Premier League Rumors and Speculation: 10 Biggest January Transfer Tidbits

Believe it or not, the January transfer window is just over a month away. Although the rumour mill has been pumping out gossip since the summer transfer window ended, January is just around the corner.

Last season's January transfer window in the Premier League was one of the biggest yet, but I wouldn't be surprised if this season's is even bigger.

Without further ado, here are the 10 biggest Premier League January transfer rumours.

Hulk to an English Club

It was quite surprising that Hulk didn't transfer to a major European powerhouse during the summer. 

FC Porto lost arguably the most influential people at the club this summer in their star striker Falcao and their beloved manager Andre Villas-Boas, so most people expected Hulk to be part of the exodus as well.

To put it simply, the Brazilian international is an outstanding player. His dribbling abilities are what you'd expect of a skilled Brazilian, and he can probably dribble around just about any defender in the Portugese Liga. But that's not his main strength. Hulk's best attribute is his ferocious shot—it's an absolute bullet.

So why hasn't anyone bought him yet?

I think it's the 87 million pound price tag that scares them.

Either way, it's very likely Hulk will move to the Premier League in the January transfer window, but I'm guessing it won't be for anything near 87 million.

Christian Eriksen to Chelsea

After Chelsea's lackluster start to the season, Andre Villas-Boas will look to upgrade his squad in the January Transfer Window—and Christian Eriksen is his main target, according to the Daily Mail. 

The Danish wonder kid is already drawing comparisons to Michael Laudrup, and although that might seem like quite the comparison, the Ajax playmaker is brilliant. 

His dribbling, his vision, his shot—everything. Eriksen seems to have everything down, setting the Dutch Eresdivise alight and further proving himself in the Champions League this season. 

Although he his cup-tied, it's very likely Chelsea will make a big money move in January for Christian Eriksen in order to bring more creativity to their midfield.

Gary Cahill to Arsenal, Tottenham, or Chelsea

Much like Hulk, it was a huge shock that Gary Cahill stayed with Bolton over the summer. The English international has proved to be one of the most solid defenders in the Premier League, with Arsenal, Tottenham, and Chelsea all chasing the centre back's signature, according to the BBC.

Cahill's contract ends this summer, and it's inevitable that he won't re-sign, so Owen Coyle will be looking to get as much money as he can for his star player. The hefty 17 million pound price tag he's placed on Cahill kept away the suitors for the summer, but he'll have to go in January unless Coyle wants to lose him for free in the summer.

Honestly, it's quite tough to predict what club Cahill will go to. Arsene Wenger will likely be reluctant to put up the money for Cahill, which could lead to a bidding war between Tottenham and Chelsea.

Either way, Gary Cahill will be one of the biggest targets on the market in January.

Gareth Bale to Barcelona

In everyone's minds, Barcelona seems to have already won the 2012 Champions League and La Liga.

But people tend to forget that the Catalan giants aren't invincible. They've already had a couple of unsatisfactory results, including a 2-2 draw to AC Milan at the Nou Camp and another 2-2 draw in the league where they gave up a two-goal lead against Real Sociedad. 

So it's quite possible Pep Guardiola will be looking to give his side an extra spark in January with a bid to buy dynamic Welsh winger Gareth Bale. 

Harry Redknapp has proved that he can hang on to his key players after refusing bids of more than 30 million pounds this summer for Luka Modric, but if the right bid comes along for Bale Redknapp won't be able to refuse. 

This could potentially be a huge move, as Gareth Bale is one of the biggest players on the market who isn't cup-tied and should be extremely valuable for Barcelona to be as successful as they were last season.

David Beckham to Tottenham

Tottenham have started the season in prolific form, gaining 22 points in 10 matches and putting them in 5th place with a match in hand. 

However, Spurs are still lacking a clinical forward. They took in Adebayor during the summer on a season long loan, and although he's impressed so far, the North London outfit will be looking to make a permanent move for a forward who's proven to score goals.

Cough, cough, David Beckham (via the BBC).

Enough said.

Wesley Sneijder to Manchester United

Ugh. As much as I absolutely hate this transfer rumour, this rumour that simply doesn't cease to stop—most recently purported by the BBC—it has to be included on this list.

After Manchester United rocked the world with their 8-2 thumping of Arsenal, the Red Devils have lacked a wow factor. Although they have continued to do their specialty of winning ugly, it hasn't been all winning in the first place, including a 6-1 mauling to their rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford.

The main problem with United is their midfield. It's possibly the worst midfield out of all the top six clubs. Although it shines on some occasions, on others it lets United down. The point is, Wesley Sneijder could completely ramp up United's central midfield, giving them one of the best playmakers in world football. 

Either way, please, please don't let this rumour continue into the summer.

Mario Gotze to Arsenal

This is a transfer that Arsenal fans are crying out for, but to be honest, it actually seems quite realistic.

Borussia Dortmund recently slapped a 20 million pound price tag on their dynamic central midfielder, and although that may seem like a lot, for a player like Gotze it really isn't.

The 19-year-old has been absolutely sensational in the Bundesliga, serving as Dortmund's main attacking force when they won the Bundesliga title last season. Dubbed "The German Messi," Gotze's main strengths seem to be his dribbling and playmaking. In a very Jack Wilshere-esque way, Gotze maneuvers himself around defenders before placing passes with superb vision to his teammates.

Mario Gotze could be just the cure for Arsenal to avoid their usual mid-season slump.

Eden Hazard to Arsenal, Chelsea, or Real Madrid

Here's yet another player who we all thought was going to switch clubs this summer.

Nope, he's still at Lille—but he continues to be outstanding. Eden Hazard has just about every major club in Europe chasing his signature, and this January he might finally put pen to paper in a deal that'll be huge no matter where he goes.

The race currently seems to be between Arsenal and Real Madrid, with Chelsea still a big iffy(according to the BBC), but with a time as crazy as the January transfer window, a bid could come from anywhere. 

Now, there is a big chance that Hazard will stay at Lille until the summer, as he's cup-tied and wouldn't be able to play in the Champions League for the club that he goes to, but at the same time Real Madrid and Arsenal may not be able to fight that temptation and could end up in an all-out January bidding war.

This is one rumour that's actually exciting to follow.

Carlos Tevez to Anywhere

With Roberto Mancini stating multiple times that Carlos Tevez will never play for Manchester City again, it's inevitable that the Argentine will leave the Etihad Stadium in January—unless he's switching to golf.

My best guess is that Tevez will either go back to South America or to Inter Milan, but with a guy like Tevez, there's really no use of trying to predict what he'll do next.

No matter where he goes, though, this seems to be the one January rumour that's certain to happen.

David Villa to Liverpool

Ok, I'll wait until you finish laughing.

As absolutely ridiculous as this rumour sounds, it actually is a thing. Liverpool have shown interest in star Barcelona forward David Villa, and are apparently planning a "January swoop," so The Guardian says.

But do the Reds even have the kind of money to bring the Spaniard to Anfield? And would Villa even want to take a step down from Barcelona to Liverpool?

It may sound crazy, but some pretty crazy stuff has happened in January, so you never know.