Papiss Cisse joining Newcastle and Nikica Jelavic moving to Everton were arguably the best deals in the 2012 winter window, but who will prove to be the shrewdest signings in 2013
adamel Falcao (26, striker) Atletico Madrid
Given the Colombian’s phenomenal form since arriving in Madrid, it is unsurprising Chelsea and Real Madrid have been linked with a £45m bid. Atletico need the cash but will endure the wait until the summer before selling.
Andrey Arshavin (aged 31, forward) Arsenal
Started brightly but his form has deteriorated dramatically. Fallen down the pecking order and has been restricted to substitute appearances. The player may move back to his native Russia.
Florent Malouda (32, winger) Chelsea
The Frenchman is still at Stamford Bridge, and has not featured at all this season because of the form of Eden Hazard and Juan Mata. He may choose to return to France where he was signed from Lyon in 2007.
Stewart Downing (28, winger) Liverpool
Downing had a largely unsuccessful time at Anfield since his big money move from Aston Villa in 2011, and has been told by coach Brendan Rodgers that he can leave. The England international has been linked with a loan move to his old club Middlesbrough in the Championship league.
Mario Balotelli (22, striker) Manchester City
Balotelli has been criticised by manager Roberto Mancini for his inconsistent form this season and the Italian may decide to get rid of him. O Thursday, he had a training ground burst up with the manager and to be restrained by staff. Despite denial, AC Milan could take a chance on him.
Nani (26, winger) Manchester United
The Manchester United winger has not produced his best form this season and reports suggest he has fallen out with manager Sir Alex Ferguson because of his contract demands. The coach has repeatedly said he would not be selling the Portuguese star but Arsenal, Zenit and Juventus are monitoring development.
Michu (26, forward) Swansea City
Miguel Pérez Cuesta, also known as Michu was for only £2m from Rayo Valecano in the summer but the Spaniard has been a revelation so far and may be sold if Michael Laudrup receives a big enough offer this January. Atletico Madrid are ready to take the player back to Spain.
Wifred Zaha (20, forward) Crystal Palace
Zaha is a quick and tricky player who loves to run at defences. He was recently called up to the full England squad for the friendly against Sweden. Arsenal showed intention to sign the youngster in anticipation of Theo Walcott leaving but it seems Walcott will sign a new deal and Manchester United may come in for the player.
Loic Remy (25, striker) Marseille
This versatile and quick striker has had a tough 2012 with form and fitness. Marseille are not in a rush but with a bid over £10m, there could be an early move. With Demba Ba leaving Newcastle, coach Alan Pardew may be tempted to show interest if Papis Cisse does not discover his form early enough. QPR are also out for a striker of Remy’s quality.
Bafetimbi Gomis (27, striker) Lyon
This bustling attacker has been in splendid form for high-flying Lyon, who still need to cut their wage bill, and would be available for around £14m.
French TV station Canal Plus recently claimed Chelsea, as well as Liverpool, are interested in bringing the French striker to England.
Fernando Llorente (27, striker) Athletic Bilbao
The Spain target-man has been frozen out since he rejected a contract extension at Athletic. Athletic are left with one last chance to stop him leaving for nothing.
With six months remaining on his contract, Juventus lead the race, ahead of Arsenal who need a striker with big heart.
Joao Moutinho (26, midfielder) Porto
The Portugal star’s form has improved further still since his deadline day move to Tottenham collapsed. £25m would be needed for him and Spurs are still interested in getting their target, with Zenit St Petersburg coming up as a potential buyer.
David Villa (31, striker) Barcelona
Having made a good recovery from a broken leg, the prolific forward has become dissatisfied with his marginal role at the Camp Nou. He is not pushing for a move away from the club but if a deal can be arranged, he will be delighted to accept one. Arsenal and AC Milan are among those interested in a loan bid.
Robinho (28, forward) AC Milan
After Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri conceded the former Manchester City forward wants to return to Brazil, an exit seems closer than ever. Former club Santos are poised to take him back to Brazil with an offer of £250,000 a week for the player.
Ricardo Carvalho (34, centre-back) Real Madrid
The experienced defender recently admitted it will be “difficult” to stay at the Bernabeu past January given his limited playing time. QPR might resurrect an interest, as he is available on a free.
Wesley Sneijder (28, midfielder) Inter Milan
Inter are trying to force out their top earner after he refused a pay cut and the Dutchman has been frozen out of the first team.
Turkish pair Fenerbahce and Galatasaray are monitoring the situation, along with Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala.
Nene (31, forward) Paris St-Germain
This prolific, talented winger has shown a lack of discipline too often for manager Carlo Ancelotti, who would like to sell. A clutch of clubs in his native Brazil are keen, as are Galatasaray, Besiktas and Milan.
Ricardo Quaresma (29, winger) Unattached
The mercurial winger recently had his contract cancelled by Besiktas having not made a single appearance this season. Turkish media have reported interest from Marseille and former club Porto.
Rocardo Centurion (20, midfielder) Racing
Whippy, quick, skilful support striker whose elusive dribbling made a big impact in the recent Argentine championship.
Likely to be sold to help balance the books, and Porto and Benfica look ready to fight for him. But the fight for his signature may soon reach the Premier League and La Liga.
Bernard (20, striker) Atletico Mineiro
A wide striker with pace, intelligence and technique, he was the revelation of this year’s Brazilian championship. Already attracting offers from European clubs. Atletico would love to keep him for the Copa Libertadores campaign but cannot guarantee his stay especially if the offer is huge.