Friday 1 January 2016 07:05, UK
Could Saido Berahino, Riyad Mahrez or Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang be on the move in January? We get the view from the Sky Bet trading room...
The January transfer window is fast approaching and some big names have been linked with moves. The winter window runs from January 2 to February 1, but who could be lured where?
Working out which potential deals have legs and which ones are full of hot air can be difficult. We consulted the Sky Bet traders and their Transfer Specials to gauge which deals could go ahead...
Harry Kane was strongly linked with Manchester United after taking the Premier League by storm last season and it shouldn't come as a surprise to see some of the league's top teams among the favourites to capture Leicester goal-machine Jamie Vardy in the January window. He's long odds-on to stay at the King Power Stadium but Chelsea head the list of suitors, according to the bookies, with the Blues at 6/1 following a miserable first half to their title defence.
The Blues sacked Jose Mourinho after picking up just four wins from their first 16 top-flight games and goals have been at a premium. With so much creativity in midfield, the tireless Vardy could be the perfect addition to their squad given Diego Costa and Loic Remy's struggles this term.
Liverpool are considered 14/1 shots to sign Vardy and the red-hot striker's willingness to close down defenders and chase apparent lost causes has no doubt caught the eye of Reds boss Jurgen Klopp. Tottenham, whose reliance on Kane has been in evidence again throughout the campaign, are next in the betting at 18/1, while a toothless Man United are 25/1 and Arsenal are 33/1 to bolster their ranks with the signing of Vardy.
Most likely outcome: Stays at Leicester
Sky Bet's odds on Vardy's future
With all eyes on Vardy and the incredible Leicester City story, it's easy to overlook the achievements of Watford's front two - and Odion Ighalo in particular.
The Nigerian's form really took off in the Sky Bet Championship around the turn of the year and he's not looked back after helping his side to promotion. A stunning 14 goals from his first 19 Premier League appearances has no doubt gained the attention of rival clubs and although 1/10 with Sky Bet to remain a Hornet through the transfer window, he's bound to be in demand.
Spanish outfit Atletico Madrid are among his admirers and they could be prepared to make an offer in January, according to recent newspaper reports. Los Rojiblancos are 6/1 to get their man, while Manchester United appear the most likely English side to make a move, according to the bookmakers. United have spent big in recent seasons and with Wayne Rooney struggling for form and Anthony Martial still seemingly bedding in, bringing in a thriving Ighalo could be seen as money well spent.
Liverpool continue to be frustrated by the injury problems suffered by Daniel Sturridge and Ighalo is 12/1 to head to Anfield before February 2, while he's 16/1 to make the move to title-chasing Arsenal.
Most likely outcome: Stays at Watford
Sky Bet's odds on Ighalo's future
Manchester United would appear to lead the way in the race to sign Leicester's Riyad Mahrez. Jamie Vardy has made the headlines with his record goalscoring run but many who go to the King Power week in, week out would argue it's inspirational attacking midfielder Mahrez who has been the star turn this season.
Previously accused of attempting one trick too many and failing to deliver an end product, Mahrez has taken his form to new levels in the Premier League, notching 13 goals and seven assists at the halfway stage.
It's hard to gauge what kind of sum it might take to wrestle him from Leicester as he cost less than £500,000 - boss Claudio Ranieri insists he's not for sale - but it's fair to say his stock has risen sharply and he could be looking at an astronomical wage should he move to Manchester. United are 11/2 to sign Mahrez before the transfer window closes, with City 20/1. Arsenal and Chelsea are both considered 16/1 chances, with La Liga giants Barcelona (20/1) and Real Madrid (25/1) also quoted in the betting.
Most likely outcome: Stays at Leicester but Manchester United keen
Sky Bet's odds on Mahrez's future
Unfortunately for Everton and Roberto Martinez, who recently repeated his desire to hold on to promising centre-back John Stones at all costs, the links with Chelsea just won't go away.
Sky Bet make the Stamford Bridge side 8/1 to complete the deal this winter that evaded them at the end of the summer. It was reportedly the inflated asking price which thwarted them then and Everton's defensive problems in the interim have hardly done Stones' price tag much good, but Chelsea's interest in Stones remains strong.
Manchester United are next in the betting at 12/1, with Barcelona 20/1, although the 1/10 quotes against Stones staying put until at least the summer reflect the Toffees' current stance of 'no deal'.
Most likely outcome: Stays at Everton
Sky Bet's odds on Stones' future
Saido Berahino is a player looking increasingly likely to be on the move in January.
The West Brom forward was at the centre of a tug of war between the Baggies and Tottenham throughout the summer and it would be no surprise to see the 22-year-old end up at White Hart Lane.
Spurs are the 8/11 favourites with Sky Bet to land Berahino in January and they could definitely do with the striker to offer support to Harry Kane with Clinton Njie ruled out for two to three months with a knee injury. West Brom already have plenty of forward options at The Hawthorns so a strong offer from Tottenham should see this deal finally be completed.
Most likely outcome: Joins Tottenham
Sky Bet's odds on Berahino's future
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is on the radar of clubs right across Europe after finding spectacular form with Borussia Dortmund in Germany's Bundesliga this season.
The Gabon international has an incredible 24 goals to his name already this term and has been linked in the papers with a move to the Premier League. Manchester United are the 5/1 favourites with Sky Bet to sign the striker in January with Chelsea following the Red Devils in the odds at 8/1.
Arsenal look an interesting option at 10/1 though as Arsene Wenger has admitted he'll be "busy" throughout the transfer window. Signing Aubameyang would give the Gunners the edge in the Premier League title race but big-money will be needed to tempt Dortmund.
Most likely outcome: Joins Arsenal if the price is right
