01 Jan 2016 12:10:22
I'm hoping for a big Jan transfer window from the club, we desperatly need a right winger with pace who can chip in with goals. A Centerback (then go get another in the summer) . If possible a really quick pacey powerfull and technically gifted 10 who can also play 9.

Oh and Depay finding form, that would be nice too.

{Ed002's Note - It is difficult to try and separate the concept of "January targets" from targets the club are really interested in or players they have been scouting.

What I can't tell you is if Manchester United would look to make any of this happen in January but they have continued their interest in a number of players.

If the fans were to force the manager out then the club would need to step back from any efforts to sign players in January and re-evaluate the situation going forward. They will keep looking.

Goalkeeper:

The club will start looking in anger for a high-end goalkeeper after the window closes as it seems more and more likely the De Gea will move on in the summer. Any other goalkeeper picked up will likely be cover and nothing more.

Right Back:

Complete Wildcard: Fabinho has been of interest to Barcelona who would like to take him at some point in 2016 but with the retention of Sporting Braga's Wallace for this season on loan, Monaco had made it clear they are looking for a summer sale with Manchester City and Manchester United looking like turning their interest in to firm bids. Nothing came of it and no the mantle rests with Inter who may look to strike a deal. If it came to the point of Manchester United looking again for a right back - I very much suspect Fabinho will be near the top of the list.

Centre Back:

Unless committed to paying over the odds for a centre back, it is looking increasingly difficulty for Manchester United to be able to sign any preferred target.

Possible: Sporting’s Paulo Oliveira continues to be watched by Manchester United on a regular basis – don’t rule out a January bid.

Possible: Barcelona, Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea all took a look at Everton's John Stones in the summer of 2014 but none made an offer. Chelsea made an attempt to sign him in the summer of 2015 but then moved on to another target. I very much suspect Manchester United (who showed interest some time back) will look again to Stones, and a January bid is not out of the question. Everton will resist any move, but as ever, paying over the odds could force the matter – as it could force a bid from elsewhere.

Possible: Rugani is wanted by Genoa and Napoli but his agent wants a move to England due to the attraction of the money. Juventus may let him move on as they try to raise funds but would much prefer to loan him out and keep him on the books. Arsenal sent a certain Frenchman to take a look at Rugani. He has been recommended to both Manchester United and Chelsea.

Possible towards unlikely: Feyenoord's Terence Kongolo is a player that Manchester United might well look to again. They have had him watched again this season.

One for the summer: Mats Hummels will be a target for Manchester United in the summer and may also be wanted by Juventus. Arsenal's interest has seemingly gone for now - and I doubt it will return. Interest may arise in Spain.

Looking less likely now: Barcelona's Marc Bartra wants to stay with the club but is aware that opportunities will be limited under the current management. As such he knows that a move to Celta Vigo, Valencia (if Mustafi were to leave) or Sevilla is possible – perhaps on a loan to buy deal. He has thanked Manchester United for their interest but says he wishes to stay in Spain.

Looking less likely now: Porto's Bruno Martins Indi is subject to sustained interest from Manchester United despite only moving in the summer.

Unlikely: Juventus, Southampton, Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona have had scouts watching Valencia's Shkodran Mustafi (who was at one time on Everton's books) - this is in addition to with Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Juventus declaring an interest with his club.

Won’t Happen: Torino's centre back Kamil Glik has been watched by a number of clubs including Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund , Roma, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Benfica and West Ham United. The interest of Roma, Arsenal and Dortmund is serious but the player is keen to stay in Turin for the time being and has signed a new contract.

Defensive Midfield

Very unlikely: There is sustained interest in Carvalho from Arsenal and Fenerbahce with some residual interest from Manchester United. Monaco, Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Chelsea passed on previous interest because of the cost. Sporting would ideally like to keep him a year or two more but know that is now unlikely. Everyone knows the price and it is significant and there seems little room for negotiation although he is not looking to sign a new deal and that may give some leverage. However, he has yet to prove his fitness and return to form after injury.

Won't happen: Red Star Belgrade’s Marko Grujic was an option not pursued by Manchester United and is moving to Liverpool.

Left Back:

Unlikely side of possible: Manchester United have spoken with Ryan Bertrand's agent to see if he would be interested in a move to Old Trafford - I understand the answer is "possibly" and I suspect it would be the "what happens when Shaw is back?" question he is pondering. Southampton will resist any offer.

Unlikely: Jetro Willems was of long-term interest to Manchester United but they opted for Shaw. Now he is looking looking to move and stalling on a new contract, Willems will be considering offers once he has proved his fitness.

Midfield:

Possible: Borja Valero came close to signing for Chelsea when he left Villarreal in 2012 but the club deceided against the move. Previous interest of Levante, Malaga and Napoli has gone, but it has been confirmed that both Manchester United and Sampdoria have both watched him this season.

Possible: Although Sofiane Boufal only moved to Lille in January 2015, a bid from Spurs is expected in 2016. PSG and Monaco have both had the player watched regularly and PSG has spoken with Lille to see if some sort of deal may be possible. Roma, Inter, Mancheser City, Arsenal, Manchester United and Lyon have also had the player watched this season.

Unlikely side of possible: Manchester United, CSKA Moscow and Liverpool were all impressed with the scouting reports on Shakhtar Donetsk's Viktor Kovalenko early in 2016. Liverpool have turned their attention elsewhere but the other clubs will continue to look at the player, of which much is expected.

Unlikely: Roma are aware of sustained interest in Nainggolan from at least Manchester United and Manchester City. He has a stupid enough hairdo to fit in nicely at Liverpool, but there has been no interest.

Very unlikely: Gundogan was refusing to agree a new deal and Dortmund were willing to let him leave this past summer as he was seen as a shadow of his former (pre-injury) self. Clubs were interested, including Manchester United and Manchester City, but an approach about his availability was responded to that a three year extension has been agreed between the club and player and details are being finalised. However, he then again refused to sign the contract and all he was prepared to do was to sign an extension until 2017. Dortmund are pretty much done with him - he was expected to leave this past summer and they had already a replacement in place. Juventus, Barcelona, Manchester City, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Arsenal have all been interested to some extent or other. Barcelona may still be interested but they are certainly not pushing right now. Manchester City and Arsenal walked away over concerns about sustained fitness and form against price - they will likely see the risk as still too high. Manchester United may continue to show interest but will only bite at the right price - and the player may have reservations about opportunities at Old Trafford. Cannot be discounted. Bayern Munich failed with an offer of Goetze as part of a deal for Gundogan in the summer - and a second one including Højbjerg as part of the deal. Dortmund would rather not sell to Bayern. Klopp has said that he will not return to Dortmund to buy players - maybe he is lying - I don't know. If he is to move soon then Juventus and, possibly, Barcelona seem the most viable destinations. If he is to move in the summer, Manchester City can be added to that group.

Attacking Midfield:

If a price can be agreed then the transfer can happen in January: Atletico Madrid had approached Lazio about taking Felipe Anderson as a replacement for Arda Turan but Lazio offered him a new contract which he was happy to agree to. Right now the interest of Atletico and Manchester City has gone. Wolfsburg, and Manchester United remain interested but he will not come cheaply and that will likely remove Wolfsburg from the equation. Manchester United are going to bite the bullet and make an offer they see as sufficient - and after a very patchy start to the season Lazio may be willing to accept it without too much negotiation as it is likely the best offer they will get. If a price can be agreed then the transfer can happen in January. I will predict now that it will be a bit of a bumpy ride with him initially as it is going to be a real culture shock.}

Unlikely: Schalke rejected bids from Spurs and Stoke for Leroy Sane in the summer. A number of clubs from across Europe have had the player watched in the first and reserve sides towards the end of last season and at the start of this - including Manchester United, Sunderland, Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Bayer Leverkusen, West Ham and RBL. Do not discount a bid from Manchester City in January, but they are loathe to meet the asking price.}

Unlikely: There is no plan to sell James Rodrigues in January but Real Madrid will happily listen to any outrageous bids made. Three clubs come in to the picture - Manchester United because they are seen as stupid enough to pay what most sides would see as way over the odds for the player; Chelsea as the player has suggested himself that he would like to play for them and live in London - but they won't be held to ransom; and Bayern Munich now that Carlo Ancelotti is heading there - again they won't be held to ransom. However, he may well be sacrificed in the summer to raise funds but note that there are a four significant things going on in the background that could have an impact on whether or not he will be leaving during 2016 - so we need to wait and see. Right now Mendes is focused on the futures of three other players.

Unlikely: Galatasary, Bayer Leverkusen, Chelsea, Barcelona and Arsenal showed previous interest in Hakan Calhanoglu before he moved to Bayer Leverkusen in 2014. Schalke rejected a €37M offer from Real Madrid for Calhanoglu this summer and made it clear he would not be sold. Barcelona and Arsenal may still maintain their interest if he becomes available, and perhaps Manchester United would be interested having had the player recommended to them. I would not be surprised if Manchester City were to look to Hakan Calhanoglu next summer. However, I anticipate that Juventus will try and negotiate an early deal for the player as they are wary of an offer being considered by Milan.}

Winger

Interest is ramping up - keep an eye on him: Braga's Rafa Silva has been of interested to Benfica, Everton, Southampton, Wolfsburg and Schalke for a number of months. West Ham, Real Betis, Bayer Leverkusen, Marseille and Spurs have had him watched but to the best of my knowledge not enquired further at this time. Notably, Manchester United has watched him on several occasions this season.}

Possible: Southampton are not looking to sell Mane and they want to offer him a new contract. As it stands right now it would take a very significant offer to have them consider a sale - and they have made it clear - if anyone wants to pay well over the odds, then fine. Manchester United has had the player watched this season and might look to money leveraging the situation.

Unlikely side of possible: Benfica's Goncalo Guedes is a player Chelsea has watched on a number of occasions this season and have declared an interest in. They will perhaps look to an offer next summer. Arsenal have had the player watched as have Manchester United, PSG and Bayern Munich. Regardless, the asking price is likely to be an issue for all of these clubs.

Now looking unlikely: Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Manchester United have watched Bernardo Silva of Monaco on several occasions this season, including during internationals. He is an unusual player in that he is naturally left footed but is most effective on the right wing. He has also played as cover in defence and was previously seen by Fiorentina as an option to replace the similar Juan Cuadrado. Juventus and Manchester City and Jventus have also watched him this season and he may be a player they look again to in the future. I expect there will be discussions and bids about the player in January - and I understand that one interested club has a creative offer in mind.

Unlikely: Fiorentina's Federico Bernardeschi has been watched by Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester United and Juventus and I suspect it will come down to the Spanish sides and Bayern Munich fighting over a summer deal.

Very unlikely: Ajax will look to keep Anwar El Ghazi from interested parties for perhaps one or two years. Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Manchester United, Leicester, Atletico and Chelsea have all declared an interest. The player has said he wants to play for Real Madrid. Chelsea were to put an offer on the table in the summer and would have been willing to leave him with Ajax for up to two years. However a third party advisor to Chelsea blocked any move at that time citing the player as still being inconsistent and wanting longer to consider whether or not Chelsea should progress a move for the player who he thinks could "disappear" very easily at a higher level, and particularly in England - this was the same person who said Depay was not ready this summer. Arsenal have now had him watched in a match against Vitesse Arnhem - whether that will manifest itself as interest or not is unclear right now.

Not going to happen: Manchester United enquired about the availability of Lazio's Candreva in the summer and were to told he was not for sale. Barcelona will test the waters with a bid in January with Inter interested but without the funds to make anything happen. Lazio will seek to fend off all but the most significant of bids.

Not going to happen: Griezmann only moved last summer, and Atletico has no intention of selling unless a very significant fee is offered. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United previously looked at the player (when he was at Real Sociedad). Whilst Griezmann has said on a number of occasions that he has no plans to leave Spain anytime soon, he has said he would be interested in a move to Chelsea if the opportunity arose in the future. Both PSG and Bayern Munich would also be very interested if he became available - but I doubt that PSG will be in a position to do any sort of deal as they have other plans, even though they are desperate for a high-end French player. Bayern Munich look to have found their desired player elsewhere and can now likely be ruled out. Chelsea are still pushing for a deal for Griezmann and discussions have continued with a third party representing Chelsea in these discussions – and Chelsea will continue to push for a solution. I would still not rule out PSG getting themselves in to a situation where an offer is viable - they still remain keen on a high profile French signing.

Striker

Possible and if I were pushed I would say that Manchester United may well be inching in this direction: Besiktas would like to keep hold of Mario Gomez and make his loan permanent - but they are aware that the right offer from England or Spain would tempt both the player and Fiorentina. Manchester United and Spurs have both taken a look at him recently and he might well be the solution to Manchester United's immediate striker issues.

Possible: Manchester United and Bayern Munich have both been aware of Moussa Dembele since his time at PSG and were both interested in signing him when he opted for Fulham as a 16 year old. Newcastle, Lille, Everton and Spurs have also been looking at Dembele since the start of the season. A move in January seems unlikely and the player will need to be advised that he doesn't end up moving only be sat on the bench or playing in the reserves.

Possible (but probably dumb) if available and if the club could stomach the cost: PSG were willing to sell Cavani this past summer and he was offered to a number of sides who had previously shown an interest. Whether or not they would be open to a January sale with the potential problem it would cause to their Champions League squad is not known to me. Atletico Madrid were planning sales to fund a bid for Cavani but nothing came of it in the summer - but it could still happen. Right now, Manchester City would not be in a position to move for Cavani without sales. Manchester United may well be interested but the price and the wages would make a decision very difficult. Chelsea has no immediate interest in the player as they have other targets - again, price and wages may deter them. Juventus were certainly interested but financially they would need to be creative and are also looking elsewhere. He was part of the package offered by PSG for Pogba, as was Verratti - but Juventus are looking to a deal they can control. I would not be surprised to see Real Madrid try and get involved again and PSG to make a deal very attractive.

Very unlikely: Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen were watching Muto in the summer of 2015 - but it was Mainz who made what I understand was an attractive offer - and it may was enough to see a move go ahead and to give the player far more options of game time than he would otherwise have. I am not aware of any interest being declared by Manchester United so soon after he moved.

Very, very, very unlikely: The offer for Thomas Muller that Karl-Heinz Rummenigge referred to was made in August and it was from another club - not Manchester United. Later in the window Manchester United enquired with his agent and with Bayern Munich as to his availability, and was told he was not available - but they do fear that Manchester United and other English sides will pursue their players going forward. They will fight off sales in January but with managerial changes coming they are aware that efforts will be made to prise some of the significant assets from the club – but Muller is committed and has agreed a new contract.

Very unlikely and no contact with Marseille representative: Arsenal have a sustained interest in Marseille's Michy Batshuayi - but Marseille may price him out of a move in January. Atletico, Newcastle, Spurs, Juventus, Manchester United, Valencia, PSG and Chelsea have had the player watched this season and Marseille has spoken to Valencia and Chelsea about the player. Interest of Porto, Milan, Monaco and Benfica has seemingly moved on for now. Interest of Lyon has gone due to the price. Atletico may be hedging their bets over a move by Griezmann. A January move is possible if any club wants to make a sufficient offer and whilst Marseille do not want to sell, a generous offer from Spurs, Chelsea, Atletico, Arsenal or Juventus will be listened to.

Very unlikely in January: With LvG in charge you can expect to see Manchester United test the waters for Lewandowski at the first opportunity, which will be the summer – but the player will look to Real Madrid if the opportunity arises..

Very unlikely for now: Vitesse Arnheim have been trying to scare off interest from a number of English sides who have been watching young striker Thomas Buitink. Manchester City have joined Manchester United, PSV, Newcastle and Arsenal in having had the player scouted regularly this season. Chelsea, who have strong links to Vitesse, have spoken to the club about the player.

Very, very unlikely: Porto cashed in on Jackson Martinez in the summer but the start to his Atletico career has been difficult as he has struggled to fit in. His agent is one that trys to talk to club representatives and sounded out Spurs, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United to see if they are interested. Tough to see anything coming of it.

Not going to happen: Santos' Gabriel Barbosa is of interest to Fiorentina, Galatasaray, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United. However, although much is expected of him he is only 18 and whilst there is an agreement between Santos and Barcelona that may be exercised in 2016, I suspect that he won't move there at that time. Chelsea have tried and continue to try to strike a deal - but it may be a while away. His agent mentioned that Fenerbahce had made an offer but I suspect that is incorrect and it was Galatasaray. I rather doubt Gabriel will end up in Manchester, unless it is in the away dressing room. Chelsea and Fiorentina have held recent discussions and PSG are looking to an offer.

Not going to happen in the short term: As I have explained before, Barcelona wish to start to rebuild their side around Neymar and need to raise cash to do that. There are a three issues that could adversely influence what will happen with that plan going forward - and that could see him sold. If circumstances are such that he is to be available at some point, then the known interest of Chelsea, PSG and Manchester United will no doubt be tested. It would not be out of the question for Manchester City to also think about putting a package together.}


1.) 01 Jan 2016
01 Jan 2016 12:34:12
Thanks for that Ed, on New Year's Day aswell, very informative.


2.) 01 Jan 2016
01 Jan 2016 12:46:49
Great summary to start off 2016

Thanks ed002.


3.) 01 Jan 2016
01 Jan 2016 13:38:55
Brillint, the reason I visit Dailey, cheers ed.


4.) 01 Jan 2016
01 Jan 2016 14:18:15
Wow thanks ed I can barely type this today how you managed that is amazing 😉
Happy new year and cheers 😊.

{Ed002's Note - I have an old typewriter that I can control and operate with my mind. I don't actually need to type anything. Just one of my superpowers.}


5.) 01 Jan 2016
01 Jan 2016 14:30:23
Very interesting. I can absolutely see the reasoning of signing Gomez - we can't have a dead certain starter when Martial will be the long term main man. I can't understand the interest in Valero, for me he is past it and has never played for a top aide. Rafa move is interesting, he and Memphis would be good competition for the left along with Anderson, Mata and Lingard on the right.

Also pleased to read Hummels is a summer target. One of the very best for me.


6.) 01 Jan 2016
01 Jan 2016 14:30:04
Thanks Ed, really informative and puts a lot of the nonsense from the rags to bed. The only place to come for good info.


7.) 01 Jan 2016
01 Jan 2016 15:19:49
Is another one of your powers never ending patience? You will need it this month 😉.

{Ed007's Note - Everybody knows what happens if they start bombarding Ed002 with questions so it's up to you guys how January plays out regarding Ed002's info.}


8.) 01 Jan 2016
01 Jan 2016 15:52:06
Indeed also I don't know how many questions there are that were not answered above.


9.) 01 Jan 2016
01 Jan 2016 15:44:37
Only 1 question for Ed002
Are you Batman or Wonderwomen?

{Ed002's Note - I have a little thing about Adam West actually.}


10.) 01 Jan 2016
01 Jan 2016 16:32:33
Great read Ed002, as always thanks for the information. Particularly good to see the amount of attacking options that are being looked at.

Happy new year as well guys.


11.) 01 Jan 2016
01 Jan 2016 17:08:19
Ed002 is a beast infront of keyboard it seems.
Fantastic Madam! Excellent info!
Ed002 is sitting top of the table among Eds.


12.) 01 Jan 2016
01 Jan 2016 17:45:57
May I say two words to Ed002,

I didn't think much would be on here today, but you were straight on it like a flash!

Obviously didn't drink last night because you thought us critters would be firing but instead YOU done the firing!

Thank you for all that information I'm sure we'll still find something though! Haha!

All hail Ed002!

Cheers, Ronnie.

{Ed002's Note - You are welcome Ronnie.}


13.) 01 Jan 2016
01 Jan 2016 18:51:04
What a wonderful NewYear's present!

Thank you so much for all the detailed information - maybe your superhero name should be "The Rumours Ranger"!

{Ed023's Note - I'll pass on your thanks}


14.) 01 Jan 2016
01 Jan 2016 22:50:30
Thanks Ed - and for everything you and the other Eds do for us!


15.) 02 Jan 2016
02 Jan 2016 00:39:41
Thanks ED.


16.) 02 Jan 2016
02 Jan 2016 22:50:22
Wow, just read through that .
Thanks ED, Its really appreciated.