Friday 6 January 2017 21:06, UK
What does your Premier League club need in January?
While some teams are pushing for the title and others for survival, all 20 are likely to invest in their squad before the winter window shuts on January 31.
With the help of Sky Sports expert Matt Le Tissier, here's a look at where each side might look to strengthen this month...
Will strengthening in January be the answer for Arsenal?
Arsene Wenger has said he does not plan to enter the market to find a replacement for the injured Santi Cazorla, despite reports in The Sun linking the Gunners with Juventus' Miralem Pjanic.
So where might the Gunners look in January? Perhaps at defensive cover in case first-choice centre-backs Laurent Koscielny or Shkodran Mustafi suffer injuries in the second half of the campaign.
There have been calls in the past for a striker, but between Alexis Sanchez, Olivier Giroud and summer signing Lucas Perez, the Gunners look well stocked in that area, barring injuries.
There is, though, the wait for Sanchez and Mesut Ozil to put pen to paper on new deals.
LE TISS' VERDICT: "They've got a strong squad when you look at it on paper but they're probably still lacking a leader. So some moral courage is what they need to find."
The Cherries were one of the biggest spenders last January as they signed Benik Afobe and Lewis Grabban on permanent deals and Juan Iturbe on loan from Roma. This time around might it be about who they can keep rather than who they can buy.
Sky sources understand Newcastle are interested in Callum Wilson, although Eddie Howe said the striker is "happy" at the Vitality Stadium.
Then there's the future of Jack Wilshere. For the first time in a couple of seasons the midfielder has got regular game-time while on loan at Bournemouth from Arsenal.
Wilshere is under contract with the Gunners until 2018 and Bournemouth defender Steve Cook told Sky Sports in December that he hopes the England international stays on the south coast. Chelsea's Nathan Ake is another player whose loan the Cherries might be looking to make permanent.
LE TISS' VERDICT: "I would say they need a centre-back but otherwise it's a pretty balanced side. They could perhaps do with a more prolific centre-forward to back up Wilson but everybody could do with a 20-goal striker."
Burnley have already made an addition to their squad by re-signing Joey Barton after his release from Rangers. And manager Sean Dyche told the Lancashire Telegraph in December that they are looking at the market for players in "key positions".
The Clarets saw several bids rejected for Brighton's Dale Stephens in the summer and, with the midfielder's contract expiring in the summer, perhaps another move for the 27-year-old will be on the cards.
They might also look for some pace going forward, with Bournemouth's Max Gradel and Kamil Grosicki of Rennes both previously linked with the Clarets.
LE TISS' VERDICT: "I'm not a massive Stephen Ward fan I must say and perhaps they need a midfielder who could nick them a few more goals, especially when you consider Jeff Hendrick is their top scorer in that department with two. I also think they're a bit light in the centre-back department."
Despite having found a winning formula in recent months, Antonio Conte has said he hopes to add to the squad in January.
"For sure, there are some positions that if we are able to find the right solution, it's important to take a good solution. This championship is long and it's important," said the Italian in early January.
Might Chelsea look to the future and sign another centre-back? Burnley's Michael Keane has been reported as a potential target and neither Gary Cahill nor John Terry are getting any younger, at 31 and 36 respectively.
Otherwise the Blues may seek another option up front, with Conte seemingly reluctant to call on summer signing Michy Batshuayi even in Diego Costa's absence.
LE TISS' VERDICT: "I'm still not convinced Marcos Alonso is strong enough in the wing-back position. Victor Moses has done particularly well but I think they could improve on Alonso."
Just a few weeks after taking charge at Selhurst Park, Sam Allardyce acknowledged after the home defeat to Swansea that Palace need "one or two new faces" this month.
Considering only two teams in the Premier League have conceded more goals than Palace, the defence might be Allardyce's priority.
Kieran Gibbs has 18 months left on his deal at Arsenal and The Sun have reported that Palace are monitoring the left-back's situation. Arsenal's Carl Jenkinson and Norwich's Robbie Brady are other names who have been mentioned in the national media.
Loic Remy's potential return from injury this month would give Palace a much-needed boost up front, although they might still look for additions, especially with Wilfried Zaha at the Africa Cup of Nations and Christian Benteke potentially out with a shoulder injury.
Sky sources understand Palace are interested in Swansea's Modou Barrow.
LE TISS' VERDICT: "Full-back areas are where they've struggled with Pape Souare obviously out for a long period. They're pretty solid elsewhere."
Having sealed a deal for youngster Ademola Lookman from Charlton, it looks as though it could be a busy window for Everton.
Manchester United midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin is understood to be top of their wishlist while United's Memphis Depay and Southampton defender Jose Fonte are among other reported targets.
Ronald Koeman has said the Toffees will be on the lookout for a replacement for winger Yannick Bolasie, who is out injured for the season after joining last summer.
LE TISS' VERDICT: "They've just got the young lad Ademola Lookman in but I think they need some more defensive cover. On paper it's a decent squad, not good enough to challenge the top six but should be around there."
Before being sacked as manager, Mike Phelan gave an insight into how much work needs to be done at Hull this month by saying "every position at this moment is up for grabs."
While Phelan also made light of speculation linking the Tigers with a move for Samuel Eto'o, Hull are the joint-lowest scorers in the Premier League this season, and are set to be without Dieumerci Mbokani in January as he heads to the Africa Cup of Nations,
According to the Hull Daily Mail, Utrecht forward Sebastien Haller watched the 2-2 draw with Everton from the stands while defenders Hans Hateboer (FC Groningen) and Carl Jenkinson (Arsenal) are other names to have been mentioned as potential targets.
After appointing new manager Marco Silva, Tigers vice-chairman Ehab Allam said: "We are already working hard with Marco and his team to deliver some key additions to our squad during this transfer window."
LE TISS' VERDICT: "Somebody who can score goals from centre-forward would be a good start, especially when you consider they've got three goals between all the strikers at the club."
Wilfred Ndidi has been the Foxes' first January signing, joining in a £15m deal from Genk. The 20-year-old is set to bolster a midfield that has not looked as potent after the loss of N'Golo Kante in the summer.
The Foxes may look for cover for centre-backs Robert Huth and Wes Morgan, and Claudio Ranieri has said he will let "unhappy" players leave if he finds replacements.
"If someone goes, and we have to replace this or that player, we can get rid of him easily. But it will cost a lot of money to replace him with someone else. That is the balance we have to achieve." said the Italian, whose side hover just above the relegation zone after winning the title last season.
Sky sources understand Leicester have made an approach for Italy international defender Francesco Acerbi from Sassuolo, while the Daily Mirror say the Foxes might move for Norwich's Robbie Brady.
LE TISS' VERDICT: "Get N'Golo Kante back! That's the area they've struggled the most with Daniel Amartey not exactly setting the world alight. I'd probably also say they need another back-up centre-half as they're looking at the 36-year-old Marcin Wasilewski at the moment."
Jurgen Klopp might be losing Sadio Mane to the Africa Cup of Nations in January, but he does not sound desperate to find a replacement in the transfer market.
"You can be sure we are prepared, but that doesn't mean that we do something," he said in late December.
It is understood the Reds are not looking to make a January move for Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart, but the Daily Mirror say Red Bull Leipzig winger Emil Forsberg has attracted interest.
Forsberg's agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, has told German newspaper Bild that he has been approached by "big clubs".
Meanwhile, Las Palmas president Angel Ramirez revealed that Liverpool are apparently among the clubs interested in Paris Saint-Germain's Jese Rodriguez.
LE TISS' VERDICT: "A goalkeeper has to be their priority as a top-class one is essential if they want to win the league, while they could also do with a natural left-back, even though James Milner has done very well."
With Gabriel Jesus linking up with City after agreeing a summer move from Palmeiras, it is surely the much scrutinised defence that is Pep Guardiola's priority.
Southampton's Virgil van Dijk is one name who has been mentioned in conjunction with City, but Guardiola said recently: "He is not going to come here - it is impossible."
He also added: "We might need to strengthen in one position, maybe a full-back, but right now I have no immediate plans."
There have been reports linking City with Bayern Munich defender Holger Badstuber, and Bayern boss Carlo Ancelotti has said the 27-year-old could leave, but only on loan.
LE TISS' VERDICT: "To bring back Joe Hart would be a start! The full-back area is probably Pep Guardiola's biggest concern, while he could also do with another centre-back."
Having spent plenty in the summer, United have started to click into gear recently.
Their striking options appear settled - with Jose Mourinho saying he is not looking for another forward in January - and in midfield they appear so well stocked that a few players might be departing, including Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Sky sources revealed in November that United had made Benfica centre-back Victor Lindelof their priority target for January after a poor run of results.
But it is understood United have cooled their interest due to their upturn in form and the return to fitness of their central defenders.
Otherwise there have been rumours around Southampton's Jose Fonte, who has expressed his desire to leave the Saints with 18 months remaining on his contract.
LE TISS' VERDICT: "I'm not the biggest fan of Antonio Valencia, although he has done well this season, while I'd probably say they need a centre-back, even though Phil Jones has been resurgent. It's a pretty decent squad, although it should be for the money they've spent!"
Boro have moved quickly to bolster their forward line by bringing in Rudy Gestede from Aston Villa.
That could pave the way for David Nugent or Jordan Rhodes to leave this month, with possible replacements arriving to add attacking impetus to the joint-lowest scorers in the Premier League.
"If they want to leave we have to bring in the right replacement. All the parts have to fit into place," said Boro boss Aitor Karanka recently.
The Daily Mirror have hinted at potential moves for a couple of former Barcelona youngsters in Everton's Gerard Deulofeu and Stoke's Bojan Krkic.
LE TISS' VERDICT: "I can tell you what they didn't need - Rudy Gestede! The right-back area is a concern as I'm not a big fan of Fabio or Antonio Barragan, and Calum Chambers has had to fill in there. They've got numbers in attack now but I'm not convinced they've got the goals in them."
A lack of goals has been Southampton's major problem so far this season, with only two teams having scored less in the Premier League.
And with Charlie Austin sidelined with injury for a couple of months, Saints will also be without Sofiane Boufal in January as he heads to the Africa Cup of Nations.
However, Saints manager Claude Puel has suggested there won't be any major signings this window. "It's always a difficult period to find a good solution," he said recently.
That might not be music to the ears of Saints fans, especially with captain Jose Fonte looking to leave.
LE TISS' VERDICT: "A centre-forward with Austin out and Shane Long and Jay Rodriguez hardly in scintillating form. If Fonte goes, which is looking likely, then they'll have to replace him."
Jack Butland's injury made securing the services of the impressive Lee Grant a priority, and Mark Hughes moved quickly to make that happen.
Wilfried Bony's loan move has not proved to be a success so far and the Stoke boss has confirmed his interest in adding another forward this month.
He said one of RB Leipzig striker Davie Selke and Napoli front-man Manolo Gabbiadini are available on loan, but added: "There's nothing definite with those names or any others."
Hughes has also said money will only be spent players who "can go straight into the starting 11".
LE TISS' VERDICT: "Joe Allen being their top goalscorer tells you everything about the quality of their strikers, so I'd say a top-class centre-forward."
David Moyes has spoken of his frustration at signing players considering the club's current financial predicament but the Sunderland boss is expected to be active as he looks to stave off relegation.
He may look for cover for first-choice goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who is out for up to eight weeks with a knee injury.
Bournemouth defender Tyrone Mings is struggling for playing time on the south coast and could strengthen the Black Cats defence with Lamine Kone at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Further up the pitch, Moyes will look to ensure top scorer Jermain Defoe stays at the club amid interest from West Ham, while forwards Emmanuel Emenike and Nabil Bahoui have been mentioned as reported targets and could help ease the burden on Defoe.
LE TISS' VERDICT: "I think Sunderland's main problem is in midfield. There are a lot of players there that aren't really cutting it and they need strengthening."
On their third permanent manager of the season, Swansea look as though they need additions across the board to bolster their survival hopes. The club's American owners are "fully committed" to making signings back in December, according to chairman Huw Jenkins, and that's unlikely to have changed following the appointment of Paul Clement.
Swansea have conceded the most goals in the Premier League, leading to plenty of speculation they could sign a defender.
Inter Milan defender Andrea Ranocchia is under consideration according to reports in Italy, while PSV Eindhoven winger Luciano Narsingh and RB Leipzig's Davie Selke could boost an ailing attack.
LE TISS' VERDICT: "I think they need to strengthen defensively if they're going to stay up. The centre-backs have hardly covered themselves in glory so far this season."
The priority for Spurs appears to be keeping hold of their best players, with Mauricio Pochettino acknowledging it is "difficult to improve the squad in January".
"It is difficult for their teams to allow the good players to leave halfway through the season," he added. "If some special situation happens, maybe we need to be open. But it will be tough or difficult to improve the squad in that period."
Pochettino has denied interest in his former Southampton player Morgan Schneiderlin, and The Guardian say Crystal Palace will resist any move for Wilfried Zaha.
LE TISS' VERDICT: "I like Spurs' squad and I think the only thing would be to get somebody in who is going to challenge Harry Kane, but it's tough to bring in anyone of quality when they know Kane will be first choice."
Sky sources understand Nottingham Forest captain Henri Lansbury, who is out of contract in the summer, is a primary Watford target. Derby have already had a £2.5m bid turned down by rivals Forest.
Walter Mazzarri admits he needs to strengthen, with midfield a particular concern.
Pricey summer addition Roberto Pereyra is sidelined for several months through injury and Nordin Amrabat and Adlene Guedioura are heading to the Africa Cup of Nations.
LE TISS' VERDICT: "Defence is where they're probably lacking quality. They've got plenty of options but they've struggled to find the right combination to produce clean sheets, so they probably need to get a few out and replace them to make a solid back four."
Tony Pulis is saying all the right things, insisting West Brom will spend wisely this month. They couldn't be much better placed to push on, sitting eighth in the table and having discovered their scoring touch.
Manchester United midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin appears to be their main target but, having had an opening £18m offer rejected, they now face competition from Everton.
Leeds defender Charlie Taylor is another option, but the Sky Bet Championship club say they will resist all offers with promotion a possibility.
LE TISS' VERDICT: "They're doing very well but perhaps a quality right-back. Allan Nyom has come in and Craig Dawson has tried it but isn't a natural right-back. Perhaps they need a bit more creativity in midfield as well."
Simone Zaza is expected to cut his loan move short, increasing the likelihood West Ham will sign a striker. Sky sources understand they are trying hard, having had a £6m offer for Sunderland forward Jermain Defoe rejected.
Expect the Hammers to be active, for while Slaven Bilic has denied interest in Manchester United's Marcus Rashford, he has confirmed he wants to bring in a couple of new faces.
Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi, who is yet to start a league game for his new club, was a Hammers target when at Marseille.
LE TISS' VERDICT: "Another forward who actually scores goals. Jermain Defoe won't be their solution with £6m bids though, given what he's worth to Sunderland's survival hopes."
