Our friends at Football Whispers look at some of the big-money deals that could take place over the next few weeks
AHEAD of the January transfer window, clubs are already making preparations for the second half of the season.
Liverpool have set the ball rolling, completing a £75million deal to sign Virgil van Dijk from Southampton.
And while usually the top clubs stay away from doing business during the winter window, with Man City so far out in front, the chasing pack are trying to find ways to close the gap.
Plus, with the likes of Everton and West Ham under new leadership, their managers will want to add new signings to their cause.
This could be the start of one of the busiest January transfer windows in history.
And our friends at Football Whispers have picked out ten of the players most likely to be on the move next month:
Manchester City and PSG are interested in the Chilean forward and despite Arsene Wenger’s stance that no one is for sale, with every poor display from the 28-year-old, the idea of cashing in must become more tempting.
Swansea sit rock bottom of the Premier League, but five teams have conceded more goals than the Welsh side this season. Mawson is a huge reason for that. His team may be struggling but the 23-year-old has still impressed. West Ham have shown interest in the centre-back, with David Moyes convinced he can help guide the Hammers away from the relegation zone.
Linked with a move to Watford in the summer and last January, the Algerian forward is now wanted by Newcastle to boost their strike-force. Clearly not key to Claude Puel’s plans, the former Sporting striker has seven Premier League goals in 33 appearances and has shown enough to suggest he could be a useful addition.
One of the best players in the Championship even at 17 years of age, Real Madrid are the latest club to show interest in the left back. Manchester United and Spurs are known admirers, and a January deal could involve him returning to Craven Cottage on loan.
United are also keen to bring a winger to Old Trafford. Jose Mourinho wanted one in the summer and now he has identified the Bordeaux star as a potential signing. The French side would find it hard to reject a £30million deal for the Brazilian. With seven goals and four assists in the league this season, it’s easy to see why he’s attracting attention.
As clubs fight over Sanchez, the German playmaker is the other contract renegade at Arsenal, but it’s unlikely both would be allowed to leave the Emirates. Barcelona have added the midfielder to their January shortlist.
He rejected a last-minute move to Chelsea in the summer, but the Everton midfielder is unlikely to have the same mind-set regarding a departure next month. Working his way back to full-fitness, Spurs are still interested in his signature and the Blues might come back in to boost their options.
Wanted by West Ham and Everton, the Frenchman has a £35million release clause to leave Sevilla. Although coach Eduardo Berizzo has left the Spanish side, N’Zonzi could still welcome a return to England, helping improve either team’s starting XI.
The Portuguese midfielder is said to prefer a move to Arsenal, but after West Ham tried to sign him in the summer and with the differences between Sporting and the Hammers now sorted, the Hammers are in the driving seat. They arguably need him more, now they just have to convince the Portugal international to join.
Long linked with a move to Manchester United, Spurs are already looking for alternatives for the left-back as the England international is set to move on. With Mourinho looking for upgrades, Rose is the ideal addition to help appease the Portuguese boss this winter.
