Premier League Transfer Rumours: Cavani, Gaitan, Podolski, Drogba, Lampard

With just over two weeks to go until the January Transfer Window opens, Premier League rumours are flying around like money at Manchester City.

Today's showreel of big-name gossip stars Napoli striker Edinson Cavani, Benfica midfielder Nicolas Gaitan, German hitman Lukas Podolski and Chelsea veterans Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard.

I'll grade each with a percentage chance of happening too...

1. Edinson Cavani to Chelsea

Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani had a prolific campaign for Napoli last season, scoring 26 times in Serie A and playing a big part in securing the Italians a coveted Champions League spot.

The 24-year-old Uruguayan shows no sign of slowing down. He's scoring freely again this season and helped himself to four goals in the group stages to send Napoli into the Champions League last 16.

Little wonder Chelsea are reportedly interested in his services. With Nicolas Anelka off to China in January and Didier Drogba possibly on his way out of Stamford Bridge (more on that later), Andre Villas-Boas may well be shopping for a striker in the January window.

There are two issues with Cavani, however. Firstly, he'd be cup-tied for the Champions League. Secondly, Napoli are said to want £50 million or more for him. Don't Chelsea already have a £50 million striker somewhere?

WILL IT HAPPEN? Chelsea might have the funds, but it seems unlikely Cavani would leave midway through what could be an historic season for Napoli. A summer move seems much more realistic.

PROBABILITY OF JANUARY MOVE: 15 percent

2. Nicolas Gaitan to Manchester United

Manchester United need a midfielder. Badly.

Sir Alex Ferguson's team have struggled for creativity centrally, and now find themselves without Darren Fletcher for the foreseeable future after the Scottish international was forced to take an extended break due to illness.

One man who continues to be linked to the Reds is Benfica's Nicolas Gaitan. In this report, it's claimed United are definitely interested in the Argentine midfielder, who came up against them twice in the Champions League group stages.

Ferguson apparently liked what he saw of Gaitan in both games, and is said to be keen on making an approach.

WILL IT HAPPEN? Gaitan has said he intends to stay at Benfica, but the romantic lure of United is strong on the continent. That said, he'd also have to concede Champions League football. A price tag of 30 million euros could be deemed pretty steep for the 23-year-old, however.

PROBABILITY OF A JANUARY MOVE: 15 percent

3. Lukas Podolski to Arsenal

According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are sending scouts to watch Lukas Podolski tonight as he turns out for Cologne against Bayern Munich.

The 26-year-old has been in fine goalscoring form this season, and represents a proven international talent to bolster the Gunners forward line. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is said to be "weighing up" a possible £15 million move in January.

WILL IT HAPPEN? I like the look of this one. Podolski would be available for Champions League football and would represent excellent cover/support for Robin van Persie at Arsenal. If they can get him for £15 million, it sounds like a great deal.

PROBABILITY OF JANUARY MOVE: 50 percent

4. Didier Droga to Follow Anelka to China

Didier Drogba is reportedly set on leaving Chelsea in January.

The 33-year-old is said to be "furious" that his demands for a two-year deal have been turned down, and may even be considering following Nicolas Anelka to China.

According to The Sun, Dalian Aerbin have offered Drogba a two-year deal worth £200,000/week.

WILL IT HAPPEN? Drogba is a strong-willed individual, so if he really wants to leave I'd expect it to happen. That said, I can't see him going to China at this stage of his career. There's still a big year left in him in Europe, perhaps even at another Premier League club like Tottenham. That said, I wouldn't be surprised if Andre Villas-Boas managed to talk him out of it. Chelsea are still in with a title shot and competing in the Champions League.

PROBABLY OF JANUARY MOVE: 25 percent

5. Frank Lampard to Real Madrid

This one has been doing the rounds all week. Apparently, Jose Mourinho may be interested in bringing his former Chelsea charge Frank Lampard to Real Madrid. Here's the Daily Mail story, which suggests a possible deal with Esteban Granero moving in the other direction.

WILL IT HAPPEN? It's no secret that Mourinho rates Lampard highly, but at this stage of his career it seems unlikely The Special One would take him on and be able to guarantee first-team football. That is presumably what Lampard wants, and you can't see him getting it at the Bernabeu. Morever, he'd be cup-tied for the Champions League. That said, the pair have a tight bond and you can't rule it out altogether.

PROBABILITY OF JANUARY MOVE: 5 percent