Five players who could move to the Premier League in January

In recent years, premier league clubs have spent big in the winter transfer window. In January 2011, Chelsea bought Fernando Torres for £50 million, Liverpool paid Newcastle £35 million for Andy Carroll and also bought super striker Luis Suarez for £22 million. Manchester United purchased Juan Mata from Chelsea for £37 million.With many big clubs struggling, this may well be another busy window in England, so let us look at the five players who could make the switch to the premier league.

#1 William Carvalho (Sporting Lisbon)

William Carvalho in action for Sporting Lisbon

Not a day went in the summer transfer window without Carvalho being linked with a move to the EPL with Arsenal and Manchester United touted as possible destinations. However, the deal never materialised and the gigantic defensive midfielder stayed in Portugal with Sporting Lisbon. But, that doesn't mean the player will not make a move to a premier league club in January.

Standing at six feet, one and a half inch, William Carvalho cuts an imposing figure and is the ideal player to sit in front of the defence and terrorize the opposition attackers. He is a strong tackler of the ball who intercepts passes quite well. Despite his huge size Carvalho is quick on his feet and he uses it well to get out of danger. The Portuguese has good vision for passes and versatility is another advantage for the Sporting player as he can play as a central midfielder, defensive midfielder or a centre back.

It was reported that Carvalho was close to joining Arsenal in the summer only for the move to fall out in the end due to the complications in his third party ownership and also because of the clubs’ failure to come to an agreement. However, that has not ended Arsenal's interest in him and it is reported that the club is ready to lodge another bid for the 22-year-old. The stumbling block is believed to be his huge release clause of £37 million. However, as the player is keen for a premier league move, the Portuguese club may have to settle for a smaller amount.

"We all have ambitions and I hope one day to play in the best leagues in the world, the English or Spanish," he was quoted saying. "It was not this year, but if I continue to do my job as I have done so, it will certainly come sooner or later." Also with Sporting reportedly buying the entire rights for the player, the interested premier league club will not have much difficulties in making a move for him.

Interested clubs: Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool

Potential Transfer Fee: £25 million

#2 Xherdan Shaqiri (Bayern Munich)

Xherdan Shaqiri has found playing time hard to come by at Bayern Munich

The Swiss international was one of the players who caught the eye in Brazil 2014. After his impressive performances for Switzerland, Shaqiri's name was regularly linked with a big summer move but, the transfer never took place. Since then he has struggled to get regular playing time under Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich and has managed only 310 minutes of league action this season. So a move away from the club for regular first team football might happen in January for Shaqiri.

At 23 years, Shaqiri is still young and has a lot to offer for the future. He is a dynamic winger who could play on the flanks or in the number ten position behind the striker and can also be deployed up front if necessary. He is a skilful player who has the ability to beat any defender on a given day. Shaqiri's pace and good dribbling ability can help the winger can adapt in quick counter attacking teams. He also has a good eye for goals as he regularly pops up in the opposition box for a goal or two. He may not have the strength or height to bully the defenders but, he can make up for it with his technical ability.

“Liverpool made a bid for me before the World Cup, but Bayern put their foot down and told me, ‘We’re not going to sell you’,” said Shaqiri earlier in the season. So it is quite clear that Liverpool was interested in him. However, it was reported that a £20 million bid from them was rejected by Bayern in the summer.

Franz Beckenbauer said, “Bayern have already sent out a signal and indicated to him that he can probably go in the winter break, when he wants. I think it's a shame because he is a great talent.” With Bayern ready to sell him, the premier league clubs can hope to sign him for a cut price deal.

Interested Clubs: Liverpool and Manchester United

Potential Transfer Fee: £15 million

#3 Sami Khedira (Real Madrid)

The World Cup has not guaranteed a place in Real Madrid for Khedira

The World Cup winning German midfielder may cause a huge battle among the giants in Europe for his signature as his contract expires in 2015. Clubs like Arsenal tried to capture him last summer, however due to his huge wage demands, the deal collapsed. But, with him being available for a cut price fee, many teams may hope to sign the midfielder in the winter transfer window.

Khedira came to light after impressing in the 2010 World Cup in Africa. That prompted Jose Mourinho to sign him in the same year along with Mesut Ozil during his managerial stint with Real Madrid. Since then Khedira had made a place for himself in the Madrid team. He is strong, agile and has a good vision for passes. He sits in front of the defenders and offers good protection to the back four.

However, due to his lengthy injury in the last campaign, Khedira lost his place in the starting line up to Modric. But, he reminded everyone about his ability in the Brazil 2014 as he played a crucial part in helping Germany win the World Cup. At 27 years, he still has a lot to offer for football.

Despite his good performances in the World Cup, the capture of fellow German Toni Kroos, pushed Khedira further down the pecking order in Real Madrid. Hence, many anticipated him to move away in the summer. However, as he was unable to finalise any deal, Khedira was forced to stay with the club. But, with Khedira making only four appearances for the defending European Champions in the league, the possibility of him moving in January may yet happen.

Also considering the fact that Real Madrid don't want to let him go for free next summer after buying him for a reported 14 million fee from Stuttgart in 2010, he may be available for a small transfer fee. However, his huge wages may be the only problem for potential suitors.

Interested Clubs: Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool

Potential Transfer Fee: £9 million

#4 Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)

Mats Hummels with the World Cup

He was another player who was constantly linked with a summer move to the premier league and most notably to Manchester United. A combination of a huge transfer fee and Manchester United's absence in the Champions league prevented the deal from going through. However, things have changed now, as Dortmund are struggling in the league and are in the relegation zone. Not that they could be relegated this season but, with the possibility of returning to Europe looking slim, the player might move to the premier league for further glory.

At 25 years, Hummels has many years in front of him and after playing an important part in his country’s World Cup victory, he has been an immovable force in Dortmund's defence. He is arguably one of the best central defenders, if not the best in the world right now. His positional play in defence is second to none as he intercepts the ball with relative easy and he is a strong tackler of the ball. He hardly comes from a tackle without winning the ball. He also possesses a good header and is also a threat in both the penalty boxes.

With Dortmund repeatedly falling short of their arch rival Bayern Munich in the league and not establishing themselves as a force in Europe, the defender may forced to move away despite pledging his loyalty for the club many times in the past. Even if the player is ready for move, it may not happen right away, as the transfer fee might be a huge one. Manchester United splashed out £60 million to sign Angel Di Maria in summer and they wont be afraid to make another big one if they are to get a player to sort their struggling defence.

In recent seasons even the likes of Arsenal have shown that they are ready to splash the cash with their capture of Sanchez and Ozil in the last two summers. Besides, Arsenal are also in a desperate situation to sign a defender as Mertasacker is the only available centre half for them. So if he were to move to England, he would not be short of suitors, however it is up to the club and the player to make the final call.

Interested Clubs: Arsenal and Manchester United

Potential Transfer Fee: £25 million

#5 Kevin Strootman (AS Roma)

Kevin Strootman pictured alongside Louis van Gaal and Robin van Persie last season

Strootman stature had gone up even before representing his nation at the World Cup and that was due to his key role in Rudi Garcia's revolution last season which helped Roma finish second in the league. Further, Louis Van Gaal during his time with Netherlands changed the formation of the Dutch team from 4-3-3 to 3-5-2 in the World Cup, following Strootman's injury, as he felt that he had no player of the calibre to replace Strootman in his squad.

The Dutch international reminds everyone of the enigmatic former United midfielder Roy Keane. He is an assured presence in the middle of the park, who is not afraid to pull away from a tackle. His presence in the middle of the park may help any team stabilise their defensive organisation. He is a hard tackler, who rarely comes on the losing side of a 50-50 challenge. He positions himself at the right place almost every time to intercept or win the ball back for his team. He can not only terrorize the opposition attackers to win back the ball but, can also be a reliable box to box midfielder with a good eye for a pass.

He is another player, who was constantly linked with United in the summer. Surprisingly, many earmarked him only to move in January due to his injury problems. So with the window approaching, his name has been appearing all over the media linking him with United. The prospect of linking up with Van Gaal may force the Dutch man to move to Old Trafford. And if one has to believe Dutch journalist Hugo Borst book, Strootman has already shaken his hands with Van Gaal in the presence of Robin Van Persie for a possible transfer, while watching a match from stands between PSV and Feyenoord.

Arsenal with a desperate need for a defensive midfielder may turn to him if their other targets fail to materialize in the window.

Interested Clubs: Manchester United and Arsenal

Potential Transfer Fee: £25 million