Transfer Rumours: Juan Mata linked with return to Spain in January

Juan Mata seems set for a January departure from Old Trafford

January isn't too far away folks and plenty of rumblings going on from around the transfer world according to the media. As usual Alex Johnson rounds it all up for us.

The Daily Express are reporting that Barcelona's Dani Alves is being earmarked as a summer target by a number of Premier League clubs.

The Brazilian's contract at the Nou Camp expires at the end of the current campaign and with boss Luis Enrique not expected to offer him a new deal, Manchester United and Liverpool are believed to be considering making a move for the 31-year-old, while talkSPORT have also suggested Manchester City and Juventus are in the running.

Another Barcelona man who could be set to move to the Premier League is youngster Sergi Samper with, according to the Metro, Arsenal ready to match his 9.6million release clause in January.

However, the Daily Express says the Gunners could miss out on one of their long-term targets during the winter transfer window, with Schalke's Klaas-Jan Huntelaar expected to sign a new deal in Germany, with Liverpool and Tottenham the other clubs interested in the striker.

Staying with Arsene Wenger's men and, according to the Daily Star, another Dutchman, Arthur Numan, has told Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk that he should try and force through a move to the Emirates Stadium in January.

The former Groningen man recently turned down the chance to move to the Premier League with Sunderland and in an interview with the Daily Record, Numan has advised the 23-year-old to try and move to north London to boost his international aspirations.

Looking abroad to Italy and following rumours that he could look to end his career in the MLS, Gianluigi Buffon's representative Silvano Martina has told Calcionews24.com that the player is in "no rush" to sign a new deal at Juventus, although the agent says it is likely the stopper will eventually agree an extension.

Moving to Spain and Juan Mata is being linked with a potential January move to either Atletico Madrid or former club Valencia, according to Football Espana.

The playmaker only joined Manchester United at the start of this year but following a busy summer that has seen fellow midfielders Ander Herrera and Angel Di Maria arrive at Old Trafford, it looks like he could be allowed to leave the club with the La Liga duo thought to be interested.

Finally in Germany and Give Me Sport says Mats Hummels has once again rejected speculation linking him with Manchester United, telling reporters that he currently doesn't see a reason to leave Borussia Dortmund.