January transfer targets

Managers are busy behind the scenes wheeling and dealing to try and strengthen their sides ready for the all-important second half of the season.

So will Alex Ferguson and Carlo Ancelotti stay true to their word with Manchester United and Chelsea fans seeing no new arrivals. Or will a David Villa or David Silva prove too tempting?

And with money burning a huge hole in his pockets, who will be the men Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini will tempt to Eastlands?

1. PATRICK VIEIRA

THE Arsenal legend, who won the 2005 FA Cup with his last kick of the ball as a Gunner, is Manchester City's No1 target.

Midfield enforcer Vieira, 33, left London for Juventus and has been playing for Inter Milan for the past three seasons.

The player himself has even hinted that negotiations with former Inter boss Roberto Mancini were progressing in positive fashion. He said: "Nothing has been signed so far but it is going well."


2. MAXI RODRIGUEZ

LIVERPOOL are closing in on a deal to sign the Argentina star from Spanish club Atletico Madrid.

The player's agent has confirmed talks between the two clubs and ruled out speculation in Italy that Juventus were also after the 29-year-old.

The talented frontman — a close pal of Javier Mascherano — can either play on the wing or as a second striker and is exactly what Rafa Benitez needs as back-up and support for Fernando Torres.

He is also out of contract in the summer, so will not cost the world. Another plus for the cash-strapped Reds.


3. CARLTON COLE

DESPITE carrying a knock and not featuring for West Ham on Sunday against Arsenal — the club who want him — this looks like a good bet.

Arsene Wenger is a striker down with Robin van Persie out for the season and Ј9m-rated Cole would see a move to the Emirates as a step-up in World Cup year.

The 26-year-old is not yet certain of a place in Fabio Capello's team but a good second half of the season in a top four side would do his chances no harm at all.


4. SCOTT PARKER

WEST HAM'S influential midfielder has caught the eye of Aston Villa, Liverpool and Tottenham.

Last season's Hammer of the Year will not come cheap, having arrived at Upton Park in June 2007 for Ј7m.

And the London club will know their fight for Premier League survival could rest on keeping hold of their star man.


5. MAROUANE CHAMAKH

BORDEAUX'S frontman was the subject of frenzied interest in the summer but decided to stay in France.

One glance at his stats — 50 goals in 204 appearances for his club and 15 in 52 for his country — and it is easy to see why so many clubs want him.

The French-born Morrocan, 25, has been strongly linked with Arsenal and West Ham but Liverpool and Sunderland are also said to be monitoring him.


6. MICAH RICHARDS

ANOTHER young man who has, so far, failed to live up to his potential and may fancy a fresh challenge after falling down the pecking order with England.

Mancester City has been the 21-year-old right-back's only senior club and he has made 112 appearances since his debut in October 2005.

But with all the money and changes at Eastlands, Richards may believe Harry Redknapp's positive style of man management at Tottenham will boost his confidence and book him a place on the plane to South Africa.


7. ROBERT GREEN

THE keeper could be on his way out of West Ham with Arsenal and Chelsea both linked with the England man.

While moneybags Chelsea could beat the Gunners hands down if it came to a bidding war, it is unlikely Green would head to Stamford Bridge to be No2 to Petr Cech.

With one eye on this summer's World Cup, the 29-year-old will want first-team football and could quit the Hammers to battle it out with Manuel Almunia for the chance of a title tilt and Champions League football with Arsene Wenger's side.



8. RYAN BABEL

THE Dutch winger arrived at Anfield with huge promise in July 2007 and a hefty Ј11.5m pricetag around his neck.

Since then he has shown flashes of his potential but to the disappointment of most Liverpool fans has never been given a good run in the team by Rafa Benitez.

Birmingham and his old club Ajax are keen to test the resolve of the 23-year-old who has consistently said he wants to stay and fight for his place — but will the promise of a regular start lure him away?



9. NEMANJA VIDIC

MANCHESTER UNITED fans will be worried about this one, especially as Vidic seems unsettled and out-of-sorts at the moment.

After losing Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez in the summer, the departure of another key man will hurt and rumours of a move to Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan will not go away.

At 28, the Serbian star could be keen for one last big move and word is his wife would welcome a move to a hotter country.



10. DAVID VILLA

RAFA BENITEZ tried to bag him for Liverpool two seasons ago. Since then his form — and his price — have soared and every big club in world football wants his signature.

His club Valencia are broke and need the cash. But the Spanish side have been playing the pauper card for the past 18 months and still have not sold any of their prized assets.

Still, with talk of the 28-year-old being worth Ј40million how much longer will they hold out.

The Reds, Chelsea, both Manchester clubs, Real Madrid and Barcelona have all expressed an interest but with that price tag realistically only Man City, Chelsea and Real can afford him.