50 players who will be high in-demand this January.
Check in to Newcastle United vs Liverpool
50. Alfred Finnbogason (Heerenveen)
This highly prolific Icelandic striker currently playing in the Eredivisie with Heerenveen could be a big target for several Premier League sides in this January's transfer window. The talented 24-year-old managed a highly impressive 28 goals in 33 appearances last season, and already has 12 in 8 games so far this season. Undoubtedly a top goal-scorer, Finnbogason looks too good to be playing in Holland and could be an exciting signing for any one of Newcastle, Fulham or foreign sides such as Zenit St Petersburg. Finnbogason is also said to have rejected a move to Celtic during the summer, and could be a bargain as he may be available for as little as £5m. With Newcastle heavily reliant on Loic Remy upfront, this could be a great move for Alan Pardew in the transfer market.
49. Domenico Criscito (Zenit St Petersburg)
A talented Italian international, Domenico Criscito is currently attracting big interest from both Tottenham and Inter Milan, both of whom are keen on signing a new left-back in January. Criscito has previously played in Serie A with Genoa and Juventus and is currently plying his trade in Russia with Zenit St Petersburg, though an exit this January seems fairly likely. Spurs could certainly do worse in their pursuit to find an upgrade for current first-choice left-back Danny Rose, while Inter also look in need of strengthening to improve on their highly disappointing campaign last season, and may edge their English rivals for this transfer, with Criscito said to prefer a return to his native Italy.
48. Martin Hinteregger (Red Bull Salzburg)
Still only 21 years old, Austrian defender Martin Hinteregger looks a terrific prospect after some of his displays with Red Bull Salzburg, and could have a long queue of clubs chasing him when the transfer window opens for business again this January. The tall and commanding young centre-back reportedly has Premier League suitors in Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United, who could certainly all do with defensive reinforcements, and also from Italy in the form of Serie A champions Juventus. Hinteregger certainly seems likely to make a big move sooner rather than later, and he is already among the most in-demand talents in the transfer market this season. He has admitted the interest in him is genuine, and has hinted at an exit by describing offers for him from top clubs as flattering.
47. Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United)
After an uncertain start to the season, Nemanja Vidic could be on his way out of Manchester United this January, with Italian giants AC Milan ready to take him on and revive his career. The Serbian has been a top class performer for United throughout his career at Old Trafford, though continued injury problems in recent years look to have held him back somewhat, and at 31 years of age it is possible that he won't quite manage to deal with the frenetic pace of the Premier League for much longer. Talks are reportedly ongoing over a new contract for Vidic, but with his current performances a move away from the club seems more likely, and Milan seem to be the team leading the chase for his signature.
46. Burak Yilmaz (Galatasaray)
Highly prolific Turkish international striker Burak Yilmaz really caught the eye last season for Galatasaray, scoring an impressive 32 goals in 39 games in all competitions, showing particularly fine form at the top level of the Champions League as well. Several Premier League sides had looked into signing him over the summer, including Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea, though in the end it seemed likely that he would join Serie A giants Lazio, only for a move to fall through late on. Still in Turkey, Yilmaz already has two goals to his name this season and will surely continue to attract further interest this January. Many of the clubs mentioned are still looking for additions upfront, and Yilmaz looks as good as any in Europe at the moment.
45. Luis Muriel (Udinese)
Compared by some with Brazilian legend Ronaldo, Udinese striker Luis Muriel continues to attract a great deal of attention as we head towards January. The 22-year-old looks an outstanding prospect from his displays in Serie A, looking a real threat on the ball and a dangerous finisher. This has alerted the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool as they continue to seek new additions to strengthen their attack, and his recent signing of a new five-year contract doesn't look sufficient to stop clubs chasing him when the transfer window re-opens in the middle of the season.
44. Dieumerci Mbokani (Dynamo Kiev)
Despite only just joining Dynamo Kiev this summer, highly-rated Congolese striker Dieumerci Mbokani could be on the move again this January after expressing his annoyance at not being a regular starter for the Ukranian giants. Many teams had looked at signing him during the summer, particularly West Brom as they saw him as an ideal like-for-like replacement for departing loan star Romelu Lukaku. Arsenal and Liverpool have also kept tabs on him, and it now seems that Tottenham may look to him in the January transfer window as they seek additions upfront. Mbokani would be open to a move to White Hart Lane and could be one of many exciting new additions to the Premier League this season.
43. Kurt Zouma (Saint-Etienne)
Immensely talented youngster Kurt Zouma looks set to spark a big January bidder war when the transfer window re-opens, with the highly-rated 18-year-old said to be a top target for Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United, while Chelsea have also been linked with him in the past. The Saint-Etienne defender would be a great coup for any top side at the moment, as he looks to have the potential to be one of the best defenders in the world in the near future. His outstanding potential has not been missed by Europe's giants, and a big move sooner rather than later seems increasingly likely for the Frenchman.
42. Joleon Lescott (Manchester City)
As Joleon Lescott and Manchester City seem unable to agree terms on a new contract for the player, the 31-year-old seems more and more likely to be heading out of the Etihad Stadium exit door this January. With Lescott's current contract set to expire at the end of the season, he could be available on the cheap this January, which has attracted attention from Newcastle, Everton and Aston Villa. This experienced centre-back could certainly be a good option for most of these Premier League sides, and in truth is somewhat unfortunate to be down the pecking order at City after becoming a key player for the club in his prior seasons there, helping them to the Premier League title in 2011/12.
41. Saido Berahino (West Brom)
After a well-taken winner for West Brom against champions Manchester United at Old Trafford last weekend, exciting young striker Saido Berahino will now be on several top clubs' radars ahead of the January transfer window, particularly as he is into the final year of his current contract with the Baggies. The 20-year-old looks a top young talent and the likes of Everton, Chelsea and Arsenal have already shown an interest in this rising English star who could be available for a cut-down price in the middle of the season if he fails to agree a new deal at the Hawthorns. The interest is certainly justified, and will surely only increase if he continues to catch the eye this season.
40. Jeremy Menez (PSG)
Formerly a target of the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United, PSG winger Jeremy Menez looks likely to be on the move this January after falling down the pecking order behind several of the Ligue 1 champions' big-money purchases. Liverpool and Monaco are now said to be leading the chase for the French international's signature, and there's no doubt he remains a top talent even if he isn't featuring regularly for PSG. Liverpool could do with his kind of skill and ability from the flanks and a move to Anfield makes sense for the talented 26-year-old.
39. Wilfried Zaha (Manchester United)
After joining up with the club this summer having officially signed for Manchester United from Crystal Palace in January, much was expected from young forward Wilfried Zaha this season, though he has surprisingly not managed to wriggle his way into David Moyes' first-team plans. This has now led to inevitable rumours that the youngster may be sent out on loan to continue his development, and he will now be considered hot property in the loan market this January, with a long queue of Premier League clubs ready to take him on and give him the first-team football he desires. Newcastle, Southampton, Fulham and Stoke are among his suitors, as are former club Crystal Palace, who also wanted him on loan again in the summer.
38. Marco Verratti (PSG)
Talented young playmaker Marco Verratti, hailed by some as the next Andrea Pirlo, has struggled to settle in since his big move to PSG last summer, and could be heading back to Italy to revive his career. Formerly of Serie B side Pescara, the likes of Inter Milan and Fiorentina are keen to bring him to Serie A, though Manchester United and Real Madrid have also been monitoring his situation as they seek new creative midfield players this January. There's no doubt Verratti has plenty of potential and it seems likely that he will take the chance to move as soon as possible to get his career back on track.
37. Fabio Coentrao (Real Madrid)
Real Madrid left-back Fabio Coentrao looks set to be the centre of much speculation again this January after nearly leaving the club during the summer transfer window. The Portuguese international is not currently first choice at the Bernabeu and a number of clubs will look to take advantage when January comes around. Manchester United and Tottenham seem the most likely candidates to snap up the 25-year-old, as they both seek new left-backs at the next possible opportunity. United looked close to sealing a move for Coentrao on deadline day, though like many of their proposed summer moves, it fell through at the last minute. Spurs had also been keen on securing him as part of the Gareth Bale deal, though this never materialised either. He is still likely to be available and could yet be Premier League-bound this season.
36. Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle)
Although Yohan Cabaye has apologised to Newcastle fans over this summer's transfer saga linking him strongly with a move to Arsenal, it doesn't seem impossible that clubs will be back in for him this January, with PSG also one of his admirers. Manchester United have also been linked with the French playmaker in the past and could look to him again as they continue to search for their Paul Scholes replacement in midfield. Cabaye would cost around £20m but is surely worth the big money due to his immense talent, and he is surely too good to remain at St James' Park for much longer.
35. Alex Song (Barcelona)
Former Arsenal midfielder Alex Song has not had the best of times in Spain since leaving the Gunners to join Barcelona in the summer of 2012, and may now be on his way back to England with Manchester United linked as surprise suitors for the Cameroon midfielder. David Moyes could do with a player of Song's kind in his side, though his lack of regular action for the last year may be something of a concern. AC Milan are also said to be chasing him, and it is inevitable that a player of his ability is being linked with moves away when he continues to find himself as a backup player at his current club.
34. Sami Khedira (Real Madrid)
Sami Khedira seemed strongly tipped to leave Real Madrid during the summer, with rumours of being offered to PSG as well as late bids from the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United to prise away the talented German international midfielder. A useful defensive player and strong all-round box-to-box player, Khedira would undoubtedly improve a number of Premier League sides with his presence in the middle of the park, and could look to follow his team-mate and friend Mesut Ozil out of the Bernabeu exit door at the next opportunity.
33. Will Hughes (Derby County)
One of the most exciting young players in England, Derby County starlet Will Hughes has been attracting strong interest from several top clubs for a long time now, and will continue to be the subject of much transfer speculation in the upcoming January transfer window as well. The 18-year-old midfielder, a highly skillful and intelligent young player, has drawn comparisons with Barcelona duo Andres Iniesta and Xavi with his style of play, and is wanted by Liverpool, as well as the likes of Everton and Newcastle, while Arsenal and Manchester City have also been monitoring him in recent times. Hughes will surely end up in the Premier League sooner rather than later, and he won't be short of suitors in the next transfer window.
32. Tom Ince (Blackpool)
Another top young English prospect currently plying his trade outside of the Premier League, Blackpool starlet Tom Ince could also be on the move this January, with clubs in the Premier League and Serie A all desperate to land him at the next possible opportunity. The skillful winger started his career at Liverpool but has really shone after being given the opportunity to play regularly for the Seasiders, and scored 21 goals from the wing last season. Tottenham, Everton, Aston Villa and Newcastle are all keen on him, as are Italian sides Juventus, Napoli and Inter Milan, the latter of whom also signed his father Paul during his playing days. Ince is a well-grounded young man, but will surely recognise the need to move on to a bigger challenge at some point, and that could be as early as this season if any one of these many clubs have their way.
31. Demba Ba (Chelsea)
On his day, Demba Ba is one of the most deadly finishers in the Premier League, and impressed greatly in his time at Newcastle. For one reason or another, however, things have not worked out for the Senegalese international since he moved to Chelsea last January, and just one year on he could be on the move again with a number of clubs looking to sign him on loan. Arsenal made a late move for him in the summer, only to have the deal cancelled by Jose Mourinho, though they are said to be ready to try for him again in the middle of the season. Roma are also keen on him, as are his old club Newcastle.
30. Zakaria Bakkali (PSV)
Still only 17 years old, there are fewer more exciting teenage prospects in world football at the moment than Belgian starlet Zakaria Bakkali, currently of PSV Eindhoven. The skillful attacker is the youngest-ever scorer of a hat-trick in the Eredivisie and looks to have the world at his feet. His fine form has already attracted interest from top clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea, and they will all be keen to snap him up this January as talks continue with PSV over a new long-term contract. Interest in Bakkali is no surprise, and whoever eventually lands him will be signing a real star of the future.
29. Adil Rami (Valencia)
After a fall-out with his manager Miroslav Dukic, Valencia defender Adil Rami looks set to attract more interest this January after also being one of the most talked about players during the summer. The French international is known as one of the most solid centre-backs in La Liga and could be a great addition to a number of top clubs this season. Arsenal and Manchester City are said to be leading the chase for him in England, while AC Milan and Napoli represent major suitors from Italy. His time at the Mestalla certainly seems to be coming to an end, and Rami will surely be the subject of much speculation again this January.
28. Luke Shaw (Southampton)
After a superb start to his career as a senior player at Southampton last season, 18-year-old left-back Luke Shaw is now a highly in-demand young star, and looks set to make the headlines again this January with the news that Manchester United could step up their interest in bringing him to Old Trafford. Compared with a young Gareth Bale with his attacking style of play from the back, Shaw could already move for big money at his young age, with United said to be willing to pay as much as £25m to land him. Shaw could also attract bids from the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham, who won't want to miss out on this future star of English football.
27. Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United)
Although Adnan Januzaj has only just managed to break into the Manchester United first-team this season, the 18-year-old Belgian is already the cause of a great deal of excitement. The skillful attacker scored two fine goals to help United to a 2-1 win at Sunderland on Saturday, showing the fine potential that has seen him talked up as one of the best young players at the club. The Red Devils are keen to tie him down to a new contract, though the likes of Manchester City and Juventus are reportedly ready to pounce if he fails to agree a new deal. If this uncertainty over his future continues into January then there could be plenty of other clubs sniffing around for this exciting prospect.
26. Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle)
Another player stalling on signing a new contract is Newcastle winger Hatem Ben Arfa. The skillful Frenchman has been a brilliant if inconsistent player for the Magpies since joining the club in 2010, and perhaps he would be justified in thinking he could really hit top form on a more regular basis in a stronger team. Liverpool are said to be monitoring his situation at St James' Park as they seek additions on the flanks, and the 26-year-old is also attracting interest from his native France from Monaco.
25. Lacina Traore (Anzhi Makhachkala)
A highly promising striker, Lacina Traore looks set to become the latest big name to leave struggling Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala, following the likes of Willian and Samuel Eto'o, who both joined Chelsea in the summer. Liverpool are supposedly Traore's biggest admirers in England, though they look set to face big competition from the likes of Juventus and Galatasaray for the tall and powerful Ivory Coast striker. With Anzhi unable to afford to keep one of their highest earners, there are unlikely to be few better players so readily available in the next transfer window.
24. Javier Pastore (PSG)
PSG look unlikely to hold on to Argentine playmaker Javier Pastore this January, with the former Palermo star falling behind in the pecking order under new manager Laurent Blanc this season. Pastore is unquestionably a top talent though, having become one of the first big-name purchases by the French giants under their Qatari ownership, though the continued high-profile arrivals since then have inevitably meant there is less room for the 24-year-old. Still, plenty of top clubs will hope to take this opportunity to snap him up, with Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal all thought to be looking at bringing him in this winter.
23. Lewis Holtby (Tottenham)
Although Lewis Holtby's improved form of late has seen him look somewhat closer to becoming a regular for Tottenham, he still looks set to attract a great deal of interest in the January transfer window due to his bit-part role in Andre Villas-Boas' side. The German international looked a great prospect before moving to Spurs from Bundesliga side Schalke last January, and is still an in-demand talent, with Schalke possibly looking to bring him back to the club, and Serie A duo Inter Milan and Roma also keen on signing him this season.
22. Kevin De Bruyne (Chelsea)
Although an outstanding prospect, Kevin De Bruyne just doesn't look set to break past the vast competition ahead of him at Chelsea, and looks likely to be on the market again this January having spent last season out on loan. The Belgian starlet was highly impressive in his temporary spell in the Bundesliga with Werder Bremen, and they have admitted they would welcome him back if he became available again. Bayer Leverkusen and Wolsburg are also interested, and with De Bruyne being demoted to the club's Under-21 team by Jose Mourinho, a move away looks like the best thing for him at the moment.
21. Ilkay Gundogan (Borussia Dortmund)
One of many exciting young talents coming through in German football at the moment, Ilkay Gundogan is attracting a great deal of interest at the moment as we head towards January. The 22-year-old was linked with several moves during the summer, and that will likely continue in the next transfer window as the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United see him as an ideal candidate to solve their current problems in midfield. Primarily a defensive midfielder, Gundogan is also great on the ball and has the all-round ability to play for any top side in Europe.
20. Jackson Martinez (Porto)
Another player who was highly talked about during much of the summer transfer window is prolific Porto striker Jackson Martinez. The Colombian enjoyed a highly successful first season in Portugal last year, scoring 34 goals in 43 games, and has started this season in similarly fine form as well. A long list of clubs chased Martinez over the summer, including Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund, though it now seems likely that Arsenal, Monaco and Chelsea will step up their interests in the 26-year-old when the transfer window re-opens for business in January. Martinez is certainly a player with tremendous potential who looks ready to make a move to a bigger team and more competitive league, and his time could come this season.
19. Eliaquim Mangala (Porto)
Another highly-rated and in-demand Porto star, Eliaquim Mangala could finally be on his way to a top European club this January as interest in him continues to build. The talented young French defender looks to have world class potential and attracted serious interest from Chelsea over the summer. The Blues could return for him in January, though they will likely be joined now by the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Barcelona for the centre-back rated at over £30m by his current employers. A superb defensive talent, Mangala's future is likely to be the source of many headlines until he eventually makes his keenly-anticipated move.
18. Lars Bender (Bayer Leverkusen)
A fine midfielder, Bayer Leverkusen star Lars Bender is already generating a great deal of talk in the months building up to the January transfer window. The German international has been at Leverkusen since 2009 and could now be set for the next stage in his career as the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United target him as one of their several midfield targets. Bender certainly looks the part, as an all-action defensive midfielder with a great engine and eye for a pass. The 24-year-old could cost around £20m or more and has the ability to prove a crucial piece of business by whoever manages to land him.
17. Ander Herrera (Athletic Bilbao)
Manchester United supposedly came close to signing Ander Herrera from Athletic Bilbao on transfer deadline day, though much confusion still surrounds why that transfer fell through. Still, the Spaniard is undoubtedly a fine midfield playmaker, and United look set to continue their pursuit of the 24-year-old in the January transfer window. Athletic Bilbao insist Herrera is not for sale, but rumour has it he has a minimum release clause of just over £30m, which United may be tempted to activate if they fail to land their other targets.
16. Stephan El Shaarawy (AC Milan)
One of the best young players in the world, Stephan El Shaarawy is unsurprisingly the subject to much transfer talk as the January window approaches, with Tottenham said to be stepping up their interest in the highly-rated 20-year-old. El Shaarawy has previously been linked with a whole host of clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Napoli, and it is anyone's guess where he will end up, though it would be surprising if Milan accepted anything less than seriously big money for this top talent. A versatile attacker, El Shaarawy is already a full Italian international and scored 19 goals from the flanks last season.
15. Neven Subotic (Borussia Dortmund)
One of the most solid defenders in Europe at the moment, Neven Subotic has been a key part of Borussia Dortmund's great success over the last few years. The Serbian international, still only 24, looks set to be a big-name player for many years to come, and is one of several Dortmund players being linked with a move away in recent times. Bitter rivals Bayern Munich could be set to poach Jurgen Klopp's side again as they enter the race for him against Manchester United. United may hold an edge in the deal as they ponder a possible swap deal for him, and of course Dortmund will want to avoid losing another key player to their Bundesliga competitors.
14. Shinji Kagawa (Manchester United)
If Subotic does move to Old Trafford, a player who could head in the other direction is Shinji Kagawa. The Japanese playmaker continues to be frustated by a lack of first-team opportunities under David Moyes this season and may return to the club where he first made a name for himself in European football. Dortmund would dearly love to have him back, and his days at United certainly seem numbered. Atletico Madrid could also join the chase for this skillful attacker, but a return to Dortmund would surely be his first choice. A story to look out for in January, for sure, and one United could go on to regret.
13. Christian Benteke (Aston Villa)
After a fantastic first season in the Premier League last year, Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke attracted plenty of interest over the summer before eventually signing a new contract at Villa Park. Still, the powerful and prolific Belgian hit-man is likely to be on the agenda of many top clubs again this January, with Manchester United said to be keeping him in mind if Wayne Rooney does end up leaving the club. With 23 goals last season and 5 in 6 appearances so far this campaign, it's no wonder Benteke continues to attract interest.
12. Ross Barkley (Everton)
It has been a great start to the season for Everton youngster Ross Barkley, with some fine displays in midfield for Everton that have seen him compared by his manager Roberto Martinez to a young Michael Ballack, and subsequently earn himself a call-up to the England squad. Now the 19-year-old is a top January target for Premier League giants Manchester United and Chelsea, who could both be tempted to bid as much as £20m for this rising star of the English game. Although inexperienced, Barkley's sheer ability and potential makes him look an attractive investment, and he is bound to be making the headlines this January.
11. Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid)
Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa has started this season in superb form, with 10 goals in his opening 10 games including a memorable winner at the Bernabeu in a 1-0 win against fierce rivals Real Madrid. Liverpool had been linked with him over the summer and his stock has only risen further now, meaning he could now attract attention from Chelsea this January as they seek to solve their striking crisis. There are few better finishers in the game at the moment, and although Atletico will be loathe to sell another star player after losing Radamel Falcao to Monaco over the summer, Costa will surely continue to attract more attention if he keeps playing like this.
10. Iker Casillas (Real Madrid)
Although a few years ago it would have been impossible to imagine Iker Casillas leaving Real Madrid, it remains a serious possibility this January after manager Carlo Ancelotti has continued in the manner of his predecessor Jose Mourinho by leaving the Spanish shot-stopper on the bench. In a World Cup year, Casillas will be desperate to play regularly, and may be tempted to take up offers from the likes of Manchester City this January, while the likes of Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund also continue to monitor his surprising situation at the Bernabeu.
9. Fernando Llorente (Juventus)
Despite only just joining the club this summer, Fernando Llorente could already be on his way out of Juventus this January due to a difficult start to life in Serie A. The former Athletic Bilbao star has not managed to guarantee himself a starting place in Antonio Conte's side due to some fierce competition from the likes of Carlos Tevez, Mirko Vucinic and Fabio Quagliarella. This possibility of his departure has alerted Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham, who are all on on the search for new strikers when the transfer window re-opens, and Llorente certainly has the potential to be a good addition to any of these teams if he does indeed look to leave Italy so soon.
8. Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund)
A fantastic talent who continues to get better, Borussia Dortmund attacker Marco Reus looks set to be the subject of much interest this January, with Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester City said to be readying big-money moves for the impressive German international. The 24-year-old is a highly versatile player, capable of playing upfront, behind the striker or out wide, and scored 19 goals last season, with 7 in 12 appearances already this year. Arsenal will certainly be hoping Reus comes and forms a dream partnership with fellow German Mesut Ozil at the Emirates Stadium.
7. Julian Draxler (Schalke)
Another top young talent coming out of Germany that has found his way onto Arsenal's radar is Schalke's Julian Draxler. The supremely gifted 19-year-old is certainly one of the best young players in world football at the moment, and could be one of the most big-name and big-money signings to happen this January. Arsenal are joined by Manchester United and Chelsea in chasing this superb attacking midfielder, and there's no doubt Draxler will be making a big move at some point in the near future, even if it doesn't quite happen this season.
6. Leighton Baines (Everton)
After being the subject of intense speculation almost all summer, it was a big surprise when Leighton Baines eventually ended up staying at Everton instead of joining long-time admirers Manchester United. David Moyes had been keen to raid his old club for both Baines and Marouane Fellaini, though in the end only the latter made the move to Old Trafford. United are expected to try again for the left-back in January, though they may now face competition from Tottenham for his signature. A superb attacking full-back, Baines would certainly be right at home with either side.
5. Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)
A surprising subject of transfer speculation, but rumours will continue to surround Andres Iniesta as he continues to put off signing a new contract with Barcelona. Although he has suggested that he will commit to the club, his current situation has put the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City on red alert, as they would dearly love to sign this superb playmaker. The Spaniard has been one of the best players in the world over the last few years, winning everything there is to win for club and country, and it is no surprise to see top clubs monitoring his situation if he should become available.
4. Mario Balotelli (AC Milan)
After this controversial character left Manchester City last January, Mario Balotelli could be on his way back to the Premier League this January, with speculation mounting that AC Milan would be willing to sell the Arsenal and Liverpool target for as little as £12m. Although he carries a great deal of baggage, the Italian striker is still one of the most naturally talented players in the world, and could be a great addition to either side as they seek reinforcements upfront. For entertainment value as well, it would be great to see Super Mario back in the Premier League!
3. Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
With Real Madrid plotting further big moves in the transfer market this January, Karim Benzema could be set to make way at the Bernabeu after a slight dip in form over the last year or so. On his day, the French striker is certainly one of the best in the world, and that is why there will be a long queue of clubs looking to snap him up in the transfer window if he is made available. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United will likely lead the chase for the 25-year-old, who could be available for a knock-down £17m, according to sources.
2. Juan Mata (Chelsea)
Although Juan Mata seems to be edging his way back into Jose Mourinho's plans after a difficult start to the season, the Spanish playmaker may still be tempted to leave Chelsea after his treatment at the club by the new manager. Undoubtedly one of the best players in the world in his position, Mata could fit into almost any side in the world, and there will be a huge number of top teams chasing him this January if his situation remains uncertain. In England, Chelsea's rivals such as Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United are all keen on him, whilst the likes of PSG, Atletico Madrid and Napoli are his main suitors from abroad. This story is certainly one that's unlikely to die down in the next few months.
1. Luis Suarez (Liverpool)
One of the best players in the world, but certainly not the most loyal or committed character. Despite the club sticking with him through thick and thin in his various disciplinary problems, Luis Suarez did everything he could to force a move away from Anfield this summer as the likes of Arsenal and Real Madrid chased him. Although the Reds won't want to sell to a rival, the two clubs are set to revive their interest in the talented Uruguayan again this January, making a move to Spain look increasingly likely, as they could be willing to pay as much as £45m to land the exciting forward, who could be a direct replacement for K