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Premiership Football News: January 2010 Transfer Window

Andy Greeves

Arsenal

Arsene Wenger has traditionally avoided major activity in January transfer windows past but concedes that injury problems at the club are likely to force him into action this month. Maronane Chamakh has long been linked with a move to the Emirates, though the Bordeaux striker has vowed to remain loyal to the French side for the time being at least.

Arsenal could be tempted into moves for AC Milan flop Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and West Ham's Carlton Cole as they seek cover for the sidelined Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner.

Aston Villa

Villa's relative inactivity in last January's transfer window seemed to go hand-in-hand with the club's Champions League push running out of steam. Moderate squad reinforcement is likely to be carried out the year to avoid a similar fate come May.

A forward would be Martin O'Neill's likely focus, with his current Villa front men lacking goal scoring constancy so for this campaign. Kenwyne Jones is a reported target, as is Rangers striker Kris Boyd, who could be available for as little as £1.5m with his contract at Ibrox ending in the summer.

Emile Heskey has been linked with a move away from the Midlands, with former club Liverpool understood to be one of a number of teams interested in the England man's services.

Birmingham City

Blues owner Carson Yeung boldly suggested at a press conference back in October that £40m would be made available for boss Alex McLeish to spend in this transfer window. With Birmingham having performed so well in the first half of the season, such major investment in the squad may not be necessary.

A major reason for the Blues' excellent form so far this campaign is the performances of loanee goalkeeper Joe Hart. Birmingham may well to make his signing permanent this month, if a fee can be agreed with Manchester City.

Birmingham had a £9million offer for Liverpool striker Ryan Babel rejected at the beginning of January but could be tempted to return to Anfield with a greater offer. Schalke's Kevin Kuranyi is another reported striking target for the Blues, who have also been linked with Celtic winger Aiden McGeady and Sporting Gijon midfielder Michel.

Blackburn Rovers

With funds at a premium at Ewood Park, Sam Allardyce may well have to sell before he thinks in investing in his squad this January.

St Etienne youngster Amine Linganzi is likely to join Rovers for a nominal fee, having impressed during a trial spell in Lancashire but he could well be the only incoming player.

Benni McCarthy has made no secret of the fact that he wants out of Blackburn while Morten Gamst Pedersen could also be ready for the off.

James Beattie could be drafted in for a replacement for McCarthy, should the South African move on.

Bolton Wanderers

Bolton's squad is in vital need of a new year's makeover but funds are likely to be at a minimum at the Reebok Stadium as efforts are made to avoid the drop.

Sean Davis has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to injury, leaving a major gap in Bolton's central midfield. Versatile Sheffield United player Matt Kilgallon would be an excellent capture, though his reported price tag of £5m would serious test the Trotters' financial muscle.

Major signings in January may rest of the sale of Gary Cahill. Manchester United and Liverpool have both shown interest in the defender, who is valued at £15m.

Burnley

A few clever additions to Burnley's squad this January could make the vital difference to the Clarets ambitions of Premiership survival come May.

Manager Owen Coyle looks set to leave Turf Moor for Lancashire rivals Bolton though, leaving the club's main priority this month to find a replacement.

Possible transfer deals could include the permanent signing of loanee front man David Nugent and temporary acquisition of Arsenal starlet Jack Wilshere.

Chelsea

Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed the idea of Chelsea making any signings this month, joking at a recent press conference that he will “run around naked in the snow” if any players are brought in. With the club's transfer ban suspended, few people across world football have actually bought in to Ancelotti's suggestions of a purchase free January for Chelsea though.

Sampdoria striker Giampaolo Pazzini is a reported target for the Stamford Bridge club, though Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur are known admirers of the player too. Argentine forward Sergio Aguero has long been on Chelsea's wanted list, though they would get little change from £40million if they wanted to pursue to Atletico Madrid man.

Everton

The Toffees were one of the earliest moves in the transfer window, having agreed the loan of USA striker Landon Donovan back in December.

With injuries having crippled the club all season, finding cover for the likes of Phil Jagielka is a must for David Moyes. Swiss centre-half Philippe Senderos is one target in that area, while strikers Manuel Fernandes and Jose Antonio Reyes are also are prospective Goodison Park arrivals.

Manchester United's interest in Jack Rodwell is unlikely to be manifested with a bid this transfer window, though Moyes may well be considering a replacement for the midfielder already.

Fulham

Injuries to John Pantsil, Bobby Zamora and Brede Hangeland has increased the likelihood of Fulham doing business in this transfer window.

Aston Villa's Nigel Reo-Coker, Middlesbrough's Adam Johnson and Crystal Palace's Victor Moses are amongst the list of potential targets for the Cottagers, while Stefano Okaka is close to a loan move to the Cottage from Roma.

Hangeland's injury has warded off interest from the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City in this transfer window, though it's unlikely he will be staying put at Fulham long after his recovery.

Hull City

With little money to spend, the KC Stadium is likely to be one of the quietest venues during the January transfer window.

Manchester City striker Benjani is one of few names linked with a move to Hull, while USA striker Freddy Adu snubbed reported interest from the Tigers by instead signing a loan deal with Greek club Aris this month.

Daniel Cousin could be off loaded to Queens Park Rangers in order to reduce Hull's wage bill.

January Transfer 2010 Window Part Two

Andy Greeves

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