Halfway through January, the winter transfer window has remained unusually quiet, with there being more speculation than action at this point over various proposed moves.
The rumour mill remains in overdrive, however, with news of potential deals flying thick and fast.
We’re running the rule over four of the latest transfer rumours doing the rounds, with our analysis and predictions below.
DANIEL STURRIDGE – LIVERPOOL TO NEW YORK CITY FC
Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is free to talk to foreign clubs after he moved within the last six months of his deal and New York City FC could swoop, according to The Sun.
Why it will happen: Sturridge is well down the pecking order at Anfield and at 29-years old, could be enticed by a fresh challenge. NYCFC need a replacement for ex-Spain superstar David Villa and Sturridge would fit the bill.
Why it won’t happen: It is only a year ago that Sturridge was being chased by Inter Milan and a similar calibre of club could be prepared to gamble on a player of huge talent, but frequent injury.
Verdict: This one is definitely in the mix. Life in New York and Major League Soccer is an attractive proposition. Will Sturridge, however, fancy a shot in continental Europe before eventually making the move across the Atlantic? We shall see…
Rating: 5/10
CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – TOTTENHAM TO REAL MADRID
Playmaker Christian Eriksen is unlikely to ink fresh terms at Tottenham and “for him it would be a great honour to play” for Real Madrid, according to AS.
Why it will happen: After years of parsimony and neglect caught up with Los Blancos this season, the club need an injection of talent. Eriksen’s deal expires in June 2020 and a big summer offer would suit all parties.
Why it won’t happen: Spurs sold Luka Modric and Gareth Bale to Madrid, but these are different times. With the increasing financial might of the Premier League, intense negotiation will be required to drive down a €250 million asking price.
Verdict: If Eriksen truly has no intention of extending his stint in north London, Spurs will be backed into a corner. Next summer will be their only chance to earn a huge fee. With Modric now 33-years old, Eriksen looks a natural fit to replace him again.
Rating: 6/10
JAMES RODRIGUEZ – REAL MADRID TO ARSENAL
Arsenal could take unwanted Real Madrid loanee James Rodriguez off Bayern Munich’s hands for just £3 million, according to the Daily Mail.
Why it will happen: Current boss Niko Kovac is not a fan of the Colombia schemer and Bayern could be convinced to give up the final six months of a two-season loan. Arsenal only have a budget for loan additions and James is an elite option.
Why it won’t happen: Mesut Ozil. The ex-Germany playmaker is unwanted by head coach Unai Emery, but is taking home new wages of £350,000 a week. Arsenal will need to find a suitor willing to take on this burden, before looking to James.
Verdict: There should be a will on Bayern, Madrid and Arsenal’s behalf to get this move signed off. James’ style is simply a better fit at Emery’s Gunners. Now, comes the hard part – the financials. This should go down to the wire.
Rating: 6/10
KRZYSZTOF PIATEK – GENOA TO AC MILAN
AC Milan “are interested” in securing a January move for coveted Poland striker Piatek, Genoa sporting director Giorgio Perinetti has told RMC Sport.
Why it will happen: A chase is on for Piatek and Milan want to move to the front of the queue, ahead of La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona. If Gonzalo Higuain is relinquished to Chelsea, then a top-line replacement is a must.
Why it won’t happen: The unheralded Piatek has rattled in 13 goals in 19 Serie A matches since his summer arrival. Continue this run in the second half of the campaign and a summer auction could bring in an enormous fee. Why sell now?
Verdict: Confidence is growing at San Siro that a statement deal for Piatek can be done. Would a winter move, however, be in the interest of the player or his current employers? It’s a gamble for those two parties, but one, surely, worth taking.
Rating: 4/10