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The January transfer window is the less exciting of the two windows but if the latest rumors are anything to go by it looks like quite a few high profile players will be switching clubs this winter. Big players switching clubs during mid-season is nothing new. Luis Suarez, Fernando Torres, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra and Mikel Arteta all arrived at their current clubs in the first month of the year. The most exciting phase of the transfer window is the deadline day. Here is a list of 5 players who could find themselves with a new club on the last day of January:
5. Luke Shaw to Chelsea
A host of clubs including Manchester United and Tottenham are interested in signing the teenage defender but Chelsea seems to be ahead of them all after they reportedly submitted a bid of around £30 million to Southampton. The 18-year-old has been one of the Premier League’s most promising players over the last year and has been praised for his attacking skills as a left-back. Shaw, who was named by The Guardian as one of Europe’s most promising young footballers, attracted interest from Manchester United but signed a new contract with Southampton committing his future to the Saints for the next five years.
The England Under-21 international will soon become too good to play for Southampton and will eventually move on to one of the big clubs in the future. Chelsea seem to have the edge over their rivals as Shaw stated that he is a Chelsea fan and had originally wanted to play for the Blues so it would be no surprise if the defender landed at Stamford Bridge over the coming weeks.4. Dante to Manchester United
Dante is interested in moving to England
The Red Devils are reportedly keen on acquiring Dante in order to address their defensive woes. The Brazilian defender and his agent stated that they had been contacted by the Old Trafford outfit over a potential move to the club in January. Both Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand will be out of contract this summer so United will have to find some capable replacements quickly as the World Cup is fast approaching and the value of players always increase during the competition.
The afro-haired defender gained rave reviews with Bayern Munich and was an important part of the team that won the Champions League in 2013. Dante would be a perfect acquisition for United as he is a talented center back who can operate as a left back or a defensive midfielder in case of an injury crisis.3. Mirko Vucinic to Arsenal
Vucinic is wanted by Arsenal
It is no secret that Arsenal are in dire need of a striker this season as Theo Walcott is out for the rest of the season and Olivier Giroud is incapable of carrying the burden on his own. Juventus’s Mirko Vucinic has been identified by the Gunners as capable of solving their striker problem at least for the short term. The Montenegro international has received rave reviews for his dribbling, creativity and the ability to score long range goals.
The 30-year-old can also operate as a winger or deep lying playmaker which is perfect for the London club. Inter Milan almost acquired Vucinic from Juventus but the deal fell through leaving the door wide open for Arsenal. Arsene Wenger recently admitted that the club are on the lookout for a striker so it is very likely that Vucinic could arrive at the Emirates in the future.2. Alberto Moreno to Real Madrid
Moreno is a promising Spanish talent
Spanish giants Real Madrid are reportedly targeting Sevilla left-back Alberto Moreno as a potential replacement for the out of favor Fabio Coentrao. Los Blancos president Florentino Perez is thought to be keen on acquiring the Under-21 international in January. The 21 year old has a release clause of €30 million on his contract which is expected to be met by Madrid soon.
The defender recently signed a contract with Sevilla which runs until 2018 but may find the opportunity of joining Real Madrid too tempting to refuse. Moreno has gained praise for his vision and defensive skills, preferring to remain in his half rather than going forward to support the attack which has helped his team on many occasions. Madrid may bring him to the Bernabeu by the end of January as their answer to Barcelona’s Jordi Alba.1. Fabio Coentrao to Manchester United
Coentrao has been heavily linked to Manchester United
The Red Devils almost secured Coentrao’s on loan from Real Madrid on deadline day last September but the deal fell through as Madrid could not complete the necessary paperwork in time. David Moyes is determined to look for a suitable replacement for long term left back Patrice Evra who is set to leave the club this summer and has identified Leighton Baines, Luke Shaw and Fabio Coentrao as suitable replacements.
With Leighton Baines inching closer to signing a new contract at Everton and Shaw set to stay at Southampton, Coentrao’s chances of being a Manchester United player are even higher. The Portugal international has fallen out of favor with Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti and is now surplus requirements at the club. Manchester United will surely come-back in January to try and sign the player again as he is no longer a key player at the Bernabeu and is available to join the Old Trafford club this winter.
