The transfer window closed less than three weeks ago with a flurry of activity in the final hours of August 31. But ever since the day passed, the rumour mill has been running non-stop.
That's because in world football, the rumour mill never really shuts down. Like it or not, transfer gossip is part of the modern game—and unlike each league across the world, there's never really an offseason.
If there is something of a slow time in the world football transfer league, it would be now. Clubs across the world are evaluating the players they bought and trying to figure out how to fill the holes they created by selling others.
By rule, no transfers can be completed until January, but now is the time clubs start to identify targets. And once January gets here, most clubs will be as eager to buy and sell as they were in August.
That means that for now, we have a bunch of potential transfers to talk about and plenty of transfers to contemplate.
It seems almost inevitable that some players will move to a new club in January. Santos forward Neymar is perhaps the hottest name in the transfer league this month, with Real Madrid reportedly trying to work out a deal.
And in Europe, talented young players like Mario Götze, Eden Hazard and others seem to be on the watch list of every big-money team on the continent.
They might find a new club in January. They might not. But it's going to be fun to speculate.
That's because in world football, the rumour mill never really shuts down. Like it or not, transfer gossip is part of the modern game—and unlike each league across the world, there's never really an offseason.
If there is something of a slow time in the world football transfer league, it would be now. Clubs across the world are evaluating the players they bought and trying to figure out how to fill the holes they created by selling others.
By rule, no transfers can be completed until January, but now is the time clubs start to identify targets. And once January gets here, most clubs will be as eager to buy and sell as they were in August.
That means that for now, we have a bunch of potential transfers to talk about and plenty of transfers to contemplate.
It seems almost inevitable that some players will move to a new club in January. Santos forward Neymar is perhaps the hottest name in the transfer league this month, with Real Madrid reportedly trying to work out a deal.
And in Europe, talented young players like Mario Götze, Eden Hazard and others seem to be on the watch list of every big-money team on the continent.
They might find a new club in January. They might not. But it's going to be fun to speculate.
1. Neymar, Santos
Linked to: Real Madrid
Neymar is perhaps the most sought-after young player in world football today. The 19-year-old Brazilian is widely expected to become his country's next big star, and one of world football's biggest clubs is acting accordingly.
The latest reports have Neymar denying that a move to Real Madrid is already in place. Neymar apparently visited a Brazilian hospital last week, setting off rumours that he was having a medical before his move to Real Madrid.
Not so, said Neymar.
What seems certain is this: Neymar will sign with a big club sooner than later. And January seems like as good a time as any.
Clive Rose/Getty Images
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Ian Walton/Getty Images 
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images 
Mario Carlini / Iguana Press/Getty Images 
Bryn Lennon/Getty Images 
Neymar is perhaps the most sought-after young player in world football today. The 19-year-old Brazilian is widely expected to become his country's next big star, and one of world football's biggest clubs is acting accordingly.
The latest reports have Neymar denying that a move to Real Madrid is already in place. Neymar apparently visited a Brazilian hospital last week, setting off rumours that he was having a medical before his move to Real Madrid.
Not so, said Neymar.
"I have been sold like 30 times," Neymar is quoted as saying by Lancenet. "There is no truth to that, I am a player of Santos and I will stay here to play at the club's centenary.No word yet on that personal problem but with this situation, nothing seems definite. Some stories have him signing immediately, while others say he'll move next summer.
That is all speculation, there is no deal."
Neymar confirmed he was at Hospital Sao Luiz on Friday, but guaranteed it had nothing to do with a potential move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
"I went to the hospital to solve a personal problem," he explained.
What seems certain is this: Neymar will sign with a big club sooner than later. And January seems like as good a time as any.
2. Mario Götze, Borussia Dortmund
Linked to: Manchester United, Arsenal
Hailed at the age of 18 as one of the best talents Germany has ever had, Mario Götze appears to be one of Europe's up-and-coming stars.
He currently plays for Borussia Dortmund, but Manchester United were reportedly interested in signing him during the previous transfer window. Other reports linked Arsenal to Götze, and it seems likely that he'll be on the move sometime soon.
Linked to: Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly both tried to sign the English defender during the transfer window but fell short of Bolton's monetary evaluation of the player.
Now, new reports link him to Barcelona.
The Barcelona reports seem a bit out there, but a move to either Spurs or Arsenal would make a lot of sense for a player with ambitions of establishing himself permanently with the English national team
Hailed at the age of 18 as one of the best talents Germany has ever had, Mario Götze appears to be one of Europe's up-and-coming stars.
He currently plays for Borussia Dortmund, but Manchester United were reportedly interested in signing him during the previous transfer window. Other reports linked Arsenal to Götze, and it seems likely that he'll be on the move sometime soon.
3. Eden Hazard, Lille
Linked to: Arsenal, Liverpool
Arsenal was reportedly interested in Eden Hazard, the 20-year-old Belgian midfielder, during the previous transfer window.
Other reports from around this time last year had him moving to Liverpool in January 2011.
It didn't happen then, but who's to say it won't this time around?
Clive Rose/Getty Images
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Ian Walton/Getty Images
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Arsenal was reportedly interested in Eden Hazard, the 20-year-old Belgian midfielder, during the previous transfer window.
Other reports from around this time last year had him moving to Liverpool in January 2011.
It didn't happen then, but who's to say it won't this time around?
Clive Rose/Getty Images The transfer window closed less than three weeks ago with a flurry of activity in the final hours of August 31. But ever since the day passed, the rumour mill has been running non-stop.
That's because in world football, the rumour mill never really shuts down. Like it or not, transfer gossip is part of the modern game—and unlike each league across the world, there's never really an offseason.
If there is something of a slow time in the world football transfer league, it would be now. Clubs across the world are evaluating the players they bought and trying to figure out how to fill the holes they created by selling others.
By rule, no transfers can be completed until January, but now is the time clubs start to identify targets. And once January gets here, most clubs will be as eager to buy and sell as they were in August.
That means that for now, we have a bunch of potential transfers to talk about and plenty of transfers to contemplate.
It seems almost inevitable that some players will move to a new club in January. Santos forward Neymar is perhaps the hottest name in the transfer league this month, with Real Madrid reportedly trying to work out a deal.
And in Europe, talented young players like Mario Götze, Eden Hazard and others seem to be on the watch list of every big-money team on the continent.
They might find a new club in January. They might not. But it's going to be fun to speculate.
That's because in world football, the rumour mill never really shuts down. Like it or not, transfer gossip is part of the modern game—and unlike each league across the world, there's never really an offseason.
If there is something of a slow time in the world football transfer league, it would be now. Clubs across the world are evaluating the players they bought and trying to figure out how to fill the holes they created by selling others.
By rule, no transfers can be completed until January, but now is the time clubs start to identify targets. And once January gets here, most clubs will be as eager to buy and sell as they were in August.
That means that for now, we have a bunch of potential transfers to talk about and plenty of transfers to contemplate.
It seems almost inevitable that some players will move to a new club in January. Santos forward Neymar is perhaps the hottest name in the transfer league this month, with Real Madrid reportedly trying to work out a deal.
And in Europe, talented young players like Mario Götze, Eden Hazard and others seem to be on the watch list of every big-money team on the continent.
They might find a new club in January. They might not. But it's going to be fun to speculate.
1. Neymar, Santos
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Linked to: Real Madrid
Neymar is perhaps the most sought-after young player in world football today. The 19-year-old Brazilian is widely expected to become his country's next big star, and one of world football's biggest clubs is acting accordingly.
The latest reports have Neymar denying that a move to Real Madrid is already in place. Neymar apparently visited a Brazilian hospital last week, setting off rumours that he was having a medical before his move to Real Madrid.
Not so, said Neymar.
What seems certain is this: Neymar will sign with a big club sooner than later. And January seems like as good a time as any.
Neymar is perhaps the most sought-after young player in world football today. The 19-year-old Brazilian is widely expected to become his country's next big star, and one of world football's biggest clubs is acting accordingly.
The latest reports have Neymar denying that a move to Real Madrid is already in place. Neymar apparently visited a Brazilian hospital last week, setting off rumours that he was having a medical before his move to Real Madrid.
Not so, said Neymar.
"I have been sold like 30 times," Neymar is quoted as saying by Lancenet. "There is no truth to that, I am a player of Santos and I will stay here to play at the club's centenary.No word yet on that personal problem but with this situation, nothing seems definite. Some stories have him signing immediately, while others say he'll move next summer.
That is all speculation, there is no deal."
Neymar confirmed he was at Hospital Sao Luiz on Friday, but guaranteed it had nothing to do with a potential move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
"I went to the hospital to solve a personal problem," he explained.
What seems certain is this: Neymar will sign with a big club sooner than later. And January seems like as good a time as any.
2. Mario Götze, Borussia Dortmund
Ian Walton/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United, Arsenal
Hailed at the age of 18 as one of the best talents Germany has ever had, Mario Götze appears to be one of Europe's up-and-coming stars.
He currently plays for Borussia Dortmund, but Manchester United were reportedly interested in signing him during the previous transfer window. Other reports linked Arsenal to Götze, and it seems likely that he'll be on the move sometime soon.
Hailed at the age of 18 as one of the best talents Germany has ever had, Mario Götze appears to be one of Europe's up-and-coming stars.
He currently plays for Borussia Dortmund, but Manchester United were reportedly interested in signing him during the previous transfer window. Other reports linked Arsenal to Götze, and it seems likely that he'll be on the move sometime soon.
3. Eden Hazard, Lille
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Linked to: Arsenal, Liverpool
Arsenal was reportedly interested in Eden Hazard, the 20-year-old Belgian midfielder, during the previous transfer window.
Other reports from around this time last year had him moving to Liverpool in January 2011.
It didn't happen then, but who's to say it won't this time around?
Arsenal was reportedly interested in Eden Hazard, the 20-year-old Belgian midfielder, during the previous transfer window.
Other reports from around this time last year had him moving to Liverpool in January 2011.
It didn't happen then, but who's to say it won't this time around?
4. Marek Hamsik, Napoli
Linked to: Manchester United, AC Milan, PSG
Slovakian Marek Hamsik was linked last spring to a move to Manchester United.
During the summer, it was AC Milan.
This month, it's Paris Saint-Germain.
Which one will it be? Stay tuned until January.
Slovakian Marek Hamsik was linked last spring to a move to Manchester United.
During the summer, it was AC Milan.
This month, it's Paris Saint-Germain.
Which one will it be? Stay tuned until January.
5. Gary Cahill, Bolton Wanderers
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly both tried to sign the English defender during the transfer window but fell short of Bolton's monetary evaluation of the player.
Now, new reports link him to Barcelona.
The Barcelona reports seem a bit out there, but a move to either Spurs or Arsenal would make a lot of sense for a player with ambitions of establishing himself permanently with the English national team
Clive Rose/Getty Images The transfer window closed less than three weeks ago with a flurry of activity in the final hours of August 31. But ever since the day passed, the rumour mill has been running non-stop.
That's because in world football, the rumour mill never really shuts down. Like it or not, transfer gossip is part of the modern game—and unlike each league across the world, there's never really an offseason.
If there is something of a slow time in the world football transfer league, it would be now. Clubs across the world are evaluating the players they bought and trying to figure out how to fill the holes they created by selling others.
By rule, no transfers can be completed until January, but now is the time clubs start to identify targets. And once January gets here, most clubs will be as eager to buy and sell as they were in August.
That means that for now, we have a bunch of potential transfers to talk about and plenty of transfers to contemplate.
It seems almost inevitable that some players will move to a new club in January. Santos forward Neymar is perhaps the hottest name in the transfer league this month, with Real Madrid reportedly trying to work out a deal.
And in Europe, talented young players like Mario Götze, Eden Hazard and others seem to be on the watch list of every big-money team on the continent.
They might find a new club in January. They might not. But it's going to be fun to speculate.
That's because in world football, the rumour mill never really shuts down. Like it or not, transfer gossip is part of the modern game—and unlike each league across the world, there's never really an offseason.
If there is something of a slow time in the world football transfer league, it would be now. Clubs across the world are evaluating the players they bought and trying to figure out how to fill the holes they created by selling others.
By rule, no transfers can be completed until January, but now is the time clubs start to identify targets. And once January gets here, most clubs will be as eager to buy and sell as they were in August.
That means that for now, we have a bunch of potential transfers to talk about and plenty of transfers to contemplate.
It seems almost inevitable that some players will move to a new club in January. Santos forward Neymar is perhaps the hottest name in the transfer league this month, with Real Madrid reportedly trying to work out a deal.
And in Europe, talented young players like Mario Götze, Eden Hazard and others seem to be on the watch list of every big-money team on the continent.
They might find a new club in January. They might not. But it's going to be fun to speculate.
1. Neymar, Santos
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Linked to: Real Madrid
Neymar is perhaps the most sought-after young player in world football today. The 19-year-old Brazilian is widely expected to become his country's next big star, and one of world football's biggest clubs is acting accordingly.
The latest reports have Neymar denying that a move to Real Madrid is already in place. Neymar apparently visited a Brazilian hospital last week, setting off rumours that he was having a medical before his move to Real Madrid.
Not so, said Neymar.
What seems certain is this: Neymar will sign with a big club sooner than later. And January seems like as good a time as any.
Neymar is perhaps the most sought-after young player in world football today. The 19-year-old Brazilian is widely expected to become his country's next big star, and one of world football's biggest clubs is acting accordingly.
The latest reports have Neymar denying that a move to Real Madrid is already in place. Neymar apparently visited a Brazilian hospital last week, setting off rumours that he was having a medical before his move to Real Madrid.
Not so, said Neymar.
"I have been sold like 30 times," Neymar is quoted as saying by Lancenet. "There is no truth to that, I am a player of Santos and I will stay here to play at the club's centenary.No word yet on that personal problem but with this situation, nothing seems definite. Some stories have him signing immediately, while others say he'll move next summer.
That is all speculation, there is no deal."
Neymar confirmed he was at Hospital Sao Luiz on Friday, but guaranteed it had nothing to do with a potential move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
"I went to the hospital to solve a personal problem," he explained.
What seems certain is this: Neymar will sign with a big club sooner than later. And January seems like as good a time as any.
2. Mario Götze, Borussia Dortmund
Ian Walton/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United, Arsenal
Hailed at the age of 18 as one of the best talents Germany has ever had, Mario Götze appears to be one of Europe's up-and-coming stars.
He currently plays for Borussia Dortmund, but Manchester United were reportedly interested in signing him during the previous transfer window. Other reports linked Arsenal to Götze, and it seems likely that he'll be on the move sometime soon.
Hailed at the age of 18 as one of the best talents Germany has ever had, Mario Götze appears to be one of Europe's up-and-coming stars.
He currently plays for Borussia Dortmund, but Manchester United were reportedly interested in signing him during the previous transfer window. Other reports linked Arsenal to Götze, and it seems likely that he'll be on the move sometime soon.
3. Eden Hazard, Lille
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Linked to: Arsenal, Liverpool
Arsenal was reportedly interested in Eden Hazard, the 20-year-old Belgian midfielder, during the previous transfer window.
Other reports from around this time last year had him moving to Liverpool in January 2011.
It didn't happen then, but who's to say it won't this time around?
Arsenal was reportedly interested in Eden Hazard, the 20-year-old Belgian midfielder, during the previous transfer window.
Other reports from around this time last year had him moving to Liverpool in January 2011.
It didn't happen then, but who's to say it won't this time around?
4. Marek Hamsik, Napoli
Mario Carlini / Iguana Press/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United, AC Milan, PSG
Slovakian Marek Hamsik was linked last spring to a move to Manchester United.
During the summer, it was AC Milan.
This month, it's Paris Saint-Germain.
Which one will it be? Stay tuned until January.
Slovakian Marek Hamsik was linked last spring to a move to Manchester United.
During the summer, it was AC Milan.
This month, it's Paris Saint-Germain.
Which one will it be? Stay tuned until January.
5. Gary Cahill, Bolton Wanderers
Bryn Lennon/Getty Images
Linked to: Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly both tried to sign the English defender during the transfer window but fell short of Bolton's monetary evaluation of the player.
Now, new reports link him to Barcelona.
The Barcelona reports seem a bit out there, but a move to either Spurs or Arsenal would make a lot of sense for a player with ambitions of establishing himself permanently with the English national team.
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly both tried to sign the English defender during the transfer window but fell short of Bolton's monetary evaluation of the player.
Now, new reports link him to Barcelona.
The Barcelona reports seem a bit out there, but a move to either Spurs or Arsenal would make a lot of sense for a player with ambitions of establishing himself permanently with the English national team.
6. David Beckham, LA Galaxy
Linked to: QPR, PSG
David Beckham's mega-contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy runs out at the end of the current MLS season, and Beckham apparently wants to play top-flight football again.
Queens Park Rangers seem to be the front-runners, with reports saying he'll move in January.
And here's a report linking him to Paris Saint-Germain.
It's very likely that Beckham will go somewhere, since his contract runs out at the end of the season. A return to England seems most likely to us.
David Beckham's mega-contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy runs out at the end of the current MLS season, and Beckham apparently wants to play top-flight football again.
Queens Park Rangers seem to be the front-runners, with reports saying he'll move in January.
And here's a report linking him to Paris Saint-Germain.
It's very likely that Beckham will go somewhere, since his contract runs out at the end of the season. A return to England seems most likely to us.
7. Fernando Torres, Chelsea
Linked to: AC Milan
Let's be honest here: Fernando Torres has been a disaster at Chelsea.
Sure, he scored in Chelsea's 3-1 loss to Manchester United on Sunday, but in a move more in line with his overall form with the club, he also shot wide on an open goal late in the second half.
And that came after he already alienated his teammates by calling them old and slow.
Anyway, reports are now linking him to a move to AC Milan.
Despite his goal this past weekend, it's looking like Torres is pretty much done at Chelsea.
Let's be honest here: Fernando Torres has been a disaster at Chelsea.
Sure, he scored in Chelsea's 3-1 loss to Manchester United on Sunday, but in a move more in line with his overall form with the club, he also shot wide on an open goal late in the second half.
And that came after he already alienated his teammates by calling them old and slow.
Anyway, reports are now linking him to a move to AC Milan.
Despite his goal this past weekend, it's looking like Torres is pretty much done at Chelsea.
8. Robinho, AC Milan
Linked to: Chelsea
That same report that linked Fernando Torres to Milan had Manchester City outcast Robinho heading back to England as part of an exchange deal.
That seems like a bit of stretch, but an England return for Robinho probably isn't out of the question. And as they always say in world football, never say never.
Clive Rose/Getty Images
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Ian Walton/Getty Images
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Mario Carlini / Iguana Press/Getty Images
Bryn Lennon/Getty Images
Victor Decolongon/Getty Images
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Dino Panato/Getty Images 
That same report that linked Fernando Torres to Milan had Manchester City outcast Robinho heading back to England as part of an exchange deal.
That seems like a bit of stretch, but an England return for Robinho probably isn't out of the question. And as they always say in world football, never say never.
Clive Rose/Getty Images The transfer window closed less than three weeks ago with a flurry of activity in the final hours of August 31. But ever since the day passed, the rumour mill has been running non-stop.
That's because in world football, the rumour mill never really shuts down. Like it or not, transfer gossip is part of the modern game—and unlike each league across the world, there's never really an offseason.
If there is something of a slow time in the world football transfer league, it would be now. Clubs across the world are evaluating the players they bought and trying to figure out how to fill the holes they created by selling others.
By rule, no transfers can be completed until January, but now is the time clubs start to identify targets. And once January gets here, most clubs will be as eager to buy and sell as they were in August.
That means that for now, we have a bunch of potential transfers to talk about and plenty of transfers to contemplate.
It seems almost inevitable that some players will move to a new club in January. Santos forward Neymar is perhaps the hottest name in the transfer league this month, with Real Madrid reportedly trying to work out a deal.
And in Europe, talented young players like Mario Götze, Eden Hazard and others seem to be on the watch list of every big-money team on the continent.
They might find a new club in January. They might not. But it's going to be fun to speculate.
That's because in world football, the rumour mill never really shuts down. Like it or not, transfer gossip is part of the modern game—and unlike each league across the world, there's never really an offseason.
If there is something of a slow time in the world football transfer league, it would be now. Clubs across the world are evaluating the players they bought and trying to figure out how to fill the holes they created by selling others.
By rule, no transfers can be completed until January, but now is the time clubs start to identify targets. And once January gets here, most clubs will be as eager to buy and sell as they were in August.
That means that for now, we have a bunch of potential transfers to talk about and plenty of transfers to contemplate.
It seems almost inevitable that some players will move to a new club in January. Santos forward Neymar is perhaps the hottest name in the transfer league this month, with Real Madrid reportedly trying to work out a deal.
And in Europe, talented young players like Mario Götze, Eden Hazard and others seem to be on the watch list of every big-money team on the continent.
They might find a new club in January. They might not. But it's going to be fun to speculate.
1. Neymar, Santos
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Linked to: Real Madrid
Neymar is perhaps the most sought-after young player in world football today. The 19-year-old Brazilian is widely expected to become his country's next big star, and one of world football's biggest clubs is acting accordingly.
The latest reports have Neymar denying that a move to Real Madrid is already in place. Neymar apparently visited a Brazilian hospital last week, setting off rumours that he was having a medical before his move to Real Madrid.
Not so, said Neymar.
What seems certain is this: Neymar will sign with a big club sooner than later. And January seems like as good a time as any.
Neymar is perhaps the most sought-after young player in world football today. The 19-year-old Brazilian is widely expected to become his country's next big star, and one of world football's biggest clubs is acting accordingly.
The latest reports have Neymar denying that a move to Real Madrid is already in place. Neymar apparently visited a Brazilian hospital last week, setting off rumours that he was having a medical before his move to Real Madrid.
Not so, said Neymar.
"I have been sold like 30 times," Neymar is quoted as saying by Lancenet. "There is no truth to that, I am a player of Santos and I will stay here to play at the club's centenary.No word yet on that personal problem but with this situation, nothing seems definite. Some stories have him signing immediately, while others say he'll move next summer.
That is all speculation, there is no deal."
Neymar confirmed he was at Hospital Sao Luiz on Friday, but guaranteed it had nothing to do with a potential move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
"I went to the hospital to solve a personal problem," he explained.
What seems certain is this: Neymar will sign with a big club sooner than later. And January seems like as good a time as any.
2. Mario Götze, Borussia Dortmund
Ian Walton/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United, Arsenal
Hailed at the age of 18 as one of the best talents Germany has ever had, Mario Götze appears to be one of Europe's up-and-coming stars.
He currently plays for Borussia Dortmund, but Manchester United were reportedly interested in signing him during the previous transfer window. Other reports linked Arsenal to Götze, and it seems likely that he'll be on the move sometime soon.
Hailed at the age of 18 as one of the best talents Germany has ever had, Mario Götze appears to be one of Europe's up-and-coming stars.
He currently plays for Borussia Dortmund, but Manchester United were reportedly interested in signing him during the previous transfer window. Other reports linked Arsenal to Götze, and it seems likely that he'll be on the move sometime soon.
3. Eden Hazard, Lille
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Linked to: Arsenal, Liverpool
Arsenal was reportedly interested in Eden Hazard, the 20-year-old Belgian midfielder, during the previous transfer window.
Other reports from around this time last year had him moving to Liverpool in January 2011.
It didn't happen then, but who's to say it won't this time around?
Arsenal was reportedly interested in Eden Hazard, the 20-year-old Belgian midfielder, during the previous transfer window.
Other reports from around this time last year had him moving to Liverpool in January 2011.
It didn't happen then, but who's to say it won't this time around?
4. Marek Hamsik, Napoli
Mario Carlini / Iguana Press/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United, AC Milan, PSG
Slovakian Marek Hamsik was linked last spring to a move to Manchester United.
During the summer, it was AC Milan.
This month, it's Paris Saint-Germain.
Which one will it be? Stay tuned until January.
Slovakian Marek Hamsik was linked last spring to a move to Manchester United.
During the summer, it was AC Milan.
This month, it's Paris Saint-Germain.
Which one will it be? Stay tuned until January.
5. Gary Cahill, Bolton Wanderers
Bryn Lennon/Getty Images
Linked to: Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly both tried to sign the English defender during the transfer window but fell short of Bolton's monetary evaluation of the player.
Now, new reports link him to Barcelona.
The Barcelona reports seem a bit out there, but a move to either Spurs or Arsenal would make a lot of sense for a player with ambitions of establishing himself permanently with the English national team.
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly both tried to sign the English defender during the transfer window but fell short of Bolton's monetary evaluation of the player.
Now, new reports link him to Barcelona.
The Barcelona reports seem a bit out there, but a move to either Spurs or Arsenal would make a lot of sense for a player with ambitions of establishing himself permanently with the English national team.
6. David Beckham, LA Galaxy
Victor Decolongon/Getty Images
Linked to: QPR, PSG
David Beckham's mega-contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy runs out at the end of the current MLS season, and Beckham apparently wants to play top-flight football again.
Queens Park Rangers seem to be the front-runners, with reports saying he'll move in January.
And here's a report linking him to Paris Saint-Germain.
It's very likely that Beckham will go somewhere, since his contract runs out at the end of the season. A return to England seems most likely to us.
David Beckham's mega-contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy runs out at the end of the current MLS season, and Beckham apparently wants to play top-flight football again.
Queens Park Rangers seem to be the front-runners, with reports saying he'll move in January.
And here's a report linking him to Paris Saint-Germain.
It's very likely that Beckham will go somewhere, since his contract runs out at the end of the season. A return to England seems most likely to us.
7. Fernando Torres, Chelsea
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Linked to: AC Milan
Let's be honest here: Fernando Torres has been a disaster at Chelsea.
Sure, he scored in Chelsea's 3-1 loss to Manchester United on Sunday, but in a move more in line with his overall form with the club, he also shot wide on an open goal late in the second half.
And that came after he already alienated his teammates by calling them old and slow.
Anyway, reports are now linking him to a move to AC Milan.
Despite his goal this past weekend, it's looking like Torres is pretty much done at Chelsea.
Let's be honest here: Fernando Torres has been a disaster at Chelsea.
Sure, he scored in Chelsea's 3-1 loss to Manchester United on Sunday, but in a move more in line with his overall form with the club, he also shot wide on an open goal late in the second half.
And that came after he already alienated his teammates by calling them old and slow.
Anyway, reports are now linking him to a move to AC Milan.
Despite his goal this past weekend, it's looking like Torres is pretty much done at Chelsea.
8. Robinho, AC Milan
Dino Panato/Getty Images
Linked to: Chelsea
That same report that linked Fernando Torres to Milan had Manchester City outcast Robinho heading back to England as part of an exchange deal.
That seems like a bit of stretch, but an England return for Robinho probably isn't out of the question. And as they always say in world football, never say never.
That same report that linked Fernando Torres to Milan had Manchester City outcast Robinho heading back to England as part of an exchange deal.
That seems like a bit of stretch, but an England return for Robinho probably isn't out of the question. And as they always say in world football, never say never.
9. Christian Eriksen, Ajax
Linked to: Liverpool, AC Milan
Christian Eriksen is another of Europe's exciting young talents. Still just 19 years old, he earned the Dutch league's player-of-the-year award last term while playing for Ajax.
Now he's being linked to Liverpool and AC Milan. Apparently the two are battling for his signature, which makes us think a move will happen soon.
Maybe even in January.
Clive Rose/Getty Images
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Ian Walton/Getty Images
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Mario Carlini / Iguana Press/Getty Images
Bryn Lennon/Getty Images
Victor Decolongon/Getty Images
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Dino Panato/Getty Images
EuroFootball/Getty Images 
Christian Eriksen is another of Europe's exciting young talents. Still just 19 years old, he earned the Dutch league's player-of-the-year award last term while playing for Ajax.
Now he's being linked to Liverpool and AC Milan. Apparently the two are battling for his signature, which makes us think a move will happen soon.
Maybe even in January.
Clive Rose/Getty Images The transfer window closed less than three weeks ago with a flurry of activity in the final hours of August 31. But ever since the day passed, the rumour mill has been running non-stop.
That's because in world football, the rumour mill never really shuts down. Like it or not, transfer gossip is part of the modern game—and unlike each league across the world, there's never really an offseason.
If there is something of a slow time in the world football transfer league, it would be now. Clubs across the world are evaluating the players they bought and trying to figure out how to fill the holes they created by selling others.
By rule, no transfers can be completed until January, but now is the time clubs start to identify targets. And once January gets here, most clubs will be as eager to buy and sell as they were in August.
That means that for now, we have a bunch of potential transfers to talk about and plenty of transfers to contemplate.
It seems almost inevitable that some players will move to a new club in January. Santos forward Neymar is perhaps the hottest name in the transfer league this month, with Real Madrid reportedly trying to work out a deal.
And in Europe, talented young players like Mario Götze, Eden Hazard and others seem to be on the watch list of every big-money team on the continent.
They might find a new club in January. They might not. But it's going to be fun to speculate.
That's because in world football, the rumour mill never really shuts down. Like it or not, transfer gossip is part of the modern game—and unlike each league across the world, there's never really an offseason.
If there is something of a slow time in the world football transfer league, it would be now. Clubs across the world are evaluating the players they bought and trying to figure out how to fill the holes they created by selling others.
By rule, no transfers can be completed until January, but now is the time clubs start to identify targets. And once January gets here, most clubs will be as eager to buy and sell as they were in August.
That means that for now, we have a bunch of potential transfers to talk about and plenty of transfers to contemplate.
It seems almost inevitable that some players will move to a new club in January. Santos forward Neymar is perhaps the hottest name in the transfer league this month, with Real Madrid reportedly trying to work out a deal.
And in Europe, talented young players like Mario Götze, Eden Hazard and others seem to be on the watch list of every big-money team on the continent.
They might find a new club in January. They might not. But it's going to be fun to speculate.
1. Neymar, Santos
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Linked to: Real Madrid
Neymar is perhaps the most sought-after young player in world football today. The 19-year-old Brazilian is widely expected to become his country's next big star, and one of world football's biggest clubs is acting accordingly.
The latest reports have Neymar denying that a move to Real Madrid is already in place. Neymar apparently visited a Brazilian hospital last week, setting off rumours that he was having a medical before his move to Real Madrid.
Not so, said Neymar.
What seems certain is this: Neymar will sign with a big club sooner than later. And January seems like as good a time as any.
Neymar is perhaps the most sought-after young player in world football today. The 19-year-old Brazilian is widely expected to become his country's next big star, and one of world football's biggest clubs is acting accordingly.
The latest reports have Neymar denying that a move to Real Madrid is already in place. Neymar apparently visited a Brazilian hospital last week, setting off rumours that he was having a medical before his move to Real Madrid.
Not so, said Neymar.
"I have been sold like 30 times," Neymar is quoted as saying by Lancenet. "There is no truth to that, I am a player of Santos and I will stay here to play at the club's centenary.No word yet on that personal problem but with this situation, nothing seems definite. Some stories have him signing immediately, while others say he'll move next summer.
That is all speculation, there is no deal."
Neymar confirmed he was at Hospital Sao Luiz on Friday, but guaranteed it had nothing to do with a potential move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
"I went to the hospital to solve a personal problem," he explained.
What seems certain is this: Neymar will sign with a big club sooner than later. And January seems like as good a time as any.
2. Mario Götze, Borussia Dortmund
Ian Walton/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United, Arsenal
Hailed at the age of 18 as one of the best talents Germany has ever had, Mario Götze appears to be one of Europe's up-and-coming stars.
He currently plays for Borussia Dortmund, but Manchester United were reportedly interested in signing him during the previous transfer window. Other reports linked Arsenal to Götze, and it seems likely that he'll be on the move sometime soon.
Hailed at the age of 18 as one of the best talents Germany has ever had, Mario Götze appears to be one of Europe's up-and-coming stars.
He currently plays for Borussia Dortmund, but Manchester United were reportedly interested in signing him during the previous transfer window. Other reports linked Arsenal to Götze, and it seems likely that he'll be on the move sometime soon.
3. Eden Hazard, Lille
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Linked to: Arsenal, Liverpool
Arsenal was reportedly interested in Eden Hazard, the 20-year-old Belgian midfielder, during the previous transfer window.
Other reports from around this time last year had him moving to Liverpool in January 2011.
It didn't happen then, but who's to say it won't this time around?
Arsenal was reportedly interested in Eden Hazard, the 20-year-old Belgian midfielder, during the previous transfer window.
Other reports from around this time last year had him moving to Liverpool in January 2011.
It didn't happen then, but who's to say it won't this time around?
4. Marek Hamsik, Napoli
Mario Carlini / Iguana Press/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United, AC Milan, PSG
Slovakian Marek Hamsik was linked last spring to a move to Manchester United.
During the summer, it was AC Milan.
This month, it's Paris Saint-Germain.
Which one will it be? Stay tuned until January.
Slovakian Marek Hamsik was linked last spring to a move to Manchester United.
During the summer, it was AC Milan.
This month, it's Paris Saint-Germain.
Which one will it be? Stay tuned until January.
5. Gary Cahill, Bolton Wanderers
Bryn Lennon/Getty Images
Linked to: Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly both tried to sign the English defender during the transfer window but fell short of Bolton's monetary evaluation of the player.
Now, new reports link him to Barcelona.
The Barcelona reports seem a bit out there, but a move to either Spurs or Arsenal would make a lot of sense for a player with ambitions of establishing himself permanently with the English national team.
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly both tried to sign the English defender during the transfer window but fell short of Bolton's monetary evaluation of the player.
Now, new reports link him to Barcelona.
The Barcelona reports seem a bit out there, but a move to either Spurs or Arsenal would make a lot of sense for a player with ambitions of establishing himself permanently with the English national team.
6. David Beckham, LA Galaxy
Victor Decolongon/Getty Images
Linked to: QPR, PSG
David Beckham's mega-contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy runs out at the end of the current MLS season, and Beckham apparently wants to play top-flight football again.
Queens Park Rangers seem to be the front-runners, with reports saying he'll move in January.
And here's a report linking him to Paris Saint-Germain.
It's very likely that Beckham will go somewhere, since his contract runs out at the end of the season. A return to England seems most likely to us.
David Beckham's mega-contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy runs out at the end of the current MLS season, and Beckham apparently wants to play top-flight football again.
Queens Park Rangers seem to be the front-runners, with reports saying he'll move in January.
And here's a report linking him to Paris Saint-Germain.
It's very likely that Beckham will go somewhere, since his contract runs out at the end of the season. A return to England seems most likely to us.
7. Fernando Torres, Chelsea
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Linked to: AC Milan
Let's be honest here: Fernando Torres has been a disaster at Chelsea.
Sure, he scored in Chelsea's 3-1 loss to Manchester United on Sunday, but in a move more in line with his overall form with the club, he also shot wide on an open goal late in the second half.
And that came after he already alienated his teammates by calling them old and slow.
Anyway, reports are now linking him to a move to AC Milan.
Despite his goal this past weekend, it's looking like Torres is pretty much done at Chelsea.
Let's be honest here: Fernando Torres has been a disaster at Chelsea.
Sure, he scored in Chelsea's 3-1 loss to Manchester United on Sunday, but in a move more in line with his overall form with the club, he also shot wide on an open goal late in the second half.
And that came after he already alienated his teammates by calling them old and slow.
Anyway, reports are now linking him to a move to AC Milan.
Despite his goal this past weekend, it's looking like Torres is pretty much done at Chelsea.
8. Robinho, AC Milan
Dino Panato/Getty Images
Linked to: Chelsea
That same report that linked Fernando Torres to Milan had Manchester City outcast Robinho heading back to England as part of an exchange deal.
That seems like a bit of stretch, but an England return for Robinho probably isn't out of the question. And as they always say in world football, never say never.
That same report that linked Fernando Torres to Milan had Manchester City outcast Robinho heading back to England as part of an exchange deal.
That seems like a bit of stretch, but an England return for Robinho probably isn't out of the question. And as they always say in world football, never say never.
9. Christian Eriksen, Ajax
EuroFootball/Getty Images
Linked to: Liverpool, AC Milan
Christian Eriksen is another of Europe's exciting young talents. Still just 19 years old, he earned the Dutch league's player-of-the-year award last term while playing for Ajax.
Now he's being linked to Liverpool and AC Milan. Apparently the two are battling for his signature, which makes us think a move will happen soon.
Maybe even in January.
Christian Eriksen is another of Europe's exciting young talents. Still just 19 years old, he earned the Dutch league's player-of-the-year award last term while playing for Ajax.
Now he's being linked to Liverpool and AC Milan. Apparently the two are battling for his signature, which makes us think a move will happen soon.
Maybe even in January.
10. Carlos Tevez, Manchester City
Linked to: Everyone
At the end of the previous transfer window, Carlos Tevez admitted he'd have to stay with Manchester City for a while longer.
We're not convinced that means past January. Tevez is clearly unhappy at Manchester City and wants a move elsewhere.
Arsenal reportedly wanted to swap him for Samir Nasri but a move never materialized.
Italy has also been mentioned as a potential destination.
Who knows? All we really know is that Tevez will probably leave Manchester City sooner than later.
At the end of the previous transfer window, Carlos Tevez admitted he'd have to stay with Manchester City for a while longer.
We're not convinced that means past January. Tevez is clearly unhappy at Manchester City and wants a move elsewhere.
Arsenal reportedly wanted to swap him for Samir Nasri but a move never materialized.
Italy has also been mentioned as a potential destination.
Who knows? All we really know is that Tevez will probably leave Manchester City sooner than later.
11. Luka Modric, Tottenham Hotspur
Linked to: Chelsea, Chelsea and Chelsea. And, oh yeah, Chelsea.
Tottenham Hotspur managed to hold onto Luka Modric during the previous transfer window, but speculation has already started up again on his rumoured move to Chelsea.
And the speculation has been stoked by one of his own teammates.
Tottenham's Jermain Defoe told TalkSport he expects to hear the rumours again in January. Well, that's got to be comforting to nervous Spurs' fans.
Clive Rose/Getty Images
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Ian Walton/Getty Images
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Mario Carlini / Iguana Press/Getty Images
Bryn Lennon/Getty Images
Victor Decolongon/Getty Images
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Dino Panato/Getty Images
EuroFootball/Getty Images
Julian Finney/Getty Images
Clive Rose/Getty Images
Claudio Villa/Getty Images 
Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images 
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images 
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images 
Tottenham Hotspur managed to hold onto Luka Modric during the previous transfer window, but speculation has already started up again on his rumoured move to Chelsea.
And the speculation has been stoked by one of his own teammates.
Tottenham's Jermain Defoe told TalkSport he expects to hear the rumours again in January. Well, that's got to be comforting to nervous Spurs' fans.
"There’s always speculation, it’s part and parcel of the game, and it will start again in January" Defoe told TalkSport. "We just wanted the window to close, and he’s here now and that’s that. He’s just got to be professional. You can’t go into games sulking because you’ll get found out and let the team down.The verdict? This one has legs. Spurs held onto Modric this time, but if they don't let him go soon, they'll risk losing him for nothing when his contract expires.
"But Luka’s a good professional and, if you didn’t know there was speculation about him going and you saw him about the place, you’d never know.
"He’s been good. In pre-season, maybe other players would have said, ‘I’ve got an injury and I don’t want to play’, but he didn‘t do that and I don’t think there’s many players who would have done that.
"Chelsea’s a massive club and there was an opportunity for him but it didn’t happen and now he’s got to get on with playing football because he’s a big player for us."
12. Wesley Sneijder, Inter Milan
Linked to: Manchester United
Wesley Sneijder and Manchester United played their game of cat-and-mouse all summer. At one point, several media outlets were reporting that Sneijder had actually signed with the Red Devils, but the transfer never happened.
Look for the speculation to start back up throughout the autumn and into January.
Wesley Sneijder and Manchester United played their game of cat-and-mouse all summer. At one point, several media outlets were reporting that Sneijder had actually signed with the Red Devils, but the transfer never happened.
Look for the speculation to start back up throughout the autumn and into January.
Clive Rose/Getty Images The transfer window closed less than three weeks ago with a flurry of activity in the final hours of August 31. But ever since the day passed, the rumour mill has been running non-stop.
That's because in world football, the rumour mill never really shuts down. Like it or not, transfer gossip is part of the modern game—and unlike each league across the world, there's never really an offseason.
If there is something of a slow time in the world football transfer league, it would be now. Clubs across the world are evaluating the players they bought and trying to figure out how to fill the holes they created by selling others.
By rule, no transfers can be completed until January, but now is the time clubs start to identify targets. And once January gets here, most clubs will be as eager to buy and sell as they were in August.
That means that for now, we have a bunch of potential transfers to talk about and plenty of transfers to contemplate.
It seems almost inevitable that some players will move to a new club in January. Santos forward Neymar is perhaps the hottest name in the transfer league this month, with Real Madrid reportedly trying to work out a deal.
And in Europe, talented young players like Mario Götze, Eden Hazard and others seem to be on the watch list of every big-money team on the continent.
They might find a new club in January. They might not. But it's going to be fun to speculate.
That's because in world football, the rumour mill never really shuts down. Like it or not, transfer gossip is part of the modern game—and unlike each league across the world, there's never really an offseason.
If there is something of a slow time in the world football transfer league, it would be now. Clubs across the world are evaluating the players they bought and trying to figure out how to fill the holes they created by selling others.
By rule, no transfers can be completed until January, but now is the time clubs start to identify targets. And once January gets here, most clubs will be as eager to buy and sell as they were in August.
That means that for now, we have a bunch of potential transfers to talk about and plenty of transfers to contemplate.
It seems almost inevitable that some players will move to a new club in January. Santos forward Neymar is perhaps the hottest name in the transfer league this month, with Real Madrid reportedly trying to work out a deal.
And in Europe, talented young players like Mario Götze, Eden Hazard and others seem to be on the watch list of every big-money team on the continent.
They might find a new club in January. They might not. But it's going to be fun to speculate.
1. Neymar, Santos
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Linked to: Real Madrid
Neymar is perhaps the most sought-after young player in world football today. The 19-year-old Brazilian is widely expected to become his country's next big star, and one of world football's biggest clubs is acting accordingly.
The latest reports have Neymar denying that a move to Real Madrid is already in place. Neymar apparently visited a Brazilian hospital last week, setting off rumours that he was having a medical before his move to Real Madrid.
Not so, said Neymar.
What seems certain is this: Neymar will sign with a big club sooner than later. And January seems like as good a time as any.
Neymar is perhaps the most sought-after young player in world football today. The 19-year-old Brazilian is widely expected to become his country's next big star, and one of world football's biggest clubs is acting accordingly.
The latest reports have Neymar denying that a move to Real Madrid is already in place. Neymar apparently visited a Brazilian hospital last week, setting off rumours that he was having a medical before his move to Real Madrid.
Not so, said Neymar.
"I have been sold like 30 times," Neymar is quoted as saying by Lancenet. "There is no truth to that, I am a player of Santos and I will stay here to play at the club's centenary.No word yet on that personal problem but with this situation, nothing seems definite. Some stories have him signing immediately, while others say he'll move next summer.
That is all speculation, there is no deal."
Neymar confirmed he was at Hospital Sao Luiz on Friday, but guaranteed it had nothing to do with a potential move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
"I went to the hospital to solve a personal problem," he explained.
What seems certain is this: Neymar will sign with a big club sooner than later. And January seems like as good a time as any.
2. Mario Götze, Borussia Dortmund
Ian Walton/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United, Arsenal
Hailed at the age of 18 as one of the best talents Germany has ever had, Mario Götze appears to be one of Europe's up-and-coming stars.
He currently plays for Borussia Dortmund, but Manchester United were reportedly interested in signing him during the previous transfer window. Other reports linked Arsenal to Götze, and it seems likely that he'll be on the move sometime soon.
Hailed at the age of 18 as one of the best talents Germany has ever had, Mario Götze appears to be one of Europe's up-and-coming stars.
He currently plays for Borussia Dortmund, but Manchester United were reportedly interested in signing him during the previous transfer window. Other reports linked Arsenal to Götze, and it seems likely that he'll be on the move sometime soon.
3. Eden Hazard, Lille
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Linked to: Arsenal, Liverpool
Arsenal was reportedly interested in Eden Hazard, the 20-year-old Belgian midfielder, during the previous transfer window.
Other reports from around this time last year had him moving to Liverpool in January 2011.
It didn't happen then, but who's to say it won't this time around?
Arsenal was reportedly interested in Eden Hazard, the 20-year-old Belgian midfielder, during the previous transfer window.
Other reports from around this time last year had him moving to Liverpool in January 2011.
It didn't happen then, but who's to say it won't this time around?
4. Marek Hamsik, Napoli
Mario Carlini / Iguana Press/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United, AC Milan, PSG
Slovakian Marek Hamsik was linked last spring to a move to Manchester United.
During the summer, it was AC Milan.
This month, it's Paris Saint-Germain.
Which one will it be? Stay tuned until January.
Slovakian Marek Hamsik was linked last spring to a move to Manchester United.
During the summer, it was AC Milan.
This month, it's Paris Saint-Germain.
Which one will it be? Stay tuned until January.
5. Gary Cahill, Bolton Wanderers
Bryn Lennon/Getty Images
Linked to: Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly both tried to sign the English defender during the transfer window but fell short of Bolton's monetary evaluation of the player.
Now, new reports link him to Barcelona.
The Barcelona reports seem a bit out there, but a move to either Spurs or Arsenal would make a lot of sense for a player with ambitions of establishing himself permanently with the English national team.
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly both tried to sign the English defender during the transfer window but fell short of Bolton's monetary evaluation of the player.
Now, new reports link him to Barcelona.
The Barcelona reports seem a bit out there, but a move to either Spurs or Arsenal would make a lot of sense for a player with ambitions of establishing himself permanently with the English national team.
6. David Beckham, LA Galaxy
Victor Decolongon/Getty Images
Linked to: QPR, PSG
David Beckham's mega-contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy runs out at the end of the current MLS season, and Beckham apparently wants to play top-flight football again.
Queens Park Rangers seem to be the front-runners, with reports saying he'll move in January.
And here's a report linking him to Paris Saint-Germain.
It's very likely that Beckham will go somewhere, since his contract runs out at the end of the season. A return to England seems most likely to us.
David Beckham's mega-contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy runs out at the end of the current MLS season, and Beckham apparently wants to play top-flight football again.
Queens Park Rangers seem to be the front-runners, with reports saying he'll move in January.
And here's a report linking him to Paris Saint-Germain.
It's very likely that Beckham will go somewhere, since his contract runs out at the end of the season. A return to England seems most likely to us.
7. Fernando Torres, Chelsea
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Linked to: AC Milan
Let's be honest here: Fernando Torres has been a disaster at Chelsea.
Sure, he scored in Chelsea's 3-1 loss to Manchester United on Sunday, but in a move more in line with his overall form with the club, he also shot wide on an open goal late in the second half.
And that came after he already alienated his teammates by calling them old and slow.
Anyway, reports are now linking him to a move to AC Milan.
Despite his goal this past weekend, it's looking like Torres is pretty much done at Chelsea.
Let's be honest here: Fernando Torres has been a disaster at Chelsea.
Sure, he scored in Chelsea's 3-1 loss to Manchester United on Sunday, but in a move more in line with his overall form with the club, he also shot wide on an open goal late in the second half.
And that came after he already alienated his teammates by calling them old and slow.
Anyway, reports are now linking him to a move to AC Milan.
Despite his goal this past weekend, it's looking like Torres is pretty much done at Chelsea.
8. Robinho, AC Milan
Dino Panato/Getty Images
Linked to: Chelsea
That same report that linked Fernando Torres to Milan had Manchester City outcast Robinho heading back to England as part of an exchange deal.
That seems like a bit of stretch, but an England return for Robinho probably isn't out of the question. And as they always say in world football, never say never.
That same report that linked Fernando Torres to Milan had Manchester City outcast Robinho heading back to England as part of an exchange deal.
That seems like a bit of stretch, but an England return for Robinho probably isn't out of the question. And as they always say in world football, never say never.
9. Christian Eriksen, Ajax
EuroFootball/Getty Images
Linked to: Liverpool, AC Milan
Christian Eriksen is another of Europe's exciting young talents. Still just 19 years old, he earned the Dutch league's player-of-the-year award last term while playing for Ajax.
Now he's being linked to Liverpool and AC Milan. Apparently the two are battling for his signature, which makes us think a move will happen soon.
Maybe even in January.
Christian Eriksen is another of Europe's exciting young talents. Still just 19 years old, he earned the Dutch league's player-of-the-year award last term while playing for Ajax.
Now he's being linked to Liverpool and AC Milan. Apparently the two are battling for his signature, which makes us think a move will happen soon.
Maybe even in January.
10. Carlos Tevez, Manchester City
Julian Finney/Getty Images
Linked to: Everyone
At the end of the previous transfer window, Carlos Tevez admitted he'd have to stay with Manchester City for a while longer.
We're not convinced that means past January. Tevez is clearly unhappy at Manchester City and wants a move elsewhere.
Arsenal reportedly wanted to swap him for Samir Nasri but a move never materialized.
Italy has also been mentioned as a potential destination.
Who knows? All we really know is that Tevez will probably leave Manchester City sooner than later.
At the end of the previous transfer window, Carlos Tevez admitted he'd have to stay with Manchester City for a while longer.
We're not convinced that means past January. Tevez is clearly unhappy at Manchester City and wants a move elsewhere.
Arsenal reportedly wanted to swap him for Samir Nasri but a move never materialized.
Italy has also been mentioned as a potential destination.
Who knows? All we really know is that Tevez will probably leave Manchester City sooner than later.
11. Luka Modric, Tottenham Hotspur
Clive Rose/Getty Images
Linked to: Chelsea, Chelsea and Chelsea. And, oh yeah, Chelsea.
Tottenham Hotspur managed to hold onto Luka Modric during the previous transfer window, but speculation has already started up again on his rumoured move to Chelsea.
And the speculation has been stoked by one of his own teammates.
Tottenham's Jermain Defoe told TalkSport he expects to hear the rumours again in January. Well, that's got to be comforting to nervous Spurs' fans.
Tottenham Hotspur managed to hold onto Luka Modric during the previous transfer window, but speculation has already started up again on his rumoured move to Chelsea.
And the speculation has been stoked by one of his own teammates.
Tottenham's Jermain Defoe told TalkSport he expects to hear the rumours again in January. Well, that's got to be comforting to nervous Spurs' fans.
"There’s always speculation, it’s part and parcel of the game, and it will start again in January" Defoe told TalkSport. "We just wanted the window to close, and he’s here now and that’s that. He’s just got to be professional. You can’t go into games sulking because you’ll get found out and let the team down.The verdict? This one has legs. Spurs held onto Modric this time, but if they don't let him go soon, they'll risk losing him for nothing when his contract expires.
"But Luka’s a good professional and, if you didn’t know there was speculation about him going and you saw him about the place, you’d never know.
"He’s been good. In pre-season, maybe other players would have said, ‘I’ve got an injury and I don’t want to play’, but he didn‘t do that and I don’t think there’s many players who would have done that.
"Chelsea’s a massive club and there was an opportunity for him but it didn’t happen and now he’s got to get on with playing football because he’s a big player for us."
12. Wesley Sneijder, Inter Milan
Claudio Villa/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United
Wesley Sneijder and Manchester United played their game of cat-and-mouse all summer. At one point, several media outlets were reporting that Sneijder had actually signed with the Red Devils, but the transfer never happened.
Look for the speculation to start back up throughout the autumn and into January.
Wesley Sneijder and Manchester United played their game of cat-and-mouse all summer. At one point, several media outlets were reporting that Sneijder had actually signed with the Red Devils, but the transfer never happened.
Look for the speculation to start back up throughout the autumn and into January.
13. Ganso, Santos
Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United
Paulo Henrique Ganso is another young Brazilian who's being linked to a big move to a big European club.
Manchester United was interested in signing the 21-year-old during the previous transfer window, and you can bet they'll still be interested in January.
Paulo Henrique Ganso is another young Brazilian who's being linked to a big move to a big European club.
Manchester United was interested in signing the 21-year-old during the previous transfer window, and you can bet they'll still be interested in January.
14. Damiao, Internacional
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Linked to: Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona
Damiao is yet another young Brazilian talent who's been linked to a European club.
This time the club is Tottenham Hotspur, which has been told by his club to raise its offer for the 22-year-old. Spurs reportedly offered £15 million but Santos wants the full £44 million from the buyout clause in Damiao's contract.
That report also mentions interest from Barcelona, so it looks like the competition for Damiao's signature is heating up.
Damiao is yet another young Brazilian talent who's been linked to a European club.
This time the club is Tottenham Hotspur, which has been told by his club to raise its offer for the 22-year-old. Spurs reportedly offered £15 million but Santos wants the full £44 million from the buyout clause in Damiao's contract.
That report also mentions interest from Barcelona, so it looks like the competition for Damiao's signature is heating up.
15. Wayne Bridge, Manchester City
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Linked to: The entire Championship table
Wayne Bridge has enjoyed spells at big-money clubs like Manchester City (his current club) and Chelsea, but now the 31-year-old appears on the way out of City.
Bridge failed to secure a move away from City during the transfer window, but recent reports have manager Roberto Mancini urging Bridge to find a loan deal to further his career.
It's bad enough to be frozen out by your club, but now Bridge is being told by his manager that he's only good enough for the Championship. That's got to hurt.
And that's got to mean a January move is coming.
Wayne Bridge has enjoyed spells at big-money clubs like Manchester City (his current club) and Chelsea, but now the 31-year-old appears on the way out of City.
Bridge failed to secure a move away from City during the transfer window, but recent reports have manager Roberto Mancini urging Bridge to find a loan deal to further his career.
It's bad enough to be frozen out by your club, but now Bridge is being told by his manager that he's only good enough for the Championship. That's got to hurt.
And that's got to mean a January move is coming.
13. Nicolas Anelka, Chelsea
Linked to: PSG
Nicolas Anelka earned the nickname "Le Sulk" for his antics in engineering a move from Arsenal back at the beginning of his career.
Now he's apparently at it again.
Anelka was linked during the summer to a move back to France. And this past weekend he told Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas he expects to quit the club in the summer.
Don't expect Chelsea to let him go for free in the summer when they could sell him in January.
Clive Rose/Getty Images
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Ian Walton/Getty Images
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Mario Carlini / Iguana Press/Getty Images
Bryn Lennon/Getty Images
Victor Decolongon/Getty Images
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Dino Panato/Getty Images
EuroFootball/Getty Images
Julian Finney/Getty Images
Clive Rose/Getty Images
Claudio Villa/Getty Images
Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Julian Finney/Getty Images
Ian Walton/Getty Images 
Nicolas Anelka earned the nickname "Le Sulk" for his antics in engineering a move from Arsenal back at the beginning of his career.
Now he's apparently at it again.
Anelka was linked during the summer to a move back to France. And this past weekend he told Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas he expects to quit the club in the summer.
Don't expect Chelsea to let him go for free in the summer when they could sell him in January.
14. Dimitar Berbatov, Manchester United
Linked to: Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Newcastle United, Sevilla, Tottenham Hotspur
Dimitar Berbatov hasn't had many opportunities to play for Manchester United this season, and he's apparently trying to secure a move away from Old Trafford.
Metro.co.uk reports that the Bulgarian will demand a transfer in January despite manager Sir Alex Ferguson's claims that Berbatov is still in his plans. Metro lists Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich as possible destinations.
Berbatov has also been linked to Newcastle, Sevilla and Spurs.
Dimitar Berbatov hasn't had many opportunities to play for Manchester United this season, and he's apparently trying to secure a move away from Old Trafford.
Metro.co.uk reports that the Bulgarian will demand a transfer in January despite manager Sir Alex Ferguson's claims that Berbatov is still in his plans. Metro lists Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich as possible destinations.
Berbatov has also been linked to Newcastle, Sevilla and Spurs.
Clive Rose/Getty Images The transfer window closed less than three weeks ago with a flurry of activity in the final hours of August 31. But ever since the day passed, the rumour mill has been running non-stop.
That's because in world football, the rumour mill never really shuts down. Like it or not, transfer gossip is part of the modern game—and unlike each league across the world, there's never really an offseason.
If there is something of a slow time in the world football transfer league, it would be now. Clubs across the world are evaluating the players they bought and trying to figure out how to fill the holes they created by selling others.
By rule, no transfers can be completed until January, but now is the time clubs start to identify targets. And once January gets here, most clubs will be as eager to buy and sell as they were in August.
That means that for now, we have a bunch of potential transfers to talk about and plenty of transfers to contemplate.
It seems almost inevitable that some players will move to a new club in January. Santos forward Neymar is perhaps the hottest name in the transfer league this month, with Real Madrid reportedly trying to work out a deal.
And in Europe, talented young players like Mario Götze, Eden Hazard and others seem to be on the watch list of every big-money team on the continent.
They might find a new club in January. They might not. But it's going to be fun to speculate.
That's because in world football, the rumour mill never really shuts down. Like it or not, transfer gossip is part of the modern game—and unlike each league across the world, there's never really an offseason.
If there is something of a slow time in the world football transfer league, it would be now. Clubs across the world are evaluating the players they bought and trying to figure out how to fill the holes they created by selling others.
By rule, no transfers can be completed until January, but now is the time clubs start to identify targets. And once January gets here, most clubs will be as eager to buy and sell as they were in August.
That means that for now, we have a bunch of potential transfers to talk about and plenty of transfers to contemplate.
It seems almost inevitable that some players will move to a new club in January. Santos forward Neymar is perhaps the hottest name in the transfer league this month, with Real Madrid reportedly trying to work out a deal.
And in Europe, talented young players like Mario Götze, Eden Hazard and others seem to be on the watch list of every big-money team on the continent.
They might find a new club in January. They might not. But it's going to be fun to speculate.
1. Neymar, Santos
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Linked to: Real Madrid
Neymar is perhaps the most sought-after young player in world football today. The 19-year-old Brazilian is widely expected to become his country's next big star, and one of world football's biggest clubs is acting accordingly.
The latest reports have Neymar denying that a move to Real Madrid is already in place. Neymar apparently visited a Brazilian hospital last week, setting off rumours that he was having a medical before his move to Real Madrid.
Not so, said Neymar.
What seems certain is this: Neymar will sign with a big club sooner than later. And January seems like as good a time as any.
Neymar is perhaps the most sought-after young player in world football today. The 19-year-old Brazilian is widely expected to become his country's next big star, and one of world football's biggest clubs is acting accordingly.
The latest reports have Neymar denying that a move to Real Madrid is already in place. Neymar apparently visited a Brazilian hospital last week, setting off rumours that he was having a medical before his move to Real Madrid.
Not so, said Neymar.
"I have been sold like 30 times," Neymar is quoted as saying by Lancenet. "There is no truth to that, I am a player of Santos and I will stay here to play at the club's centenary.No word yet on that personal problem but with this situation, nothing seems definite. Some stories have him signing immediately, while others say he'll move next summer.
That is all speculation, there is no deal."
Neymar confirmed he was at Hospital Sao Luiz on Friday, but guaranteed it had nothing to do with a potential move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
"I went to the hospital to solve a personal problem," he explained.
What seems certain is this: Neymar will sign with a big club sooner than later. And January seems like as good a time as any.
2. Mario Götze, Borussia Dortmund
Ian Walton/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United, Arsenal
Hailed at the age of 18 as one of the best talents Germany has ever had, Mario Götze appears to be one of Europe's up-and-coming stars.
He currently plays for Borussia Dortmund, but Manchester United were reportedly interested in signing him during the previous transfer window. Other reports linked Arsenal to Götze, and it seems likely that he'll be on the move sometime soon.
Hailed at the age of 18 as one of the best talents Germany has ever had, Mario Götze appears to be one of Europe's up-and-coming stars.
He currently plays for Borussia Dortmund, but Manchester United were reportedly interested in signing him during the previous transfer window. Other reports linked Arsenal to Götze, and it seems likely that he'll be on the move sometime soon.
3. Eden Hazard, Lille
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Linked to: Arsenal, Liverpool
Arsenal was reportedly interested in Eden Hazard, the 20-year-old Belgian midfielder, during the previous transfer window.
Other reports from around this time last year had him moving to Liverpool in January 2011.
It didn't happen then, but who's to say it won't this time around?
Arsenal was reportedly interested in Eden Hazard, the 20-year-old Belgian midfielder, during the previous transfer window.
Other reports from around this time last year had him moving to Liverpool in January 2011.
It didn't happen then, but who's to say it won't this time around?
4. Marek Hamsik, Napoli
Mario Carlini / Iguana Press/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United, AC Milan, PSG
Slovakian Marek Hamsik was linked last spring to a move to Manchester United.
During the summer, it was AC Milan.
This month, it's Paris Saint-Germain.
Which one will it be? Stay tuned until January.
Slovakian Marek Hamsik was linked last spring to a move to Manchester United.
During the summer, it was AC Milan.
This month, it's Paris Saint-Germain.
Which one will it be? Stay tuned until January.
5. Gary Cahill, Bolton Wanderers
Bryn Lennon/Getty Images
Linked to: Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly both tried to sign the English defender during the transfer window but fell short of Bolton's monetary evaluation of the player.
Now, new reports link him to Barcelona.
The Barcelona reports seem a bit out there, but a move to either Spurs or Arsenal would make a lot of sense for a player with ambitions of establishing himself permanently with the English national team.
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly both tried to sign the English defender during the transfer window but fell short of Bolton's monetary evaluation of the player.
Now, new reports link him to Barcelona.
The Barcelona reports seem a bit out there, but a move to either Spurs or Arsenal would make a lot of sense for a player with ambitions of establishing himself permanently with the English national team.
6. David Beckham, LA Galaxy
Victor Decolongon/Getty Images
Linked to: QPR, PSG
David Beckham's mega-contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy runs out at the end of the current MLS season, and Beckham apparently wants to play top-flight football again.
Queens Park Rangers seem to be the front-runners, with reports saying he'll move in January.
And here's a report linking him to Paris Saint-Germain.
It's very likely that Beckham will go somewhere, since his contract runs out at the end of the season. A return to England seems most likely to us.
David Beckham's mega-contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy runs out at the end of the current MLS season, and Beckham apparently wants to play top-flight football again.
Queens Park Rangers seem to be the front-runners, with reports saying he'll move in January.
And here's a report linking him to Paris Saint-Germain.
It's very likely that Beckham will go somewhere, since his contract runs out at the end of the season. A return to England seems most likely to us.
7. Fernando Torres, Chelsea
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Linked to: AC Milan
Let's be honest here: Fernando Torres has been a disaster at Chelsea.
Sure, he scored in Chelsea's 3-1 loss to Manchester United on Sunday, but in a move more in line with his overall form with the club, he also shot wide on an open goal late in the second half.
And that came after he already alienated his teammates by calling them old and slow.
Anyway, reports are now linking him to a move to AC Milan.
Despite his goal this past weekend, it's looking like Torres is pretty much done at Chelsea.
Let's be honest here: Fernando Torres has been a disaster at Chelsea.
Sure, he scored in Chelsea's 3-1 loss to Manchester United on Sunday, but in a move more in line with his overall form with the club, he also shot wide on an open goal late in the second half.
And that came after he already alienated his teammates by calling them old and slow.
Anyway, reports are now linking him to a move to AC Milan.
Despite his goal this past weekend, it's looking like Torres is pretty much done at Chelsea.
8. Robinho, AC Milan
Dino Panato/Getty Images
Linked to: Chelsea
That same report that linked Fernando Torres to Milan had Manchester City outcast Robinho heading back to England as part of an exchange deal.
That seems like a bit of stretch, but an England return for Robinho probably isn't out of the question. And as they always say in world football, never say never.
That same report that linked Fernando Torres to Milan had Manchester City outcast Robinho heading back to England as part of an exchange deal.
That seems like a bit of stretch, but an England return for Robinho probably isn't out of the question. And as they always say in world football, never say never.
9. Christian Eriksen, Ajax
EuroFootball/Getty Images
Linked to: Liverpool, AC Milan
Christian Eriksen is another of Europe's exciting young talents. Still just 19 years old, he earned the Dutch league's player-of-the-year award last term while playing for Ajax.
Now he's being linked to Liverpool and AC Milan. Apparently the two are battling for his signature, which makes us think a move will happen soon.
Maybe even in January.
Christian Eriksen is another of Europe's exciting young talents. Still just 19 years old, he earned the Dutch league's player-of-the-year award last term while playing for Ajax.
Now he's being linked to Liverpool and AC Milan. Apparently the two are battling for his signature, which makes us think a move will happen soon.
Maybe even in January.
10. Carlos Tevez, Manchester City
Julian Finney/Getty Images
Linked to: Everyone
At the end of the previous transfer window, Carlos Tevez admitted he'd have to stay with Manchester City for a while longer.
We're not convinced that means past January. Tevez is clearly unhappy at Manchester City and wants a move elsewhere.
Arsenal reportedly wanted to swap him for Samir Nasri but a move never materialized.
Italy has also been mentioned as a potential destination.
Who knows? All we really know is that Tevez will probably leave Manchester City sooner than later.
At the end of the previous transfer window, Carlos Tevez admitted he'd have to stay with Manchester City for a while longer.
We're not convinced that means past January. Tevez is clearly unhappy at Manchester City and wants a move elsewhere.
Arsenal reportedly wanted to swap him for Samir Nasri but a move never materialized.
Italy has also been mentioned as a potential destination.
Who knows? All we really know is that Tevez will probably leave Manchester City sooner than later.
11. Luka Modric, Tottenham Hotspur
Clive Rose/Getty Images
Linked to: Chelsea, Chelsea and Chelsea. And, oh yeah, Chelsea.
Tottenham Hotspur managed to hold onto Luka Modric during the previous transfer window, but speculation has already started up again on his rumoured move to Chelsea.
And the speculation has been stoked by one of his own teammates.
Tottenham's Jermain Defoe told TalkSport he expects to hear the rumours again in January. Well, that's got to be comforting to nervous Spurs' fans.
Tottenham Hotspur managed to hold onto Luka Modric during the previous transfer window, but speculation has already started up again on his rumoured move to Chelsea.
And the speculation has been stoked by one of his own teammates.
Tottenham's Jermain Defoe told TalkSport he expects to hear the rumours again in January. Well, that's got to be comforting to nervous Spurs' fans.
"There’s always speculation, it’s part and parcel of the game, and it will start again in January" Defoe told TalkSport. "We just wanted the window to close, and he’s here now and that’s that. He’s just got to be professional. You can’t go into games sulking because you’ll get found out and let the team down.The verdict? This one has legs. Spurs held onto Modric this time, but if they don't let him go soon, they'll risk losing him for nothing when his contract expires.
"But Luka’s a good professional and, if you didn’t know there was speculation about him going and you saw him about the place, you’d never know.
"He’s been good. In pre-season, maybe other players would have said, ‘I’ve got an injury and I don’t want to play’, but he didn‘t do that and I don’t think there’s many players who would have done that.
"Chelsea’s a massive club and there was an opportunity for him but it didn’t happen and now he’s got to get on with playing football because he’s a big player for us."
12. Wesley Sneijder, Inter Milan
Claudio Villa/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United
Wesley Sneijder and Manchester United played their game of cat-and-mouse all summer. At one point, several media outlets were reporting that Sneijder had actually signed with the Red Devils, but the transfer never happened.
Look for the speculation to start back up throughout the autumn and into January.
Wesley Sneijder and Manchester United played their game of cat-and-mouse all summer. At one point, several media outlets were reporting that Sneijder had actually signed with the Red Devils, but the transfer never happened.
Look for the speculation to start back up throughout the autumn and into January.
13. Ganso, Santos
Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United
Paulo Henrique Ganso is another young Brazilian who's being linked to a big move to a big European club.
Manchester United was interested in signing the 21-year-old during the previous transfer window, and you can bet they'll still be interested in January.
Paulo Henrique Ganso is another young Brazilian who's being linked to a big move to a big European club.
Manchester United was interested in signing the 21-year-old during the previous transfer window, and you can bet they'll still be interested in January.
14. Damiao, Internacional
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Linked to: Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona
Damiao is yet another young Brazilian talent who's been linked to a European club.
This time the club is Tottenham Hotspur, which has been told by his club to raise its offer for the 22-year-old. Spurs reportedly offered £15 million but Santos wants the full £44 million from the buyout clause in Damiao's contract.
That report also mentions interest from Barcelona, so it looks like the competition for Damiao's signature is heating up.
Damiao is yet another young Brazilian talent who's been linked to a European club.
This time the club is Tottenham Hotspur, which has been told by his club to raise its offer for the 22-year-old. Spurs reportedly offered £15 million but Santos wants the full £44 million from the buyout clause in Damiao's contract.
That report also mentions interest from Barcelona, so it looks like the competition for Damiao's signature is heating up.
15. Wayne Bridge, Manchester City
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Linked to: The entire Championship table
Wayne Bridge has enjoyed spells at big-money clubs like Manchester City (his current club) and Chelsea, but now the 31-year-old appears on the way out of City.
Bridge failed to secure a move away from City during the transfer window, but recent reports have manager Roberto Mancini urging Bridge to find a loan deal to further his career.
It's bad enough to be frozen out by your club, but now Bridge is being told by his manager that he's only good enough for the Championship. That's got to hurt.
And that's got to mean a January move is coming.
Wayne Bridge has enjoyed spells at big-money clubs like Manchester City (his current club) and Chelsea, but now the 31-year-old appears on the way out of City.
Bridge failed to secure a move away from City during the transfer window, but recent reports have manager Roberto Mancini urging Bridge to find a loan deal to further his career.
It's bad enough to be frozen out by your club, but now Bridge is being told by his manager that he's only good enough for the Championship. That's got to hurt.
And that's got to mean a January move is coming.
16. Nicolas Anelka, Chelsea
Julian Finney/Getty Images
Linked to: PSG
Nicolas Anelka earned the nickname "Le Sulk" for his antics in engineering a move from Arsenal back at the beginning of his career.
Now he's apparently at it again.
Anelka was linked during the summer to a move back to France. And this past weekend he told Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas he expects to quit the club in the summer.
Don't expect Chelsea to let him go for free in the summer when they could sell him in January.
Nicolas Anelka earned the nickname "Le Sulk" for his antics in engineering a move from Arsenal back at the beginning of his career.
Now he's apparently at it again.
Anelka was linked during the summer to a move back to France. And this past weekend he told Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas he expects to quit the club in the summer.
Don't expect Chelsea to let him go for free in the summer when they could sell him in January.
17. Dimitar Berbatov, Manchester United
Ian Walton/Getty Images
Linked to: Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Newcastle United, Sevilla, Tottenham Hotspur
Dimitar Berbatov hasn't had many opportunities to play for Manchester United this season, and he's apparently trying to secure a move away from Old Trafford.
Metro.co.uk reports that the Bulgarian will demand a transfer in January despite manager Sir Alex Ferguson's claims that Berbatov is still in his plans. Metro lists Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich as possible destinations.
Berbatov has also been linked to Newcastle, Sevilla and Spurs.
Dimitar Berbatov hasn't had many opportunities to play for Manchester United this season, and he's apparently trying to secure a move away from Old Trafford.
Metro.co.uk reports that the Bulgarian will demand a transfer in January despite manager Sir Alex Ferguson's claims that Berbatov is still in his plans. Metro lists Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich as possible destinations.
Berbatov has also been linked to Newcastle, Sevilla and Spurs.
15. Yann MVila, Rennes
Linked to: Arsenal
Arsenal was reportedly willing to offer a club-record £25 million to Rennes for midfielder Yann M'Vila.
The deal didn't work out, but after its disastrous start to the season Arsenal will almost surely be looking to make more signings in January.
Clive Rose/Getty Images
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Ian Walton/Getty Images
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Mario Carlini / Iguana Press/Getty Images
Bryn Lennon/Getty Images
Victor Decolongon/Getty Images
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Dino Panato/Getty Images
EuroFootball/Getty Images
Julian Finney/Getty Images
Clive Rose/Getty Images
Claudio Villa/Getty Images
Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Julian Finney/Getty Images
Ian Walton/Getty Images
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images 
Arsenal was reportedly willing to offer a club-record £25 million to Rennes for midfielder Yann M'Vila.
The deal didn't work out, but after its disastrous start to the season Arsenal will almost surely be looking to make more signings in January.
Clive Rose/Getty Images The transfer window closed less than three weeks ago with a flurry of activity in the final hours of August 31. But ever since the day passed, the rumour mill has been running non-stop.
That's because in world football, the rumour mill never really shuts down. Like it or not, transfer gossip is part of the modern game—and unlike each league across the world, there's never really an offseason.
If there is something of a slow time in the world football transfer league, it would be now. Clubs across the world are evaluating the players they bought and trying to figure out how to fill the holes they created by selling others.
By rule, no transfers can be completed until January, but now is the time clubs start to identify targets. And once January gets here, most clubs will be as eager to buy and sell as they were in August.
That means that for now, we have a bunch of potential transfers to talk about and plenty of transfers to contemplate.
It seems almost inevitable that some players will move to a new club in January. Santos forward Neymar is perhaps the hottest name in the transfer league this month, with Real Madrid reportedly trying to work out a deal.
And in Europe, talented young players like Mario Götze, Eden Hazard and others seem to be on the watch list of every big-money team on the continent.
They might find a new club in January. They might not. But it's going to be fun to speculate.
That's because in world football, the rumour mill never really shuts down. Like it or not, transfer gossip is part of the modern game—and unlike each league across the world, there's never really an offseason.
If there is something of a slow time in the world football transfer league, it would be now. Clubs across the world are evaluating the players they bought and trying to figure out how to fill the holes they created by selling others.
By rule, no transfers can be completed until January, but now is the time clubs start to identify targets. And once January gets here, most clubs will be as eager to buy and sell as they were in August.
That means that for now, we have a bunch of potential transfers to talk about and plenty of transfers to contemplate.
It seems almost inevitable that some players will move to a new club in January. Santos forward Neymar is perhaps the hottest name in the transfer league this month, with Real Madrid reportedly trying to work out a deal.
And in Europe, talented young players like Mario Götze, Eden Hazard and others seem to be on the watch list of every big-money team on the continent.
They might find a new club in January. They might not. But it's going to be fun to speculate.
1. Neymar, Santos
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Linked to: Real Madrid
Neymar is perhaps the most sought-after young player in world football today. The 19-year-old Brazilian is widely expected to become his country's next big star, and one of world football's biggest clubs is acting accordingly.
The latest reports have Neymar denying that a move to Real Madrid is already in place. Neymar apparently visited a Brazilian hospital last week, setting off rumours that he was having a medical before his move to Real Madrid.
Not so, said Neymar.
What seems certain is this: Neymar will sign with a big club sooner than later. And January seems like as good a time as any.
Neymar is perhaps the most sought-after young player in world football today. The 19-year-old Brazilian is widely expected to become his country's next big star, and one of world football's biggest clubs is acting accordingly.
The latest reports have Neymar denying that a move to Real Madrid is already in place. Neymar apparently visited a Brazilian hospital last week, setting off rumours that he was having a medical before his move to Real Madrid.
Not so, said Neymar.
"I have been sold like 30 times," Neymar is quoted as saying by Lancenet. "There is no truth to that, I am a player of Santos and I will stay here to play at the club's centenary.No word yet on that personal problem but with this situation, nothing seems definite. Some stories have him signing immediately, while others say he'll move next summer.
That is all speculation, there is no deal."
Neymar confirmed he was at Hospital Sao Luiz on Friday, but guaranteed it had nothing to do with a potential move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
"I went to the hospital to solve a personal problem," he explained.
What seems certain is this: Neymar will sign with a big club sooner than later. And January seems like as good a time as any.
2. Mario Götze, Borussia Dortmund
Ian Walton/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United, Arsenal
Hailed at the age of 18 as one of the best talents Germany has ever had, Mario Götze appears to be one of Europe's up-and-coming stars.
He currently plays for Borussia Dortmund, but Manchester United were reportedly interested in signing him during the previous transfer window. Other reports linked Arsenal to Götze, and it seems likely that he'll be on the move sometime soon.
Hailed at the age of 18 as one of the best talents Germany has ever had, Mario Götze appears to be one of Europe's up-and-coming stars.
He currently plays for Borussia Dortmund, but Manchester United were reportedly interested in signing him during the previous transfer window. Other reports linked Arsenal to Götze, and it seems likely that he'll be on the move sometime soon.
3. Eden Hazard, Lille
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Linked to: Arsenal, Liverpool
Arsenal was reportedly interested in Eden Hazard, the 20-year-old Belgian midfielder, during the previous transfer window.
Other reports from around this time last year had him moving to Liverpool in January 2011.
It didn't happen then, but who's to say it won't this time around?
Arsenal was reportedly interested in Eden Hazard, the 20-year-old Belgian midfielder, during the previous transfer window.
Other reports from around this time last year had him moving to Liverpool in January 2011.
It didn't happen then, but who's to say it won't this time around?
4. Marek Hamsik, Napoli
Mario Carlini / Iguana Press/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United, AC Milan, PSG
Slovakian Marek Hamsik was linked last spring to a move to Manchester United.
During the summer, it was AC Milan.
This month, it's Paris Saint-Germain.
Which one will it be? Stay tuned until January.
Slovakian Marek Hamsik was linked last spring to a move to Manchester United.
During the summer, it was AC Milan.
This month, it's Paris Saint-Germain.
Which one will it be? Stay tuned until January.
5. Gary Cahill, Bolton Wanderers
Bryn Lennon/Getty Images
Linked to: Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly both tried to sign the English defender during the transfer window but fell short of Bolton's monetary evaluation of the player.
Now, new reports link him to Barcelona.
The Barcelona reports seem a bit out there, but a move to either Spurs or Arsenal would make a lot of sense for a player with ambitions of establishing himself permanently with the English national team.
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly both tried to sign the English defender during the transfer window but fell short of Bolton's monetary evaluation of the player.
Now, new reports link him to Barcelona.
The Barcelona reports seem a bit out there, but a move to either Spurs or Arsenal would make a lot of sense for a player with ambitions of establishing himself permanently with the English national team.
6. David Beckham, LA Galaxy
Victor Decolongon/Getty Images
Linked to: QPR, PSG
David Beckham's mega-contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy runs out at the end of the current MLS season, and Beckham apparently wants to play top-flight football again.
Queens Park Rangers seem to be the front-runners, with reports saying he'll move in January.
And here's a report linking him to Paris Saint-Germain.
It's very likely that Beckham will go somewhere, since his contract runs out at the end of the season. A return to England seems most likely to us.
David Beckham's mega-contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy runs out at the end of the current MLS season, and Beckham apparently wants to play top-flight football again.
Queens Park Rangers seem to be the front-runners, with reports saying he'll move in January.
And here's a report linking him to Paris Saint-Germain.
It's very likely that Beckham will go somewhere, since his contract runs out at the end of the season. A return to England seems most likely to us.
7. Fernando Torres, Chelsea
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Linked to: AC Milan
Let's be honest here: Fernando Torres has been a disaster at Chelsea.
Sure, he scored in Chelsea's 3-1 loss to Manchester United on Sunday, but in a move more in line with his overall form with the club, he also shot wide on an open goal late in the second half.
And that came after he already alienated his teammates by calling them old and slow.
Anyway, reports are now linking him to a move to AC Milan.
Despite his goal this past weekend, it's looking like Torres is pretty much done at Chelsea.
Let's be honest here: Fernando Torres has been a disaster at Chelsea.
Sure, he scored in Chelsea's 3-1 loss to Manchester United on Sunday, but in a move more in line with his overall form with the club, he also shot wide on an open goal late in the second half.
And that came after he already alienated his teammates by calling them old and slow.
Anyway, reports are now linking him to a move to AC Milan.
Despite his goal this past weekend, it's looking like Torres is pretty much done at Chelsea.
8. Robinho, AC Milan
Dino Panato/Getty Images
Linked to: Chelsea
That same report that linked Fernando Torres to Milan had Manchester City outcast Robinho heading back to England as part of an exchange deal.
That seems like a bit of stretch, but an England return for Robinho probably isn't out of the question. And as they always say in world football, never say never.
That same report that linked Fernando Torres to Milan had Manchester City outcast Robinho heading back to England as part of an exchange deal.
That seems like a bit of stretch, but an England return for Robinho probably isn't out of the question. And as they always say in world football, never say never.
9. Christian Eriksen, Ajax
EuroFootball/Getty Images
Linked to: Liverpool, AC Milan
Christian Eriksen is another of Europe's exciting young talents. Still just 19 years old, he earned the Dutch league's player-of-the-year award last term while playing for Ajax.
Now he's being linked to Liverpool and AC Milan. Apparently the two are battling for his signature, which makes us think a move will happen soon.
Maybe even in January.
Christian Eriksen is another of Europe's exciting young talents. Still just 19 years old, he earned the Dutch league's player-of-the-year award last term while playing for Ajax.
Now he's being linked to Liverpool and AC Milan. Apparently the two are battling for his signature, which makes us think a move will happen soon.
Maybe even in January.
10. Carlos Tevez, Manchester City
Julian Finney/Getty Images
Linked to: Everyone
At the end of the previous transfer window, Carlos Tevez admitted he'd have to stay with Manchester City for a while longer.
We're not convinced that means past January. Tevez is clearly unhappy at Manchester City and wants a move elsewhere.
Arsenal reportedly wanted to swap him for Samir Nasri but a move never materialized.
Italy has also been mentioned as a potential destination.
Who knows? All we really know is that Tevez will probably leave Manchester City sooner than later.
At the end of the previous transfer window, Carlos Tevez admitted he'd have to stay with Manchester City for a while longer.
We're not convinced that means past January. Tevez is clearly unhappy at Manchester City and wants a move elsewhere.
Arsenal reportedly wanted to swap him for Samir Nasri but a move never materialized.
Italy has also been mentioned as a potential destination.
Who knows? All we really know is that Tevez will probably leave Manchester City sooner than later.
11. Luka Modric, Tottenham Hotspur
Clive Rose/Getty Images
Linked to: Chelsea, Chelsea and Chelsea. And, oh yeah, Chelsea.
Tottenham Hotspur managed to hold onto Luka Modric during the previous transfer window, but speculation has already started up again on his rumoured move to Chelsea.
And the speculation has been stoked by one of his own teammates.
Tottenham's Jermain Defoe told TalkSport he expects to hear the rumours again in January. Well, that's got to be comforting to nervous Spurs' fans.
Tottenham Hotspur managed to hold onto Luka Modric during the previous transfer window, but speculation has already started up again on his rumoured move to Chelsea.
And the speculation has been stoked by one of his own teammates.
Tottenham's Jermain Defoe told TalkSport he expects to hear the rumours again in January. Well, that's got to be comforting to nervous Spurs' fans.
"There’s always speculation, it’s part and parcel of the game, and it will start again in January" Defoe told TalkSport. "We just wanted the window to close, and he’s here now and that’s that. He’s just got to be professional. You can’t go into games sulking because you’ll get found out and let the team down.The verdict? This one has legs. Spurs held onto Modric this time, but if they don't let him go soon, they'll risk losing him for nothing when his contract expires.
"But Luka’s a good professional and, if you didn’t know there was speculation about him going and you saw him about the place, you’d never know.
"He’s been good. In pre-season, maybe other players would have said, ‘I’ve got an injury and I don’t want to play’, but he didn‘t do that and I don’t think there’s many players who would have done that.
"Chelsea’s a massive club and there was an opportunity for him but it didn’t happen and now he’s got to get on with playing football because he’s a big player for us."
12. Wesley Sneijder, Inter Milan
Claudio Villa/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United
Wesley Sneijder and Manchester United played their game of cat-and-mouse all summer. At one point, several media outlets were reporting that Sneijder had actually signed with the Red Devils, but the transfer never happened.
Look for the speculation to start back up throughout the autumn and into January.
Wesley Sneijder and Manchester United played their game of cat-and-mouse all summer. At one point, several media outlets were reporting that Sneijder had actually signed with the Red Devils, but the transfer never happened.
Look for the speculation to start back up throughout the autumn and into January.
13. Ganso, Santos
Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United
Paulo Henrique Ganso is another young Brazilian who's being linked to a big move to a big European club.
Manchester United was interested in signing the 21-year-old during the previous transfer window, and you can bet they'll still be interested in January.
Paulo Henrique Ganso is another young Brazilian who's being linked to a big move to a big European club.
Manchester United was interested in signing the 21-year-old during the previous transfer window, and you can bet they'll still be interested in January.
14. Damiao, Internacional
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Linked to: Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona
Damiao is yet another young Brazilian talent who's been linked to a European club.
This time the club is Tottenham Hotspur, which has been told by his club to raise its offer for the 22-year-old. Spurs reportedly offered £15 million but Santos wants the full £44 million from the buyout clause in Damiao's contract.
That report also mentions interest from Barcelona, so it looks like the competition for Damiao's signature is heating up.
Damiao is yet another young Brazilian talent who's been linked to a European club.
This time the club is Tottenham Hotspur, which has been told by his club to raise its offer for the 22-year-old. Spurs reportedly offered £15 million but Santos wants the full £44 million from the buyout clause in Damiao's contract.
That report also mentions interest from Barcelona, so it looks like the competition for Damiao's signature is heating up.
15. Wayne Bridge, Manchester City
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Linked to: The entire Championship table
Wayne Bridge has enjoyed spells at big-money clubs like Manchester City (his current club) and Chelsea, but now the 31-year-old appears on the way out of City.
Bridge failed to secure a move away from City during the transfer window, but recent reports have manager Roberto Mancini urging Bridge to find a loan deal to further his career.
It's bad enough to be frozen out by your club, but now Bridge is being told by his manager that he's only good enough for the Championship. That's got to hurt.
And that's got to mean a January move is coming.
Wayne Bridge has enjoyed spells at big-money clubs like Manchester City (his current club) and Chelsea, but now the 31-year-old appears on the way out of City.
Bridge failed to secure a move away from City during the transfer window, but recent reports have manager Roberto Mancini urging Bridge to find a loan deal to further his career.
It's bad enough to be frozen out by your club, but now Bridge is being told by his manager that he's only good enough for the Championship. That's got to hurt.
And that's got to mean a January move is coming.
16. Nicolas Anelka, Chelsea
Julian Finney/Getty Images
Linked to: PSG
Nicolas Anelka earned the nickname "Le Sulk" for his antics in engineering a move from Arsenal back at the beginning of his career.
Now he's apparently at it again.
Anelka was linked during the summer to a move back to France. And this past weekend he told Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas he expects to quit the club in the summer.
Don't expect Chelsea to let him go for free in the summer when they could sell him in January.
Nicolas Anelka earned the nickname "Le Sulk" for his antics in engineering a move from Arsenal back at the beginning of his career.
Now he's apparently at it again.
Anelka was linked during the summer to a move back to France. And this past weekend he told Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas he expects to quit the club in the summer.
Don't expect Chelsea to let him go for free in the summer when they could sell him in January.
17. Dimitar Berbatov, Manchester United
Ian Walton/Getty Images
Linked to: Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Newcastle United, Sevilla, Tottenham Hotspur
Dimitar Berbatov hasn't had many opportunities to play for Manchester United this season, and he's apparently trying to secure a move away from Old Trafford.
Metro.co.uk reports that the Bulgarian will demand a transfer in January despite manager Sir Alex Ferguson's claims that Berbatov is still in his plans. Metro lists Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich as possible destinations.
Berbatov has also been linked to Newcastle, Sevilla and Spurs.
Dimitar Berbatov hasn't had many opportunities to play for Manchester United this season, and he's apparently trying to secure a move away from Old Trafford.
Metro.co.uk reports that the Bulgarian will demand a transfer in January despite manager Sir Alex Ferguson's claims that Berbatov is still in his plans. Metro lists Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich as possible destinations.
Berbatov has also been linked to Newcastle, Sevilla and Spurs.
18. Yann MVila, Rennes
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Linked to: Arsenal
Arsenal was reportedly willing to offer a club-record £25 million to Rennes for midfielder Yann M'Vila.
The deal didn't work out, but after its disastrous start to the season Arsenal will almost surely be looking to make more signings in January.
Arsenal was reportedly willing to offer a club-record £25 million to Rennes for midfielder Yann M'Vila.
The deal didn't work out, but after its disastrous start to the season Arsenal will almost surely be looking to make more signings in January.
16. Gareth Bale, Tottenham Hotspur
Linked to: Manchester United, Barcelona
Gareth Bale was strongly linked to a move away from Tottenham during the previous window.
Now, though, reports suggest he's satisfied with Spurs' signings and is ready to commit his future to the club. In fact, says SkySports, he never actually wanted to move.
Color us unconvinced.
If a bigger club offers bigger money in January, expect Bale to take it.
Clive Rose/Getty Images
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Ian Walton/Getty Images
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Mario Carlini / Iguana Press/Getty Images
Bryn Lennon/Getty Images
Victor Decolongon/Getty Images
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Dino Panato/Getty Images
EuroFootball/Getty Images
Julian Finney/Getty Images
Clive Rose/Getty Images
Claudio Villa/Getty Images
Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Julian Finney/Getty Images
Ian Walton/Getty Images
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Gareth Bale was strongly linked to a move away from Tottenham during the previous window.
Now, though, reports suggest he's satisfied with Spurs' signings and is ready to commit his future to the club. In fact, says SkySports, he never actually wanted to move.
Color us unconvinced.
If a bigger club offers bigger money in January, expect Bale to take it.
Clive Rose/Getty Images The transfer window closed less than three weeks ago with a flurry of activity in the final hours of August 31. But ever since the day passed, the rumour mill has been running non-stop.
That's because in world football, the rumour mill never really shuts down. Like it or not, transfer gossip is part of the modern game—and unlike each league across the world, there's never really an offseason.
If there is something of a slow time in the world football transfer league, it would be now. Clubs across the world are evaluating the players they bought and trying to figure out how to fill the holes they created by selling others.
By rule, no transfers can be completed until January, but now is the time clubs start to identify targets. And once January gets here, most clubs will be as eager to buy and sell as they were in August.
That means that for now, we have a bunch of potential transfers to talk about and plenty of transfers to contemplate.
It seems almost inevitable that some players will move to a new club in January. Santos forward Neymar is perhaps the hottest name in the transfer league this month, with Real Madrid reportedly trying to work out a deal.
And in Europe, talented young players like Mario Götze, Eden Hazard and others seem to be on the watch list of every big-money team on the continent.
They might find a new club in January. They might not. But it's going to be fun to speculate.
That's because in world football, the rumour mill never really shuts down. Like it or not, transfer gossip is part of the modern game—and unlike each league across the world, there's never really an offseason.
If there is something of a slow time in the world football transfer league, it would be now. Clubs across the world are evaluating the players they bought and trying to figure out how to fill the holes they created by selling others.
By rule, no transfers can be completed until January, but now is the time clubs start to identify targets. And once January gets here, most clubs will be as eager to buy and sell as they were in August.
That means that for now, we have a bunch of potential transfers to talk about and plenty of transfers to contemplate.
It seems almost inevitable that some players will move to a new club in January. Santos forward Neymar is perhaps the hottest name in the transfer league this month, with Real Madrid reportedly trying to work out a deal.
And in Europe, talented young players like Mario Götze, Eden Hazard and others seem to be on the watch list of every big-money team on the continent.
They might find a new club in January. They might not. But it's going to be fun to speculate.
1. Neymar, Santos
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Linked to: Real Madrid
Neymar is perhaps the most sought-after young player in world football today. The 19-year-old Brazilian is widely expected to become his country's next big star, and one of world football's biggest clubs is acting accordingly.
The latest reports have Neymar denying that a move to Real Madrid is already in place. Neymar apparently visited a Brazilian hospital last week, setting off rumours that he was having a medical before his move to Real Madrid.
Not so, said Neymar.
What seems certain is this: Neymar will sign with a big club sooner than later. And January seems like as good a time as any.
Neymar is perhaps the most sought-after young player in world football today. The 19-year-old Brazilian is widely expected to become his country's next big star, and one of world football's biggest clubs is acting accordingly.
The latest reports have Neymar denying that a move to Real Madrid is already in place. Neymar apparently visited a Brazilian hospital last week, setting off rumours that he was having a medical before his move to Real Madrid.
Not so, said Neymar.
"I have been sold like 30 times," Neymar is quoted as saying by Lancenet. "There is no truth to that, I am a player of Santos and I will stay here to play at the club's centenary.No word yet on that personal problem but with this situation, nothing seems definite. Some stories have him signing immediately, while others say he'll move next summer.
That is all speculation, there is no deal."
Neymar confirmed he was at Hospital Sao Luiz on Friday, but guaranteed it had nothing to do with a potential move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
"I went to the hospital to solve a personal problem," he explained.
What seems certain is this: Neymar will sign with a big club sooner than later. And January seems like as good a time as any.
2. Mario Götze, Borussia Dortmund
Ian Walton/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United, Arsenal
Hailed at the age of 18 as one of the best talents Germany has ever had, Mario Götze appears to be one of Europe's up-and-coming stars.
He currently plays for Borussia Dortmund, but Manchester United were reportedly interested in signing him during the previous transfer window. Other reports linked Arsenal to Götze, and it seems likely that he'll be on the move sometime soon.
Hailed at the age of 18 as one of the best talents Germany has ever had, Mario Götze appears to be one of Europe's up-and-coming stars.
He currently plays for Borussia Dortmund, but Manchester United were reportedly interested in signing him during the previous transfer window. Other reports linked Arsenal to Götze, and it seems likely that he'll be on the move sometime soon.
3. Eden Hazard, Lille
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Linked to: Arsenal, Liverpool
Arsenal was reportedly interested in Eden Hazard, the 20-year-old Belgian midfielder, during the previous transfer window.
Other reports from around this time last year had him moving to Liverpool in January 2011.
It didn't happen then, but who's to say it won't this time around?
Arsenal was reportedly interested in Eden Hazard, the 20-year-old Belgian midfielder, during the previous transfer window.
Other reports from around this time last year had him moving to Liverpool in January 2011.
It didn't happen then, but who's to say it won't this time around?
4. Marek Hamsik, Napoli
Mario Carlini / Iguana Press/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United, AC Milan, PSG
Slovakian Marek Hamsik was linked last spring to a move to Manchester United.
During the summer, it was AC Milan.
This month, it's Paris Saint-Germain.
Which one will it be? Stay tuned until January.
Slovakian Marek Hamsik was linked last spring to a move to Manchester United.
During the summer, it was AC Milan.
This month, it's Paris Saint-Germain.
Which one will it be? Stay tuned until January.
5. Gary Cahill, Bolton Wanderers
Bryn Lennon/Getty Images
Linked to: Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly both tried to sign the English defender during the transfer window but fell short of Bolton's monetary evaluation of the player.
Now, new reports link him to Barcelona.
The Barcelona reports seem a bit out there, but a move to either Spurs or Arsenal would make a lot of sense for a player with ambitions of establishing himself permanently with the English national team.
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly both tried to sign the English defender during the transfer window but fell short of Bolton's monetary evaluation of the player.
Now, new reports link him to Barcelona.
The Barcelona reports seem a bit out there, but a move to either Spurs or Arsenal would make a lot of sense for a player with ambitions of establishing himself permanently with the English national team.
6. David Beckham, LA Galaxy
Victor Decolongon/Getty Images
Linked to: QPR, PSG
David Beckham's mega-contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy runs out at the end of the current MLS season, and Beckham apparently wants to play top-flight football again.
Queens Park Rangers seem to be the front-runners, with reports saying he'll move in January.
And here's a report linking him to Paris Saint-Germain.
It's very likely that Beckham will go somewhere, since his contract runs out at the end of the season. A return to England seems most likely to us.
David Beckham's mega-contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy runs out at the end of the current MLS season, and Beckham apparently wants to play top-flight football again.
Queens Park Rangers seem to be the front-runners, with reports saying he'll move in January.
And here's a report linking him to Paris Saint-Germain.
It's very likely that Beckham will go somewhere, since his contract runs out at the end of the season. A return to England seems most likely to us.
7. Fernando Torres, Chelsea
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Linked to: AC Milan
Let's be honest here: Fernando Torres has been a disaster at Chelsea.
Sure, he scored in Chelsea's 3-1 loss to Manchester United on Sunday, but in a move more in line with his overall form with the club, he also shot wide on an open goal late in the second half.
And that came after he already alienated his teammates by calling them old and slow.
Anyway, reports are now linking him to a move to AC Milan.
Despite his goal this past weekend, it's looking like Torres is pretty much done at Chelsea.
Let's be honest here: Fernando Torres has been a disaster at Chelsea.
Sure, he scored in Chelsea's 3-1 loss to Manchester United on Sunday, but in a move more in line with his overall form with the club, he also shot wide on an open goal late in the second half.
And that came after he already alienated his teammates by calling them old and slow.
Anyway, reports are now linking him to a move to AC Milan.
Despite his goal this past weekend, it's looking like Torres is pretty much done at Chelsea.
8. Robinho, AC Milan
Dino Panato/Getty Images
Linked to: Chelsea
That same report that linked Fernando Torres to Milan had Manchester City outcast Robinho heading back to England as part of an exchange deal.
That seems like a bit of stretch, but an England return for Robinho probably isn't out of the question. And as they always say in world football, never say never.
That same report that linked Fernando Torres to Milan had Manchester City outcast Robinho heading back to England as part of an exchange deal.
That seems like a bit of stretch, but an England return for Robinho probably isn't out of the question. And as they always say in world football, never say never.
9. Christian Eriksen, Ajax
EuroFootball/Getty Images
Linked to: Liverpool, AC Milan
Christian Eriksen is another of Europe's exciting young talents. Still just 19 years old, he earned the Dutch league's player-of-the-year award last term while playing for Ajax.
Now he's being linked to Liverpool and AC Milan. Apparently the two are battling for his signature, which makes us think a move will happen soon.
Maybe even in January.
Christian Eriksen is another of Europe's exciting young talents. Still just 19 years old, he earned the Dutch league's player-of-the-year award last term while playing for Ajax.
Now he's being linked to Liverpool and AC Milan. Apparently the two are battling for his signature, which makes us think a move will happen soon.
Maybe even in January.
10. Carlos Tevez, Manchester City
Julian Finney/Getty Images
Linked to: Everyone
At the end of the previous transfer window, Carlos Tevez admitted he'd have to stay with Manchester City for a while longer.
We're not convinced that means past January. Tevez is clearly unhappy at Manchester City and wants a move elsewhere.
Arsenal reportedly wanted to swap him for Samir Nasri but a move never materialized.
Italy has also been mentioned as a potential destination.
Who knows? All we really know is that Tevez will probably leave Manchester City sooner than later.
At the end of the previous transfer window, Carlos Tevez admitted he'd have to stay with Manchester City for a while longer.
We're not convinced that means past January. Tevez is clearly unhappy at Manchester City and wants a move elsewhere.
Arsenal reportedly wanted to swap him for Samir Nasri but a move never materialized.
Italy has also been mentioned as a potential destination.
Who knows? All we really know is that Tevez will probably leave Manchester City sooner than later.
11. Luka Modric, Tottenham Hotspur
Clive Rose/Getty Images
Linked to: Chelsea, Chelsea and Chelsea. And, oh yeah, Chelsea.
Tottenham Hotspur managed to hold onto Luka Modric during the previous transfer window, but speculation has already started up again on his rumoured move to Chelsea.
And the speculation has been stoked by one of his own teammates.
Tottenham's Jermain Defoe told TalkSport he expects to hear the rumours again in January. Well, that's got to be comforting to nervous Spurs' fans.
Tottenham Hotspur managed to hold onto Luka Modric during the previous transfer window, but speculation has already started up again on his rumoured move to Chelsea.
And the speculation has been stoked by one of his own teammates.
Tottenham's Jermain Defoe told TalkSport he expects to hear the rumours again in January. Well, that's got to be comforting to nervous Spurs' fans.
"There’s always speculation, it’s part and parcel of the game, and it will start again in January" Defoe told TalkSport. "We just wanted the window to close, and he’s here now and that’s that. He’s just got to be professional. You can’t go into games sulking because you’ll get found out and let the team down.The verdict? This one has legs. Spurs held onto Modric this time, but if they don't let him go soon, they'll risk losing him for nothing when his contract expires.
"But Luka’s a good professional and, if you didn’t know there was speculation about him going and you saw him about the place, you’d never know.
"He’s been good. In pre-season, maybe other players would have said, ‘I’ve got an injury and I don’t want to play’, but he didn‘t do that and I don’t think there’s many players who would have done that.
"Chelsea’s a massive club and there was an opportunity for him but it didn’t happen and now he’s got to get on with playing football because he’s a big player for us."
12. Wesley Sneijder, Inter Milan
Claudio Villa/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United
Wesley Sneijder and Manchester United played their game of cat-and-mouse all summer. At one point, several media outlets were reporting that Sneijder had actually signed with the Red Devils, but the transfer never happened.
Look for the speculation to start back up throughout the autumn and into January.
Wesley Sneijder and Manchester United played their game of cat-and-mouse all summer. At one point, several media outlets were reporting that Sneijder had actually signed with the Red Devils, but the transfer never happened.
Look for the speculation to start back up throughout the autumn and into January.
13. Ganso, Santos
Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United
Paulo Henrique Ganso is another young Brazilian who's being linked to a big move to a big European club.
Manchester United was interested in signing the 21-year-old during the previous transfer window, and you can bet they'll still be interested in January.
Paulo Henrique Ganso is another young Brazilian who's being linked to a big move to a big European club.
Manchester United was interested in signing the 21-year-old during the previous transfer window, and you can bet they'll still be interested in January.
14. Damiao, Internacional
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Linked to: Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona
Damiao is yet another young Brazilian talent who's been linked to a European club.
This time the club is Tottenham Hotspur, which has been told by his club to raise its offer for the 22-year-old. Spurs reportedly offered £15 million but Santos wants the full £44 million from the buyout clause in Damiao's contract.
That report also mentions interest from Barcelona, so it looks like the competition for Damiao's signature is heating up.
Damiao is yet another young Brazilian talent who's been linked to a European club.
This time the club is Tottenham Hotspur, which has been told by his club to raise its offer for the 22-year-old. Spurs reportedly offered £15 million but Santos wants the full £44 million from the buyout clause in Damiao's contract.
That report also mentions interest from Barcelona, so it looks like the competition for Damiao's signature is heating up.
15. Wayne Bridge, Manchester City
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Linked to: The entire Championship table
Wayne Bridge has enjoyed spells at big-money clubs like Manchester City (his current club) and Chelsea, but now the 31-year-old appears on the way out of City.
Bridge failed to secure a move away from City during the transfer window, but recent reports have manager Roberto Mancini urging Bridge to find a loan deal to further his career.
It's bad enough to be frozen out by your club, but now Bridge is being told by his manager that he's only good enough for the Championship. That's got to hurt.
And that's got to mean a January move is coming.
Wayne Bridge has enjoyed spells at big-money clubs like Manchester City (his current club) and Chelsea, but now the 31-year-old appears on the way out of City.
Bridge failed to secure a move away from City during the transfer window, but recent reports have manager Roberto Mancini urging Bridge to find a loan deal to further his career.
It's bad enough to be frozen out by your club, but now Bridge is being told by his manager that he's only good enough for the Championship. That's got to hurt.
And that's got to mean a January move is coming.
16. Nicolas Anelka, Chelsea
Julian Finney/Getty Images
Linked to: PSG
Nicolas Anelka earned the nickname "Le Sulk" for his antics in engineering a move from Arsenal back at the beginning of his career.
Now he's apparently at it again.
Anelka was linked during the summer to a move back to France. And this past weekend he told Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas he expects to quit the club in the summer.
Don't expect Chelsea to let him go for free in the summer when they could sell him in January.
Nicolas Anelka earned the nickname "Le Sulk" for his antics in engineering a move from Arsenal back at the beginning of his career.
Now he's apparently at it again.
Anelka was linked during the summer to a move back to France. And this past weekend he told Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas he expects to quit the club in the summer.
Don't expect Chelsea to let him go for free in the summer when they could sell him in January.
17. Dimitar Berbatov, Manchester United
Ian Walton/Getty Images
Linked to: Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Newcastle United, Sevilla, Tottenham Hotspur
Dimitar Berbatov hasn't had many opportunities to play for Manchester United this season, and he's apparently trying to secure a move away from Old Trafford.
Metro.co.uk reports that the Bulgarian will demand a transfer in January despite manager Sir Alex Ferguson's claims that Berbatov is still in his plans. Metro lists Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich as possible destinations.
Berbatov has also been linked to Newcastle, Sevilla and Spurs.
Dimitar Berbatov hasn't had many opportunities to play for Manchester United this season, and he's apparently trying to secure a move away from Old Trafford.
Metro.co.uk reports that the Bulgarian will demand a transfer in January despite manager Sir Alex Ferguson's claims that Berbatov is still in his plans. Metro lists Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich as possible destinations.
Berbatov has also been linked to Newcastle, Sevilla and Spurs.
18. Yann MVila, Rennes
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Linked to: Arsenal
Arsenal was reportedly willing to offer a club-record £25 million to Rennes for midfielder Yann M'Vila.
The deal didn't work out, but after its disastrous start to the season Arsenal will almost surely be looking to make more signings in January.
Arsenal was reportedly willing to offer a club-record £25 million to Rennes for midfielder Yann M'Vila.
The deal didn't work out, but after its disastrous start to the season Arsenal will almost surely be looking to make more signings in January.
19. Gareth Bale, Tottenham Hotspur
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United, Barcelona
Gareth Bale was strongly linked to a move away from Tottenham during the previous window.
Now, though, reports suggest he's satisfied with Spurs' signings and is ready to commit his future to the club. In fact, says SkySports, he never actually wanted to move.
Color us unconvinced.
If a bigger club offers bigger money in January, expect Bale to take it.
Gareth Bale was strongly linked to a move away from Tottenham during the previous window.
Now, though, reports suggest he's satisfied with Spurs' signings and is ready to commit his future to the club. In fact, says SkySports, he never actually wanted to move.
Color us unconvinced.
If a bigger club offers bigger money in January, expect Bale to take it.
17. Yoann Gourcuff, Lyon
Linked to: Manchester United, Arsenal
French midfielder Yoann Gourcuff made a name for himself at Rennes before moving to Serie A. Now back in France with Lyon, Gourcuff has been recovering from an ankle injury that kept him off transfer radars for much of the summer.
But he's a potential target of Manchester United and Arsenal, both of which could be active in January.
Clive Rose/Getty Images
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French midfielder Yoann Gourcuff made a name for himself at Rennes before moving to Serie A. Now back in France with Lyon, Gourcuff has been recovering from an ankle injury that kept him off transfer radars for much of the summer.
But he's a potential target of Manchester United and Arsenal, both of which could be active in January.
Clive Rose/Getty Images The transfer window closed less than three weeks ago with a flurry of activity in the final hours of August 31. But ever since the day passed, the rumour mill has been running non-stop.
That's because in world football, the rumour mill never really shuts down. Like it or not, transfer gossip is part of the modern game—and unlike each league across the world, there's never really an offseason.
If there is something of a slow time in the world football transfer league, it would be now. Clubs across the world are evaluating the players they bought and trying to figure out how to fill the holes they created by selling others.
By rule, no transfers can be completed until January, but now is the time clubs start to identify targets. And once January gets here, most clubs will be as eager to buy and sell as they were in August.
That means that for now, we have a bunch of potential transfers to talk about and plenty of transfers to contemplate.
It seems almost inevitable that some players will move to a new club in January. Santos forward Neymar is perhaps the hottest name in the transfer league this month, with Real Madrid reportedly trying to work out a deal.
And in Europe, talented young players like Mario Götze, Eden Hazard and others seem to be on the watch list of every big-money team on the continent.
They might find a new club in January. They might not. But it's going to be fun to speculate.
That's because in world football, the rumour mill never really shuts down. Like it or not, transfer gossip is part of the modern game—and unlike each league across the world, there's never really an offseason.
If there is something of a slow time in the world football transfer league, it would be now. Clubs across the world are evaluating the players they bought and trying to figure out how to fill the holes they created by selling others.
By rule, no transfers can be completed until January, but now is the time clubs start to identify targets. And once January gets here, most clubs will be as eager to buy and sell as they were in August.
That means that for now, we have a bunch of potential transfers to talk about and plenty of transfers to contemplate.
It seems almost inevitable that some players will move to a new club in January. Santos forward Neymar is perhaps the hottest name in the transfer league this month, with Real Madrid reportedly trying to work out a deal.
And in Europe, talented young players like Mario Götze, Eden Hazard and others seem to be on the watch list of every big-money team on the continent.
They might find a new club in January. They might not. But it's going to be fun to speculate.
1. Neymar, Santos
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Linked to: Real Madrid
Neymar is perhaps the most sought-after young player in world football today. The 19-year-old Brazilian is widely expected to become his country's next big star, and one of world football's biggest clubs is acting accordingly.
The latest reports have Neymar denying that a move to Real Madrid is already in place. Neymar apparently visited a Brazilian hospital last week, setting off rumours that he was having a medical before his move to Real Madrid.
Not so, said Neymar.
What seems certain is this: Neymar will sign with a big club sooner than later. And January seems like as good a time as any.
Neymar is perhaps the most sought-after young player in world football today. The 19-year-old Brazilian is widely expected to become his country's next big star, and one of world football's biggest clubs is acting accordingly.
The latest reports have Neymar denying that a move to Real Madrid is already in place. Neymar apparently visited a Brazilian hospital last week, setting off rumours that he was having a medical before his move to Real Madrid.
Not so, said Neymar.
"I have been sold like 30 times," Neymar is quoted as saying by Lancenet. "There is no truth to that, I am a player of Santos and I will stay here to play at the club's centenary.No word yet on that personal problem but with this situation, nothing seems definite. Some stories have him signing immediately, while others say he'll move next summer.
That is all speculation, there is no deal."
Neymar confirmed he was at Hospital Sao Luiz on Friday, but guaranteed it had nothing to do with a potential move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
"I went to the hospital to solve a personal problem," he explained.
What seems certain is this: Neymar will sign with a big club sooner than later. And January seems like as good a time as any.
2. Mario Götze, Borussia Dortmund
Ian Walton/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United, Arsenal
Hailed at the age of 18 as one of the best talents Germany has ever had, Mario Götze appears to be one of Europe's up-and-coming stars.
He currently plays for Borussia Dortmund, but Manchester United were reportedly interested in signing him during the previous transfer window. Other reports linked Arsenal to Götze, and it seems likely that he'll be on the move sometime soon.
Hailed at the age of 18 as one of the best talents Germany has ever had, Mario Götze appears to be one of Europe's up-and-coming stars.
He currently plays for Borussia Dortmund, but Manchester United were reportedly interested in signing him during the previous transfer window. Other reports linked Arsenal to Götze, and it seems likely that he'll be on the move sometime soon.
3. Eden Hazard, Lille
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Linked to: Arsenal, Liverpool
Arsenal was reportedly interested in Eden Hazard, the 20-year-old Belgian midfielder, during the previous transfer window.
Other reports from around this time last year had him moving to Liverpool in January 2011.
It didn't happen then, but who's to say it won't this time around?
Arsenal was reportedly interested in Eden Hazard, the 20-year-old Belgian midfielder, during the previous transfer window.
Other reports from around this time last year had him moving to Liverpool in January 2011.
It didn't happen then, but who's to say it won't this time around?
4. Marek Hamsik, Napoli
Mario Carlini / Iguana Press/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United, AC Milan, PSG
Slovakian Marek Hamsik was linked last spring to a move to Manchester United.
During the summer, it was AC Milan.
This month, it's Paris Saint-Germain.
Which one will it be? Stay tuned until January.
Slovakian Marek Hamsik was linked last spring to a move to Manchester United.
During the summer, it was AC Milan.
This month, it's Paris Saint-Germain.
Which one will it be? Stay tuned until January.
5. Gary Cahill, Bolton Wanderers
Bryn Lennon/Getty Images
Linked to: Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly both tried to sign the English defender during the transfer window but fell short of Bolton's monetary evaluation of the player.
Now, new reports link him to Barcelona.
The Barcelona reports seem a bit out there, but a move to either Spurs or Arsenal would make a lot of sense for a player with ambitions of establishing himself permanently with the English national team.
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly both tried to sign the English defender during the transfer window but fell short of Bolton's monetary evaluation of the player.
Now, new reports link him to Barcelona.
The Barcelona reports seem a bit out there, but a move to either Spurs or Arsenal would make a lot of sense for a player with ambitions of establishing himself permanently with the English national team.
6. David Beckham, LA Galaxy
Victor Decolongon/Getty Images
Linked to: QPR, PSG
David Beckham's mega-contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy runs out at the end of the current MLS season, and Beckham apparently wants to play top-flight football again.
Queens Park Rangers seem to be the front-runners, with reports saying he'll move in January.
And here's a report linking him to Paris Saint-Germain.
It's very likely that Beckham will go somewhere, since his contract runs out at the end of the season. A return to England seems most likely to us.
David Beckham's mega-contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy runs out at the end of the current MLS season, and Beckham apparently wants to play top-flight football again.
Queens Park Rangers seem to be the front-runners, with reports saying he'll move in January.
And here's a report linking him to Paris Saint-Germain.
It's very likely that Beckham will go somewhere, since his contract runs out at the end of the season. A return to England seems most likely to us.
7. Fernando Torres, Chelsea
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Linked to: AC Milan
Let's be honest here: Fernando Torres has been a disaster at Chelsea.
Sure, he scored in Chelsea's 3-1 loss to Manchester United on Sunday, but in a move more in line with his overall form with the club, he also shot wide on an open goal late in the second half.
And that came after he already alienated his teammates by calling them old and slow.
Anyway, reports are now linking him to a move to AC Milan.
Despite his goal this past weekend, it's looking like Torres is pretty much done at Chelsea.
Let's be honest here: Fernando Torres has been a disaster at Chelsea.
Sure, he scored in Chelsea's 3-1 loss to Manchester United on Sunday, but in a move more in line with his overall form with the club, he also shot wide on an open goal late in the second half.
And that came after he already alienated his teammates by calling them old and slow.
Anyway, reports are now linking him to a move to AC Milan.
Despite his goal this past weekend, it's looking like Torres is pretty much done at Chelsea.
8. Robinho, AC Milan
Dino Panato/Getty Images
Linked to: Chelsea
That same report that linked Fernando Torres to Milan had Manchester City outcast Robinho heading back to England as part of an exchange deal.
That seems like a bit of stretch, but an England return for Robinho probably isn't out of the question. And as they always say in world football, never say never.
That same report that linked Fernando Torres to Milan had Manchester City outcast Robinho heading back to England as part of an exchange deal.
That seems like a bit of stretch, but an England return for Robinho probably isn't out of the question. And as they always say in world football, never say never.
9. Christian Eriksen, Ajax
EuroFootball/Getty Images
Linked to: Liverpool, AC Milan
Christian Eriksen is another of Europe's exciting young talents. Still just 19 years old, he earned the Dutch league's player-of-the-year award last term while playing for Ajax.
Now he's being linked to Liverpool and AC Milan. Apparently the two are battling for his signature, which makes us think a move will happen soon.
Maybe even in January.
Christian Eriksen is another of Europe's exciting young talents. Still just 19 years old, he earned the Dutch league's player-of-the-year award last term while playing for Ajax.
Now he's being linked to Liverpool and AC Milan. Apparently the two are battling for his signature, which makes us think a move will happen soon.
Maybe even in January.
10. Carlos Tevez, Manchester City
Julian Finney/Getty Images
Linked to: Everyone
At the end of the previous transfer window, Carlos Tevez admitted he'd have to stay with Manchester City for a while longer.
We're not convinced that means past January. Tevez is clearly unhappy at Manchester City and wants a move elsewhere.
Arsenal reportedly wanted to swap him for Samir Nasri but a move never materialized.
Italy has also been mentioned as a potential destination.
Who knows? All we really know is that Tevez will probably leave Manchester City sooner than later.
At the end of the previous transfer window, Carlos Tevez admitted he'd have to stay with Manchester City for a while longer.
We're not convinced that means past January. Tevez is clearly unhappy at Manchester City and wants a move elsewhere.
Arsenal reportedly wanted to swap him for Samir Nasri but a move never materialized.
Italy has also been mentioned as a potential destination.
Who knows? All we really know is that Tevez will probably leave Manchester City sooner than later.
11. Luka Modric, Tottenham Hotspur
Clive Rose/Getty Images
Linked to: Chelsea, Chelsea and Chelsea. And, oh yeah, Chelsea.
Tottenham Hotspur managed to hold onto Luka Modric during the previous transfer window, but speculation has already started up again on his rumoured move to Chelsea.
And the speculation has been stoked by one of his own teammates.
Tottenham's Jermain Defoe told TalkSport he expects to hear the rumours again in January. Well, that's got to be comforting to nervous Spurs' fans.
Tottenham Hotspur managed to hold onto Luka Modric during the previous transfer window, but speculation has already started up again on his rumoured move to Chelsea.
And the speculation has been stoked by one of his own teammates.
Tottenham's Jermain Defoe told TalkSport he expects to hear the rumours again in January. Well, that's got to be comforting to nervous Spurs' fans.
"There’s always speculation, it’s part and parcel of the game, and it will start again in January" Defoe told TalkSport. "We just wanted the window to close, and he’s here now and that’s that. He’s just got to be professional. You can’t go into games sulking because you’ll get found out and let the team down.The verdict? This one has legs. Spurs held onto Modric this time, but if they don't let him go soon, they'll risk losing him for nothing when his contract expires.
"But Luka’s a good professional and, if you didn’t know there was speculation about him going and you saw him about the place, you’d never know.
"He’s been good. In pre-season, maybe other players would have said, ‘I’ve got an injury and I don’t want to play’, but he didn‘t do that and I don’t think there’s many players who would have done that.
"Chelsea’s a massive club and there was an opportunity for him but it didn’t happen and now he’s got to get on with playing football because he’s a big player for us."
12. Wesley Sneijder, Inter Milan
Claudio Villa/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United
Wesley Sneijder and Manchester United played their game of cat-and-mouse all summer. At one point, several media outlets were reporting that Sneijder had actually signed with the Red Devils, but the transfer never happened.
Look for the speculation to start back up throughout the autumn and into January.
Wesley Sneijder and Manchester United played their game of cat-and-mouse all summer. At one point, several media outlets were reporting that Sneijder had actually signed with the Red Devils, but the transfer never happened.
Look for the speculation to start back up throughout the autumn and into January.
13. Ganso, Santos
Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United
Paulo Henrique Ganso is another young Brazilian who's being linked to a big move to a big European club.
Manchester United was interested in signing the 21-year-old during the previous transfer window, and you can bet they'll still be interested in January.
Paulo Henrique Ganso is another young Brazilian who's being linked to a big move to a big European club.
Manchester United was interested in signing the 21-year-old during the previous transfer window, and you can bet they'll still be interested in January.
14. Damiao, Internacional
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Linked to: Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona
Damiao is yet another young Brazilian talent who's been linked to a European club.
This time the club is Tottenham Hotspur, which has been told by his club to raise its offer for the 22-year-old. Spurs reportedly offered £15 million but Santos wants the full £44 million from the buyout clause in Damiao's contract.
That report also mentions interest from Barcelona, so it looks like the competition for Damiao's signature is heating up.
Damiao is yet another young Brazilian talent who's been linked to a European club.
This time the club is Tottenham Hotspur, which has been told by his club to raise its offer for the 22-year-old. Spurs reportedly offered £15 million but Santos wants the full £44 million from the buyout clause in Damiao's contract.
That report also mentions interest from Barcelona, so it looks like the competition for Damiao's signature is heating up.
15. Wayne Bridge, Manchester City
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Linked to: The entire Championship table
Wayne Bridge has enjoyed spells at big-money clubs like Manchester City (his current club) and Chelsea, but now the 31-year-old appears on the way out of City.
Bridge failed to secure a move away from City during the transfer window, but recent reports have manager Roberto Mancini urging Bridge to find a loan deal to further his career.
It's bad enough to be frozen out by your club, but now Bridge is being told by his manager that he's only good enough for the Championship. That's got to hurt.
And that's got to mean a January move is coming.
Wayne Bridge has enjoyed spells at big-money clubs like Manchester City (his current club) and Chelsea, but now the 31-year-old appears on the way out of City.
Bridge failed to secure a move away from City during the transfer window, but recent reports have manager Roberto Mancini urging Bridge to find a loan deal to further his career.
It's bad enough to be frozen out by your club, but now Bridge is being told by his manager that he's only good enough for the Championship. That's got to hurt.
And that's got to mean a January move is coming.
16. Nicolas Anelka, Chelsea
Julian Finney/Getty Images
Linked to: PSG
Nicolas Anelka earned the nickname "Le Sulk" for his antics in engineering a move from Arsenal back at the beginning of his career.
Now he's apparently at it again.
Anelka was linked during the summer to a move back to France. And this past weekend he told Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas he expects to quit the club in the summer.
Don't expect Chelsea to let him go for free in the summer when they could sell him in January.
Nicolas Anelka earned the nickname "Le Sulk" for his antics in engineering a move from Arsenal back at the beginning of his career.
Now he's apparently at it again.
Anelka was linked during the summer to a move back to France. And this past weekend he told Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas he expects to quit the club in the summer.
Don't expect Chelsea to let him go for free in the summer when they could sell him in January.
17. Dimitar Berbatov, Manchester United
Ian Walton/Getty Images
Linked to: Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Newcastle United, Sevilla, Tottenham Hotspur
Dimitar Berbatov hasn't had many opportunities to play for Manchester United this season, and he's apparently trying to secure a move away from Old Trafford.
Metro.co.uk reports that the Bulgarian will demand a transfer in January despite manager Sir Alex Ferguson's claims that Berbatov is still in his plans. Metro lists Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich as possible destinations.
Berbatov has also been linked to Newcastle, Sevilla and Spurs.
Dimitar Berbatov hasn't had many opportunities to play for Manchester United this season, and he's apparently trying to secure a move away from Old Trafford.
Metro.co.uk reports that the Bulgarian will demand a transfer in January despite manager Sir Alex Ferguson's claims that Berbatov is still in his plans. Metro lists Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich as possible destinations.
Berbatov has also been linked to Newcastle, Sevilla and Spurs.
18. Yann MVila, Rennes
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Linked to: Arsenal
Arsenal was reportedly willing to offer a club-record £25 million to Rennes for midfielder Yann M'Vila.
The deal didn't work out, but after its disastrous start to the season Arsenal will almost surely be looking to make more signings in January.
Arsenal was reportedly willing to offer a club-record £25 million to Rennes for midfielder Yann M'Vila.
The deal didn't work out, but after its disastrous start to the season Arsenal will almost surely be looking to make more signings in January.
19. Gareth Bale, Tottenham Hotspur
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United, Barcelona
Gareth Bale was strongly linked to a move away from Tottenham during the previous window.
Now, though, reports suggest he's satisfied with Spurs' signings and is ready to commit his future to the club. In fact, says SkySports, he never actually wanted to move.
Color us unconvinced.
If a bigger club offers bigger money in January, expect Bale to take it.
Gareth Bale was strongly linked to a move away from Tottenham during the previous window.
Now, though, reports suggest he's satisfied with Spurs' signings and is ready to commit his future to the club. In fact, says SkySports, he never actually wanted to move.
Color us unconvinced.
If a bigger club offers bigger money in January, expect Bale to take it.
20. Lassana Diarra, Real Madrid
Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Linked to: Tottenham Hotspur
Diarra was linked with a move to Spurs during the summer but he denied the reports and more recently committed himself to Real Madrid.
But that's not really the issue. The problem is that Diarra has a lot of competition for playing time at Real Madrid. A move to another club might be the only solution.
Diarra was linked with a move to Spurs during the summer but he denied the reports and more recently committed himself to Real Madrid.
But that's not really the issue. The problem is that Diarra has a lot of competition for playing time at Real Madrid. A move to another club might be the only solution.
21. Yoann Gourcuff, Lyon
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United, Arsenal
French midfielder Yoann Gourcuff made a name for himself at Rennes before moving to Serie A. Now back in France with Lyon, Gourcuff has been recovering from an ankle injury that kept him off transfer radars for much of the summer.
But he's a potential target of Manchester United and Arsenal, both of which could be active in January.
French midfielder Yoann Gourcuff made a name for himself at Rennes before moving to Serie A. Now back in France with Lyon, Gourcuff has been recovering from an ankle injury that kept him off transfer radars for much of the summer.
But he's a potential target of Manchester United and Arsenal, both of which could be active in January.
22. Ross Barkley, Everton
Chris Brunskill/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United
Ross Barkley is Everton's latest phenom, and Manchester United has taken notice. United, which notably signed a young Wayne Rooney away from Everton, reportedly offered Everton £11 million during the summer.
Everton apparently wants £15 million for the 17-year-old.
Ross Barkley is Everton's latest phenom, and Manchester United has taken notice. United, which notably signed a young Wayne Rooney away from Everton, reportedly offered Everton £11 million during the summer.
Everton apparently wants £15 million for the 17-year-old.
23. Nikica Jelavic, Rangers
Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
Linked to: Mystery club
This one is the stuff of spy novels.
Apparently on deadline day, Scottish club Rangers received an offer of £8 million for Croation striker Nikica Jelavic. No one knows which club it was, but it was supposedly an English club.
We do know that Leicester City and manager Sven-Goran Eriksson made a £6.5 million offer.
This one is the stuff of spy novels.
Apparently on deadline day, Scottish club Rangers received an offer of £8 million for Croation striker Nikica Jelavic. No one knows which club it was, but it was supposedly an English club.
We do know that Leicester City and manager Sven-Goran Eriksson made a £6.5 million offer.
24. Danilo Pereira, Parma
Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images
Linked to: Liverpool, Arsenal
Liverpool and Arsenal were both reportedly interested in signing Parma's Danilo Pereira during the summer.
It didn't happen then, but the Portuguese midfielder could be on the move in January.
Liverpool and Arsenal were both reportedly interested in signing Parma's Danilo Pereira during the summer.
It didn't happen then, but the Portuguese midfielder could be on the move in January.
25. Roman Pavlyuchenko, Tottenham Hotspur
Tom Dulat/Getty Images
Linked to: Sporting Lisbon
According to reports, Pavlyuchenko demanded a move away from Spurs during the last transfer window, with Sporting Lisbon a potential destination.
The Russian was reportedly unhappy with Spurs' signing of Emmanuel Adebayor. It looks like he'll be gone in January.
According to reports, Pavlyuchenko demanded a move away from Spurs during the last transfer window, with Sporting Lisbon a potential destination.
The Russian was reportedly unhappy with Spurs' signing of Emmanuel Adebayor. It looks like he'll be gone in January.
26. Liam Ridgewell, Birmingham City
Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images
Linked to: Everton, Celtic
Birmingham City defender Liam Ridgewell reportedly had his transfer request rejected at the end of the previous transfer window.
But with the Blues playing outside the Premiership, look for Ridgewell to secure a move back to the top flight soon.
Birmingham City defender Liam Ridgewell reportedly had his transfer request rejected at the end of the previous transfer window.
But with the Blues playing outside the Premiership, look for Ridgewell to secure a move back to the top flight soon.
27. Salomon Kalou, Chelsea
Chris McGrath/Getty Images
Linked to: Lille
Salomon Kalou has fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea thanks to a bunch of new signings.
The Ivory Coast midfielder been linked with a move to Lille, and a January transfer could be possible
Salomon Kalou has fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea thanks to a bunch of new signings.
The Ivory Coast midfielder been linked with a move to Lille, and a January transfer could be possible
18. Chris Samba, Blackburn
Linked to: Arsenal
Blackburn's Chris Samba showed Arsenal what kind of defender it needs during Rovers' thrilling 4-3 victory Saturday.
And that's strangely appropriate, because Samba was linked to the Gunners during the summer.
Clive Rose/Getty Images
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Ian Walton/Getty Images
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Mario Carlini / Iguana Press/Getty Images
Bryn Lennon/Getty Images
Victor Decolongon/Getty Images
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Dino Panato/Getty Images
EuroFootball/Getty Images
Julian Finney/Getty Images
Clive Rose/Getty Images
Claudio Villa/Getty Images
Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Julian Finney/Getty Images
Ian Walton/Getty Images
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Chris Brunskill/Getty Images
Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images
Tom Dulat/Getty Images
Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images
Chris McGrath/Getty Images
Clint Hughes/Getty Images
Blackburn's Chris Samba showed Arsenal what kind of defender it needs during Rovers' thrilling 4-3 victory Saturday.
And that's strangely appropriate, because Samba was linked to the Gunners during the summer.
Clive Rose/Getty Images The transfer window closed less than three weeks ago with a flurry of activity in the final hours of August 31. But ever since the day passed, the rumour mill has been running non-stop.
That's because in world football, the rumour mill never really shuts down. Like it or not, transfer gossip is part of the modern game—and unlike each league across the world, there's never really an offseason.
If there is something of a slow time in the world football transfer league, it would be now. Clubs across the world are evaluating the players they bought and trying to figure out how to fill the holes they created by selling others.
By rule, no transfers can be completed until January, but now is the time clubs start to identify targets. And once January gets here, most clubs will be as eager to buy and sell as they were in August.
That means that for now, we have a bunch of potential transfers to talk about and plenty of transfers to contemplate.
It seems almost inevitable that some players will move to a new club in January. Santos forward Neymar is perhaps the hottest name in the transfer league this month, with Real Madrid reportedly trying to work out a deal.
And in Europe, talented young players like Mario Götze, Eden Hazard and others seem to be on the watch list of every big-money team on the continent.
They might find a new club in January. They might not. But it's going to be fun to speculate.
That's because in world football, the rumour mill never really shuts down. Like it or not, transfer gossip is part of the modern game—and unlike each league across the world, there's never really an offseason.
If there is something of a slow time in the world football transfer league, it would be now. Clubs across the world are evaluating the players they bought and trying to figure out how to fill the holes they created by selling others.
By rule, no transfers can be completed until January, but now is the time clubs start to identify targets. And once January gets here, most clubs will be as eager to buy and sell as they were in August.
That means that for now, we have a bunch of potential transfers to talk about and plenty of transfers to contemplate.
It seems almost inevitable that some players will move to a new club in January. Santos forward Neymar is perhaps the hottest name in the transfer league this month, with Real Madrid reportedly trying to work out a deal.
And in Europe, talented young players like Mario Götze, Eden Hazard and others seem to be on the watch list of every big-money team on the continent.
They might find a new club in January. They might not. But it's going to be fun to speculate.
1. Neymar, Santos
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Linked to: Real Madrid
Neymar is perhaps the most sought-after young player in world football today. The 19-year-old Brazilian is widely expected to become his country's next big star, and one of world football's biggest clubs is acting accordingly.
The latest reports have Neymar denying that a move to Real Madrid is already in place. Neymar apparently visited a Brazilian hospital last week, setting off rumours that he was having a medical before his move to Real Madrid.
Not so, said Neymar.
What seems certain is this: Neymar will sign with a big club sooner than later. And January seems like as good a time as any.
Neymar is perhaps the most sought-after young player in world football today. The 19-year-old Brazilian is widely expected to become his country's next big star, and one of world football's biggest clubs is acting accordingly.
The latest reports have Neymar denying that a move to Real Madrid is already in place. Neymar apparently visited a Brazilian hospital last week, setting off rumours that he was having a medical before his move to Real Madrid.
Not so, said Neymar.
"I have been sold like 30 times," Neymar is quoted as saying by Lancenet. "There is no truth to that, I am a player of Santos and I will stay here to play at the club's centenary.No word yet on that personal problem but with this situation, nothing seems definite. Some stories have him signing immediately, while others say he'll move next summer.
That is all speculation, there is no deal."
Neymar confirmed he was at Hospital Sao Luiz on Friday, but guaranteed it had nothing to do with a potential move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
"I went to the hospital to solve a personal problem," he explained.
What seems certain is this: Neymar will sign with a big club sooner than later. And January seems like as good a time as any.
2. Mario Götze, Borussia Dortmund
Ian Walton/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United, Arsenal
Hailed at the age of 18 as one of the best talents Germany has ever had, Mario Götze appears to be one of Europe's up-and-coming stars.
He currently plays for Borussia Dortmund, but Manchester United were reportedly interested in signing him during the previous transfer window. Other reports linked Arsenal to Götze, and it seems likely that he'll be on the move sometime soon.
Hailed at the age of 18 as one of the best talents Germany has ever had, Mario Götze appears to be one of Europe's up-and-coming stars.
He currently plays for Borussia Dortmund, but Manchester United were reportedly interested in signing him during the previous transfer window. Other reports linked Arsenal to Götze, and it seems likely that he'll be on the move sometime soon.
3. Eden Hazard, Lille
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Linked to: Arsenal, Liverpool
Arsenal was reportedly interested in Eden Hazard, the 20-year-old Belgian midfielder, during the previous transfer window.
Other reports from around this time last year had him moving to Liverpool in January 2011.
It didn't happen then, but who's to say it won't this time around?
Arsenal was reportedly interested in Eden Hazard, the 20-year-old Belgian midfielder, during the previous transfer window.
Other reports from around this time last year had him moving to Liverpool in January 2011.
It didn't happen then, but who's to say it won't this time around?
4. Marek Hamsik, Napoli
Mario Carlini / Iguana Press/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United, AC Milan, PSG
Slovakian Marek Hamsik was linked last spring to a move to Manchester United.
During the summer, it was AC Milan.
This month, it's Paris Saint-Germain.
Which one will it be? Stay tuned until January.
Slovakian Marek Hamsik was linked last spring to a move to Manchester United.
During the summer, it was AC Milan.
This month, it's Paris Saint-Germain.
Which one will it be? Stay tuned until January.
5. Gary Cahill, Bolton Wanderers
Bryn Lennon/Getty Images
Linked to: Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly both tried to sign the English defender during the transfer window but fell short of Bolton's monetary evaluation of the player.
Now, new reports link him to Barcelona.
The Barcelona reports seem a bit out there, but a move to either Spurs or Arsenal would make a lot of sense for a player with ambitions of establishing himself permanently with the English national team.
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly both tried to sign the English defender during the transfer window but fell short of Bolton's monetary evaluation of the player.
Now, new reports link him to Barcelona.
The Barcelona reports seem a bit out there, but a move to either Spurs or Arsenal would make a lot of sense for a player with ambitions of establishing himself permanently with the English national team.
6. David Beckham, LA Galaxy
Victor Decolongon/Getty Images
Linked to: QPR, PSG
David Beckham's mega-contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy runs out at the end of the current MLS season, and Beckham apparently wants to play top-flight football again.
Queens Park Rangers seem to be the front-runners, with reports saying he'll move in January.
And here's a report linking him to Paris Saint-Germain.
It's very likely that Beckham will go somewhere, since his contract runs out at the end of the season. A return to England seems most likely to us.
David Beckham's mega-contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy runs out at the end of the current MLS season, and Beckham apparently wants to play top-flight football again.
Queens Park Rangers seem to be the front-runners, with reports saying he'll move in January.
And here's a report linking him to Paris Saint-Germain.
It's very likely that Beckham will go somewhere, since his contract runs out at the end of the season. A return to England seems most likely to us.
7. Fernando Torres, Chelsea
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Linked to: AC Milan
Let's be honest here: Fernando Torres has been a disaster at Chelsea.
Sure, he scored in Chelsea's 3-1 loss to Manchester United on Sunday, but in a move more in line with his overall form with the club, he also shot wide on an open goal late in the second half.
And that came after he already alienated his teammates by calling them old and slow.
Anyway, reports are now linking him to a move to AC Milan.
Despite his goal this past weekend, it's looking like Torres is pretty much done at Chelsea.
Let's be honest here: Fernando Torres has been a disaster at Chelsea.
Sure, he scored in Chelsea's 3-1 loss to Manchester United on Sunday, but in a move more in line with his overall form with the club, he also shot wide on an open goal late in the second half.
And that came after he already alienated his teammates by calling them old and slow.
Anyway, reports are now linking him to a move to AC Milan.
Despite his goal this past weekend, it's looking like Torres is pretty much done at Chelsea.
8. Robinho, AC Milan
Dino Panato/Getty Images
Linked to: Chelsea
That same report that linked Fernando Torres to Milan had Manchester City outcast Robinho heading back to England as part of an exchange deal.
That seems like a bit of stretch, but an England return for Robinho probably isn't out of the question. And as they always say in world football, never say never.
That same report that linked Fernando Torres to Milan had Manchester City outcast Robinho heading back to England as part of an exchange deal.
That seems like a bit of stretch, but an England return for Robinho probably isn't out of the question. And as they always say in world football, never say never.
9. Christian Eriksen, Ajax
EuroFootball/Getty Images
Linked to: Liverpool, AC Milan
Christian Eriksen is another of Europe's exciting young talents. Still just 19 years old, he earned the Dutch league's player-of-the-year award last term while playing for Ajax.
Now he's being linked to Liverpool and AC Milan. Apparently the two are battling for his signature, which makes us think a move will happen soon.
Maybe even in January.
Christian Eriksen is another of Europe's exciting young talents. Still just 19 years old, he earned the Dutch league's player-of-the-year award last term while playing for Ajax.
Now he's being linked to Liverpool and AC Milan. Apparently the two are battling for his signature, which makes us think a move will happen soon.
Maybe even in January.
10. Carlos Tevez, Manchester City
Julian Finney/Getty Images
Linked to: Everyone
At the end of the previous transfer window, Carlos Tevez admitted he'd have to stay with Manchester City for a while longer.
We're not convinced that means past January. Tevez is clearly unhappy at Manchester City and wants a move elsewhere.
Arsenal reportedly wanted to swap him for Samir Nasri but a move never materialized.
Italy has also been mentioned as a potential destination.
Who knows? All we really know is that Tevez will probably leave Manchester City sooner than later.
At the end of the previous transfer window, Carlos Tevez admitted he'd have to stay with Manchester City for a while longer.
We're not convinced that means past January. Tevez is clearly unhappy at Manchester City and wants a move elsewhere.
Arsenal reportedly wanted to swap him for Samir Nasri but a move never materialized.
Italy has also been mentioned as a potential destination.
Who knows? All we really know is that Tevez will probably leave Manchester City sooner than later.
11. Luka Modric, Tottenham Hotspur
Clive Rose/Getty Images
Linked to: Chelsea, Chelsea and Chelsea. And, oh yeah, Chelsea.
Tottenham Hotspur managed to hold onto Luka Modric during the previous transfer window, but speculation has already started up again on his rumoured move to Chelsea.
And the speculation has been stoked by one of his own teammates.
Tottenham's Jermain Defoe told TalkSport he expects to hear the rumours again in January. Well, that's got to be comforting to nervous Spurs' fans.
Tottenham Hotspur managed to hold onto Luka Modric during the previous transfer window, but speculation has already started up again on his rumoured move to Chelsea.
And the speculation has been stoked by one of his own teammates.
Tottenham's Jermain Defoe told TalkSport he expects to hear the rumours again in January. Well, that's got to be comforting to nervous Spurs' fans.
"There’s always speculation, it’s part and parcel of the game, and it will start again in January" Defoe told TalkSport. "We just wanted the window to close, and he’s here now and that’s that. He’s just got to be professional. You can’t go into games sulking because you’ll get found out and let the team down.The verdict? This one has legs. Spurs held onto Modric this time, but if they don't let him go soon, they'll risk losing him for nothing when his contract expires.
"But Luka’s a good professional and, if you didn’t know there was speculation about him going and you saw him about the place, you’d never know.
"He’s been good. In pre-season, maybe other players would have said, ‘I’ve got an injury and I don’t want to play’, but he didn‘t do that and I don’t think there’s many players who would have done that.
"Chelsea’s a massive club and there was an opportunity for him but it didn’t happen and now he’s got to get on with playing football because he’s a big player for us."
12. Wesley Sneijder, Inter Milan
Claudio Villa/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United
Wesley Sneijder and Manchester United played their game of cat-and-mouse all summer. At one point, several media outlets were reporting that Sneijder had actually signed with the Red Devils, but the transfer never happened.
Look for the speculation to start back up throughout the autumn and into January.
Wesley Sneijder and Manchester United played their game of cat-and-mouse all summer. At one point, several media outlets were reporting that Sneijder had actually signed with the Red Devils, but the transfer never happened.
Look for the speculation to start back up throughout the autumn and into January.
13. Ganso, Santos
Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United
Paulo Henrique Ganso is another young Brazilian who's being linked to a big move to a big European club.
Manchester United was interested in signing the 21-year-old during the previous transfer window, and you can bet they'll still be interested in January.
Paulo Henrique Ganso is another young Brazilian who's being linked to a big move to a big European club.
Manchester United was interested in signing the 21-year-old during the previous transfer window, and you can bet they'll still be interested in January.
14. Damiao, Internacional
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Linked to: Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona
Damiao is yet another young Brazilian talent who's been linked to a European club.
This time the club is Tottenham Hotspur, which has been told by his club to raise its offer for the 22-year-old. Spurs reportedly offered £15 million but Santos wants the full £44 million from the buyout clause in Damiao's contract.
That report also mentions interest from Barcelona, so it looks like the competition for Damiao's signature is heating up.
Damiao is yet another young Brazilian talent who's been linked to a European club.
This time the club is Tottenham Hotspur, which has been told by his club to raise its offer for the 22-year-old. Spurs reportedly offered £15 million but Santos wants the full £44 million from the buyout clause in Damiao's contract.
That report also mentions interest from Barcelona, so it looks like the competition for Damiao's signature is heating up.
15. Wayne Bridge, Manchester City
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Linked to: The entire Championship table
Wayne Bridge has enjoyed spells at big-money clubs like Manchester City (his current club) and Chelsea, but now the 31-year-old appears on the way out of City.
Bridge failed to secure a move away from City during the transfer window, but recent reports have manager Roberto Mancini urging Bridge to find a loan deal to further his career.
It's bad enough to be frozen out by your club, but now Bridge is being told by his manager that he's only good enough for the Championship. That's got to hurt.
And that's got to mean a January move is coming.
Wayne Bridge has enjoyed spells at big-money clubs like Manchester City (his current club) and Chelsea, but now the 31-year-old appears on the way out of City.
Bridge failed to secure a move away from City during the transfer window, but recent reports have manager Roberto Mancini urging Bridge to find a loan deal to further his career.
It's bad enough to be frozen out by your club, but now Bridge is being told by his manager that he's only good enough for the Championship. That's got to hurt.
And that's got to mean a January move is coming.
16. Nicolas Anelka, Chelsea
Julian Finney/Getty Images
Linked to: PSG
Nicolas Anelka earned the nickname "Le Sulk" for his antics in engineering a move from Arsenal back at the beginning of his career.
Now he's apparently at it again.
Anelka was linked during the summer to a move back to France. And this past weekend he told Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas he expects to quit the club in the summer.
Don't expect Chelsea to let him go for free in the summer when they could sell him in January.
Nicolas Anelka earned the nickname "Le Sulk" for his antics in engineering a move from Arsenal back at the beginning of his career.
Now he's apparently at it again.
Anelka was linked during the summer to a move back to France. And this past weekend he told Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas he expects to quit the club in the summer.
Don't expect Chelsea to let him go for free in the summer when they could sell him in January.
17. Dimitar Berbatov, Manchester United
Ian Walton/Getty Images
Linked to: Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Newcastle United, Sevilla, Tottenham Hotspur
Dimitar Berbatov hasn't had many opportunities to play for Manchester United this season, and he's apparently trying to secure a move away from Old Trafford.
Metro.co.uk reports that the Bulgarian will demand a transfer in January despite manager Sir Alex Ferguson's claims that Berbatov is still in his plans. Metro lists Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich as possible destinations.
Berbatov has also been linked to Newcastle, Sevilla and Spurs.
Dimitar Berbatov hasn't had many opportunities to play for Manchester United this season, and he's apparently trying to secure a move away from Old Trafford.
Metro.co.uk reports that the Bulgarian will demand a transfer in January despite manager Sir Alex Ferguson's claims that Berbatov is still in his plans. Metro lists Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich as possible destinations.
Berbatov has also been linked to Newcastle, Sevilla and Spurs.
18. Yann MVila, Rennes
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Linked to: Arsenal
Arsenal was reportedly willing to offer a club-record £25 million to Rennes for midfielder Yann M'Vila.
The deal didn't work out, but after its disastrous start to the season Arsenal will almost surely be looking to make more signings in January.
Arsenal was reportedly willing to offer a club-record £25 million to Rennes for midfielder Yann M'Vila.
The deal didn't work out, but after its disastrous start to the season Arsenal will almost surely be looking to make more signings in January.
19. Gareth Bale, Tottenham Hotspur
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United, Barcelona
Gareth Bale was strongly linked to a move away from Tottenham during the previous window.
Now, though, reports suggest he's satisfied with Spurs' signings and is ready to commit his future to the club. In fact, says SkySports, he never actually wanted to move.
Color us unconvinced.
If a bigger club offers bigger money in January, expect Bale to take it.
Gareth Bale was strongly linked to a move away from Tottenham during the previous window.
Now, though, reports suggest he's satisfied with Spurs' signings and is ready to commit his future to the club. In fact, says SkySports, he never actually wanted to move.
Color us unconvinced.
If a bigger club offers bigger money in January, expect Bale to take it.
20. Lassana Diarra, Real Madrid
Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Linked to: Tottenham Hotspur
Diarra was linked with a move to Spurs during the summer but he denied the reports and more recently committed himself to Real Madrid.
But that's not really the issue. The problem is that Diarra has a lot of competition for playing time at Real Madrid. A move to another club might be the only solution.
Diarra was linked with a move to Spurs during the summer but he denied the reports and more recently committed himself to Real Madrid.
But that's not really the issue. The problem is that Diarra has a lot of competition for playing time at Real Madrid. A move to another club might be the only solution.
21. Yoann Gourcuff, Lyon
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United, Arsenal
French midfielder Yoann Gourcuff made a name for himself at Rennes before moving to Serie A. Now back in France with Lyon, Gourcuff has been recovering from an ankle injury that kept him off transfer radars for much of the summer.
But he's a potential target of Manchester United and Arsenal, both of which could be active in January.
French midfielder Yoann Gourcuff made a name for himself at Rennes before moving to Serie A. Now back in France with Lyon, Gourcuff has been recovering from an ankle injury that kept him off transfer radars for much of the summer.
But he's a potential target of Manchester United and Arsenal, both of which could be active in January.
22. Ross Barkley, Everton
Chris Brunskill/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United
Ross Barkley is Everton's latest phenom, and Manchester United has taken notice. United, which notably signed a young Wayne Rooney away from Everton, reportedly offered Everton £11 million during the summer.
Everton apparently wants £15 million for the 17-year-old.
Ross Barkley is Everton's latest phenom, and Manchester United has taken notice. United, which notably signed a young Wayne Rooney away from Everton, reportedly offered Everton £11 million during the summer.
Everton apparently wants £15 million for the 17-year-old.
23. Nikica Jelavic, Rangers
Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
Linked to: Mystery club
This one is the stuff of spy novels.
Apparently on deadline day, Scottish club Rangers received an offer of £8 million for Croation striker Nikica Jelavic. No one knows which club it was, but it was supposedly an English club.
We do know that Leicester City and manager Sven-Goran Eriksson made a £6.5 million offer.
This one is the stuff of spy novels.
Apparently on deadline day, Scottish club Rangers received an offer of £8 million for Croation striker Nikica Jelavic. No one knows which club it was, but it was supposedly an English club.
We do know that Leicester City and manager Sven-Goran Eriksson made a £6.5 million offer.
24. Danilo Pereira, Parma
Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images
Linked to: Liverpool, Arsenal
Liverpool and Arsenal were both reportedly interested in signing Parma's Danilo Pereira during the summer.
It didn't happen then, but the Portuguese midfielder could be on the move in January.
Liverpool and Arsenal were both reportedly interested in signing Parma's Danilo Pereira during the summer.
It didn't happen then, but the Portuguese midfielder could be on the move in January.
25. Roman Pavlyuchenko, Tottenham Hotspur
Tom Dulat/Getty Images
Linked to: Sporting Lisbon
According to reports, Pavlyuchenko demanded a move away from Spurs during the last transfer window, with Sporting Lisbon a potential destination.
The Russian was reportedly unhappy with Spurs' signing of Emmanuel Adebayor. It looks like he'll be gone in January.
According to reports, Pavlyuchenko demanded a move away from Spurs during the last transfer window, with Sporting Lisbon a potential destination.
The Russian was reportedly unhappy with Spurs' signing of Emmanuel Adebayor. It looks like he'll be gone in January.
26. Liam Ridgewell, Birmingham City
Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images
Linked to: Everton, Celtic
Birmingham City defender Liam Ridgewell reportedly had his transfer request rejected at the end of the previous transfer window.
But with the Blues playing outside the Premiership, look for Ridgewell to secure a move back to the top flight soon.
Birmingham City defender Liam Ridgewell reportedly had his transfer request rejected at the end of the previous transfer window.
But with the Blues playing outside the Premiership, look for Ridgewell to secure a move back to the top flight soon.
27. Salomon Kalou, Chelsea
Chris McGrath/Getty Images
Linked to: Lille
Salomon Kalou has fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea thanks to a bunch of new signings.
The Ivory Coast midfielder been linked with a move to Lille, and a January transfer could be possible
Salomon Kalou has fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea thanks to a bunch of new signings.
The Ivory Coast midfielder been linked with a move to Lille, and a January transfer could be possible
28. Chris Samba, Blackburn
Clint Hughes/Getty Images
Linked to: Arsenal
Blackburn's Chris Samba showed Arsenal what kind of defender it needs during Rovers' thrilling 4-3 victory Saturday.
And that's strangely appropriate, because Samba was linked to the Gunners during the summer.
Blackburn's Chris Samba showed Arsenal what kind of defender it needs during Rovers' thrilling 4-3 victory Saturday.
And that's strangely appropriate, because Samba was linked to the Gunners during the summer.
19. Adam Johnson, Manchester City
Linked to: Everton
Johnson is another player who's had to deal with the competition for playing time at Manchester City.
After being mostly frozen out, it's likely he'll move to a new club soon. Everton has reportedly shown interest in the midfielder, who looks frighteningly similar to Jason Street from Friday Night Lights.
Hey, you never see them in the same room!
Johnson is another player who's had to deal with the competition for playing time at Manchester City.
After being mostly frozen out, it's likely he'll move to a new club soon. Everton has reportedly shown interest in the midfielder, who looks frighteningly similar to Jason Street from Friday Night Lights.
Hey, you never see them in the same room!
Clive Rose/Getty Images The transfer window closed less than three weeks ago with a flurry of activity in the final hours of August 31. But ever since the day passed, the rumour mill has been running non-stop.
That's because in world football, the rumour mill never really shuts down. Like it or not, transfer gossip is part of the modern game—and unlike each league across the world, there's never really an offseason.
If there is something of a slow time in the world football transfer league, it would be now. Clubs across the world are evaluating the players they bought and trying to figure out how to fill the holes they created by selling others.
By rule, no transfers can be completed until January, but now is the time clubs start to identify targets. And once January gets here, most clubs will be as eager to buy and sell as they were in August.
That means that for now, we have a bunch of potential transfers to talk about and plenty of transfers to contemplate.
It seems almost inevitable that some players will move to a new club in January. Santos forward Neymar is perhaps the hottest name in the transfer league this month, with Real Madrid reportedly trying to work out a deal.
And in Europe, talented young players like Mario Götze, Eden Hazard and others seem to be on the watch list of every big-money team on the continent.
They might find a new club in January. They might not. But it's going to be fun to speculate.
That's because in world football, the rumour mill never really shuts down. Like it or not, transfer gossip is part of the modern game—and unlike each league across the world, there's never really an offseason.
If there is something of a slow time in the world football transfer league, it would be now. Clubs across the world are evaluating the players they bought and trying to figure out how to fill the holes they created by selling others.
By rule, no transfers can be completed until January, but now is the time clubs start to identify targets. And once January gets here, most clubs will be as eager to buy and sell as they were in August.
That means that for now, we have a bunch of potential transfers to talk about and plenty of transfers to contemplate.
It seems almost inevitable that some players will move to a new club in January. Santos forward Neymar is perhaps the hottest name in the transfer league this month, with Real Madrid reportedly trying to work out a deal.
And in Europe, talented young players like Mario Götze, Eden Hazard and others seem to be on the watch list of every big-money team on the continent.
They might find a new club in January. They might not. But it's going to be fun to speculate.
1. Neymar, Santos
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Linked to: Real Madrid
Neymar is perhaps the most sought-after young player in world football today. The 19-year-old Brazilian is widely expected to become his country's next big star, and one of world football's biggest clubs is acting accordingly.
The latest reports have Neymar denying that a move to Real Madrid is already in place. Neymar apparently visited a Brazilian hospital last week, setting off rumours that he was having a medical before his move to Real Madrid.
Not so, said Neymar.
What seems certain is this: Neymar will sign with a big club sooner than later. And January seems like as good a time as any.
Neymar is perhaps the most sought-after young player in world football today. The 19-year-old Brazilian is widely expected to become his country's next big star, and one of world football's biggest clubs is acting accordingly.
The latest reports have Neymar denying that a move to Real Madrid is already in place. Neymar apparently visited a Brazilian hospital last week, setting off rumours that he was having a medical before his move to Real Madrid.
Not so, said Neymar.
"I have been sold like 30 times," Neymar is quoted as saying by Lancenet. "There is no truth to that, I am a player of Santos and I will stay here to play at the club's centenary.No word yet on that personal problem but with this situation, nothing seems definite. Some stories have him signing immediately, while others say he'll move next summer.
That is all speculation, there is no deal."
Neymar confirmed he was at Hospital Sao Luiz on Friday, but guaranteed it had nothing to do with a potential move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
"I went to the hospital to solve a personal problem," he explained.
What seems certain is this: Neymar will sign with a big club sooner than later. And January seems like as good a time as any.
2. Mario Götze, Borussia Dortmund
Ian Walton/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United, Arsenal
Hailed at the age of 18 as one of the best talents Germany has ever had, Mario Götze appears to be one of Europe's up-and-coming stars.
He currently plays for Borussia Dortmund, but Manchester United were reportedly interested in signing him during the previous transfer window. Other reports linked Arsenal to Götze, and it seems likely that he'll be on the move sometime soon.
Hailed at the age of 18 as one of the best talents Germany has ever had, Mario Götze appears to be one of Europe's up-and-coming stars.
He currently plays for Borussia Dortmund, but Manchester United were reportedly interested in signing him during the previous transfer window. Other reports linked Arsenal to Götze, and it seems likely that he'll be on the move sometime soon.
3. Eden Hazard, Lille
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Linked to: Arsenal, Liverpool
Arsenal was reportedly interested in Eden Hazard, the 20-year-old Belgian midfielder, during the previous transfer window.
Other reports from around this time last year had him moving to Liverpool in January 2011.
It didn't happen then, but who's to say it won't this time around?
Arsenal was reportedly interested in Eden Hazard, the 20-year-old Belgian midfielder, during the previous transfer window.
Other reports from around this time last year had him moving to Liverpool in January 2011.
It didn't happen then, but who's to say it won't this time around?
4. Marek Hamsik, Napoli
Mario Carlini / Iguana Press/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United, AC Milan, PSG
Slovakian Marek Hamsik was linked last spring to a move to Manchester United.
During the summer, it was AC Milan.
This month, it's Paris Saint-Germain.
Which one will it be? Stay tuned until January.
Slovakian Marek Hamsik was linked last spring to a move to Manchester United.
During the summer, it was AC Milan.
This month, it's Paris Saint-Germain.
Which one will it be? Stay tuned until January.
5. Gary Cahill, Bolton Wanderers
Bryn Lennon/Getty Images
Linked to: Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly both tried to sign the English defender during the transfer window but fell short of Bolton's monetary evaluation of the player.
Now, new reports link him to Barcelona.
The Barcelona reports seem a bit out there, but a move to either Spurs or Arsenal would make a lot of sense for a player with ambitions of establishing himself permanently with the English national team.
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly both tried to sign the English defender during the transfer window but fell short of Bolton's monetary evaluation of the player.
Now, new reports link him to Barcelona.
The Barcelona reports seem a bit out there, but a move to either Spurs or Arsenal would make a lot of sense for a player with ambitions of establishing himself permanently with the English national team.
6. David Beckham, LA Galaxy
Victor Decolongon/Getty Images
Linked to: QPR, PSG
David Beckham's mega-contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy runs out at the end of the current MLS season, and Beckham apparently wants to play top-flight football again.
Queens Park Rangers seem to be the front-runners, with reports saying he'll move in January.
And here's a report linking him to Paris Saint-Germain.
It's very likely that Beckham will go somewhere, since his contract runs out at the end of the season. A return to England seems most likely to us.
David Beckham's mega-contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy runs out at the end of the current MLS season, and Beckham apparently wants to play top-flight football again.
Queens Park Rangers seem to be the front-runners, with reports saying he'll move in January.
And here's a report linking him to Paris Saint-Germain.
It's very likely that Beckham will go somewhere, since his contract runs out at the end of the season. A return to England seems most likely to us.
7. Fernando Torres, Chelsea
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Linked to: AC Milan
Let's be honest here: Fernando Torres has been a disaster at Chelsea.
Sure, he scored in Chelsea's 3-1 loss to Manchester United on Sunday, but in a move more in line with his overall form with the club, he also shot wide on an open goal late in the second half.
And that came after he already alienated his teammates by calling them old and slow.
Anyway, reports are now linking him to a move to AC Milan.
Despite his goal this past weekend, it's looking like Torres is pretty much done at Chelsea.
Let's be honest here: Fernando Torres has been a disaster at Chelsea.
Sure, he scored in Chelsea's 3-1 loss to Manchester United on Sunday, but in a move more in line with his overall form with the club, he also shot wide on an open goal late in the second half.
And that came after he already alienated his teammates by calling them old and slow.
Anyway, reports are now linking him to a move to AC Milan.
Despite his goal this past weekend, it's looking like Torres is pretty much done at Chelsea.
8. Robinho, AC Milan
Dino Panato/Getty Images
Linked to: Chelsea
That same report that linked Fernando Torres to Milan had Manchester City outcast Robinho heading back to England as part of an exchange deal.
That seems like a bit of stretch, but an England return for Robinho probably isn't out of the question. And as they always say in world football, never say never.
That same report that linked Fernando Torres to Milan had Manchester City outcast Robinho heading back to England as part of an exchange deal.
That seems like a bit of stretch, but an England return for Robinho probably isn't out of the question. And as they always say in world football, never say never.
9. Christian Eriksen, Ajax
EuroFootball/Getty Images
Linked to: Liverpool, AC Milan
Christian Eriksen is another of Europe's exciting young talents. Still just 19 years old, he earned the Dutch league's player-of-the-year award last term while playing for Ajax.
Now he's being linked to Liverpool and AC Milan. Apparently the two are battling for his signature, which makes us think a move will happen soon.
Maybe even in January.
Christian Eriksen is another of Europe's exciting young talents. Still just 19 years old, he earned the Dutch league's player-of-the-year award last term while playing for Ajax.
Now he's being linked to Liverpool and AC Milan. Apparently the two are battling for his signature, which makes us think a move will happen soon.
Maybe even in January.
10. Carlos Tevez, Manchester City
Julian Finney/Getty Images
Linked to: Everyone
At the end of the previous transfer window, Carlos Tevez admitted he'd have to stay with Manchester City for a while longer.
We're not convinced that means past January. Tevez is clearly unhappy at Manchester City and wants a move elsewhere.
Arsenal reportedly wanted to swap him for Samir Nasri but a move never materialized.
Italy has also been mentioned as a potential destination.
Who knows? All we really know is that Tevez will probably leave Manchester City sooner than later.
At the end of the previous transfer window, Carlos Tevez admitted he'd have to stay with Manchester City for a while longer.
We're not convinced that means past January. Tevez is clearly unhappy at Manchester City and wants a move elsewhere.
Arsenal reportedly wanted to swap him for Samir Nasri but a move never materialized.
Italy has also been mentioned as a potential destination.
Who knows? All we really know is that Tevez will probably leave Manchester City sooner than later.
11. Luka Modric, Tottenham Hotspur
Clive Rose/Getty Images
Linked to: Chelsea, Chelsea and Chelsea. And, oh yeah, Chelsea.
Tottenham Hotspur managed to hold onto Luka Modric during the previous transfer window, but speculation has already started up again on his rumoured move to Chelsea.
And the speculation has been stoked by one of his own teammates.
Tottenham's Jermain Defoe told TalkSport he expects to hear the rumours again in January. Well, that's got to be comforting to nervous Spurs' fans.
Tottenham Hotspur managed to hold onto Luka Modric during the previous transfer window, but speculation has already started up again on his rumoured move to Chelsea.
And the speculation has been stoked by one of his own teammates.
Tottenham's Jermain Defoe told TalkSport he expects to hear the rumours again in January. Well, that's got to be comforting to nervous Spurs' fans.
"There’s always speculation, it’s part and parcel of the game, and it will start again in January" Defoe told TalkSport. "We just wanted the window to close, and he’s here now and that’s that. He’s just got to be professional. You can’t go into games sulking because you’ll get found out and let the team down.The verdict? This one has legs. Spurs held onto Modric this time, but if they don't let him go soon, they'll risk losing him for nothing when his contract expires.
"But Luka’s a good professional and, if you didn’t know there was speculation about him going and you saw him about the place, you’d never know.
"He’s been good. In pre-season, maybe other players would have said, ‘I’ve got an injury and I don’t want to play’, but he didn‘t do that and I don’t think there’s many players who would have done that.
"Chelsea’s a massive club and there was an opportunity for him but it didn’t happen and now he’s got to get on with playing football because he’s a big player for us."
12. Wesley Sneijder, Inter Milan
Claudio Villa/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United
Wesley Sneijder and Manchester United played their game of cat-and-mouse all summer. At one point, several media outlets were reporting that Sneijder had actually signed with the Red Devils, but the transfer never happened.
Look for the speculation to start back up throughout the autumn and into January.
Wesley Sneijder and Manchester United played their game of cat-and-mouse all summer. At one point, several media outlets were reporting that Sneijder had actually signed with the Red Devils, but the transfer never happened.
Look for the speculation to start back up throughout the autumn and into January.
13. Ganso, Santos
Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United
Paulo Henrique Ganso is another young Brazilian who's being linked to a big move to a big European club.
Manchester United was interested in signing the 21-year-old during the previous transfer window, and you can bet they'll still be interested in January.
Paulo Henrique Ganso is another young Brazilian who's being linked to a big move to a big European club.
Manchester United was interested in signing the 21-year-old during the previous transfer window, and you can bet they'll still be interested in January.
14. Damiao, Internacional
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Linked to: Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona
Damiao is yet another young Brazilian talent who's been linked to a European club.
This time the club is Tottenham Hotspur, which has been told by his club to raise its offer for the 22-year-old. Spurs reportedly offered £15 million but Santos wants the full £44 million from the buyout clause in Damiao's contract.
That report also mentions interest from Barcelona, so it looks like the competition for Damiao's signature is heating up.
Damiao is yet another young Brazilian talent who's been linked to a European club.
This time the club is Tottenham Hotspur, which has been told by his club to raise its offer for the 22-year-old. Spurs reportedly offered £15 million but Santos wants the full £44 million from the buyout clause in Damiao's contract.
That report also mentions interest from Barcelona, so it looks like the competition for Damiao's signature is heating up.
15. Wayne Bridge, Manchester City
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Linked to: The entire Championship table
Wayne Bridge has enjoyed spells at big-money clubs like Manchester City (his current club) and Chelsea, but now the 31-year-old appears on the way out of City.
Bridge failed to secure a move away from City during the transfer window, but recent reports have manager Roberto Mancini urging Bridge to find a loan deal to further his career.
It's bad enough to be frozen out by your club, but now Bridge is being told by his manager that he's only good enough for the Championship. That's got to hurt.
And that's got to mean a January move is coming.
Wayne Bridge has enjoyed spells at big-money clubs like Manchester City (his current club) and Chelsea, but now the 31-year-old appears on the way out of City.
Bridge failed to secure a move away from City during the transfer window, but recent reports have manager Roberto Mancini urging Bridge to find a loan deal to further his career.
It's bad enough to be frozen out by your club, but now Bridge is being told by his manager that he's only good enough for the Championship. That's got to hurt.
And that's got to mean a January move is coming.
16. Nicolas Anelka, Chelsea
Julian Finney/Getty Images
Linked to: PSG
Nicolas Anelka earned the nickname "Le Sulk" for his antics in engineering a move from Arsenal back at the beginning of his career.
Now he's apparently at it again.
Anelka was linked during the summer to a move back to France. And this past weekend he told Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas he expects to quit the club in the summer.
Don't expect Chelsea to let him go for free in the summer when they could sell him in January.
Nicolas Anelka earned the nickname "Le Sulk" for his antics in engineering a move from Arsenal back at the beginning of his career.
Now he's apparently at it again.
Anelka was linked during the summer to a move back to France. And this past weekend he told Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas he expects to quit the club in the summer.
Don't expect Chelsea to let him go for free in the summer when they could sell him in January.
17. Dimitar Berbatov, Manchester United
Ian Walton/Getty Images
Linked to: Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Newcastle United, Sevilla, Tottenham Hotspur
Dimitar Berbatov hasn't had many opportunities to play for Manchester United this season, and he's apparently trying to secure a move away from Old Trafford.
Metro.co.uk reports that the Bulgarian will demand a transfer in January despite manager Sir Alex Ferguson's claims that Berbatov is still in his plans. Metro lists Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich as possible destinations.
Berbatov has also been linked to Newcastle, Sevilla and Spurs.
Dimitar Berbatov hasn't had many opportunities to play for Manchester United this season, and he's apparently trying to secure a move away from Old Trafford.
Metro.co.uk reports that the Bulgarian will demand a transfer in January despite manager Sir Alex Ferguson's claims that Berbatov is still in his plans. Metro lists Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich as possible destinations.
Berbatov has also been linked to Newcastle, Sevilla and Spurs.
18. Yann MVila, Rennes
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Linked to: Arsenal
Arsenal was reportedly willing to offer a club-record £25 million to Rennes for midfielder Yann M'Vila.
The deal didn't work out, but after its disastrous start to the season Arsenal will almost surely be looking to make more signings in January.
Arsenal was reportedly willing to offer a club-record £25 million to Rennes for midfielder Yann M'Vila.
The deal didn't work out, but after its disastrous start to the season Arsenal will almost surely be looking to make more signings in January.
19. Gareth Bale, Tottenham Hotspur
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United, Barcelona
Gareth Bale was strongly linked to a move away from Tottenham during the previous window.
Now, though, reports suggest he's satisfied with Spurs' signings and is ready to commit his future to the club. In fact, says SkySports, he never actually wanted to move.
Color us unconvinced.
If a bigger club offers bigger money in January, expect Bale to take it.
Gareth Bale was strongly linked to a move away from Tottenham during the previous window.
Now, though, reports suggest he's satisfied with Spurs' signings and is ready to commit his future to the club. In fact, says SkySports, he never actually wanted to move.
Color us unconvinced.
If a bigger club offers bigger money in January, expect Bale to take it.
20. Lassana Diarra, Real Madrid
Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Linked to: Tottenham Hotspur
Diarra was linked with a move to Spurs during the summer but he denied the reports and more recently committed himself to Real Madrid.
But that's not really the issue. The problem is that Diarra has a lot of competition for playing time at Real Madrid. A move to another club might be the only solution.
Diarra was linked with a move to Spurs during the summer but he denied the reports and more recently committed himself to Real Madrid.
But that's not really the issue. The problem is that Diarra has a lot of competition for playing time at Real Madrid. A move to another club might be the only solution.
21. Yoann Gourcuff, Lyon
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United, Arsenal
French midfielder Yoann Gourcuff made a name for himself at Rennes before moving to Serie A. Now back in France with Lyon, Gourcuff has been recovering from an ankle injury that kept him off transfer radars for much of the summer.
But he's a potential target of Manchester United and Arsenal, both of which could be active in January.
French midfielder Yoann Gourcuff made a name for himself at Rennes before moving to Serie A. Now back in France with Lyon, Gourcuff has been recovering from an ankle injury that kept him off transfer radars for much of the summer.
But he's a potential target of Manchester United and Arsenal, both of which could be active in January.
22. Ross Barkley, Everton
Chris Brunskill/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United
Ross Barkley is Everton's latest phenom, and Manchester United has taken notice. United, which notably signed a young Wayne Rooney away from Everton, reportedly offered Everton £11 million during the summer.
Everton apparently wants £15 million for the 17-year-old.
Ross Barkley is Everton's latest phenom, and Manchester United has taken notice. United, which notably signed a young Wayne Rooney away from Everton, reportedly offered Everton £11 million during the summer.
Everton apparently wants £15 million for the 17-year-old.
23. Nikica Jelavic, Rangers
Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
Linked to: Mystery club
This one is the stuff of spy novels.
Apparently on deadline day, Scottish club Rangers received an offer of £8 million for Croation striker Nikica Jelavic. No one knows which club it was, but it was supposedly an English club.
We do know that Leicester City and manager Sven-Goran Eriksson made a £6.5 million offer.
This one is the stuff of spy novels.
Apparently on deadline day, Scottish club Rangers received an offer of £8 million for Croation striker Nikica Jelavic. No one knows which club it was, but it was supposedly an English club.
We do know that Leicester City and manager Sven-Goran Eriksson made a £6.5 million offer.
24. Danilo Pereira, Parma
Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images
Linked to: Liverpool, Arsenal
Liverpool and Arsenal were both reportedly interested in signing Parma's Danilo Pereira during the summer.
It didn't happen then, but the Portuguese midfielder could be on the move in January.
Liverpool and Arsenal were both reportedly interested in signing Parma's Danilo Pereira during the summer.
It didn't happen then, but the Portuguese midfielder could be on the move in January.
25. Roman Pavlyuchenko, Tottenham Hotspur
Tom Dulat/Getty Images
Linked to: Sporting Lisbon
According to reports, Pavlyuchenko demanded a move away from Spurs during the last transfer window, with Sporting Lisbon a potential destination.
The Russian was reportedly unhappy with Spurs' signing of Emmanuel Adebayor. It looks like he'll be gone in January.
According to reports, Pavlyuchenko demanded a move away from Spurs during the last transfer window, with Sporting Lisbon a potential destination.
The Russian was reportedly unhappy with Spurs' signing of Emmanuel Adebayor. It looks like he'll be gone in January.
26. Liam Ridgewell, Birmingham City
Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images
Linked to: Everton, Celtic
Birmingham City defender Liam Ridgewell reportedly had his transfer request rejected at the end of the previous transfer window.
But with the Blues playing outside the Premiership, look for Ridgewell to secure a move back to the top flight soon.
Birmingham City defender Liam Ridgewell reportedly had his transfer request rejected at the end of the previous transfer window.
But with the Blues playing outside the Premiership, look for Ridgewell to secure a move back to the top flight soon.
27. Salomon Kalou, Chelsea
Chris McGrath/Getty Images
Linked to: Lille
Salomon Kalou has fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea thanks to a bunch of new signings.
The Ivory Coast midfielder been linked with a move to Lille, and a January transfer could be possible
Salomon Kalou has fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea thanks to a bunch of new signings.
The Ivory Coast midfielder been linked with a move to Lille, and a January transfer could be possible
28. Chris Samba, Blackburn
Clint Hughes/Getty Images
Linked to: Arsenal
Blackburn's Chris Samba showed Arsenal what kind of defender it needs during Rovers' thrilling 4-3 victory Saturday.
And that's strangely appropriate, because Samba was linked to the Gunners during the summer.
Blackburn's Chris Samba showed Arsenal what kind of defender it needs during Rovers' thrilling 4-3 victory Saturday.
And that's strangely appropriate, because Samba was linked to the Gunners during the summer.
29. Adam Johnson, Manchester City
Chris Brunskill/Getty Images
Linked to: Everton
Johnson is another player who's had to deal with the competition for playing time at Manchester City.
After being mostly frozen out, it's likely he'll move to a new club soon. Everton has reportedly shown interest in the midfielder, who looks frighteningly similar to Jason Street from Friday Night Lights.
Hey, you never see them in the same room!
Johnson is another player who's had to deal with the competition for playing time at Manchester City.
After being mostly frozen out, it's likely he'll move to a new club soon. Everton has reportedly shown interest in the midfielder, who looks frighteningly similar to Jason Street from Friday Night Lights.
Hey, you never see them in the same room!
20. Ibrahim Afellay, Barcelona
Linked to: Juventus, others
Playing time has been hard to come by for Barcelona's Ibrahim Afellay. And with all the competition for places in the squad, a move to a new club might be best.
Juventus reportedly offered €8 million during the transfer window but was rejected. If Afellay keeps missing out on playing time, expect a move soon.
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Chris McGrath/Getty Images
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Spurs manager Harry Redknapp is reportedly keen to sign 17-year-old Chilean Horacio Benincasa.
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Playing time has been hard to come by for Barcelona's Ibrahim Afellay. And with all the competition for places in the squad, a move to a new club might be best.
Juventus reportedly offered €8 million during the transfer window but was rejected. If Afellay keeps missing out on playing time, expect a move soon.
21. Luis Suarez, Liverpool
Linked to: Real Madrid
Luis Suarez has been linked with a move to Real Madrid. Not every rumour makes sense, and this is one of them.
Suarez has been successful and Liverpool and doesn't seem unsettled at all.
But we all know that Real Madrid usually gets what it wants in the transfer market.
Luis Suarez has been linked with a move to Real Madrid. Not every rumour makes sense, and this is one of them.
Suarez has been successful and Liverpool and doesn't seem unsettled at all.
But we all know that Real Madrid usually gets what it wants in the transfer market.
Clive Rose/Getty Images The transfer window closed less than three weeks ago with a flurry of activity in the final hours of August 31. But ever since the day passed, the rumour mill has been running non-stop.
That's because in world football, the rumour mill never really shuts down. Like it or not, transfer gossip is part of the modern game—and unlike each league across the world, there's never really an offseason.
If there is something of a slow time in the world football transfer league, it would be now. Clubs across the world are evaluating the players they bought and trying to figure out how to fill the holes they created by selling others.
By rule, no transfers can be completed until January, but now is the time clubs start to identify targets. And once January gets here, most clubs will be as eager to buy and sell as they were in August.
That means that for now, we have a bunch of potential transfers to talk about and plenty of transfers to contemplate.
It seems almost inevitable that some players will move to a new club in January. Santos forward Neymar is perhaps the hottest name in the transfer league this month, with Real Madrid reportedly trying to work out a deal.
And in Europe, talented young players like Mario Götze, Eden Hazard and others seem to be on the watch list of every big-money team on the continent.
They might find a new club in January. They might not. But it's going to be fun to speculate.
That's because in world football, the rumour mill never really shuts down. Like it or not, transfer gossip is part of the modern game—and unlike each league across the world, there's never really an offseason.
If there is something of a slow time in the world football transfer league, it would be now. Clubs across the world are evaluating the players they bought and trying to figure out how to fill the holes they created by selling others.
By rule, no transfers can be completed until January, but now is the time clubs start to identify targets. And once January gets here, most clubs will be as eager to buy and sell as they were in August.
That means that for now, we have a bunch of potential transfers to talk about and plenty of transfers to contemplate.
It seems almost inevitable that some players will move to a new club in January. Santos forward Neymar is perhaps the hottest name in the transfer league this month, with Real Madrid reportedly trying to work out a deal.
And in Europe, talented young players like Mario Götze, Eden Hazard and others seem to be on the watch list of every big-money team on the continent.
They might find a new club in January. They might not. But it's going to be fun to speculate.
1. Neymar, Santos
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Linked to: Real Madrid
Neymar is perhaps the most sought-after young player in world football today. The 19-year-old Brazilian is widely expected to become his country's next big star, and one of world football's biggest clubs is acting accordingly.
The latest reports have Neymar denying that a move to Real Madrid is already in place. Neymar apparently visited a Brazilian hospital last week, setting off rumours that he was having a medical before his move to Real Madrid.
Not so, said Neymar.
What seems certain is this: Neymar will sign with a big club sooner than later. And January seems like as good a time as any.
Neymar is perhaps the most sought-after young player in world football today. The 19-year-old Brazilian is widely expected to become his country's next big star, and one of world football's biggest clubs is acting accordingly.
The latest reports have Neymar denying that a move to Real Madrid is already in place. Neymar apparently visited a Brazilian hospital last week, setting off rumours that he was having a medical before his move to Real Madrid.
Not so, said Neymar.
"I have been sold like 30 times," Neymar is quoted as saying by Lancenet. "There is no truth to that, I am a player of Santos and I will stay here to play at the club's centenary.No word yet on that personal problem but with this situation, nothing seems definite. Some stories have him signing immediately, while others say he'll move next summer.
That is all speculation, there is no deal."
Neymar confirmed he was at Hospital Sao Luiz on Friday, but guaranteed it had nothing to do with a potential move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
"I went to the hospital to solve a personal problem," he explained.
What seems certain is this: Neymar will sign with a big club sooner than later. And January seems like as good a time as any.
2. Mario Götze, Borussia Dortmund
Ian Walton/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United, Arsenal
Hailed at the age of 18 as one of the best talents Germany has ever had, Mario Götze appears to be one of Europe's up-and-coming stars.
He currently plays for Borussia Dortmund, but Manchester United were reportedly interested in signing him during the previous transfer window. Other reports linked Arsenal to Götze, and it seems likely that he'll be on the move sometime soon.
Hailed at the age of 18 as one of the best talents Germany has ever had, Mario Götze appears to be one of Europe's up-and-coming stars.
He currently plays for Borussia Dortmund, but Manchester United were reportedly interested in signing him during the previous transfer window. Other reports linked Arsenal to Götze, and it seems likely that he'll be on the move sometime soon.
3. Eden Hazard, Lille
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Linked to: Arsenal, Liverpool
Arsenal was reportedly interested in Eden Hazard, the 20-year-old Belgian midfielder, during the previous transfer window.
Other reports from around this time last year had him moving to Liverpool in January 2011.
It didn't happen then, but who's to say it won't this time around?
Arsenal was reportedly interested in Eden Hazard, the 20-year-old Belgian midfielder, during the previous transfer window.
Other reports from around this time last year had him moving to Liverpool in January 2011.
It didn't happen then, but who's to say it won't this time around?
4. Marek Hamsik, Napoli
Mario Carlini / Iguana Press/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United, AC Milan, PSG
Slovakian Marek Hamsik was linked last spring to a move to Manchester United.
During the summer, it was AC Milan.
This month, it's Paris Saint-Germain.
Which one will it be? Stay tuned until January.
Slovakian Marek Hamsik was linked last spring to a move to Manchester United.
During the summer, it was AC Milan.
This month, it's Paris Saint-Germain.
Which one will it be? Stay tuned until January.
5. Gary Cahill, Bolton Wanderers
Bryn Lennon/Getty Images
Linked to: Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly both tried to sign the English defender during the transfer window but fell short of Bolton's monetary evaluation of the player.
Now, new reports link him to Barcelona.
The Barcelona reports seem a bit out there, but a move to either Spurs or Arsenal would make a lot of sense for a player with ambitions of establishing himself permanently with the English national team.
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly both tried to sign the English defender during the transfer window but fell short of Bolton's monetary evaluation of the player.
Now, new reports link him to Barcelona.
The Barcelona reports seem a bit out there, but a move to either Spurs or Arsenal would make a lot of sense for a player with ambitions of establishing himself permanently with the English national team.
6. David Beckham, LA Galaxy
Victor Decolongon/Getty Images
Linked to: QPR, PSG
David Beckham's mega-contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy runs out at the end of the current MLS season, and Beckham apparently wants to play top-flight football again.
Queens Park Rangers seem to be the front-runners, with reports saying he'll move in January.
And here's a report linking him to Paris Saint-Germain.
It's very likely that Beckham will go somewhere, since his contract runs out at the end of the season. A return to England seems most likely to us.
David Beckham's mega-contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy runs out at the end of the current MLS season, and Beckham apparently wants to play top-flight football again.
Queens Park Rangers seem to be the front-runners, with reports saying he'll move in January.
And here's a report linking him to Paris Saint-Germain.
It's very likely that Beckham will go somewhere, since his contract runs out at the end of the season. A return to England seems most likely to us.
7. Fernando Torres, Chelsea
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Linked to: AC Milan
Let's be honest here: Fernando Torres has been a disaster at Chelsea.
Sure, he scored in Chelsea's 3-1 loss to Manchester United on Sunday, but in a move more in line with his overall form with the club, he also shot wide on an open goal late in the second half.
And that came after he already alienated his teammates by calling them old and slow.
Anyway, reports are now linking him to a move to AC Milan.
Despite his goal this past weekend, it's looking like Torres is pretty much done at Chelsea.
Let's be honest here: Fernando Torres has been a disaster at Chelsea.
Sure, he scored in Chelsea's 3-1 loss to Manchester United on Sunday, but in a move more in line with his overall form with the club, he also shot wide on an open goal late in the second half.
And that came after he already alienated his teammates by calling them old and slow.
Anyway, reports are now linking him to a move to AC Milan.
Despite his goal this past weekend, it's looking like Torres is pretty much done at Chelsea.
8. Robinho, AC Milan
Dino Panato/Getty Images
Linked to: Chelsea
That same report that linked Fernando Torres to Milan had Manchester City outcast Robinho heading back to England as part of an exchange deal.
That seems like a bit of stretch, but an England return for Robinho probably isn't out of the question. And as they always say in world football, never say never.
That same report that linked Fernando Torres to Milan had Manchester City outcast Robinho heading back to England as part of an exchange deal.
That seems like a bit of stretch, but an England return for Robinho probably isn't out of the question. And as they always say in world football, never say never.
9. Christian Eriksen, Ajax
EuroFootball/Getty Images
Linked to: Liverpool, AC Milan
Christian Eriksen is another of Europe's exciting young talents. Still just 19 years old, he earned the Dutch league's player-of-the-year award last term while playing for Ajax.
Now he's being linked to Liverpool and AC Milan. Apparently the two are battling for his signature, which makes us think a move will happen soon.
Maybe even in January.
Christian Eriksen is another of Europe's exciting young talents. Still just 19 years old, he earned the Dutch league's player-of-the-year award last term while playing for Ajax.
Now he's being linked to Liverpool and AC Milan. Apparently the two are battling for his signature, which makes us think a move will happen soon.
Maybe even in January.
10. Carlos Tevez, Manchester City
Julian Finney/Getty Images
Linked to: Everyone
At the end of the previous transfer window, Carlos Tevez admitted he'd have to stay with Manchester City for a while longer.
We're not convinced that means past January. Tevez is clearly unhappy at Manchester City and wants a move elsewhere.
Arsenal reportedly wanted to swap him for Samir Nasri but a move never materialized.
Italy has also been mentioned as a potential destination.
Who knows? All we really know is that Tevez will probably leave Manchester City sooner than later.
At the end of the previous transfer window, Carlos Tevez admitted he'd have to stay with Manchester City for a while longer.
We're not convinced that means past January. Tevez is clearly unhappy at Manchester City and wants a move elsewhere.
Arsenal reportedly wanted to swap him for Samir Nasri but a move never materialized.
Italy has also been mentioned as a potential destination.
Who knows? All we really know is that Tevez will probably leave Manchester City sooner than later.
11. Luka Modric, Tottenham Hotspur
Clive Rose/Getty Images
Linked to: Chelsea, Chelsea and Chelsea. And, oh yeah, Chelsea.
Tottenham Hotspur managed to hold onto Luka Modric during the previous transfer window, but speculation has already started up again on his rumoured move to Chelsea.
And the speculation has been stoked by one of his own teammates.
Tottenham's Jermain Defoe told TalkSport he expects to hear the rumours again in January. Well, that's got to be comforting to nervous Spurs' fans.
Tottenham Hotspur managed to hold onto Luka Modric during the previous transfer window, but speculation has already started up again on his rumoured move to Chelsea.
And the speculation has been stoked by one of his own teammates.
Tottenham's Jermain Defoe told TalkSport he expects to hear the rumours again in January. Well, that's got to be comforting to nervous Spurs' fans.
"There’s always speculation, it’s part and parcel of the game, and it will start again in January" Defoe told TalkSport. "We just wanted the window to close, and he’s here now and that’s that. He’s just got to be professional. You can’t go into games sulking because you’ll get found out and let the team down.The verdict? This one has legs. Spurs held onto Modric this time, but if they don't let him go soon, they'll risk losing him for nothing when his contract expires.
"But Luka’s a good professional and, if you didn’t know there was speculation about him going and you saw him about the place, you’d never know.
"He’s been good. In pre-season, maybe other players would have said, ‘I’ve got an injury and I don’t want to play’, but he didn‘t do that and I don’t think there’s many players who would have done that.
"Chelsea’s a massive club and there was an opportunity for him but it didn’t happen and now he’s got to get on with playing football because he’s a big player for us."
12. Wesley Sneijder, Inter Milan
Claudio Villa/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United
Wesley Sneijder and Manchester United played their game of cat-and-mouse all summer. At one point, several media outlets were reporting that Sneijder had actually signed with the Red Devils, but the transfer never happened.
Look for the speculation to start back up throughout the autumn and into January.
Wesley Sneijder and Manchester United played their game of cat-and-mouse all summer. At one point, several media outlets were reporting that Sneijder had actually signed with the Red Devils, but the transfer never happened.
Look for the speculation to start back up throughout the autumn and into January.
13. Ganso, Santos
Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United
Paulo Henrique Ganso is another young Brazilian who's being linked to a big move to a big European club.
Manchester United was interested in signing the 21-year-old during the previous transfer window, and you can bet they'll still be interested in January.
Paulo Henrique Ganso is another young Brazilian who's being linked to a big move to a big European club.
Manchester United was interested in signing the 21-year-old during the previous transfer window, and you can bet they'll still be interested in January.
14. Damiao, Internacional
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Linked to: Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona
Damiao is yet another young Brazilian talent who's been linked to a European club.
This time the club is Tottenham Hotspur, which has been told by his club to raise its offer for the 22-year-old. Spurs reportedly offered £15 million but Santos wants the full £44 million from the buyout clause in Damiao's contract.
That report also mentions interest from Barcelona, so it looks like the competition for Damiao's signature is heating up.
Damiao is yet another young Brazilian talent who's been linked to a European club.
This time the club is Tottenham Hotspur, which has been told by his club to raise its offer for the 22-year-old. Spurs reportedly offered £15 million but Santos wants the full £44 million from the buyout clause in Damiao's contract.
That report also mentions interest from Barcelona, so it looks like the competition for Damiao's signature is heating up.
15. Wayne Bridge, Manchester City
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Linked to: The entire Championship table
Wayne Bridge has enjoyed spells at big-money clubs like Manchester City (his current club) and Chelsea, but now the 31-year-old appears on the way out of City.
Bridge failed to secure a move away from City during the transfer window, but recent reports have manager Roberto Mancini urging Bridge to find a loan deal to further his career.
It's bad enough to be frozen out by your club, but now Bridge is being told by his manager that he's only good enough for the Championship. That's got to hurt.
And that's got to mean a January move is coming.
Wayne Bridge has enjoyed spells at big-money clubs like Manchester City (his current club) and Chelsea, but now the 31-year-old appears on the way out of City.
Bridge failed to secure a move away from City during the transfer window, but recent reports have manager Roberto Mancini urging Bridge to find a loan deal to further his career.
It's bad enough to be frozen out by your club, but now Bridge is being told by his manager that he's only good enough for the Championship. That's got to hurt.
And that's got to mean a January move is coming.
16. Nicolas Anelka, Chelsea
Julian Finney/Getty Images
Linked to: PSG
Nicolas Anelka earned the nickname "Le Sulk" for his antics in engineering a move from Arsenal back at the beginning of his career.
Now he's apparently at it again.
Anelka was linked during the summer to a move back to France. And this past weekend he told Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas he expects to quit the club in the summer.
Don't expect Chelsea to let him go for free in the summer when they could sell him in January.
Nicolas Anelka earned the nickname "Le Sulk" for his antics in engineering a move from Arsenal back at the beginning of his career.
Now he's apparently at it again.
Anelka was linked during the summer to a move back to France. And this past weekend he told Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas he expects to quit the club in the summer.
Don't expect Chelsea to let him go for free in the summer when they could sell him in January.
17. Dimitar Berbatov, Manchester United
Ian Walton/Getty Images
Linked to: Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Newcastle United, Sevilla, Tottenham Hotspur
Dimitar Berbatov hasn't had many opportunities to play for Manchester United this season, and he's apparently trying to secure a move away from Old Trafford.
Metro.co.uk reports that the Bulgarian will demand a transfer in January despite manager Sir Alex Ferguson's claims that Berbatov is still in his plans. Metro lists Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich as possible destinations.
Berbatov has also been linked to Newcastle, Sevilla and Spurs.
Dimitar Berbatov hasn't had many opportunities to play for Manchester United this season, and he's apparently trying to secure a move away from Old Trafford.
Metro.co.uk reports that the Bulgarian will demand a transfer in January despite manager Sir Alex Ferguson's claims that Berbatov is still in his plans. Metro lists Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich as possible destinations.
Berbatov has also been linked to Newcastle, Sevilla and Spurs.
18. Yann MVila, Rennes
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Linked to: Arsenal
Arsenal was reportedly willing to offer a club-record £25 million to Rennes for midfielder Yann M'Vila.
The deal didn't work out, but after its disastrous start to the season Arsenal will almost surely be looking to make more signings in January.
Arsenal was reportedly willing to offer a club-record £25 million to Rennes for midfielder Yann M'Vila.
The deal didn't work out, but after its disastrous start to the season Arsenal will almost surely be looking to make more signings in January.
19. Gareth Bale, Tottenham Hotspur
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United, Barcelona
Gareth Bale was strongly linked to a move away from Tottenham during the previous window.
Now, though, reports suggest he's satisfied with Spurs' signings and is ready to commit his future to the club. In fact, says SkySports, he never actually wanted to move.
Color us unconvinced.
If a bigger club offers bigger money in January, expect Bale to take it.
Gareth Bale was strongly linked to a move away from Tottenham during the previous window.
Now, though, reports suggest he's satisfied with Spurs' signings and is ready to commit his future to the club. In fact, says SkySports, he never actually wanted to move.
Color us unconvinced.
If a bigger club offers bigger money in January, expect Bale to take it.
20. Lassana Diarra, Real Madrid
Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Linked to: Tottenham Hotspur
Diarra was linked with a move to Spurs during the summer but he denied the reports and more recently committed himself to Real Madrid.
But that's not really the issue. The problem is that Diarra has a lot of competition for playing time at Real Madrid. A move to another club might be the only solution.
Diarra was linked with a move to Spurs during the summer but he denied the reports and more recently committed himself to Real Madrid.
But that's not really the issue. The problem is that Diarra has a lot of competition for playing time at Real Madrid. A move to another club might be the only solution.
21. Yoann Gourcuff, Lyon
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United, Arsenal
French midfielder Yoann Gourcuff made a name for himself at Rennes before moving to Serie A. Now back in France with Lyon, Gourcuff has been recovering from an ankle injury that kept him off transfer radars for much of the summer.
But he's a potential target of Manchester United and Arsenal, both of which could be active in January.
French midfielder Yoann Gourcuff made a name for himself at Rennes before moving to Serie A. Now back in France with Lyon, Gourcuff has been recovering from an ankle injury that kept him off transfer radars for much of the summer.
But he's a potential target of Manchester United and Arsenal, both of which could be active in January.
22. Ross Barkley, Everton
Chris Brunskill/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United
Ross Barkley is Everton's latest phenom, and Manchester United has taken notice. United, which notably signed a young Wayne Rooney away from Everton, reportedly offered Everton £11 million during the summer.
Everton apparently wants £15 million for the 17-year-old.
Ross Barkley is Everton's latest phenom, and Manchester United has taken notice. United, which notably signed a young Wayne Rooney away from Everton, reportedly offered Everton £11 million during the summer.
Everton apparently wants £15 million for the 17-year-old.
23. Nikica Jelavic, Rangers
Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
Linked to: Mystery club
This one is the stuff of spy novels.
Apparently on deadline day, Scottish club Rangers received an offer of £8 million for Croation striker Nikica Jelavic. No one knows which club it was, but it was supposedly an English club.
We do know that Leicester City and manager Sven-Goran Eriksson made a £6.5 million offer.
This one is the stuff of spy novels.
Apparently on deadline day, Scottish club Rangers received an offer of £8 million for Croation striker Nikica Jelavic. No one knows which club it was, but it was supposedly an English club.
We do know that Leicester City and manager Sven-Goran Eriksson made a £6.5 million offer.
24. Danilo Pereira, Parma
Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images
Linked to: Liverpool, Arsenal
Liverpool and Arsenal were both reportedly interested in signing Parma's Danilo Pereira during the summer.
It didn't happen then, but the Portuguese midfielder could be on the move in January.
Liverpool and Arsenal were both reportedly interested in signing Parma's Danilo Pereira during the summer.
It didn't happen then, but the Portuguese midfielder could be on the move in January.
25. Roman Pavlyuchenko, Tottenham Hotspur
Tom Dulat/Getty Images
Linked to: Sporting Lisbon
According to reports, Pavlyuchenko demanded a move away from Spurs during the last transfer window, with Sporting Lisbon a potential destination.
The Russian was reportedly unhappy with Spurs' signing of Emmanuel Adebayor. It looks like he'll be gone in January.
According to reports, Pavlyuchenko demanded a move away from Spurs during the last transfer window, with Sporting Lisbon a potential destination.
The Russian was reportedly unhappy with Spurs' signing of Emmanuel Adebayor. It looks like he'll be gone in January.
26. Liam Ridgewell, Birmingham City
Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images
Linked to: Everton, Celtic
Birmingham City defender Liam Ridgewell reportedly had his transfer request rejected at the end of the previous transfer window.
But with the Blues playing outside the Premiership, look for Ridgewell to secure a move back to the top flight soon.
Birmingham City defender Liam Ridgewell reportedly had his transfer request rejected at the end of the previous transfer window.
But with the Blues playing outside the Premiership, look for Ridgewell to secure a move back to the top flight soon.
27. Salomon Kalou, Chelsea
Chris McGrath/Getty Images
Linked to: Lille
Salomon Kalou has fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea thanks to a bunch of new signings.
The Ivory Coast midfielder been linked with a move to Lille, and a January transfer could be possible
Salomon Kalou has fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea thanks to a bunch of new signings.
The Ivory Coast midfielder been linked with a move to Lille, and a January transfer could be possible
28. Chris Samba, Blackburn
Clint Hughes/Getty Images
Linked to: Arsenal
Blackburn's Chris Samba showed Arsenal what kind of defender it needs during Rovers' thrilling 4-3 victory Saturday.
And that's strangely appropriate, because Samba was linked to the Gunners during the summer.
Blackburn's Chris Samba showed Arsenal what kind of defender it needs during Rovers' thrilling 4-3 victory Saturday.
And that's strangely appropriate, because Samba was linked to the Gunners during the summer.
29. Adam Johnson, Manchester City
Chris Brunskill/Getty Images
Linked to: Everton
Johnson is another player who's had to deal with the competition for playing time at Manchester City.
After being mostly frozen out, it's likely he'll move to a new club soon. Everton has reportedly shown interest in the midfielder, who looks frighteningly similar to Jason Street from Friday Night Lights.
Hey, you never see them in the same room!
Johnson is another player who's had to deal with the competition for playing time at Manchester City.
After being mostly frozen out, it's likely he'll move to a new club soon. Everton has reportedly shown interest in the midfielder, who looks frighteningly similar to Jason Street from Friday Night Lights.
Hey, you never see them in the same room!
30. Ibrahim Afellay, Barcelona
David Ramos/Getty Images
Linked to: Juventus, others
Playing time has been hard to come by for Barcelona's Ibrahim Afellay. And with all the competition for places in the squad, a move to a new club might be best.
Juventus reportedly offered €8 million during the transfer window but was rejected. If Afellay keeps missing out on playing time, expect a move soon.
Playing time has been hard to come by for Barcelona's Ibrahim Afellay. And with all the competition for places in the squad, a move to a new club might be best.
Juventus reportedly offered €8 million during the transfer window but was rejected. If Afellay keeps missing out on playing time, expect a move soon.
31. Giuseppe Rossi, Villareal
Claudio Villa/Getty Images
Linked to: Napoli
One of the biggest cliches in world football is "never say never."
That's exactly what Giuseppe Rossi's agent is saying about his client and a possible return to Serie A.
Rossi, who was born in America and holds dual American and Italian citizenship, currently plays for Villareal. He might not be there much longer if his agent is right.
One of the biggest cliches in world football is "never say never."
That's exactly what Giuseppe Rossi's agent is saying about his client and a possible return to Serie A.
Rossi, who was born in America and holds dual American and Italian citizenship, currently plays for Villareal. He might not be there much longer if his agent is right.
Napoli have already expressed their desire to sign Rossi in future with president Aurelio De Laurentiis recently admitting a future move is possible.Never say never indeed.
And Pastorello is not totally against the idea.
"It is nice to hear that Napoli want Rossi, but for the moment there are no chances that any deal can take place," the agent told Radio Kiss Kiss.
"However, like we always say in football, never say never."
32. Gaston Ramirez, Bologna
Roberto Serra/Iguana Press/Getty Images
Linked to: Liverpool
Bologna boss Pierpaolo Bisoli denied reports linking Ramirez to Liverpool. But then he said this:
Bologna boss Pierpaolo Bisoli denied reports linking Ramirez to Liverpool. But then he said this:
“The transfer market is closed and I don’t see what I’m supposed to say about this right now,” said Bisoli.Sounds like something could happen for the Uruguayan in January.
“The issue just doesn’t exist. It was the first game I could’ve fielded the lad, as he was suspended last week. He played for 35 minutes and is regularly at the disposal of the squad. As for anything else, that will wait until January.”
33. Horacio Benincasa
Spurs manager Harry Redknapp is reportedly keen to sign 17-year-old Chilean Horacio Benincasa.
Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Linked to: Tottenham Hotspur
Buried in this report about David Beckham and PSG, there's an item about Spurs' interest in 17-year-old Peruvian Horacio Benincasa.
Benincasa apparently impressed Spurs in a recent trial. He currently plays for Esther Grande de Bentin, and Werder Bremen have also shown interest. The Guardian suggests a January move might happen for a nominal fee.
Buried in this report about David Beckham and PSG, there's an item about Spurs' interest in 17-year-old Peruvian Horacio Benincasa.
Benincasa apparently impressed Spurs in a recent trial. He currently plays for Esther Grande de Bentin, and Werder Bremen have also shown interest. The Guardian suggests a January move might happen for a nominal fee.
34. Florent Malouda, Chelsea
Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
Linked to: Bayern Munich
Chelsea is undergoing changes, with the squad expecting a major overhaul over the next season or two.
One player likely to be on the way out is winger Florent Malouda. FoxSports says Bayern Munich is lining up a January bid.
Chelsea is undergoing changes, with the squad expecting a major overhaul over the next season or two.
One player likely to be on the way out is winger Florent Malouda. FoxSports says Bayern Munich is lining up a January bid.
35. Milos Krasic, Juventus
Claudio Villa/Getty Images
Linked to: Manchester United, Chelsea
The Guardian, via Italian website Tuttosport, reports that Manchester United and Chelsea will fight for the signature of Serbian winger Milos Krasic when the transfer window reopens in January.
We don't know what to make of that. We just think he looks a lot like Pavel Nedved.
The Guardian, via Italian website Tuttosport, reports that Manchester United and Chelsea will fight for the signature of Serbian winger Milos Krasic when the transfer window reopens in January.
We don't know what to make of that. We just think he looks a lot like Pavel Nedved.
36. Giovani Dos Santos, Tottenham Hotspur
Clive Rose/Getty Images
Linked to: No one in particular
Mexican striker Giovani dos Santos wants to leave Spurs. He just doesn't know where he wants to go.
This report says he snubbed a move to Udinese in the summer and preferred a move to Sevilla.
Okie dokie, Gio. Beggars can't be choosers.
Mexican striker Giovani dos Santos wants to leave Spurs. He just doesn't know where he wants to go.
This report says he snubbed a move to Udinese in the summer and preferred a move to Sevilla.
Okie dokie, Gio. Beggars can't be choosers.
37. Esteban Granero, Real Madrid
Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Linked to: Arsenal, Malaga
That report on dos Santos also linked Real Madrid outcast Esteban Granero with Arsenal. As soon as the transfer window reopens, the report says Granero will join Arsenal.
And here's another report to the same effect, only it's Malaga who's interested in this one.
That report on dos Santos also linked Real Madrid outcast Esteban Granero with Arsenal. As soon as the transfer window reopens, the report says Granero will join Arsenal.
And here's another report to the same effect, only it's Malaga who's interested in this one.
38. Luis Suarez, Liverpool
Clive Rose/Getty Images
Linked to: Real Madrid
Luis Suarez has been linked with a move to Real Madrid. Not every rumour makes sense, and this is one of them.
Suarez has been successful and Liverpool and doesn't seem unsettled at all.
But we all know that Real Madrid usually gets what it wants in the transfer market.
Luis Suarez has been linked with a move to Real Madrid. Not every rumour makes sense, and this is one of them.
Suarez has been successful and Liverpool and doesn't seem unsettled at all.
But we all know that Real Madrid usually gets what it wants in the transfer market.
22. Sergio Busquets, Barcelona
Linked to: Manchester City
This report says Manchester City is set to offer Barcelona £35 million for the services of Sergio Busquets.
It remains to be seen why Busquets would want to trade Barcelona for Manchester.
This report says Manchester City is set to offer Barcelona £35 million for the services of Sergio Busquets.
It remains to be seen why Busquets would want to trade Barcelona for Manchester.
23. Aleksandar Kolarov, Manchester City
Linked to: Juventus
Juventus could be busy in January.
In addition to Capdevila, Juventus is reportedly interested in out-of-favor Manchester City defender Aleksandar Kolarov.
Juventus could be busy in January.
In addition to Capdevila, Juventus is reportedly interested in out-of-favor Manchester City defender Aleksandar Kolarov.
Manchester City completed the purchase of left-back Gael Clichy in the summer for €8 million and the former Arsenal man has featured in all but one of Roberto Mancini's side's fixtures this season.
Juve were previously linked with Kolarov before City completed a deal believed to be around €17m for the 25-year-old.
Kolarov made 24 Premier League appearances for the Citizens last season, scoring one goal in the process.
24. Florent Malouda, Chelsea
Linked to: Bayern Munich
Chelsea is undergoing changes, with the squad expecting a major overhaul over the next season or two.
One player likely to be on the way out is winger Florent Malouda. FoxSports says Bayern Munich is lining up a January bid.
Chelsea is undergoing changes, with the squad expecting a major overhaul over the next season or two.
One player likely to be on the way out is winger Florent Malouda. FoxSports says Bayern Munich is lining up a January bid.
25. Salomon Kalou, Chelsea
Linked to: Lille
Salomon Kalou has fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea thanks to a bunch of new signings.
The Ivory Coast midfielder been linked with a move to Lille, and a January transfer could be possible
Salomon Kalou has fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea thanks to a bunch of new signings.
The Ivory Coast midfielder been linked with a move to Lille, and a January transfer could be possible
