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There has been (and will be) a lot written over the coming month as to the importance of the January transfer window for Premier League teams – those challenging for the title, those pushing for Europe, or struggling to avoid relegation. One or two key signings can make all the difference and completely turn around a team’s fortunes.
The same is true in the Football League, albeit mainly due to the loan signings coming in, and key players being lured away by the promise of top-flight football. Removing the oh-so-obvious names of Wilfried Zaha and Tom Ince, both of whom are apparently destined for Premier League stardom, here is my list of who will be the top targets and likely movers in the Football League this January.
Jack Butland (Birmingham City) – Long tipped for the top, the Great Britain and England international has long been admired as a number one for the future. With Birmingham’s dire financial situation meaning they may well have to jettison their star assets, Butland should be heading to the top flight very soon.
Yannick Bolasie (Crystal Palace) – Although a tad overshadowed by team-mate and fellow winger Zaha, Bolasie has been in sparkling form this season for Ian Holloway’s Crystal Palace, shooting them into the promotion race. Lightning fast and full of tricks, he may well join Zaha in making the big move to the Premier League, especially after declining to travel to the African Cup of Nations for DR Congo.
DJ Campbell (QPR) – A bit of a curve ball this one, as he is technically a Premier League player. Former FA Cup and deadline day hero (remember him joining Birmingham City from Yeading?), Campbell has been crucial to Mick McCarthy’s transformation of Ipswich Town in the last few weeks, scoring some important goals. He has now returned to QPR, and may well get a shot at Premier League football, but according to Harry Redknapp, six or seven Championship clubs have made overtures for him so far.
Charlie Austin (Burnley) – In unstoppable goalscoring form earlier in the season, the former Swindon man has so far notched 23 goals in all competitions for the season. Arsenal are reportedly sniffing around, but Burnley have history in demanding big money for their star strikers, netting £7 million for Jay Rodriguez when he joined Southampton last summer.
Liam Bridcutt (Brighton) – Came to the wider public’s eye over the weekend with a commanding performance in midfield during Brighton’s FA Cup triumph over Newcastle. Manager Gus Poyet described Bridcutt as good enough to play for Real Madrid. Similar in style to Messrs Carrick and Barry, he proved against the Magpies he has no problem in coping with the top level.
Tom Pope (Port Vale) – Currently the top scorer in the Football League, Pope has been vital in propelling Port Vale’s promotion push this season. Micky Adams’ side have greatly benefited from Pope’s 21 goals in the League so far. Adams will be loath to part with his star man, but may well be tempted if a big offer comes in.
Will Hughes (Derby County) – If you believe all you read, the 17-year-old midfielder is being courted by Manchester United, Arsenal and even Barcelona. Slightly hyperbolic these links may be, but Hughes has been terrific for Derby so far this season, providing a fantastic creative spark that has drawn admiring glances from the Premier League.
Andy Robinson (Tranmere Rovers) – Key to Tranmere’s remarkable run at the top of League One, Robinson was player of the month back in September, and has continued his great run of form throughout the season. A classic goalscoring winger, it depends to be seen whether he would be tempted with a move up the leagues if a bigger club came calling.
David Cotterill (Doncaster) – The former Wigan and Bristol City winger has been in great form this season, scoring and contributing many valuable assists. He has Premier League class, but the jump up from League One may be too sudden. He would be perfect for any Championship team though.
Kevan Hurst (Southend United) – The winger currently tops the stats sheets for assists in his division and has been vital for the Shrimpers this season. He has formerly played at Championship level for Scunthorpe, and has proved his class over the years. Would be a very useful signing that would easily fit in to the Championship or League One.
