Dec31
Who goes where?
As the rumour mill moves into overdrive we take a look at some of the players likely be making the headlines during the January transfer window.
Matthew Upson
The Birmingham City defender is a class act who should really be playing at the highest level. The player himself would like to leave the Championship leaders but manager Steve Bruce is reluctant to let him go. Will anyone stump up enough cash to force the Midland club to sell? John Terry's back injury could provide Upson with an unlikely opportunity to move to Stamford Bridge.
Gareth Bale
The exiting 17 year-old left back has been linked to a number of top Premiership clubs after an impressive start to his Southampton career. Although his manager George Burley recently insisted he will not be going anywhere in January, the likes of Chelsea could push up the price to an irresistible level.
Giles Barnes
Derby County are enjoying an excellent run of form at the moment with 18 year old Giles Barnes providing energy and excitement in midfield. Newcastle United are said to be preparing a £1m bid.
David Nugent
Preston have managed to stave off reported interest from numerous top flight clubs in past transfer windows. Preston, currently lying second in the Championship, are in a good position to resist pressure to sell with the player himself insisting he will be a Preston player until the end of the season (at least).
David Beckham
Where did it all go so wrong? The latter half of 2006 was not great for Golden Balls. After being dropped from the England squad by Steve McClaren, Beckham also found himself out of favour at Real Madrid; could a move back home be the ideal way to get a fresh start and provide a fitting end to an amazing career?
Owen Hargreaves
Owen Hargreaves is the only England International in history who has never lived in England or played for an English club; Sir Alex Ferguson is said to want to change that. Hargreaves is currently out injured with a broken leg but could be back in action in a couple of weeks. Bayern Munich may be willing to do business if they find a suitable replacement.
James Beattie
With Newcastle short of firepower and Bettie short of first team opportunities at Everton it would seem that a move would suit all parties. Blackburn Rovers are thought to be interested in re-signing the England International who came through the youth system at Ewood Park.
Micah Richards
Speculation suggests that Micah Richards is near the top of Chelsea's shopping list and when Chelsea want someone they usually get them. The 18 year old has only made 31 appearances for his current employers Man City but an astronomical transfer fee of £18 million has been mentioned in the press.
Shaun Wright-Phillips
The explosive winger has been a bit-part player since his £21m move to Chelsea, coming on as substitute for 38 of his 56 appearances. Speculation is rife that a move is on the cards with West Ham and his former employers Man City heavily linked in the press. If a move does materialise there would not be many clubs who would turn down the opportunity to sign such an exiting player.
Darren Bent
Will Charlton's season go from absolutely terrible to total disaster? The Addicks are struggling to cope with life after Alan Curbishly and currently lie rock bottom of the premiership. Darren Bent's form may be suffering alongside that of his club, but newly appointed manager Alan Pardew will be preying he can keep hold of last seasons most prolific English striker. A host of other Premiership clubs are said to be interested.
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