With the January Transfer Window upon it is time we took a look at prospective deals as clubs all over Europe look to bolster their squads, pinch a few pennies and offload some superstars.
Big Moves – Perhaps the biggest move so far was Vieira’s switch from Inter Milan to Manchester City, but with millions of pounds at their disposal, fans of the sky blues can look forward to more superstar signings in the coming weeks – but could Liverpool superstars Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres make the switch to Eastlands?
After offloading Andriy Voronin to Dinamo Moscow and Dossena to Napoli, it seems that Reds boss Rafa Benitez is also willing to accept offers for his English captain Stevie G and Spanish goalscoring machine Torres, should he fail to raise funds elsewhere. Manchester City will certainly be keeping a close eye on proceedings, as will the rest of the European big spenders.
Going – Also rumored to be leaving Liverpool is Ryan Babel who has found himself before the admiring eyes of high flying Birmingham boss Alex Mcleish, whilst Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones and Sporting Gijon Playmaker Michel are also in the sights the Scottish tactician.
On fire Leeds Striker Jemaine Beckford handed in a transfer request the other week whilst the future of Newcastle midfielder Geremi looks uncertain after an on-again, off-again transfer to Turkish side Ankaragucu.
Going? – Heavily rumored reports from outside these small isles indicate that Lazio’s Julio Cruz is lining up for a potential move to Catania. Inter Milan winger Mancini is negotiating a loan move to French stars Marseille. Roma man Menez could be looking for a move after falling out with his boss and, in a potentially shocking piece of football history, goal-machine Ruud Van Nistelrooy could be on his way to Stoke City.
Gone – Rumors aside we have had quite a bit of action already in this window. Active Manchester City have freed up some room on their busy training grounds after allowing Felipe Caicedo to switch to Malaga whilst in the Championship Middlesbrough man Shawky has left for Turkey. Southampton have snapped up Joe Fonte from Crystal Palace and struggling Peterborough have brought in Izale Mcleod, Jake Livermore and Reuben Reid on loan.
The Future? – It seems that Manchester City’s spending is endless so we can be sure to see more big names come and go from there before this deadline is over. West Ham, Liverpool and Arsenal all seem to be on the lookout for strikers whilst Manchester United will be hoping to bolster their defense. Birmingham will want to turn good form into good signings, Tottenham and Villa will be hoping for someone to help them with their fight for fourth, Wigan, Bolton, Blackburn and Burnley will probably look to loan signings to lift their seasons and Portsmouth will be praying for a miracle.
