Saido sale; No go for Mario

[sake]

Tom McDermott offers his verdict on some of the players tipped to move in the January transfer window.


The January transfer window is nearly here with plenty of Barclays Premier League clubs set to be busy as they look to boost their ranks.

Tom McDermott is back to offer his take on some of the high-profile names linked with a January switch.

Here's his opening offering...
Mats Hummels

Would Nemanja Matic have joined Chelsea if Juan Mata hadn’t left for Manchester United last January? It only takes one deal to go through for the pieces to fall.

The Germany World Cup winner has been linked with a move to the Premier League for 18 months.

According to reports in Germany the defender is said to be ‘frustrated’ by Borussia Dortmund’s poor domestic form and is prepared to consider a move abroad.

Not the quickest, Hummels is an intelligent centre-back who has matured into one of the finest defenders in Europe. His reading of the game is exceptional and you rarely see him making last gasp interventions.

Tom McDermott on Mats Hummels "Without question Hummels would go a long way to solving Louis Van Gaal’s defensive problems at Manchester United or stabilise a wilting Arsenal backline."
Tom McDermott on Mats Hummels

It’s unlikely that he’ll leave during January though unless someone meets the £47million valuation that Dortmund put on his head last summer.

Jurgen Klopp’s side, with the help of Hummels, are expected to climb the Bundesliga table before May and with a Champions League tie against Juventus in February, English supporters may have to wait until the next window to see him make a move.

Verdict: No deal
Manchester United are 9/4 favourites to sign Mats Hummels!
Mario Balotelli

It doesn’t matter who Liverpool sign before the close of the January window, Balotelli will remain at Anfield.

It was a huge risk signing the fiery Italian during the summer and if Brendan Rodgers allowed him to leave now people may start to question his judgments in the transfer market.

If Balotelli’s poor run continues into the second half of the season then he’ll probably head back to Italy before the start of the next campaign, but until then the former Manchester City player won’t be leaving Merseyside.

There has also been speculation that Divock Origi’s loan move to Lille may end sooner than expected but it looks likely Liverpool will have to wait for the Belgium international to arrive.

Verdict: No deal
Inter Milan are 8/1 favourites to sign Mario Balotelli
Adnan Januzaj

Januzaj is still very highly regarded by the Manchester United coaching staff after impressing last season and being rewarded with a place in Belgium’s World Cup squad.

Profiles

Mats Hummels
Saido Berahino
Adnan Januzaj
Mario Balotelli

David Moyes’ Real Sociedad could be interested but it might be more beneficial for the player to gain regular Premier League football.

United won’t let the forward go on a permanent deal despite Paris Saint-Germain reportedly preparing a huge bid, but they may be tempted with a loan arrangement.

Louis Van Gaal recently dismissed speculation that the 19-year-old would be allowed to leave next month despite the emergence of James Wilson.

Saido Berahino

West Brom’s £25million valuation of the striker might appear a little high but there are one or two teams who need to add a few more goals to their game in the second half of the season.

The 21-year-old hasn’t scored for 11 matches and has been on the bench in recent weeks but his early season form (seven Premier League goals and a call-up to the senior England squad) really catapulted him into the spotlight.

Brendan Rodgers is a known admirer but with Divock Origi due to arrive in the summer, will the Liverpool boss stick with what he already has?

Alan Irvine’s recent departure as manager is unlikely to hold up any move and with Tottenham edging towards Southampton’s Jay Rodriguez; Rodgers may be able to negotiate a slightly lower fee with Baggies chairman Jeremy Peace.