The January transfer window always marks a frantic period in British football. Clubs vie for any acquisition that will hopefully slingshot them up their respective league to glory, safety or just mid table mediocrity. We take a look at the looming transfer window and the likely men to join the Premier League.
Firstly, Anderlecht forward Romelu Lukaku has agreed to join Arsenal. According to Talksport, “the 17-year-old is definitely leaving the Belgian club with the Gunners his destination, a coup for the club considering the Belgium striker has been coveted by Chelsea, Inter Milan, Barcelona and Real Madrid.” It is unknown how the Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger managed to persuade the player to join the club. “Presumably it didn’t involve showing the youngster Arsenal’s trophy cabinet during his tour of the Emirates Stadium”
With Edwin van der Sar’s retirement in the offing, Sir Alex Ferguson has made no secret that he is in the market for a replacement. The most likely contender is 26 year old Swedish international Anders Lindegaard. Officials from Lindegaard’s club, Aalesund FK have confirmed they have spoken to Manchester United and both clubs are supposedly eager to complete the deal as soon as possible.
Rumours coming out Anfield would suggest Roy Hodgson is planning a transfer swoop for Valencia’s Juan Mata, with out-of-sorts Ryan Babel to be used as a bargaining chip. Liverpool have made their worst league start since 1953 and manager Roy Hodgson is under pressure to turn things around. It would seem Mata certainly has the talent to turn Liverpool’s fortunes around. “He hit 14 goals last season in La Liga and racked up more assists than any other player in the league, except Barcelona’s Xavi.” Reports on Spanish radio, suggest that Hodgson is likely to offer a £10m bid for the 22-year-old, using stop starter Ryan Babel as a make-weight.
Newcastle fans should be worried as rumours are apparently circulating under the surface hinting at the departure of their much loved centre forward Andy Carroll. Although already plying his trade in the Premier League, Carroll could leave Newcastle United following his problems off the pitch – and Tottenham are in pole position to land him. The striker is also attracting interest from Manchester United and Liverpool after a stunning start to the Premier League season. With such clubs interested should an acceptable bid come in for the self confessed Newcastle fan, would the offer he simply couldn’t refuse?
In light of Chelsea’s current injury crisis it is thought Ancelotti will be looking to strengthen and add some depth to his squad come January. With a number of players from Chelsea’s back line out injured, Roma’s French defender Philippe Mexes is said to be being coaxed into signing a pre-contract agreement with Chelsea in January, before pitching up at Stamford Bridge when his contract with the Serie A side expires next summer.
So there you have it! Whether any of these players will find their way to Europe’s top league is a totally different question, however at this moment in time they seem to be the most likely to join us. Transfer rumours never stop circulating and it’s inevitable I have not mentioned others, so why not comment and let me know!
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