The days are counting down, down, down to the end of 2008. Christmas is next week, and right after that, we’ll be saying goodbye to this year and hello to a new one – and the January transfer window.
Many clubs have wishes for the new year that won’t be granted, but who might? Check out today’s tidbits to see who’s set to start the 2009 with a bang.
Valencia Put £120m Price Tag on Villa
Manchester City was recently linked with a world-record swoop for Valencia star David Villa. However, £120m is probably not the figure they had in mind when they were thinking world record.
Analysis: Now that’s the way to ward off interest.
Chelsea Set for Luis Fabiano Swoop?
Chelsea’s top January priority looks to be adding another forward, and it looks like the search is now centered on one man, Sevilla’s Luis Fabiano.
Analysis: I thought they were looking to make a need-based signing without spending a great deal of money, but even if they do offer 20m+, Sevilla don’t seem to be in any real hurry to sell him.
No January Signings for Juventus
Juventus have been linked with Arsenal defender William Gallas recently, but it appears that Gallas will have to look elsewhere if he wants a new club in January.
Analysis: Gallas shouldn’t have a problem finding a new home, but hopefully Juventus don’t rue spending the low price to get a quality defender, because it only takes a couple of key injuries at the wrong time to blow up your hopes of glory.
Arsenal Move for French Defender Mouyokolo?
According to reports, Arsenal could be lining up a move for young French defender Steven Mouyokolo, who plays for Ligue 2 side Boulogne.
Analysis: Seems to have a lot of potential, given the heavy Premier League interest in him and the price being quoted. Looks to be another one who might be more of a long-term prospect than an immediate contributor. No experience at the top flight, so he’d likely either be loaned out somewhere or get eased in through the Carling Cup.
10m Transfer Kitty for Allardyce
While many a Premier League manager can go out and spend £10m on one player (or more) if they so choose to, £10m is what new Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce has at his disposal for squad reinforcements in January.
Analysis: Big Sam knows how to make do with limited resources, and he’ll certainly have to get the most out of that £10m. Now, if Roque Santa Cruz gets sold in January, then that will free up a lot more spending money, but that’s not something to bank on right now.
Tottenham Eye Finnan Move
Tottenham could be looking to bolster their defense in January, and former Liverpool man Steve Finnan could be a low-cost, high-experience option.
Analysis: Finnan might be itching for a return to England, as his few months in Spain haven’t been all too pleasant, with being unable to settle and dealing with multiple injuries.
The day is still far from finished, so there may be more news and rumors to come through the wire before the clock strikes midnight. So, keep on checking back throughout the day (and throughout the weekend) for all of the latest transfer headlines from near and far.
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