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The winter transfer window is just a few months away. Several top clubs are looking for new recruitments midway into the 2021-22 season.
The likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Manchester United are expected to be active in the winter transfer window. This could trigger bidding wars for several top players, especially with Newcastle's massive injection of funds.
If the 2021 summer transfer window is anything to go by, the January transfer window promises to be another exciting event. On that note, let's take a look at the five defenders who could be on the move in January.
#5 Antonio Rudiger
Antonio Rudiger is currently under negotiations with Chelsea regarding his new contract. According to several reports, however, the Blues defender is fuming at Chelsea's latest offer, as it is far below his expected wages.
The German's current contract at Stamford Bridge will expire at the end of the 2021-22 season. Chelsea may consider selling Rudiger in the upcoming winter transfer window if the concerned parties fail to reach an agreement. The centre-half will also be permitted to start accepting pre-contract offers from other clubs in January.
Bayern Munich is reportedly the most likely destination for Rudiger for the upcoming season. The German champions are willing to be patient and could wait until the 2022 summer transfer window to acquire Rudiger's services for free.
Following Thomas Tuchel's arrival, Rudiger has emerged as one of the most consistent centre-halfs in the Premier League. He has made 40 appearances in less than a year under Tuchel's tutelage.
#4 Diogo Dalot
Diogo Dalot made the move to Old Trafford in the summer of 2018 and was one of Jose Mourinho's last signings as Manchester United boss.
The Portuguese right-back managed to outlast his former manager but has failed to break into Manchester United's XI. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is currently United's first-choice right-back, which has meant that Dalot has been afforded game-time few and far between.
Dalot failed to win over Solskjaer's trust as he has only made 35 appearances under the Manchester United legend. In the 2021-22 season, the Portuguese has only managed to register six appearances. Four of them have been from the bench.
This makes Diogo Dalot one of the favorites to leave Manchester United in the upcoming transfer window. At 22, the Portuguese will undoubtedly demand more match-time and may look for first-team minutes elsewhere.
Dalot's former manager, Jose Mourinho, is reportedly a big fan of his countryman. AS Roma could be a possible destination for Dalot this January.
#3 Jules Kounde
Jules Kounde was heavily linked with Chelsea in the 2021 summer transfer window, but that move didn't transpire. However, this transfer saga might finally reach its conclusion in the upcoming winter transfer window.
The Sevilla centre-half could potentially be Chelsea's first signing in the January transfer window. But the Blues will face tough competition for his signature. The Blues will be joined by the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid in the transfer market. Both these clubs will be desperate to add to their centre-back ranks, which could add a few more millions to Kounde's valuation.
If reports are to be believed, Jules Kounde has an €80million release clause in his contract. This could prove to be a stumbling block in the negotiation phase. However, the 23-year-old can justify his enormous price tag as he is currently one of the best centre-backs in La Liga.
In the 2021-22 season, Kounde has registered 13 appearances for Sevilla. He has helped keep six clean sheets in the 2021-22 La Liga campaign.
#2 James Tarkowski
James Tarkowski has established himself as one of the most solid and consistent centre-backs in English football at the moment.
Since his move away from Brentford in the 2016 winter transfer window, Tarkowski has been one of the first names on Burnley's team sheet. The Clarets are highly regarded for their defensive solidity and it is the only reason why they survived the drop last season.
The former England international is an indispensable component of Burnley's defense and is their leader at the back. Over the years, Tarkowski has garnered interest from several clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham and Newcastle United, to name a few.
According to reports, James Tarkowski is keen on a move to West Ham in the upcoming transfer window. However, Tarkowski is valued at around £20 million by Burnley, which could be more than what the Hammers are willing to pay.
#1 Stefan de Vrij
Stefan de Vrij has reportedly attracted interest from Newcastle United and could well be their first signing in the new era.
The Dutchman has established himself as one of the best centre-halfs on the continent, having won the 2020-21 Serie A title with Inter Milan. De Vrij is currently a regular starter for club and country, and his stock has risen rapidly over the past few seasons. Inter Milan could be skeptical of parting ways with their star defender midway into the season.
However, the enormous reserves of the Newcastle United owners might be enough to convince the Nerazzurri to sell. Newcastle will also face tough competition from Tottenham Hotspur for De Vrij's signature.
The Dutchman's former manager Antonio Conte is a fan of the centre-half and could be reunited with him at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
De Vrij has played in all of Inter Milan's Champions League matches this season. He has also participated in 92% of Nerazzurri's minutes in the 2021-22 Serie A season.
