This winter transfer market is typically a period of intense rumour and potential major transfers. A number of high-profile players find themselves linked with moves out of their present clubs. Here is a look at a selection of the major names who might be changing clubs this month.
Despite the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the forward available, reports suggest a significant transfer is imminent. The Bournemouth attacker possesses a deal with a substantial buy-out clause active for a two-week period in early January. Latest developments indicate the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his services. Other interested parties such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have moved on to alternative options, leaving clubs like Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a late bid.
This English centre-back has impress for Crystal Palace despite a summer move to Anfield collapsing. With his deal due to run out in the summer, this represents the club's final chance to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. Numerous top sides, including City and multiple European giants including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly hold an interest. Yet, a winter departure is considered difficult, particularly given the coach's dependence on the defender.
The Wales forward has had starting minutes limited at Tottenham this campaign. Despite being the side's leading goalscorer last season, he has started just a small number of league games. Reports suggest the London outfit would be willing to consider a sale for the right price, believed to be in the region of forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also credited with an inquiry.
Spurs value the Welsh international at around £40m.
The Portugal playmaker might be set for a return to the Premier League following a spell in Saudi Arabia. Still just twenty-eight, and with his contract ending in the summer, he represents a potential opportunity. Teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spanish media that he is prepared to accept a reduced salary for a move to the Spanish giants.
The veteran Germany goalkeeper finds himself as third-choice at Barcelona following new coach Hansi Flick. After lost his place and had surgery, a winter exit seems increasingly likely. Aston Villa were once mentioned as a potential suitor, but that move currently seems unlikely. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly expressing interest in the 33-year-old.
The proven England striker has kept finding the net frequently in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League might boost his dwindling chances of being in the England World Cup. However, securing a deal presents significant challenges. His current club do not wish to part with him, and his alleged huge salary render any agreement complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been mentioned as interested parties.
The striker helped his Saudi club to a win in the Saudi Super Cup final.
This dynamic midfielder attracted considerable interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. Having limited starts in Spain this season, he may be eager to find more minutes ahead of the tournament. Manchester United are strongly linked, and a move back to Crystal Palace, where he excelled on loan, remains a option, though financial constraints might be a problem.
Despite excelling and winning player of the tournament at the U21 Euros in the summer, this young player has struggled for game time during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has stated the loan move won't become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about playing for two clubs in a season, a return to his parent club prior to next season appears to be the sole viable outcome.
The exciting Turkish attacker is in fine form for the Italian giants this season. As his existing deal running down, many Premier League clubs – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the situation. Juventus are eager to secure the 20-year-old to a new long-term contract but face a race to keep one of the continent's most promising prospects.
The much-admired Netherlands teenage midfielder has earned parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After impressing at the U19 Euros, Smit has broken into the AZ Alkmaar side. The 19-year-old is heavily expected to make a big-money move this month. Newcastle United are believed to be leading the chase, but could face stiff rivalry from the Spanish champions for a deal priced at approximately £22 million.
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