Transfer countdown

Anelka: Biggest deal of the transfer window so far

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Time is ticking before the January transfer window closes with clubs at both ends of the Premier League looking to freshen up their squads for the final months of the season.

With just a week remaining, many teams have already been busy while others have seen very little activity, preferring to do their shopping during the August window.

Here, skysports.com runs the rule over which clubs will be open for business before the end of the month.

ARSENAL

Players in

None

Players out

Lassana Diarra (Portsmouth - undisclosed), Matthew Connolly (QPR - undisclosed), Fran Merida (Real Sociedad - loan).

Linked with

The Gunners have been linked with very few players during the January transfer window, with manager Arsene Wenger admitting that he is content with his current squad. Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Andrei Arshavin has been mentioned, while an unsurprising number of teenagers have been linked with a move to North London.

Likely business

Wenger is highly unlikely to make a late swoop unless an injury crisis presents itself. Jens Lehmann, meanwhile, does look set to stay at Emirates Stadium despite recent interest from Borussia Dortmund.

ASTON VILLA

Players in

None

Players out

Tobias Mikaelsson (Port Vale - loan), Chris Herd (Port Vale - loan)

Linked with

Villa have been persistently linked with a big-money move for Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe and have reportedly held talks with the England striker. Martin O'Neill has had to fend off an approach from local rivals Birmingham for defender Gary Cahill while Portsmouth have registed an interest in veteran midfielder Patrik Berger.

Likely business

Juventus have confirmed they are close to reaching an agreement to sign defender Olof Mellberg but it may be the Swede stays at Villa Park until the summer. O'Neill made a late move during last January's window, bringing in Ashley Young from Watford, but it seems unlikely he'll be doing much business this time around. Watch out for a possible deal to make Scott Carson's loan from Liverpool permanent while Rangers may also consider shelling out the £3.5 million required to take Luke Moore to Ibrox.

BIRMINGHAM CITY

Players in

David Murphy (Hibernian - £1.5million), James McFadden (Everton - £5million), Mauro Zarate (Al-Sadd - loan).

Players out

Neil Kilkenny (Leeds United - undisclosed), Rowan Vine (QPR - undisclosed), Asa Hall (Shrewsbury - loan), Neil Danns (Crystal Palace - £600,000), David Howland (Port Vale - loan).

Linked with

A £2.5million deal had been struck with Manchester City's Georgios Samaras. However, Alex McLeish has now ruled out a move following the additions of Zarate and McFadden. Kris Boyd had also been linked with a switch, but for the previous reason the Blues boss is unlikely to follow up his reported interest.

Likely business

McLeish is keen to bolster his defence following Johan Djourou's return to Arsenal, and could pursue his interest in Aston Villa's Gary Cahill after having an initial bid turned down. Martin Taylor might be heading for the exit door after McLeish deemed him surplus to requirements but Olivier Kapo looks set to stay at St Andrews, despite speculation suggesting he was set to sign for another Premier League club.

BLACKBURN ROVERS

Players in

Jonathan Flynn (Ballymena United - undisclosed)

Players out

Peter Enckelman (Cardiff - loan), Mark King (Accrington Stanley - free transfer), Robbie Savage (Derby County - £1.5million)

Linked with

Teenage midfielder Anders Karlsen has been linked with a move to Ewood Park after impressing boss Mark Hughes on trial, while Rovers are thought to be preparing a bid for South African midfielder Lance Davids. Ajax's Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has also been mentioned, but Blackburn would face stiff competition from the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City, with the duo reportedly tracking the striker.

Likely business

Bulgarian striker Valeri Domovchiyski looks set to sign on loan until the end of the season as Hughes looks to bolster his front line. Rangers loanee Amdy Faye, who would fill the void left by Savage's exit, could still move from Charlton despite Fifa regulations preventing a player featuring for three clubs in a single season. Morten Gamst Pedersen and David Bentley have both been linked with transfers away from the club, but Hughes is unlikely to allow his key players to leave.

BOLTON

Players in

Tamir Cohen (Maccabi Netanya - Undisclosed), Gretar Steinsson (AZ Alkmaar - £3.5million), Matt Taylor (Portsmouth - Undisclosed)

Players out

Gary Speed (Sheffield United - Loan), Gerald Cid (Nice - Free), Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea - £15million)

Linked with

Bolton have been linked with a number of strikers following the departure of Nicolas Anelka and Real Madrid's Argentine forward Javier Saviola was reported to be a serious target. Blackburn's Jason Roberts, St Etienne striker Pascal Feindouno and Andrius Velicka of Hearts have also been mentioned.

Likely business

Jussi Jaaskelainen has yet to commit to Bolton so Gary Megson will look to bring in another goalkeeper, possibly Dudu Aouate of Deportivo La Coruna. The Bolton boss is unlikely to do much more business and his main priority will be ensuring no more of his top players leave The Reebok Stadium.

CHELSEA

Players in

Nicolas Anelka (Bolton - £15million), Branislav Ivanovic (Lokomotiv Moscow - Undisclosed)

Players out

None

Linked with

The Blues have continued to be connected with Barcelona forward Ronaldinho, while some other superstars of world football have also been linked with moves to Stamford Bridge. There has been talk of swap deals for either Kaka or Lionel Messi, with Didier Drogba switching to Milan or Barca in return. Avram Grant has also been tracking Internazionale's Brazilian full-back Maicon and Russia captain Andrei Arshavin.

Likely business

Grant has already spent big money on a top-quality striker and defender and it would be a surprise if he ventured back into the market, except to tie up a deal for Argentine youngster Franco Di Santo. Wayne Bridge and Tal Ben Haim have reportedly attracted attention from elsewhere but the Chelsea boss has ruled out any departures.

DERBY COUNTY

Players in

Danny Mills (Manchester City - Loan), Emanuel Villa (UAG Tecos - £2million),

Laurent Robert (Levante - Free), Robbie Savage (Blackburn - £1.5million), Hossam Ghaly (Tottenham - Loan), Roy Carroll (Rangers - Released)

Players out

Matt Oakley (Leicester - £500,000), Andy Griffin (Stoke - £300,000)

Linked with

Jermaine Beckford was the subject of a war of words between Dennis Wise and Paul Jewell as the two managers disagreed over whether Leeds or Derby was the bigger club. In the end it turned out that Jewell was not interested in the young striker.

Likely business

Jewell has strengthened his squad considerably already this winter but Derby are still not picking up the points in the Premier League. They seem destined to start next season in the Championship and there are not expected to be many more arrivals. Robert Earnshaw could be allowed to leave and return to former club Cardiff.

EVERTON

Players in

Dan Gosling (Plymouth - £1.5million), Manuel Fernandes (Valencia - Loan)

Players out

James McFadden (Birmingham - £5million)

Linked with

David Moyes has been monitoring the progress of Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Andrei Arshavin and is also understood to be keen on Cardiff starlet Joe Ledley. Reading's Stephen Hunt and Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing are other reported targets.

Likely business

Moyes has assembled a strong squad but may want to dip into the market again to sustain Everton's push for the fourth UEFA Champions League spot. With three players away on Africa Cup of Nations duty, he may decide to bring players in on short-term deals. He will be anxious to keep hold of all his top men.

FULHAM

Players in

Brede Hangeland (Copenhagen - Undisclosed), Leon Andreasen (Werder Bremen - Undisclosed), Eddie Johnson (Kansas City Wizards - Undisclosed)

Players out

None

Linked with

Manager Roy Hodgson has been rumoured to be close to moves for a number of tried and tested players from his past and an interest for Finnish striker Jari Litmanen is perhaps the most eye-catching. Hodgson has also had a bid for Wigan defender Paul Scharner rejected. Meanwhile, Fulham have been linked with South Korean international striker Cho Jae Jin, Werder Bremen defender Leon Andreasen and Valencia forward Nikola Zigic as Hodgson hopes to ease his side away from danger in the Premier League.

Likely business

The Cottagers are hoping to complete a £5million move for Watford's Marlon King and Collins John could move in the other direction on loan. Rangers have also accepted a £3million bid for striker Daniel Cousin and a deal should be finalised. Norwegian international Erik Nevland is also close to completing a transfer as Hodgson completes a second raid on his former club Viking.

LIVERPOOL

Players in

Martin Skrtel (Zenit St Petersburg - £6.5million)

Players out

None

Linked with

Having reinforced his defence with the signing of Skrtel, manager Rafa Benitez has been chasing a midfield influence and has seen Croatian Under 21 international Domagoj Vida turn down the chance to move to Anfield. However, some reports have also linked the Reds with an interest in Chelsea defender Wayne Bridge and an outlandish bid for Porto playmaker Ricardo Quaresma.

Likely business

Benitez will face a tough task in loosening the purse strings of the club's American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett given the current air of uncertainty on Merseyside, but loan signing Javier Mascherano should agree a permanent deal. Peter Crouch could be the most high-profile departure with Portsmouth admitting an interest in the lofty striker, while John Arne Riise has also been linked with a move to Aston Villa. Mohamed Sissoko is thought be on his way out with a host of European clubs lining up for the Mali international and loan exits are also likely for youngsters Nabil El Zhar, Sebastian Leto and Lee Peltier.

MAN CITY

Players in

Nery Castillo (Shakhtar Donetsk - loan)

Players out

Danny Mills (Derby - loan)

Linked with

City boss Sven Goran Eriksson has been linked with a host of names during the transfer window as the Swede looks to bolster his strike force. While the likes of Georgios Samaras, Geovanni and Rolando Bianchi are half-expected to depart, Lukas Podolski and Jan-Klaas Huntelaar have been ear-marked as potential targets.

Likely business

The former England boss has confirmed he is looking to bring in a striker during the transfer window so do not be surprised if Samaras is offloaded and that Germany international Podolski joins - possibly on loan from Bayern Munich. Richard Dunne, Nedum Onuoha and Stephen Ireland have also been linked with moves, although it is unlikely any of the trio will depart.

MAN UTD

Players in

Manucho Goncalves (Undisclosed - Work permit pending)

Players out

Febian Brandy (Swansea City - loan), Jonny Evans (Sunderland - loan), Lee Martin (Sheffield United - loan), Phil Bardsley (Sunderland - £2million

Linked with

January is not a time Sir Alex Ferguson likes doing business with only Henrik Larsson joining back in 2007. They have added prospect Manucho to their ranks, although that is small change compared to their main target. Ferguson is keen on a striker, although it remains to be seen whether they will cough up for Spurs' classy hit-man Dimitar Berbatov. United have also been linked with Brazilian starlet Neymar da Silva.

Likely business

While possible arrivals seem slim, one departure could well be Wes Brown, who was subject of a bid from Newcastle United earlier this summer. It remains to be seen whether The Magpies' new manager Kevin Keegan will make a move for the England international who is out of contract in the summer.

MIDDLESBROUGH

Players in

None

Players out

Andrew Davies (Southampton - Undisclosed)

Linked with

Heerenveen's highly-rated striker Afonso Alves could be a record signing if boss Gareth Southgate gets his man, after initial interest in the likes of James Beattie and Darius Vassell ended. But Lyon's Brazilian marksman Fred is also a possible target. Stewart Downing may be heading for Tottenham if the North London club meet Boro's asking price for the unsettled England winger, while Fabio Rochemback is thought to be sought after by a host of clubs.

Likely business

Southgate is likely to capture at least one striker as he continues his search for a replacement for Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Mark Viduka. Boro are struggling to score goals this season and either Alves or Fred are a priority and this is likely to be financed by the sale of Downing, who has made clear his desire to leave The Riverside. Adam Johnson and George Boateng could also leave.

NEWCASTLE

Players in

Tamas Kadar (Zalaegerszegi - £900,000)

Players out

None

Linked with

Following the return of Kevin Keegan to St James' Park, it is little surprise to hear Newcastle being linked with a number of eyebrow raising moves. David Beckham is the glitziest of names being banded around Tyneside, while Portsmouth defender Sol Campbell is also thought to be a target as Keegan looks to tighten the Toon's porous backline. Bayern Munich's Daniel van Buyten has also hinted at an interest in joining the Magpies.

Likely business

Expect Keegan to make a minimum of two purchases before transfer deadline day and defenders are thought to be a main concern. It is unlikely that Newcastle will allow faces to leave as Keegan assesses his player's capabilities before amending his inherited squad. This will see Michael Owen, who has been appointed captain under Keegan, stay in the North East despite rumours of a rift with his new Newcastle boss.

PORTSMOUTH

Players in

Lassana Diarra (Arsenal - undisclosed), Danijel Subotic (Basel - undisclosed)

Players out

Matthew Taylor (Bolton - undisclosed), Martin Cranie (QPR - loan)

Linked with

The South Coast side have been linked with numerous strikers as Harry Redknapp looks to bolster his strike force. The likes of Peter Crouch, Milan Baros, Fred, Razak Boukari and Leroy Lita have all been tipped to join the Fratton Park outfit. Redknapp has also been linked with an unlikely move for former winger Patrik Berger.

Likely business

With Redknapp a keen wheeler and dealer in the transfer market, expect deals to be done before the end of January. A striker is sure to join although the identity remains somewhat of a mystery. Fred and Baros seem set to remain with Lyon leaving former striker Crouch as the prime contender.

READING

Players in

Marek Matejovsky (Mlada Boleslav - Undisclosed)

Players out

Peter Mate (Debrecen - loan expired)

Linked with

Reading have been fairly quiet in January when it comes to sounding out possible signings. They were linked with Matejovsky before swiftly wrapping up his services. Steve Coppell's primary job this month is keeping hold of his key players.

Likely business

Midfielder Udo Nwoko is set to join from Portuguese outfit Leixoes after undergoing a medical earlier this month. Out-of-favour striker Leroy Lita has been strongly tipped to leave The Madejski after falling out of favour so a deal could well be done, although it seems unlikely Sunderland will be able to prise Stephen Hunt away from The Royals.

SUNDERLAND

Players in

Jonny Evans (Manchester United - loan), Jean-Yves M'voto (Paris St Germain - undisclosed), Phil Bardsley (Manchester United - £2million), Rade Prica (Aalborg AB - £2million)

Players out

Stanislav Varga (Burnley - loan), Billy Dennehy (Accrington Stanley - loan)

Linked with

Sunderland have reportedly shown an interest in taking Chelsea's Steve Sidwelll on-loan, while moves for free agents Johann Vogel and Quinton Fortune have also been suggested.

Chelsea were rumoured to be contemplating making an offer for striker Kenwyne Jones, but the arrival of Nicolas Anelka at Stamford Bridge appears to make any move unlikely.

Likely business

Sunderland have already seen two bids for Reading's Stephen Hunt knocked back, but Roy Keane remains interested in the winger and may yet return for the Republic of Ireland international. The Black Cats remain light up front and Hunt's Royals team-mate Leroy Lita is an option after struggling for first-team action at the Madejski this season.

While new faces may be limited, Stephen Wright, Ross Wallace, David Connolly, Greg Halford, Ian Harte and Graham Kavangh have all been told that they are free to leave the club and could all depart before the window closes.

TOTTENHAM

Players in

Chris Gunter (Cardiff - £2million), Yuri Berchiche (Athletic Bilbao - undisclosed)

Players out

Lee Butcher (AFC Wimbledon - loan), Ben Alnwick (Leicester - loan), David Button (Grays - loan), Hossam Ghaly (Derby - loan), Andy Barcham (Leyton Orient - loan), Philip Ifil (Colchester - undisclosed)

Linked with

With Juande Ramos keen to begin moulding his own squad, Spurs have been linked with a number of high profile moves. Zenit St Petersburg skipper Andrei Arshavin, Juventus midfielder Tiago, Ajax keeper Maarten Stekelenburg and Lyon striker Fred are all rumoured to be on their way to White Hart Lane.

Strike duo Jermain Defoe and Dimitar Berbatov have attracted interest from a host of other clubs but remain at Spurs for the time being at least.

Likely business

Brazilian full-back Gilberto is expected to join from Hertha Berlin, while goalkeeper Radek Cerny and young striker Tomas Pekhart could be set to join QPR on-loan although the Paul Robinson situation may impact that.

With Darren Bent currently unable to force his way into Ramos' plans he could leave before the end of the month, with West Ham believed to be one of a number of interested parties.

WEST HAM

Players in

None

Players out

Bondz N'Gala (Weymouth - loan), Tony Stokes (Stevenage - loan), David Blackmore (Thurrock - loan), Hogan Ephraim (QPR - undisclosed)

Linked with

West Ham seem to be constantly linked with a move for someone, with Villarreals' Leandro Somoza, Hertha Berlin's Marko Pantelic, Barcelona's Eidur Gudjohnsen and Marseille's Djibril Cisse just some of the players believed to be interesting Alan Curbishley. The Hammers are found of young English players though and Ipswich's Danny Haynes, Derby's Giles Barnes and Tottenham's Darren Bent appear to be more realistic targets.

Likely business

Bent or Barnes could arrive at Upton Park before the end of the month but it is departures which appear more likely.

Christian Dailly, Bobby Zamora and Nigel Quashie have all found first-team football hard to come by of late and may decide to try their luck at Rangers, Portsmouth and Stoke respectively.

WIGAN

Players in

Wilson Palacios (Olimpia - undisclosed), Maynor Figueroa (Olimpia - undisclosed), Antonio Valencia (Villarreal - undisclosed), Erik Edman (Rennes - £500,000)

Players out

Fitz Hall (QPR - undisclosed)

Linked with

Steve Bruce is keen to add some steel to the Latics' backline and was rumoured to be keen on bringing West Brom's Paul Robinson to the JJB.

At the other end of the pitch Wigan were supposedly one of a number of clubs taking a look at Nottingham Forest winger Kris Commons.

With the club firmly entrenched in the relegation dog fight Bruce is understandably keen to keep hold of as many of his players as possible which is why an approach from Fulham for defender Paul Scharner was turned down.

Likely business

Bruce appears to be happy with the players he has been able to bring in so far, but Jason Koumas could be on his way out of the club in the next few days with Celtic and Blackburn believed to be possible destinations.