Still trying to fill that need for a new striker? A new left back? A new midfielder? Time and available options are getting short, and clubs are getting desperate to make the necessary reinforcements as the window gets closer and closer to shutting.
England
Unsurprisingly, Manchester City are being linked with a move for Robbie Keane (Daily Mail). However, it’s Tottenham that appears to be the odds-on favorite (The Mirror), as you would also expect…despite Harry Redknapp already saying that Keane isn’t an option.
Analysis: Maybe he will eventually move back to Tottenham, and it just may be within the next week, but I still think that Rafa will stick it out with him at least through the end of the season.
However, City’s striker search could be focused elsewhere, as they may be on their way to tying up Roque Santa Cruz for £19m. (The Independent)
Analysis: That should be enough, right? If paying just under the asking price (or what used to be the asking price, at least) doesn’t work, then paying above it will SURELY make the deal happen, right? Right?
One target who is likely off of the market is Sunderland’s Kenwyne Jones, who has signed a new four and a half year deal that sees him now tied to the club until 2013. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: We know that the chances are high that he won’t be staying there that long, but it should quiet the rumors for the time being. Oh wait, I spoke too soon!
Will Andrei Arshavin finally sign for Arsenal in the next few days? Apparently Zenit have come to their senses and compromised with Arsenal over a £12m fee (or is it £15m?), and all that remains is the agreeing of personal terms. (The Mirror)
Analysis: And Sylvain Wiltord keeps his place in the Arsenal record books…maybe.
Cardiff have told Wigan that they want £6m cash for Joe Ledley, after rejecting swap deals that involved Jason Koumas and Henri Camara. (The Mirror)
Analysis: Cardiff rejected an offer of £6m for him in the summer, but now they’re willing to take it. Considering the buyer then (Stoke) and the buyer now (Wigan), it’s probably better for Ledley’s sake that they waited.
Newcastle are set to sign Toulouse right back Albin Ebondo (Daily Mail), and they’re also interested in Rennes right back Rod Fanni.
Analysis: Raise your hand if you chuckled when you read ‘Fanni.’ I know I’m not the only one.
Remember giant Serbian striker Nikola Zigic? He was linked with a move to the Premier League throughout last summer, but instead he remained in Spain. He’s gone on loan from Valencia to Racing Santander, but Blackburn are looking at him as another potential replacement for Roque Santa Cruz. (The Mirror)
Analysis: They need to work quickly if they’re going to find a replacement for Santa Cruz, but they don’t seem to have a lot of quality options left at their disposal, if they’re trying to work within a budget and get his replacement before they sell him.
Fulham have made a £2.5m bid for West Brom midfielder Robert Koren. (The Mirror)
Analysis: Koren has been hot recently, scoring in each of West Brom’s last two games, so if there’s ever a time to get someone, it’s while he’s in top form.
Italy
Juventus have made a bid to loan Chelsea winger Florent Malouda for the remainder of the season, with a view to a £10m summer deal. (The Mirror)
Analysis: And I thought they said they weren’t going to make any January moves? Hm…
If you’ve spotted a juicy rumor that we missed, post it in the comments along with a link to the source.
And if you want to keep up with all of the latest confirmed transfers, check out our updated January 2009 transfer lists.
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