Chamakh to Arsenal? Sandro to Tottenham? Get ready for a January transfer sale to break all records

By Darren Lewis

Published 16:08 27/10/09

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Normally the January transfer window is a quiet one with the really good players either cup-tied are unwilling to move clubs mid-season.

This time around, however, it could be different. With just over eight weeks to go until that particular hare starts running a number of managers have already signalled their intention to get stuck in

And I reckon we could see some fierce fighting for some fine players. Chelsea need urgent reinforcements with their top players off to the Africa Cup of Nations in January and are throwing their best legal minds at the transfer ban problem in order to be free to splash the cash.

And although Manchester United have enjoyed their best start to a Premier League season for around two decades defeat to Liverpool at the weekend – in particular the sight of the much-maligned Lucas giving the Reds midfield the runaround – exposed an area that may yet need strengthening.

And don’t rule out Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger signing the Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh on a pre-contract after the player’s club put too high a valuation on him during the summer with just a year left on his contract.

Outside of the top four, City are known to be looking at defenders, Aston Villa will need to fill the void left by Emile Heskey who is certain to leave to get the regular first-team football he needs to get to the World Cup.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has already signalled his intention to travel to South America to see what all the fuss is about Brazillian midfielder Sandro and a number of other clubs are preparing to take a closer look too.

The Internacional star has been capped once by Brazil after a string of fine performances at Under-21 level.

He will not come cheap but then Tottenham’s need in a midfield that lacks depth is great.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce will be well aware that the club cannot solely rely on Darren Bent’s goals for a good season.

Ditto West Ham with Carlton Cole not able to carry them forever.

And I’d venture to suggest a whole host of clubs can’t wait to see Birmingham coming after new owner Carson Yeung let the cat out of the bag and revealed manager Alex McLeish will have around £40million to spend.

The pressure and the expectation levels in the Premier League are rising every season.

Which is why we can expect player sales for the month of January to do exactly the same.

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