ABC of January Transfer Season

A is for Adrian Lopez: Arsenal are prepared to risk over £10m for the Atletico Madrid striker, who has only started in six games for his club. Lopez, 24, still has youth on his side, and would provide a great boost to the Gunners' attacking capabilities.

B is for Bent: Fulham are reportedly leading the race to sign veteran Aston Villa striker Darren Bent, who is off-contract. After falling out of favour with manager Paul Lambert, the England international is keen to leave the club he has been at for only two seasons.

C is for Chelsea: It’s a busy time for new manager Rafa Benitez, as he steps up the chase for Arsenal star Theo Walcott. Additionally, Chelsea have reportedly offered a £15m-a-year contract for Atletico Madrid's Radamel Falcao, and are pursuing Gonzalo Higuaín from Real Madrid as well.

D is for Debuchy: Newcastle United are closing in on French defender Mathieu Debuchy, spotted in the stands watching Newcastle’s loss against Everton at St James Park. Newcastle manager Alan Pardew told the BBC that Debuchy, who is currently playing for French club Lille, will provide ”quality and experience that will be much needed” in Newcastle’s defensive line.

E is for Edinson: The 25-year-old Napoli striker Edison Cavani is on Manchester City's radar and has a £51m ($A79m) buy-out clause. After a highly successful UEFA Champions League campaign, Cavani became a popular target at the end of last season.

F is for Falcao: The Daily Mail has reported that Chelsea are prepared to make Ramadel Falcao the club’s top earner by offering the striker a staggering £15 million-a-year contract, ensuring the South American becomes the next global superstar to make his way to Stamford Bridge.

G is for Gameiro: Rewind almost two years ago, and the 25-year-old striker Kevin Gameiro was hot property among English clubs, instead signing with Paris Saint Germain. Now he looks to be available again, with Liverpool seen as a major contender for the Frenchman.

H is for Holtby: A move to the UK for 22-year-old midfielder Lewis Holtby, would be somewhat of a move home. Holtby, the German international who has an English father, currently plays for Schalke in the Bundesliga. Arsenal and Tottenham look to be the two contenders for his signature.

I is for Ipswich: Ipswich Town is the latest home for Australian international Patrick Kisnorbo. Kisnorbo has moved from Leeds (where he was vice-captain) to Ipswich on loan confirmed for the second half of the 2012-13 season.

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J is for Joe Cole: Cole looks set to re-join the club where his career began, West Ham. With only a medical standing between the England international and his new club, the move seems all but assured. Cole would be looking to improve on just nine starts whilst at Liverpool.

K is for Keane: It’s not just players who get in on the transfer action, with manager Roy Keane linked to Nottingham Forest after the club sacked Sean O’Driscoll. After playing in 114 games for Nottingham between 1990-1993, it would have been a nice homecoming for the 41-year-old ... that was until Alex McLeish got the job.

L is for Lampard: Frank Lampard’s agent was quoted as saying that the Chelsea midfielder is “certain to leave” Stamford Bridge, which he later denied. At age 34, Lampard is showing no signs of retirement, instead shopping for an overseas club.

M is for Micah: Chelsea’s Rafa Benitez added to the intrigue surrounding Micah Richards' unexpected appearance at a Chelsea match this week by refusing to rule out a move for the Manchester City defender. Richards says he wants to stay at City despite being out of favour.

N is for Nani: Despite months of speculation, it looks like Nani may just hold on to his spot at Manchester United. While the Portuguese player has been dealing with a hamstring injury, he has struggled to get onto the pitch when healthy, starting in only four games this season.

O is for O’Neill:  The Sunderland manager Martin O’Neill says: “We need some reinforcements. We are going to have to have a look, like a lot of other clubs.” He has been linked to a loan deal with Socceroos ace Tim Cahill.

P is for Paul Robinson: Hull City are the latest club to be linked to the former England goalkeeper, who is at Blackburn. The 33-year-old, who has 41 senior England caps, has also attracted serious interest from Fulham, where Mark Schwarzer holds the starting position.

Q is for QPR: Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp is looking to entice French international Anthony Reveillere. Reveillere, 33, is currently playing for Lyon, and has won the league five times with his club.

R is for Remy: Newcastle United are looking to secure the quick signing of the Frenchman Loic Remy, following the departure of Demba Ba. The Independent have reported that Newcastle are prepared to pay £10m ($A15m) to sign the 26-year-old forward from Marseilles.

S is for Sneijder: Out of favour Inter Milan star Wesley Sneijder is being shopped around the EPL and QPR manager Harry Redknapp says he was shocked to have the player offered to him. The Sun reports Redknapp said: “I was asked by one agent if I wanted to sign Sneijder. Of course I do. However, he’s on about £200,000 a week and now he wants to join QPR? I won’t name the agent, but let’s just say I think a deal is unlikely.” The Dutchman’s huge wages are seen a major stumbling block to a deal.

T is for Tottenham: Spurs have made their intentions for the January transfer window quite clear – they need a goal scorer. Tottenham have been in pursuit of Wilfried Zaha and David Villa, however are yet to spend. A serious signing can’t be that far away.

U is for Upson: After signing a two-year contract with Stoke City back in 2011, Upson comes off contract shortly, and is attracting interest from many clubs. For clubs on a budget, a player who is off-contract like Upson can be a great buy.

V is for Villa: Barcelona striker David Villa could be heading to the Premier League after being heavily linked with Tottenham by sources in Spain. Villa has been on the fringes of the Barca side after recovering from a broken leg suffered last season and it’s reported that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is plotting a move.

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W is for Walcott: One of the longest-running transfer sagas seems to be coming to a close, with Arsenal close to re-signing, or giving up on, one of their most loved players. Arsene Wenger says he’s keen to see the remodelled striker sign for five years.

X is for Xabi Alonso: Alonso’s reluctance to pen a long-term deal with Real Madrid has ignited rumours of a Premier League return. Whilst Liverpool will be working extremely hard to secure the return of Alonso to the Reds, former coach Rafa Benitez may also be looking to entice the Spaniard.

Y is for Yossi Benayoun: After being loaned to West Ham, the Israeli will return to Chelsea for the second half of this season. The imminent arrival of Joe Cole would have sent Benayoun further down the pecking order at the Hammers, provoking his return to the Blues.

Z is for Zaha: Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are among the top-flight teams interested in securing the 20-year-old Wilfried Zaha this month. Crystal Palace, Zaha’s current club, are looking to cash in on the talented youngster, asking for up to £20m ($A30m).


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