Many still have their reservations of buying players in the January transfer window due to issues of being eligible for the European competitions, the struggle to settle in quickly without having a pre-season and the pressure to deliver straight away from the board and fans. Nevertheless, there have been some exciting and successful January transfers in previous years such as Landon Donovan's loan spell at Everton in 2010, Jermaine Defoe's return to White Hart Lane in 2009, and Nicholas Anelka's arrival at Chelsea in 2008. With many clubs still strapped for cash, the rumour mills have still been grinding out many stories of possible transfers and we may see the arrival of some big names and shock moves.
Ashley Young: He is still an exciting prospect that is approaching his peak and one of the few gems at Aston Villa. With the current situation at Villa Park, Sir Alex Ferguson may take advantage of this and make an offer. This would appeal to Young as he will get Champions League football for the first time in his career and his prospects of being seriously considered for an England starting place will be dramatically improved. Young will be able to slot in the side easily with his pace and eye for goal, and having that extra bit of quality on the flanks.
Edin Dzeko: This could be THE big money move of the window as Manchester City will open up their cheque book and bolster their side for a reported figure of £35m. City have been too reliant on Tevez for goals, and they need that burden to ease off him. Balotelli is still young and adjusting to life in the Premier League, whilst the likes of Adebayor and Jo have lost their potency in front of goal. With Dzeko in the side, Manchester City could push United for the title this year.
Gary Cahill: He is one of the brightest young prospects in terms of English defenders and has proved to be solid and commanding in shoring up a leaking Bolton defence. I can see Arsene Wenger approaching him to join a bigger club that will also enhance his England career. He would be a worthy investment and could be develop into one of the best central defenders in the Premiership. The alternative would be Per Mertesacker from Werder Bremen, but could be too expensive for the economical Frenchman.
David Luiz: Since Ricardo Carvalho's departure, Chelsea's defence has not been the same and the whole team have shown to be fallible in this past month. Abramovich may be forced to spend big again with David Luiz as Terry needs to have a more stronger defensive partner as Chelsea slip behind in the title race. Their strategy of developing younger players has not proven to be fruitful and thus Chelsea lack that strength in depth, unlike Manchester United. Ancelotti will need to act swiftly as Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester City may also move in for him.
Robbie Keane: He seems to be a likely departure from White Hart Lane as he cannot command a regular first team place. Yet he will not be lacking suitors within the Premier League. Aston Villa need to bolster their attacking options and have a more prolific striker and Keane fits the bill. Villa are a big club and Keane could be part of a rejuvenation of the team and help Houllier and his men back to the top half of the table. Keane could forge a lethal partnership with Agbonlahor and be a mentor to this still in-development forward.
Andy Carroll: He has been sensational this season and the reason why Newcastle are not in the relegation zone. His goals tally will have alerted many clubs and one possible destination would be Anfield. It is no secret that Hodgson and his men are struggling, even with the likes of Torres, Gerrard and Reina. Carroll can come in to boost their attacking options and again this move to a bigger club will enhance his international prospects. However, if he stays at St James Park, he could develop and become a legend that progressed through their ranks and donned the famous No.9 shirt. I predict that he is likely to stay with Newcastle till the rest of the season and a big money move could happen in the summer.
Igor Akinfeev: He has impressed many as a young goalkeeper in Moscow and on the international stage and is probably looking to spread his wings away from Russia. Arsenal need a reliable goalkeeper and Akinfeev may be the one to fill this troublesome position at Highbury. The alternative would be Shay Given, but the hierarchy at Manchester City would not approve of a move to one of their rival clubs. Wenger would also face competition from his adversary Sir Alex and he is looking for a suitable replacement for Edwin Van der Sar. Good and reliable keepers are rare like diamonds, and for Arsenal to actually gain some silverware, they will need a keeper like Akinfeev.
Lassana Diarra: This talented and tireless defensive midfielder may be on the return to England with Tottenham Hotspur. Harry Redknapp boasts a fantastic squad, with strength in depth in all positions. For Tottenham to challenge for the title and compete in Europe, Harry will need to make quality transfers that will enhance his team, as proven with the astute signing of Rafael Van der Vaart in the summer. Diarra would add some much needed steel in the midfield engine room which will complement the creativity of Modric and Van der Vaart. Diarra has worked with Redknapp before at Portsmouth, and he would probably like to rekindle their working relationship again.
Michael Owen: There has been much talk of his move away from Old Trafford as he is becoming a forgotten face amongst Rooney, Berbatov, Hernandez, Bebe and Macheda. However, I will say that his move will be a wildcard and he could move to a club in dire need of a striker like Everton. I know this will be a sensational move considering his time spent at Anfield. But previous United leavers such as Howard, Neville and Saha have rejuvenated their careers at Goodison Park. Everton are too reliant on goals from Cahill this season and the likes of Yakubu, Beckford and Anichebe are not firing on all cylinders.
For some clubs, January is a time for buying players. However, other clubs are trying their best to keep hold of their crown jewels. Many clubs will be trying their luck this January to prise away Jack Rodwell, Gareth Bale, Phil Jones, Ryan Shawcross and Mark Albrighton, whether it be other Premiership clubs or European clubs. I believe this January will probably be a quite one, and most likely it will be Manchester City who will splashing the cash the most and running up the headlines.
