ArsenalBudget £20mWhat might happen Arsène Wenger is a reluctant spender at the best of times and will be uncomfortable at splashing out in mid-season but Aston Villa are challenging Arsenal's position in the top four and the absence of Cesc Fábregas may force his hand. The Frenchman admitted this week that he will seek "a creative midfielder and, eventually, another midfielder". William Gallas' potential departure might necessitate the purchase of another centre-halfPossible ins Andrei Arshavin (Zenit St Petersburg), Mikel Arteta (Everton), Matthew Upson (West Ham United), Steven Mouyokolo (US Boulogne), Shay Given (Newcastle)Possible outs William Gallas, Jay Simpson (loan), Rui Fonte (loan), Henri Lansbury (loan), Mark Randall (loan), Carlos Vela (loan)Aston VillaBudget Martin O'Neill will get his hands on as much money as he wants to spend. Expect Randy Lerner to part with £15m-£20mWhat might happen With John Carew sidelined through injury and Marlon Harewood not good enough to come into a side who are seeking to qualify for the Champions League, O'Neill is desperate to sign at least one striker and ideally two. Emile Heskey and Peter Crouch would be more than able deputies for Carew and are both on the radar while Jermain Defoe has other qualities that O'Neill covets. Martin Laursen's knee problem and Carlos Cuéllar's hamstring injury mean that another central defender, probably on a short-term loan, might also be neededPossible ins Emile Heskey (Wigan), Jermain Defoe (Portsmouth), Peter Crouch (Portsmouth), Kevin Doyle (Reading)Possible outs Marlon Harewood, Wayne RoutledgeConfirmed dealsOut Wayne Routledge (QPR, undisclosed)BlackburnBudget £5m plus part of money raised through salesWhat might happen Sam Allardyce was certainly not enticed to Ewood Park on the promise of a lucrative transfer budget, although Rovers' entire business next month will be influenced by Roque Santa Cruz. Should the Paraguay international rejoin Mark Hughes at Manchester City, then the Rovers' trustees who pushed for Paul Ince's removal will reinvest some of his expected £15m fee. A midfield that has been hammered by injury needs strengthening regardless of Santa Cruz's future while both full-back positions will need attention should Stephen Warnock departPossible ins Nicky Butt (Newcastle), Jimmy Bullard (Fulham), Nedum Onuoha (Manchester City), Steve Finnan (Espanyol), El Hadji Diouf (Sunderland)Possible outs Roque Santa Cruz, Stephen Warnock, Carlos VillanuevaConfirmed dealsOut Eddie Nolan (Preston, undisclosed)Bolton Budget £5mWhat might happen Gary Megson has so little strength in depth he is "effectively working with a first-team squad of 14 players", so expect him to be active this January. The owner, Eddie Davies, has suggested funds are available but Bolton are unlikely to be as extravagant as the £10m summer purchase of Johan Elmander. Picking over the bloated squad of Manchester City may help swell striking options, while upgrades in the centre of midfield and defence, as well as at left-back, would be relished. Holding on to the coveted goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen will be capital even if his impressive deputy, Ali Al Habsi, has just signed a new dealPossible ins Darius Vassell (Manchester City), Kevin Doyle (Reading), Sylvain Armand (Paris St-Germain)Possible outs Jlloyd Samuel, Tamir ÂCohen, Ricardo Vaz TeCompleted dealsOut Heidar Helguson (QPR, £500,000)ChelseaBudget Money generated by salesWhat might happen Luiz Felipe Scolari continues to pursue a Plan B and, having missed out on Robinho in the summer, would ideally like to supplement his squad with another top-class striker to challenge Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba. The chief executive, Peter Kenyon, has Âexpressed doubts as to whether high-calibre players will be available mid-season, and any purchases may have to be funded by sales, most likely the under-used Wayne Bridge to Manchester CityPossible ins Tuncay Sanli (Middlesbrough), Amr Zaki (El Zamalek), Vagner Love (CSKA Moscow), Luis Fabiano Â(Sevilla)Possible outs Wayne Bridge, Alex, Scott Sinclair (loan), Ben Sahar, Carlo CudiciniCompleted dealsOut Wayne Bridge (Manchester City, undisclosed), Jack Cork (Watford, loan), EvertonBudget David Moyes has admitted his kitty will stretch only to loan feesWhat might happen Everton have climbed to sixth without a recognised striker in their last four matches but they can rely on set pieces and Tim Cahill for only so long. With Yakubu Ayegbeni out for the season, James Vaughan out until at least March and Louis Saha's injury record, the need for a new striker is glaring. Michael Owen was a genuine target for Moyes in the summer but his wages at Newcastle are more than double what the highest earner at Everton receives. Loan deals, with a left-sided midfielder also required, are the order of the dayPossible ins Giampaolo Pazzini (Fiorentina), David Nugent (Portsmouth), Henrik Larsson (Helsingborg)Possible outs Leighton Baines, Mikel ArtetaConfirmed dealsOut Lee Molyneux (Southampton, free)FulhamBudget Less than £5mWhat might happen With Jimmy Bullard seemingly set to leave, the South Africa international Kagiso Dikgacoi has been lined up as a replacement. Fulham hope they will not also have to replace the centre-back Brede Hangeland, who is coveted by bigger clubs. Strengthening the whole squad is a medium-term aim but cover is particularly threadbare in the defensive positions and on the left-hand side of midfield, where a specialist winger may be sought despite the recent good form of Clint Dempsey. A new addition would also be welcome up front, though the manager insists Andrew Johnson and Bobby Zamora will soon start to embellish their good work with goalsPossible ins Kagiso Dikgacoi (Golden Arrows), Stephen Hunt (Reading), James Beattie (Sheffield United)Possible outs Jimmy Bullard, Brede Hangeland, Seol Ki-hyun, Chris BairdConfirmed dealsOut TJ Moncur (Wycombe, free)Hull CityBudget Phil Brown will hope that £5m will be enough to secure Hull's place in the Premier LeagueWhat might happen A striker, a central defender and a central midfielder. Brown would love to be reunited with Fraizer Campbell but Tottenham will have to sign at least two forwards for that move to happen and, even then, there would be no guarantee that the England Under-21 international would swap White Hart Lane for the KC Stadium. Defence is another area that needs attention, with Hull conceding nine goals in the two matches prior to Aston Villa's visit last night. An industrious central midfielder would be the final piece in their January jigsawPossible ins Marlon King (Wigan, loan made permanent), Nacho Novo (Rangers), Olivier Dacourt (Internazionale), Jermaine Pennant (Liverpool)Possible outs Bryan Hughes, Dean WindassLiverpoolBudget Nothing beyond what is raised through player salesWhat might happen With a title challenge finally materialising under Rafael BenÃtez and, more pertinently, his transfer budget spent in the summer, Liverpool are content to work with the squad that has taken them to the top of the table. That would not prevent BenÃtez from dipping into the market should he sell Andrea Dossena or Jermaine Pennant, however, although there are no signs at present of any permanent offers for the unwanted pair. The emergence of Emiliano Insúa, plus the return to fitness of Fabio Aurelio and the versatility of Ãlvaro Arbeloa, has eased the pressure to sign a new left-backPossible ins Emile Heskey (Wigan), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham, in exchange for Pennant)Possible outs Jermaine Pennant, Andrea Dossena, Charles Itandje, Damien Plessis (loan)Manchester City Budget UnlimitedWhat might happen A new manager does not appear to be on the January agenda despite the club's lowly league position. New players definitely are. A Mark Hughes reunification with former Blackburn players Roque Santa Cruz and Craig Bellamy appears probable. Of the Brazilians with whom Hughes has reportedly clashed, Elano may leave and the striker Jo has been linked with several clubs in France. An experienced centre-back is also sought – Arsenal's Kolo Touré has been mentioned – as are two full-backs. St Etienne's Blaise Matuidi could be brought in to anchor midfield. Fringe players will be trimmedPossible ins Among many others ... Craig Bellamy (West Ham), Roque Santa Cruz (Blackburn), Blaise Matuidi (St Étienne), Michael Owen (Newcastle United), Shay Given (Newcastle), Wayne Bridge (Chelsea) Possible outs Jo, Darius Vassell, Gelson Fernandes, Nedum Onuoha, Elano, Tal Ben HaimCompleted dealsIn Wayne Bridge (Chelsea, undisclosed)Out Sam Williamson (Wrexham, free)Manchester UtdBudget Anywhere from £10m to almost £40m should the champions invoke their option to sign Carlos Tevez on a permanent dealWhat might happen Sir Alex Ferguson has stated there will be minimal transfer activity next month and, given the squad at his disposal, it is easy to see why. That has not stopped the United manager from strengthening before the window has even opened, however. The highly-rated Serbian winger Zoran Tosic has agreed a deal believed to be in the region of £9m to join in January and has now been granted a work permit to move as soon as the window opens. Cover for the injured Owen Hargreaves is also required, although that may be a priority for next summerConfirmed ins Zoran Tosic (Partizan Belgrade) undisclosed, Adem Ljajic (Partizan Belgrade) undisclosedPossible outs Carlos Tevez, Ben Foster, Manucho, Danny Welbeck (loan)Completed dealsIn Adem Ljajic (Partizan Belgrade, undisclosed), Toran Tosic (Partizan Belgrade, undisclosed)Out David Gray (Plymouth, loan), Adem Ljajic (Partizan Belgrade, loan)Middlesbrough Budget Gareth Southgate has to sell if he wants to buy but is under no pressure to offloadWhat might happen Stewart Downing is Southgate's best player and most saleable asset. The question is whether re-investing the £12m-£15m or so Boro would hope to get from Tottenham Hotspur would strengthen or weaken the side. Wigan are very keen on Mido and Boro may be keen to do business but would be unhappy should Chelsea pursue their interest in Tuncay Sanli. Gary O'Neil's homesickness may, however, see him transferred back to Portsmouth. Central midfield needs reinforcing yet, if that department is very much the priority, a proven goalscorer would be a welcome addition. The same goes for increased options at full-back, especially left-backPossible ins James Harper (Reading), Ben Watson (Crystal Palace), Carlos Vela (Arsenal, loan), Gareth Bale (Spurs — could arrive as potential makeweight in any Downing deal)Possible outs Stewart Downing, Tuncay Sanli, Gary O'Neil, MidoNewcastle UnitedBudget Joe Kinnear has mentioned that £12m might be available but admitted Mike Ashley said he would "get back" to him on thatWhat might happen A left-back, another centre half, possibly another right-back as Habib Beye is out for two months. A playmaker would be nice but, above all, Kinnear requires a central midfielder with reinforcement credentials allied to creativity. Another striker would also come in handy. They cannot really afford to lose anyone as the squad is wafer thin but Kinnear is willing to offload José Enrique, and Charles N'Zogbia is angling to get away. Michael Owen says he is staying until the summer but should an attractive offer from Manchester City come in ...Possible ins Matthew Upson (West Ham), John Arne Riise (Roma, loan), Stephen Warnock (Blackburn), Michael Kightly (Wolves), Jimmy Bullard (Fulham), Joe Ledley (Cardiff), Elano (Manchester City), Kevin Doyle (Reading), Leighton Baines (Everton)Possible outs José Enrique, Charles N'Zogbia, Shay Given, Michael Owen, Nicky ButtPortsmouthBudget None, until they sellWhat might happen Pompey received £5m from Tottenham when Harry Redknapp left for White Hart Lane but their financial problems remain pressing and they may not be willing to resist if Redknapp returns with offers for Jermain Defoe, Sylvain Distin, David James and Glen Johnson. Even without those potential losses, Tony Adams has gaps to fill: Celtic's Scott Brown is one of the desired replacements for the departed Lassana Diarra, and a host of speedy centre-backs are being eyed as long-term replacements for the creaking Sol CampbellPossible ins Scott Brown (Celtic), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard Liège), Pascal Chimbonda (Sunderland), Gary O'Neil (Middlesbrough)Possible outs Jermain Defoe, Sylvain Distin, Glen Johnson, David Nugent, Peter CrouchStoke CityBudget Pulis has been told that money will be available – likely to be around £6m-£8mWhat might happen Signing a striker is a priority, with Dave Kitson struggling with injury and yet to score since his summer transfer from Reading, Mamady Sidibe more of a nuisance than a goalscorer and Ricardo Fuller ostensibly too busy laying out team-mates to think about adding to his tally. Marlon Harewood fits the bill although Villa's willingness to sell depends on the success of their own recruitment drive. A bit more guile to go with the industry on the flanks would also be welcome, an area where Cardiff City's Joe Ledley could offer some assistancePossible ins Joe Ledley (Cardiff), Marlon Harewood (Aston Villa), Andrew Surman (Southampton), Tommy Smith (Watford)Possible outs Dave Kitson, Andy Wilkinson, Carl DickinsonSunderlandBudget Small, certainly sub £10m, probably under £5mWhat might happen Sunderland's board are confident they do not need to strengthen significantly and are more concerned about offloading several individuals in an overblown squad which, including players out on loan, is almost 50 strong. The aim will be to remove disruptive influences from the payroll — step forward El Hadji Diouf and Pascal Chimbonda. They could do with another defender — Tal Ben Haim whom Sbragia worked with at Bolton and currently out of favour at Manchester City seems a strong possibility — and may be strongly tempted to add Jimmy Bullard to their midfield should the chance arisePossible ins Tal Ben Haim (Manchester City), Calum Davenport (West Ham), Jimmy Bullard (Fulham)Possible outs El Hadji Diouf, Pascal Chimbonda, David Healy, Michael ChopraTottenhamBudget £30mHarry Redknapp had anticipated loan signings at best but will be able to prise substantial funds from his board. He lacks depth up front with the squad still lacking balance after the sales of Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane, and competition for Heurelho Gomes in goal is required. Ledley King's injury problems could also see interest expressed in central defence, while Alan Hutton's long-term absence will require the addition of a right-backPossible ins Jermain Defoe, Glen Johnson, Peter Crouch (all Portsmouth), Craig Bellamy (West Ham United), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), Steve Finnan (Espanyol), Jimmy Bullard (Fulham), Emile Heskey (Wigan Athletic), Jermaine Pennant (Liverpool), Shay Given (Newcastle) Possible outs Ricardo Rocha, Adel Taarabt, Gareth Bale, Aaron Lennon, Gilberto, Kevin-Prince BoatengWest Bromwich AlbionBudget Zero. Jeremy Peace, the Albion chairman, has made it clear that any new signings will have to be loan dealsWhat might happen No prizes for guessing which department the Premier League's lowest goalscorers are looking to strengthen. Roman Bednar and Luke Moore have taken their opportunities since Ishmael Miller was ruled out for the season with a serious knee injury but Tony Mowbray knows that more firepower is needed if Albion are to have any chance of performing the Great Escape II. Elsewhere, Albion are as well equipped as can be expected although a bit of pace and penetration on the left flank would not go amissPossible ins Jay Simpson (Arsenal, loan), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United, loan), Oscar Trejo (Real Mallorca, loan)Possible outs Sherjill MacDonaldWest Ham UnitedBudget A small proportion of any money generated through salesWhat might happen Gianfranco Zola will be anxious to retain the services of key performers such as Craig Bellamy and Matthew Upson but anticipates shedding fringe players, such as Calum Davenport, Julien Faubert, Hayden Mullins, Luis Boa Morte and Danny Gabbidon, given the financial problems currently affecting the club's owner, Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson. Any replacements are likely to be loans or low-budget recruits from the lower leaguesPossible ins Ben Watson (Crystal Palace), Jason Demetriou (Leyton Orient), Stephen Appiah (free agent), Sebastian Giovinco (Juventus), Andrew Surman (Southampton)Possible outs Calum Davenport, Julien Faubert, Hayden Mullins, Jimmy Walker, Craig Bellamy, Luis Boa Morte, Nigel Quashie, Danny Gabbidon, Lee Bowyer, Matthew Etherington, Matthew Upson, Scott ParkerConfirmed dealsOut Joe Widdowson (Grimsby, loan)WiganBudget Around £10m could be availableWhat might happen Much depends on whether Steve Bruce can cling on to Amr Zaki and Emile Heskey, his much coveted strike force, as well as Antonio Valencia. Boasting an enviable international contacts book, Bruce enjoys shopping in Latin America and Egypt, and his latest investments are likely to be on display shortly at the JJB Stadium. Wigan's manager would also like to lure Nicky Butt from Newcastle. If that deal looks unlikely he has appreciably less chance of persuading Sunderland to sell him Phil Bardsley. Bruce, though, retains realistically high hopes of signing Mido from MiddlesbroughPossible ins Christian BenÃtez (an Ecuador striker from the Mexican side Santos Laguna) and Humberto Suazo (Chilean striker from Monterrey, Mexico), Hugo Rodallega MartÃnez (Colombian striker from Necaxa, Mexico), Nicky Butt (Newcastle), Mido (Middlesbrough)Possible outs Amr Zaki, Emile Heskey, Marlon KingTransfer windowAston VillaArsenalBolton WanderersBlackburn RoversChelseaEvertonFulhamHull CityLiverpoolManchester CityManchester UnitedMiddlesbroughNewcastle UnitedPortsmouthStoke CityTottenham HotspurWest Ham UnitedWest BromWigan AthleticSunderlandPremier Leagueguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2009 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
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