World Football Transfer Rumours: 20 Big Names Who May Be on the Move Soon

As we all know, shortly after Christmas comes its world football equivalent: the January transfer window, where the biggest teams in the game try to court the biggest, shiniest names to come and join their ranks. 

Here are 20 marquee-level names—many whom you were probably already aware of as far as rumors go—and the teams who are supposedly courting them in January and over the summer window. If you have any thoughts about possible destinations for these gentlemen, please tell us in the comments. 

Carlos Tévez (Manchester City)

Tévez's move away from the Etihad is basically a done deal at this point—it's more a question of "where" than of "if."

The want-away Manchester City striker has moved down the ranks due to the presence of other heavy-hitters in Roberto Mancini's formidable attack, including a resurgent Mario Balotelli, and his tension with manager Mancini reached a boiling point when Tévez reportedly refused to come on as a sub in City's Champions League loss to Bayern Munich.

But where will he go?

West Ham United and Emirati club Al-Wasl were linked to him at various points but pulled out, which still leaves a host of big clubs, among them deep-pocketed ready-to-buy outfits like Málaga, Paris Saint-Germain and Anzhi Makhachkala and his former clubs Corinthians (where he was reported to be heading back in August) and Boca Juniors.

A rather dubious report from Footybunker had him linked to Real Madrid on a player swap, in which Jose Mourinho would offer Tévez's Argentina teammate Angel Di María in exchange, and Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has said he would consider bringing Tévez to White Hart Lane on a loan deal. 

Gary Cahill (Bolton Wanderers)

As Bolton sinks lower and lower down the Premier League ladder, a move for its talismanic player is looking all the more likely. The star centre-back has been a leader for Bolton, and increasing frustration with the lack of form at the Reebok Stadium is just another sign pointing to a January move.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid have all reportedly expressed interest in Cahill at some point during this saga, and Cahill will certainly be swayed by the opportunity to impress to secure a strong role on the England squad for Euro 2012. He'll likely stay in England, but his destination is still up in the air.

Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan)

Just in time for Halloween, we have an August transfer saga that's come back from the dead to haunt everyone.

Over the summer, it was the deal that was all over the media: Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder going to Manchester United as a replacement for Paul Scholes in a deal that would be worth more money than any of us would really know what to do with. 

The deal, as most heavily-hyped deals do, fell through, with Sneijder staying at San Siro and Sir Alex Ferguson opting to mold his young prodigy Tom Cleverley into the playmaker he's been looking for.

But now, it looks like that big-money move may be back with a vengeance, as a struggling Inter Milan flirts with the bottom of the Serie A table, leaving Sneijder looking for titles and Inter looking for some saving moves. 

As Eden Hazard has reportedly emerged on Inter's radar, along with the potential to bring on other rising stars, the Nerazzurri may be more prepared to shuffle off some of their veteran stars to bring in the wünderkinds, meaning an easier time letting Sneijder go to Old Trafford. 

Eden Hazard (OSC Lille)

The British tabloids have taken to calling him "The Most Wanted Player In Europe," and indeed, with the possible exception of Neymar, Eden Hazard is arguably the most sought-after young player in the world right now. 

Inter Milan is reportedly gearing up to join an already crowded field to vie for the 20-year-old dazzling Belgian playmaker's affections, alongside Chelsea, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and probably a few others.

After the big guns were warned by Lille club president Michel Seydoux that their young star was not for sale, Hazard himself has admitted that he plans to leave Lille at the end of the season for a chance to move to a bigger club.

He said has ruled out Paris Saint-Germain, as he does not want to go to a Ligue 1 rival of his current club. 

As he told French newspaper L'Equipe: 

"

"I am ready to go to the next level at a big club. I won't leave in January. It would be silly to do so. But it's my last season at Lille.

I stayed with Lille this year because I still had things to work on and prove. But now I'm ready. I feel able to play in another country."

"

Napoli's Firepower Duo: Edinson Cavani and Marek Hamšík

Neither has hit the age of 25 yet and still they're two of the top-rated meteoric talents in world football right now, together contributing greatly to Napoli's white-hot presence in Serie A, emergence as Scudetto contenders and intimidating dark-horse performance in the Champions League. 

Edinson Cavani has emerged as a top striking talent, earning the nickname "El Matador" for his killer finishing and netting 39 goals in all appearances for Napoli last season. Cavani's performances have impressed the likes of Roberto Mancini and Andre Villas-Boas, the latter being linked to a £35 million deal for the explosive forward.

Marek Hamšík has continued to excel, an energetic, creative playmaker made all the more appealing to the top-flight clubs as he ponders a move over the summer. His agent, Mino Railoa, has said Hamšík is being held in a "golden prison" at Napoli, and the likes of Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain have been reported as ready to pounce. 

Adam Johnson (Manchester City)

Adam Johnson's saga has been a long-running one as well, with the highly talented winger trying to assert himself in the first team at Manchester City, often getting left out in favor of the likes of Samir Nasri and James Milner.

A creative and skillful player capable of operating on either wing or in more of a playmaking role, Johnson would most certainly break into the first team at another club, and Liverpool and Arsenal are among those who have taken notice, with the Gunners more readily linked to a January move. 

That is, if Roberto Mancini will let him go. Even as Johnson continues to get left out of the first team in favor of a more frequent role as an impact sub, Mancini says the winger is really his only option as a wide man, and claims he still has a role to play at Eastlands. 

As Mancini told Sky Sports:

"

"If he was not a good player, then I wouldn't waste my time saying this. But I do, because he has everything.

I don't want him stopping at this level. I want him up a level, then a level more.

He is our only winger and I think that if he can continue to work hard and to improve his game he can be one of the best wingers in England or Europe.

He's young. But he can improve every month, every week, every day."

 

"

Mario Götze (Borussia Dortmund)

The 19-year-old Borussia Dortmund playmaker has been the subject of transfer speculation since August, when he was first linked to moves to the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United.

Now, it looks as though Arsenal is still in hot pursuit of the young German, who may be seeking a move in light of the BVB's overall drop in form and their looming elimination from the Champions League group stages.

According to the Metro, Arsenal is reportedly preparing a £17.5 million bid for the attacker, but it may not be enough. Götze himself has hinted at a desire to eventually move to Real Madrid to join his German compatriots Mesut Özil and Sami Khedira, along with former teammate Nuri Sahin. 

Ricardo Carvalho (Real Madrid)

Like his veteran centre-back peer Raúl Albiol, Real Madrid's Ricardo Carvalho, a longtime favorite of boss Jose Mourinho, may be courted away from the Bernabéu, as he will have to compete with the likes of Pepe, Sergio Ramos and up-and-comer Raphaël Varane, potentially along with Albiol should he stay at the Bernabéu, for a spot in the first team. 

According to a report from transfer gossip site Sportsmole, Carvalho's contract ends at the end of the season and the club will allow him to hold transfer talks beginning in January. Among those who may be interested in courting him are Juventus, looking for a centre-back after losing key prospect Rhodolfo, along with Fenerbahçe, AC Milan and veteran-loving, big-spending Anzhi Makhachkala.

Lucas Rodrigues Moura Da Silva (São Paulo)

Arguably the most sought-after young Brazilian player after Neymar, Lucas Moura is an explosive attacker who has set the Brasilerão on fire. The mercurial 19-year-old was named to FIFA's list of Young Players to Watch this year, impressing with his dribbling skills and creativity, drawing comparisons to his compatriot Kaká and emerging as one of the most exciting talents in world football.

Naturally, Europe has taken notice. Paris Saint-Germain, AS Roma and Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly expressed interest and Lucas has been a target for Liverpool in the past, with the Reds expected to attempt a bid for him again sometime next year. Real Madrid has also emerged as a possible destination for Lucas, with the Merengues reportedly monitoring the young playmaker.

Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao)

One of the newest La Liga aces to attract attention around Europe is Fernando Llorente, the Athletic Bilbao striker with the rather regal nickname of "The Lion King." The 26-year-old has had a pair of successful seasons with Athletic, helping his club qualify for the Europa League two seasons running, and he looks poised to continue his success, leading Marcelo Bielsa's attack and most recently scoring a double to give Althetic a 3-0 victory over Atlético Madrid. 

The striker, rated at a whopping £25 million according to this report from GiveMeFootball, has caught the eye of Chelsea, looking to potentially replace a couple of veteran strikers rumored to be leaving, including Salomon Kalou on loan, Nicolas Anelka and possibly Didier Drogba, as well as Tottenham Hotspur. 

Luka Modric (Tottenham Hotspur)

First he was, then he wasn't. Then he was, then he wasn't. 

Harry Redknapp and Daniel Levy were able to hold on to their prized midfielder in August, fending off a bid from Chelsea, but it looks as though the Blues might try again in January.

Although Modric has seen recent good form at White Hart Lane and he appears happy, he may be swayed to move elsewhere should Harry Redknapp, a key factor in his remaining with Tottenham, opts to leave Spurs to take the job as England manager.

Perhaps a Modric move is a bit of a long-shot for now and depends on a whole lot of "ifs," but if those ifs fall into place, Modric may be wearing someone else's shirt. 

Yoann Gourcuff (Olympique Lyonnais)

Arsenal has been looking to inject some creativity into their midfield since the departures of Cesc Fábregas and Samir Nasri, and among the key emergent prospects is Lyon midfielder Yoann Gourcuff.

Arsene Wenger said he attempted a bid for the playmaker in August, but his £20 million bid was rejected by Lyon. 

A world-class performer at his peak, injuries and a lack of confidence have caused Gourcuff to struggle recently at Lyon, but his innovation and skill when fully fit will likely be enough to convince the Gunners to make another bid for him, and he could complement Mikel Arteta as a visionary force in their midfield. 

But earlier this month, Gourcuff told Sky Sports he was content to stay at Lyon and would like a little more time to make his mark at the club:

"

"I had a frustrating first season. When I joined l'OL I was welcomed as a hero, but I was not prepared for such enthusiasm.

I was not at ease because I am a reserved man. I am keen on the collective and I could not make the difference all on my own."

 

"

Yann M'Vila (Rennes)

The 21-year-old defensive midfielder has been absolutely explosive in Ligue 1, even wearing the captain's armband for Rennes back in September during a 1-1 draw with Nancy.

The strong holding midfielder is physical and cerebral, lauded for his ability to position himself at exactly the right place at the right time and analyze the happenings on the pitch. 

M'Vila has impressed on the international circuit as well, working his way up the ranks through France's youth squads and becoming a regular starter under Laurent Blanc, and his stock will only rise as Euro 2012 competition heats up and his role on the national team is truly tested.

The defensive midfielder has been named as a target for Arsene Wenger come January, along with both the Milan clubs. Whoever brings him on though will have to be prepared to shell out a hefty sum for such a young player, as M'Vila comes with a £25 million price tag. 

Hulk (FC Porto)

The superhero-monikered Porto striker, aka Givanildo Vieira de Souza, has impressed with his strength and attacking prowess, bringing the Portuguese Liga side a domestic double and a Europa League title last season and helping them hold their own in the Champions League this time around. 

Chelsea, Arsenal and Inter Milan are among the clubs reportedly linked to upcoming bids for the Porto star, as the latter clubs are looking for formidable strikers and Chelsea may need another in the rotation in the likely event of Salomon Kalou's departure and the less likely event of Didier Drogba leaving at the end of the season. 

Whoever brings him on though will have to cough up a whole lot of cash, as the striker comes with a hefty €100 million release clause. And although Hulk is focused on Porto for now, he told Radio Bandeirantes he could be swayed by the possibility of a move to England. 

Neymar (Santos)

Would it really be a post about massive transfer rumors without a nod to everyone's favorite ultra-hyped Brazilian wünderkind? The 19-year-old Santos striker is arguably the most sought-after player in the world right now, which is probably why you all have grown weary of hearing about him. 

He's been compared to the likes of Pelé and Maradona, received plenty of transfer advice from his elders and has been linked to a number of top-flight clubs, with Real Madrid and Barcelona being the most frequently-thrown-around names in the rumor mill.

One rather dubious report from El Confidencial suggests a €56 million deal has already been brokered to bring Neymar to Santiago Bernabéu beginning next season, following the 2012 London Olympics, but make of that what you will.

Transfer gossip aside, Neymar is still impressing on the pitch, most recently scoring four goals in Santos' weekend victory over Paranaense.  

Didier Drogba (Chelsea)

Chelsea's longtime star striker may be heading out at the end of the season on a free transfer.

According to a report from CrunchSports (make of it what you will), he will be able to negotiate with other clubs beginning in the January window, but given Drogba's attachment to Chelsea and status as a fan favorite, the move still seems like quite the long shot, and Drogba looks as though he prefers to extend his contract another two years and retire after finishing at Stamford Bridge.

That being said, a number of clubs would be interested in bringing him on, among them Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich, with Arsenal reportedly backing out of a possible bid and a deal with Galatasaray falling through after the club's president criticized the Ivorian international, calling him "pushy" and "aggressive."

David Beckham (the Los Angeles Galaxy)

The biggest name in the game is likely due for a move back to Europe in January, with cash-heavy Paris Saint-Germain emerging as the frontrunners to bring him on.

Talk of a Beckham return to Europe began several months ago, as the long-running midfield megastar was rumored to be investigating a return to Europe in anticipation of his 2012 Olympic swan song.

He was previously linked to moves to Tottenham Hotspur and Queens Park Rangers, along with clubs in Brazil and the Middle East. 

Beckham could also stay with the Galaxy another year as well and extend his multimillion-dollar contract—Galaxy manager Bruce Arena said he thought there was a "50-50" chance of Beckham staying in California. 

Michael Owen and Rio Ferdinand: United's Supposedly Spurs-Bound Veteran Pair

If this last slide was a C+C Music Factory song, it would most certainly be "Things That Make You Go Hmmm."

A recent mind-boggling rumor out of CaughtOffside and gaining steam in the British gossip rounds has Harry Redknapp linked to a £10 million deal for two of United's aging, out-of-favor stars in Michael Owen and Rio Ferdinand.

Neither of the veterans look like they'll be seeing first-team action any time soon, with Owen seeing very little Premiership playing time as of late (but don't call him a Benchwarmer—especially you, Piers Morgan) and Ferdinand not being at his best in United's 6-1 defeat in the Manchester derby.

Although this report seems a little batty, a change of scenery might give them a bit more time on the pitch, especially crucial to Ferdinand as his England career is in jeopardy. 

AS Roma has also reportedly been linked to a move for Ferdinand, but that seems even less likely than this other one.