World Football Transfer Rumours: Top Defenders Who Should Be on the Move

When January comes, which the defensive line is always a key area teams look to strengthen, but options are often limited. These top defenders, from the Premier League and beyond, should be looking to make themselves available, and secure a move when the window opens.

With the European Championships looming in the summer, the January window will be extremely important for many players, especially those on the fringes of a National team.  

It will be interesting to see what happens in the window, but regardless, these guys should be looking to move.

7. Nedum Onuoha

Nedum Onuoha is not a name many will be familiar with. The versatile defender has been stuck in the depths of a giant squad at Manchester City, and his prospects there do not look good.

The defence at City is strong, and there are a lot of good players not playing. Onuoha managed to secure a loan deal away from Manchester last season, and during his time at Sunderland, he proved himself as a solid defender.

Spending most of his time at right back, Onuoha can also be deployed as a centre half. His strength and pace would make him a valuable addition to most Premier League sides, and if he wants to further his career, moving in January is the best option.

6. Chris Samba

Chris Samba is a defender, who at least in his own head, is playing well below the standard he should be.

It seems he is very keen to get away from Blackburn, and is looking for a move to a big club. I'm undecided on Samba, and not sure if he is good enough to play in the top six. But he does, so in January, he needs to get out of Blackburn (before they get relegated), and get himself somewhere secure.

Forget about the top six, get in at Aston Villa or Everton, somewhere he will be appreciated and won't look too out of his depth.

5. Kieran Richardson

Kieran Richardson is a key part of Sunderland's team, mainly because he plays anywhere. In the past two seasons, manager Steve Bruce has tried to turn Richardson into a left back, and it has been working.

Richardson made a few appearances for England as a midfield player, but his pace and attacking ability has seen him emerge as a quality left back.

In a recent fixture with Arsenal, Richardson had no trouble keeping Theo Walcott at bay. Yet at Sunderland Richardson is messed around a lot. Not well liked by the fans, he is often used as a scapegoat for poor team performances.

Used in almost every position by Steve Bruce, Richardson should be considering a move away to somewhere a lot more stable, where he can become an even better left back.

4. Phil Jagielka

Phil Jagielka is approaching 30, and is looking to break into the England team in time for the European Championships in 2012. Playing at Everton he might find his chances limited.

Getting a move to a bigger club in January could see Jagielka flourish and cement a place in the team ahead of John Terry, or one of the younger more inexperienced players.

Arsenal and Liverpool are likely to be looking for a centre half, but he will have to put himself in the shop window early, he faces a lot of competition from other defenders in similar situations.

3. Gary Cahill

Bolton defender Gary Cahill finds himself in a position very similar to Phil Jagielka. A top defender playing in a difficult situation.

Cahill has youth on his side, and is a few years younger than Jagielka, which could be to his advantage when January arrives. He has already courted interest from some Champions League clubs, and he has enhanced his reputation with some solid performances for England.

Bolton are having a bad time this year, and Cahill deserves at least the opportunity to be challenging for a Champions League spot. In January he needs to make sure he gets a move.

2. Aly Cissokho

Aly Cissokho has been making waves in the French Ligue 1, playing for Lyon. His strong performances over the past few year have seem him become a very highly rated player.

Already he has been linked with a move to Liverpool, and the January window could be a good time for him. Without meaning to be disrespectful to the French league, Cissokho could be playing at a higher level on a weekly basis.

That will only improve his game, and could cement his place in the French national team as Patrice Evra ages.

One drawback could be that he will be cup tied in the Champions League, but he should have no problem finding a top side from either Spain, Italy or England, who are willing to pay him big money.

1. Fabricio Coloccini

Newcastle captain Fabricio Coloccini has emerged as one of the best centre halves in the Premier League. Leading Newcastle into the top five, Coloccini has gained a lot of admirers.

If he is to take advantage of his current form, and the form of his team, then he needs to move in January. The Argentinian would do his chances of appearing in the National team no harm moving to a bigger club, and playing in the Champions League.

With Newcastle not playing in Europe, Coloccini could find himself targeted by teams in the Champions or Europa League, who are in need of an extra pair of legs at the back.

Moving on in January could see Coloccini in Milan, at Spurs, or even at Liverpool along with former team mate Jose Enrique.

Few would argue against that being a step up.