January football sales – Premier League club guide

With the transfer window now officially open, English football’s top-flight clubs can begin a month-long spending spree as they get their last opportunity to wheel and deal before the end of the season.

Last season’s January window was dominated by Manchester City’s astonishing £100m bid for Brazilian superstar Kaka. And with new manager Roberto Mancini arriving at the club there could well be similar activity at Eastlands this time around.

With many Premier League clubs also affected by January’s Africa Cup of Nations there are sure to be plenty of comings and goings over the next 31 days.

BBC Sport, with the help of its local radio correspondents from across the network, brings you a club-by-club guide to the January transfer window.

Click on your club’s badge for more analysis

Money to spend: It is thought Arsenal have £35m to spend on transfers and wages due to a legally-binding clause in their bank loan agreements to give boss Arsene Wenger 70% of all net proceeds from player sales to reinvest. If he does not spend all the cash in one window, it must be put into a Transfer Proceeds Account (TPA) used exclusively for future transfer fees or wages.

January previous: The concept of a mid-season transfer window does not sit well with Wenger – but that has never deterred him from using it to his advantage. Jose Antonio Reyes, Emmanuel Adebayor, Abou Diaby and Theo Walcott were all January arrivals and in 2009 Wenger spent £15m on Andrey Arshavin.

What they need: A striker to deputise for the injured Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner, and perhaps cover in the central defence and defensive midfield positions.

Who they might buy: Strikers Marouane Chamakh (Bordeaux), Andre-Pierre Gignac (Toulouse), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (AC Milan), Edin Dzeko (Wolfsburg) and Carlton Cole (West Ham) have been linked, along with Real Madrid midfielderRafael van der Vaart. Ex-Gunners centre-back Sol Campbell is a free agent and has been training at Arsenal, former captain Patrick Vieira (Inter Milan) could return to bolster the midfield and Ajax full-back Gregory van der Wiel is a reported target.

Who might be leaving: Wenger is set to let Jack Wilshere go out on loan. Burnley have confirmed their interest but the 17-year-old says West Ham, who he supported as a boy, would be his preferred destination. Out-of-favour Philippe Senderos is likely to leave, on loan at the very least, while goalkeeper Vito Mannone has attracted interest from AC Milan, midfielder Fran Merida is stalling on a new contract and right-back Kerrea Gilbert will be allowed to depart.

What the fans say: “I do not see why Wenger needs to buy in January. We have been hit by a load of injuries but coped above what we even thought.”
From_Russia_to_ Arsenal_with_Arshavins_Love on 606
More from the fans on 606

Money to spend: Just as under the previous Doug Ellis regime, Villa are still cagey when it comes to showing their hand, but it seems reasonable to assume that owner Randy Lerner would fund at least some moderate changes if manager Martin O’Neill asks for them.

January previous: Limited activity when more was expected, especially as Villa were then also pushing for the top four. They did bring in Emile Heskey at the last minute, but the small squad ran out of steam soon afterwards and their challenge for a Champions League place fizzled out.

What they need: A more reliable finisher. Heskey has lived up to his reputation as a hard worker who all-too-rarely scores. John Carew is a significant presence but his fitness is often in question, and Gabriel Agbonlahor’s early season form is starting to fade.

Who they might buy: Most recent rumours link them with Kenwyne Jones of Sunderland and David Bentley of Spurs, as well as Real Zaragoza’s Jermaine Pennant. In a previous transfer window, Villa’s website sarcastically listed all the players with which the club had been linked. It ran to well over 100, of which hardly any actually arrived. Expect the same in the coming weeks.

Who might be leaving: With the size of the squad again looking to be an issue, and the finances secure, it’s unlikely that many major figures will be moving on. But rumours persist that Heskey may be deemed surplus to requirements. It was assumed a while back thatNigel Reo-Coker would be shipped out, but O’Neill has insisted that the flare-up between the two earlier in the season has been forgotten. Craig Gardner may be invited to try his luck elsewhere.

What the fans say: “Milan Jovanovic is exactly the type of striker we need to grab in January.”
From jollydavros on 606
More from the fans on 606

Money to spend: £40m, the new owner Carson Yeung cheerily, if somewhat naively, declared at his takeover press conference in October. And the enthusiastic new board have given every indication that they are dying to get on with the job of spending it.

January previous: Lee Bowyer was drafted in on loan, ultimately leading to his very successful permanent move. Back in Blues’ first season in the Premier League, some superb January shopping included Christophe Dugarry and Matthew Upson, making all the difference to Steve Bruce’s attempts to stay up.

What they need: Alex McLeish has said all along that his squad doesn’t have the required depth. He also stated in the early weeks of the season that it may not have the required quality, but Blues’ 11-game unbeaten run has proved him and many others wrong. Depth is still an issue though and, if they could find a top striker to convert more chances, the sky might be the limit.

Who they might buy: Having that money sloshing around will see them linked with a rather higher class of player than in the past. Kevin Kuranyi of Schalke, Liverpool’s Ryan Babel and Wigan’s Charles N’Zogbia have all been mentioned as possibles. It would be interesting to see if they could test Manchester City’s resolve over making the loan signing of goalkeeper Joe Hart permanent following his splendid form.

Who might be leaving: No financial pressure to allow anybody to go, but there has been speculation that old stagers Kevin Phillips and Lee Carsley might want to look elsewhere due to a relative lack of opportunities.

What the fans say: “A Charles N’Zogbia figure in defence may be exactly the sort of player we need.”
From ds23efi2cv6 on 606
More from the fans on 606

Money to spend: Manager Sam Allardyce will have to sell first in order to buy and if he does that he could have around £7m available. However, he has revealed he unlikely to make any moves for new players during the January transfer window.

January previous: Allardyce brought in striker El-Hadji Diouf from Sunderland while defender Gael Givet arrived on loan from Marseille.

What they need: A lack of goals is hitting Rovers hard so Allardyce may go in search of a striker.

Who they might buy: Stoke’s James Beattie has been mentioned, while Portsmouth defender Nadir Belhadj and Houston Dynamo midfielder Stuart Holden is also a possibility. The club have also been linked with a loan move for Marseille midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa.

Who might be leaving: Striker Benni McCarthy wants away and getting the South Africa off the wage bill will free up some much-needed funds. Fellow striker Jason Roberts and midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen could also be leaving Ewood Park.

What the fans say: “Our form over the festive season has reinforced everyone’s belief that Big Sam needs to bring in a few fresh faces in the transfer window.”
From br1612 on 606
More from the fans on 606

Money to spend: Having just sacked Gary Megson any new manager will demand funds to bring in players to help turn the club’s fortunes around. However, the club’s new boss will be disappointed to learn they will only have about £5m to spend.

January previous: Bolton will want a more effective January than 12 months ago when club stalwart Kevin Nolan left for Newcastle with the inexperienced Mark Davies arriving from Wolves, along with loanees Sebastien Puygrenier and Ariza Makukula.

What they need: With summer signing Sean Davis ruled out for the rest of the season a new midfielder will be a priority for the new manager. Extra firepower up front could also be key as a relegation battle looms.

Who they might buy: Former boss Gary Megson laughed off reported interest in Real Madrid’s Guti. Celtic’s Scott Brown and Sheffield United’s Matt Kilgallon could be more realistic targets. Stoke’s James Beattie is also likely to attract interest.

Who might be leaving: Danny Shittu, Mustapha Riga and Nicky Hunt were all told they could leave by Megson but the new manager will want to make his own assessment of the players at his disposal. Gary Cahill is believed to have caught Manchester United’s eye but Bolton will fight to keep him.

What the fans say: “Bolton should go for Jermaine Beckford or Dexter Blackstock.”
From Miami Dolphins_Super Bowl 2010 on 606
More from the fans on 606

Money to spend: Manager Owen Coyle has limited funds of around £5m and may have to sell to buy as well as rely on loan deals to strengthen his squad.

What they need: Without a victory in nine matches it could be argued that Burnley need to strengthen in all areas.

Who they might buy: Coyle has made a bid to sign Arsenal midfielderJack Wilshere on loan, while striker David Nugent’s loan move from Portsmouth could become permanent. Matt Kilgallon, the Sheffield United centre-back, would also be a good acquisition. Preston keeper Andy Lonergan is attracting interest despite the fact he recently signed a new contract at Deepdale and his team-mate defender Sean St Ledger has also been linked to Burnley. Midfielder Yazid Mansouri is said to be close to agreeing a £1m move to the club.

Who might be leaving: Defender Brian Easton and winger Fernando Guerrero could be on their way out but other than that Coyle has a settled core of first-team players and may need his squad in the second half of the season.

What the fans say: “I think Matt Kilgallon would be a great signing. He was a rock for Sheff U last season.”
From CLARET TATT on 606
More from the fans on 606

Money to spend: With Chelsea’s transfer ban suspended and the club announcing they are “virtually debt free”, there’s almost certainly money in the pot for boss Carlo Ancelotti. Not that he wants it, mind. “Will we sign anyone in January? Absolutely no way. Will I do a forfeit if we do? Yes, for sure. Will I run around naked in the snow? Yes!”

January previous: Wayne Bridge left for Manchester City for £12m and Carlo Cudicini joined Spurs, but there were no major arrivals. As per usual, the biggest clubs do their deals in the summer, not January.

What they need: Short-term replacements. Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, Jon Mikel Obi and Michael Essien are now away on Africa Cup of Nations duty, and Drogba especially is a massive miss.

Who they might buy: One man has been linked with Chelsea more than most, and he is the brilliant young Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero. The dazzling 21-year-old Argentine would cost around £40m, but he might just be worth a streak in the snow.

Who might be leaving: No-one, no chance. With four big hitters off to Africa, Ancelotti will need all the players at his disposal as they mount a challenge on three fronts.

What the fans say: “I want Chelsea to sign Sergio Aguero as he is at the form of his life and only 21.”
From ceanie97 on 606
More from the fans on 606

Money to spend: Is there ever much money to spend at Goodison Park? Boss David Moyes may be given some cash given Everton’s woeful injury situation, but it won’t be a fortune.

January previous: Nothing, until Moyes swooped for Manchester City’s shot-shy striker Jo in a loan deal on deadline day, the Brazilian going on to bag five goals in 12 appearances for the Toffees last term.

What they need: Apart from a crippling injury crisis to come to an end, Moyes will be desperate for a centre-half in the continuing absence of the much-missed Phil Jagielka and a centre-forward to provide the goals when Louis Saha has one of his injury time-outs.

Who they might buy: US captain Landon Donovan is a definite arrival on a two-and-a-half month loan deal and they have been linked with Valencia’s Manuel Fernandes, Atletico’s Jose Antonio Reyes and Maxi Rodriguez and Arsenal’s Philippe Senderos.

Who might be leaving: They cannot afford to let anyone go with such a threadbare squad operating right now, though Manchester United are being ominously linked with 18-year-old midfield powerhouse Jack Rodwell.

What the fans say: “I would like us to sign Fernando Gago and Rapael Van der Vaart. Ideally I think we need cover at left back for Baines, a holding midfielder, another playmaker and striker.”
From LumpartheBlue on 606
More from the fans on 606

Money to spend: Mohamed al-Fayed can always get the cash together if it’s absolutely needed.

January previous: Roy Hodgson showed his ruthless side last January by selling crowd favourite Jimmy Bullard to Hull for £5m. Seol Ki-Hyeon, Hameur Bouazza and TJ Moncur were also ushered out of the Craven Cottage exit door, while Derby’s Giles Barnes came in on loan.

What they need: Might be in need of a right back if John Pantsil’s injury turns out to be serious. They may well bring in cover anyway if the Ghanaian is fit enough to go to the Africa Cup of Nations. Dickson Etuhu could also be off to Angola with Nigeria, but other than that any new arrivals are likely to depend on who leaves the club.

Who they might buy: Roy Hodgson is reported to be tracking Benfica right-back Maxi Pereira. He also likes the look of Rangers’ USA midfielder DaMarcus Beasley. They love an American down at the Cottage so the link with FC Dallas’ Brek Shea could also come off. Expect Hodgson to recruit at least one promising young English player from a fellow London club – QPR’s Raheem Sterling and Victor Moses of Crystal Palace could be candidates. Nigel Reo-Coker, Boro’s Adam Johnson and John Arne Riise have all been linked. Hodgson is keen to bring in Roma striker Stefano Okaka on loan.

Who might be leaving: Championship clubs are queuing up to sign Diomansy Kamara and Celtic are also apparently keen on the Senegalese striker. Paul Konchesky has been linked with a switch to Birmingham. The world and his wife wants to take Brede Hangeland off Fulham’s hands – with Manchester City the latest suitors for the big Norwegian defender.

What the fans say: “I think John Arne Riise would be a fantastic signing, but I can’t realistically see it happening, at least not in this transfer window.”
From Fulham_Kev on 606
More from the fans on 606

Money to spend: Not much if any at all, but manager Phil Brown would be allowed to reinvest if money was acquired through the sale of any player.

January previous: Brown was relatively busy last year with midfielder Jimmy Bullard arriving from Fulham for £5m while Kamil Zayatte was a £2.5m acquisition from Young Boys Berne. Striker Manucho arrived on loan from Manchester United and defender Kevin Kilbane was signed from Wigan.

What they need: If Brown was to strengthen in any area then it would probably be in defence and midfield with cover needed for the injured Bullard.

Who they might buy: Manchester City striker Benjani had been linked with a loan move to Hull but Brown was quick to rule this out. But he is interested in Benjani’s City team-mate Felipe Caicedo.

Who might be leaving: Defender Nathan Doyle, striker Caleb Folan, midfielder Peter Halmosi and striker Daniel Cousin are the favourites to go. Forward Geovanni or defender Zayatte could leave for the right money.

What the fans say: “Signing Benjani would be a good deal as he is awesome in my opinion.”
From ETrafford1503 on 606
More from the fans on 606

Money to spend: The financial difficulties being experienced by the club’s American owners means funds will be limited. Yet news that Liverpool are close to securing new finances to start work on a new stadium suggest better times ahead. Manager Rafael Benitez will probably still have to sell if he wants to buy but there is likely to be some activity.

January previous: Benitez cut his considerable losses and dispatched Robbie Keane back to Tottenham last January. The Spaniard has tended to do most of his buying business in the summer, but Martin Skrtel was snapped up for £6m in 2008 and Alvaro Arbeloa, Javier Mascherano and Daniel Agger also arrived at the club in previous transfer windows.

What they need: A previously watertight defence has started to creak, with 25 goals shipped at the halfway point. Only 27 were conceded in the whole of the last campaign. At the other end, Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres would welcome a bit of assistance.

Who they might buy: After Sir Alex Ferguson signed Michael Owen, would the Kop be as welcoming of former Red Devil Ruud van Nistelrooy? A return to Anfield for 31-year-old Emile Heskey might prove more popular. Crystal Palace’s young star Victor Moses could cost more than both and is an outside bet for a team needing immediate remedies. Matthew Upson may be an affordable defensive option. Any chance of landing the likes of Hamburg’s Eljero Elia and Valencia’s Juan Mata requires funds generated by some serious out-goings.

Who might be leaving: Ryan Babel has talked his way out of a future at the club and could bring in a sizeable fee from the continent. Andrea Dossena and Andriy Voronin‘s likely departures will add little to the kitty. Javier Masherano‘s enthusiasm for a new contract has been less than overwhelming but his sale would be an unpopular gamble from a manager under pressure.

What the fans say: “If we have the funds then in my opinion we should try to get David Silva from Valencia.”
From GerrardsRitePeg on 606
More from the fans on 606

Money to spend: New manager Roberto Mancini will be heavily backed and has a virtually bottomless pit from which to spend.

January previous: Previous manager Mark Hughes was very busy last year, bringing in keeper Shay Given, midfielder Nigel de Jong and forward Craig Bellamy. The club also reportedly bid £100m for the then AC Milan forward Kaka.

What they need: City need to bolster their defence, with questions marks over left-back Wayne Bridge and the centre-half duo of Kolo Toure and Joleon Lescott. With Lescott injured and Toure off to the Africa Cup of Nations, Mancini is likely to utilise his contacts in Italian football to acquire reinforcements.

Who they might buy: City are said to be battling it out with neighbours United for Palermo centre-half Simon Kjaer while Bari’s Leonardo Bonucci, Inter Milan’s Ivan Cordoba and Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini have also all been linked. There is no doubt, though, that Mancini will want to put his own stamp on the City squad over the next month.

Who might be leaving: Strikers Benjani and Felipe Caicedo have both been linked with loan moves to Hull, while Craig Bellamy had been rumoured to be ready to leave in protest at the sacking of previous boss Mark Hughes. Bellamy has since committed himself to City but rumours still surround the future of forward Robinho, who is constantly being linked with a move to Barcelona. If the Brazilian does leave, Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery could be targeted.

What the fans say: “We need a centre-back and move Joleon Lescott to left-back and then we’ll be sorted.”
From ciaran_mcfc on 606
More from the fans on 606

Money to spend: In theory, manager Sir Alex Ferguson still has the £80m the club earned from the sale of winger Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid. However, rumours always surround the financial stability of the debt-ridden club under the ownership of Malcolm Glazer.

January previous: Last season Ferguson signed Serbian winger Zoran Tosic and agreed a deal in principle for his former team-mate Adem Ljajic for £16m. United later withdrew their interest in Ljajic and Ferguson is notoriously frugal in January.

What they need: With doubts surrounding the long-term fitness of defender Rio Ferdinand and midfielder Owen Hargreaves, Ferguson may have to strengthen in these areas. Neither Ben Foster or Tomasz Kuszczak have proved they are suitable replacements for keeper Edwin van der Sar. Striker Dimitar Berbatov is yet to win over the Old Trafford faithful and winger Nani has not lived up to expectation.

Who they might buy: Bolton defender Gary Cahill, Everton’s Jack Rodwell, Porto’s Bruno Alves and Palermo’s Simon Kjaer have all been linked to United. Lyon keeper Hugo Lloris and CSKA Moscow stopper Igor Akinfeev are also attracting interest. Benfica winger Angel di Maria is another player who could be heading to Old Trafford while many United fans would relish the arrival or Valencia forward David Villa.

Who might be leaving: Keeper Ben Foster may head out on loan to improve his prospects of inclusion in England’s World Cup squad while Nani could be used as bait to lure Di Maria from Benfica. Striker Federico Macheda could also head out on loan while winger Tosic is expected to be shown the exit door after failing to impress in the reserves.

What the fans say: “We need to focus on getting a midfielder with flair and who has that creative edge we are lacking.”
From Glory4ManUnited on 606
More from the fans on 606

Money to spend: Are you kidding? On Wednesday, Pompey were issued with a winding up petition by HM Revenue & Customs. Even if they avoid going bust, they are still waiting for a Premier League transfer embargo to be lifted.

January previous: Not disastrous, but a sign of the times. Lassana Diarra moved to Real Madrid and striker Jermain Defoe went back to Tottenham as Pompey collected £35m, and though the arrivals of Hayden Mullins and Jermaine Pennant helped them stay up, it was obvious that the club’s spending power had disintegrated.

What they need: An awful lot, starting with a goalkeeper if David James’s fitness worries continue or he decides to jump ship and move to Tottenham. Boss Avram Grant will also be desperate for a right-sided midfielder and a striker, but he’s not alone there.

Who they might buy: Buy might not be the right word. The much-travelled Grant may have to use his extensive contacts and knowledge of the world markets to wheel and deal and secure some loan signings. If they are even allowed.

Who might be leaving: The wage bill at Fratton Park is of concern inside the club, but selling any of the crown jewels – Kevin-Prince Boateng, Younes Kaboul, James – would be akin to accepting their fate and preparing for life in the Championship. David James could be reunited with former Pompey manager Harry Redknapp at Tottenham.

What the fans say: “I hope we sell David James in January… If he really thinks he needs to go to a ‘bigger club’ to get in the England squad, then let him.”
From PlayUpPompeyfanjake on 606
More from the fans on 606

Money to spend: It’s hard to put a figure on how much Stoke could spend because chairman Peter Coates will make money available only if manager Tony Pulis thinks he has found the right player. The Potters bid £15m for Darren Bent, then of Spurs, during the summer. Funds will be further swelled by a few likely departures. But it takes a brave man to try and second-guess Pulis in the transfer market. He never reveals his hand until a deal is done.

January previous: Previously an expert user of the loan market when Stoke were in the Championship, Pulis made two of the best signings of the last January transfer window by taking Matthew Etherington and James Beattie to the Britannia Stadium. Beattie’s goals in particular were a major factor in City’s successful battle against relegation.

What they need: A striker, particularly if Dave Kitson, on loan at Middlesbrough, and the apparently disaffected Beattie head for the exit. A ball-playing central midfielder would be useful, while it would be no surprise to see either a right winger or a right-back arrive.

Who they might buy: Aston Villa’s Marlon Harewood is a name that constantly crops up but a move for his former striker partner at Newcastle, Andy Carroll, is more likely. Bigger names, such as Sunderland’s Kenwyne Jones, West Ham’s Scott Parker and Newcastle’s Kevin Nolan have all been mentioned, but it seems far-fetched that these players would want to join Stoke. Sunderland full-back Phil Bardsley also appears to be on the City radar.

Who might be leaving: James Beattie and Dave Kitson, but only for the right price. Full-back Andy Griffin is in a similar position. Any of Tom Soares, Andrew Davies, Ibrahima Sonko, Michael Tonge and Carl Dickinson, all currently out on loan, could be sold. Striker Richard Cresswell will make his loan deal at Sheffield United permanent.

What the fans say: “My source tells me that me may offer a surprising bid for Jermain Jenas, it would be in the region of £6-8m.”
From Tomas Sorensen on 606
More from the fans on 606

Money to spend: American owner Ellis Short backed boss Steve Bruce with more than £30m in the summer. After such a major overhaul Bruce is unlikely to make too many changes in January, but will have the funds available to make a few key additions.

January previous: Then-manager Ricky Sbragia used last January’s window to trim a squad that had become severely bloated under Roy Keane’s reign. Six players were sold or loaned out, without any additions.

What they need: Both full-back positions could do with strengthening, some back-up in a midfield that has been hit by injuries would be useful, while Bruce also wants to add steel to a squad that has become increasingly fragile – especially away from home.

Who they might buy: Bruce is a big admirer of Wigan left-back Maynor Figueroa, who he signed while in charge of the Latics. Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson is another to be repeatedly linked with a move up the A19. Manchester United defender Danny Simpson – who has had a spell with the Black Cats and is now on-loan at Newcastle – is another to have been mooted.

Who might be leaving: Defender Anton Ferdinand, said to be unsettled at Sunderland, has been linked with Spurs, possibly with Alan Hutton going in the opposite direction. A host of clubs are said to be eyeing striker Kenwyne Jones, but Bruce is unlikely to allow him to leave without a major replacement already in place.

What the fans say: “I think Marouane Chamakh would be a fantastic signing if we got him.”
From anchorman1 on 606
More from the fans on 606

Money to spend: Chairman Daniel Levy has always provided his managers with funds and current boss Harry Redknapp will be allowed to bolster his squad in January if he sees fit. Tottenham are desperate to finish in the Premier League’s top four and Levy knows that may require mid-season investment.

January previous: Redknapp is not regarded as a master wheeler dealer for nothing and he pulled off a sensational month’s work last January, bringing Jermain Defoe and Robbie Keane back to the club, adding much needed steel in Wilson Palacios, and signing defensive cover in Pascal Chimbonda.

What they need: Not a huge overhaul. Possibly a centre-half and a central midfielder, but it’s more about replacing outgoings. Redknapp may also seek to gain cover for injured keeper Carlo Cudicini.

Who they might buy: Brazilian midfielder Sandro from Internacional has long been rumoured to be on his way to White Hart Lane, though recent speculation has linked West Ham midfielder Scott Parker – and Spurs don’t need both. Another Hammer, Matthew Upson, could be on his way while a striker may be brought in if Roman Pavlychenko is moved on – Real Madrid’s Ruud van Nistelrooy has been touted. Portsmouth keepers David James and Asmir Begovic have also been linked.

Who might be leaving: Roman Pavlyuchenko, David Bentley. Both want out, both have their price.

What the fans say: “Tottenham need to get rid of Robbie Keane and sign Craig Bellamy and a defender like Nadir Belhadj.”
From jackn012 on 606
More from the fans on 606

Money to spend: Possibly £5m, dependent on a possible takeover. The club are in dire financial straits after their Icelandic owners hit icy financial waters. Suitors include the East End David duo – Gold and Sullivan; London financial firm Intermarket and Air Asia founder Tony Fernandes, boss of the revived Lotus F1 team.

January previous: A fire sale in 2009 saw striker Craig Bellamy, winger Matt Etherington and Lee Bowyer all leave. Ugandan-born German winger Savio Nsereko was bought from Italian side Brescia but only started once, failed to net in 10 appearances and was offloaded to Fiorentina for undisclosed fee. Czech midfielder Radoslav Kovac has fared better after loan move from Spartak Moscow turned into permanent deal.

What they need: A right-back as Julien Faubert has been filling in for months, a ball-winning midfielder to add crunch, a target man (they badly miss Carlton Cole when he is injured while Dean Ashton’s retirement hit the Hammers hard), plus they are likely to need replacements if any stars are sold.

Who they might buy: A tricky poser for boss Gianfranco Zola, who may have to sell to buy. Pressure will be on Gianluca Nani, installed as technical director back in March 2008 when Alan Curbishley was manager, and in need of a tangible transfer success. Italy will be scoured amid links to strikers Adriano and Adrian Mutu, but Stoke’s James Beattie is probably more feasible.

Who might be leaving: Potentially anyone, including three England internationals. Goalkeeper Robert Green could switch to Chelsea or Tottenham, while centre-back Matthew Upson has been linked with a return to former club Arsenal, and top scorer Carlton Cole is a reported £20m target for Manchester United and Liverpool, among others. Don’t rule out moves for highly promising Welsh midfielder Jack Collison and in-form Scott Parker.

What the fans say: “Hopefully West Ham can keep the players they have and if the proposed takeover goes through we can add some experience and depth to a reasonably good squad.

Money to spend: Owner Dave Whelan always backs his bosses and with a relegation fight likely, up to £8m may be available.

January previous: It was a busy month at Wigan with midfielder Wilson Palacios and striker Emile Heskey joining Tottenham and Aston Villa respectively. More than £12m was spent on Hugo Rodallega, Ben Watson and N’Zogbia, while Mido arrived on loan.

What they need: Wigan’s defending has been a major cause for concern this season so a new addition to the backline is vital. At the same time a proven goalscorer would help ease relegation worries.

Who they might buy: Velez Sarsfield defender Waldo Ponce has been strongly linked with a move to the DW Stadium. Jackson Martinez from Independient Medellin and Olympia Club’s Roger Rojas and Johnny Palacios are others believed to be on the radar. A deal has already been agreed with Sporting Lisbon to sign Serbian keeper Vladimir Stojkovic on loan until the end of the season while the Latics have opened talks with Borussia Monchengladbach defender Steve Gohouri. Defender Michael Ball is also on the brink of resurrecting his career at Wigan.

Who might be leaving: Having taken Lee Cattermole with him to Sunderland former boss Steve Bruce may raid his old club again with Maynor Figueroa believed to be on his wish list. Charles N’Zogbia has been linked with Birmingham while Everton and Fulham are thought to be interested in Paul Scharner.

What the fans say: “Wigan manager Roberto Martinez is considering a move for versatile Velez Sarsfield player Waldo Ponce.”

Money to spend: As always at Molineux, a closely guarded secret. Manager Mick McCarthy claimed this week: “I really don’t know what will be available” and chief executive Jez Moxey talks about “one or two suitable players”. But owner Steve Morgan is determined that Wolves must stay up and, having spent more than £16m in the summer, money will surely be available in January. Another £5m maybe.

January previous: Wolves signed Christophe Berra from Hearts for £2.5m to strengthen the centre of defence.

What they need: Proven Premier League quality to guide McCarthy’s young team to safety. What they’ll probably settle for is wing reinforcements with Michael Kightly injured. And, despite some good performances from top scorer Kevin Doyle, Wolves are still short of goals from their strikers – with Sylvan Ebanks-Blake so far unable to match his Championship form.

Who they might buy: Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson, Celtic winger Niall McGinn, Villa midfielder Craig Gardner.

Who might be leaving: No-one obvious. First-team fringe players like George Friend and Matt Hill may be allowed out on loan. But £2m signing Greg Halford cannot be happy not even making the bench in recent games, and has this week been linked with a return to Sheffield United.