to join the pursuit is Inter Milan.

They have the finances and the capability to attract Hazard to join their club. Inter defender Javier Zanetti also revealed that he is a player who has been tracked by Inter Milan, fuelling speculation that they could bid for Hazard in January.

"Hazard is a player I like. I know from a reliable source that the club are following him and are interested in his signature," said Zanetti. "He is a huge talent, but is very young and can still improve."

No. 6: Yoann Gourcuff (Lyon) to Arsenal

Lyon midfielder Yoann Gourcuff is one of the most talented central midfielders in the world. Though he has not had the best of seasons at Lyon, he remains a player who can provide creativity in central midfield.

With the departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri—as well as the long term injury to Jack Wilshere—there is a lot of pressure on Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey to deliver for the Gunners.

Though both are talented, they have not produced too many creative performances for their side, which is why Wenger could target Gourcuff in January.

According to Gourcuff via ESPNSoccernet, he regards Wenger as one of the best coaches in the world and admitted that he was flattered by the interest shown by the Gunners in acquiring his services.

"I am flattered by the interest shown by Arsene Wenger," he told Sky Sports. "He is one of the top coaches in the world. He loves technical players so I am very, very happy to know that he was interested in me."

No. 7: Mario Goetze (Borussia Dortmund) to Real Madrid

Mario Goetze has established himself as one of the world's best young talents and the talented German is likely to attract the interest of many top clubs in the future.

The versatile playmaker is integral to the success of Borussia Dortmund and despite his youth, he has the capability to play for many big clubs in the world.

Real Madrid, under Jose Mourinho and president Florentino Perez, have embarked on a policy of recruiting talented young players from around the world. They currently have young German internationals Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira on their squad.

Also, Goetze's former teammate Nuri Sahin—who emerged from Dortmund's youth system—is at Madrid, which could influence the German.

According to Goal.com, Goetze has refused to rule out a move and though Dortmund will be reluctant to sell their prized asset, there is still a chance that Madrid could sign the talented midfielder.

No. 8: Hulk (FC Porto) to Chelsea

Chelsea have had a solid start to their season under new manager Andre Villas-Boas, but they still are behind both Manchester United and City. Chelsea will look to challenge them for the league title this season.

They could strengthen in the January transfer window, as it would be a huge boost to their title hopes. One of the main Chelsea targets is impressive FC Porto striker, Hulk.

Hulk excelled for the club during Villas-Boas' time as manager of FC Porto. The Portuguese tactician does share a good relationship with the striker.

According to the Daily Mail, Hulk admitted that he is open to a move away from Porto, though it will be difficult to convince Porto to sell the Brazilian.

He has an astonishing buyout clause of £87.5 million and it is unlikely that Chelsea or any other club would be willing to meet that clause for the forward. 

No. 9: Daniele De Rossi (Roma) to Manchester City

Daniele De Rossi is one of the most important players for AS Roma. The club is keen to tie the midfielder down to a new contract.

Though negotiations are undergoing between the club and the player, there is every chance that he could leave the club to move to another league. Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini watched the Italian play on numerous occasions and could consider making an offer for the midfielder.

According to Talksport, Chelsea and Manchester City are interested in the Roma midfielder, as he could add more steel and experience to their midfield.

Both the clubs are title contenders and will look to strengthen in the January transfer window if they can find the right players. De Rossi is an integral player for a Roma club that hopes he turns down any prospective offer from another club.

No. 10: Didier Drogba (Chelsea) to Bayern Munich

According to Goal.com, Bayern Munich are apparently interested in a move for Chelsea's Didier Drogba, who has not yet signed a new contract and could leave the club on a free transfer in the summer.

With the acquisition of Fernando Torres, Drogba has faced immense competition for his place on the team. New manager Andre Villas-Boas has preferred the combination of Torres and Daniel Sturridge on his team.

At 33, there could be one last move in his career, though he could also decide to move elsewhere with Tottenham showing interest in the summer. Bayern Munich have the goal-scoring machine Mario Gomez.

But in case of an injury, they could utilize the services of Drogba, who can be prolific. The Chelsea striker is currently not in his best form, but he is quality and can bounce back to regain his best form in the near future.