Six Transfers That Simply Must Happen This January

Schneiderlin taking one stepping stone at a time

Transfer windows can make or break a manager, a maddening month of wheeling and dealing that usually results in panic buying and a burnt-out mobile. Have no fear though Brendan and co because Stephen Tudor is here to help, cutting through the hotchpotch of rumour and risk with six no-brainer January swoops. You know it makes sense.

Manchester United - Morgan Schneiderlin

Peace may be restored at St Marys after the midfielder's Twitter strop over the summer but Schneiderlin still evidently views the Saints as a stepping stone despite their incredible season. A firm 25m bid - preferably sooner rather than later - either snags Louis Van Gaal a highly-efficient puller-of-strings or creates disharmony at a top four rival. Win-win.

Liverpool - Gonzalo Higuain

Now that Rafa Benitez has added Manolo Gabbiadini to his forward line the Napoli boss might be more open to the idea of letting his Argentine hit-man go. Especially for the mouth-watering 30m that is being mooted. And, by jingo, Liverpool need him, an upgrade on their present stable of misfiring duds that's akin to a Grand National winner joining the donkeys on Morecombe beach. Aside from his goals and movement Higuain's arrival might also help Raheem Sterling rediscover his sensational form.

Aston Villa - Scott Sinclair

Villa are reportedly haggling over the knock-down fee that varies depending who you believe. Some say 2.5m. Others 4m. Whatever the figure Paul Lambert would do well to YouTube Sinclair in his Swansea pomp and acknowledge that the winger hasn't lost his blistering pace nor his ability to penetrate. It's simply that Manchester City didn't give him a chance. The Scot should then perhaps look at the three points that presently separates his club from the drop-zone before dusting off the chequebook.

Everton - David Marshall

Everton face a critical few weeks of attempting to turn around a hugely disappointing campaign with only Joel Robles and two rookie kids as their goalkeeping options. It gets worse for under-fire boss Roberto Martinez because in early February Tim Howard returns from injury. Marshall was the stand-out keeper in the Premier League last term despite Cardiff's relegation and is playing beneath his pay-grade in the Championship. A 6m punt for an excellent shot-stopper approaching his prime ticks every box.

Spurs - Jackson Martinez

Sir Harry Kane's emergence as a goal-machine may have kept Spurs in top four contention but Mauricio Pochettino knows he cannot become overly reliant on the 21-year-old. Elsewhere Tottenham's attacking options are thin with Roberto Soldado and Emmanuel Adebayor rarely threatening the proverbial barn door and so activating Porto's 35M release clause for Martinez is a must. The Colombian is adroit with both feet, scores for fun, and is an exciting proposition. Unfortunately Roma appear to have taken the lead in a multi-club chase for the striker nicknamed 'Cha Cha Cha' due to his slick moves.

Arsenal - Ron Vlaar

Some say purgatory lies on the edge of Hades, a Hell-Lite if you will where souls await their final destination. Others insist it's the state in between seasons of Game of Thrones. In footballing terms, the Dutch stopper has experienced his own awful limbo since an outstanding World Cup prompted significant interest but no tabled bids from several leading clubs. His purgatory has been in the form of staying at Villa, biding his time while injured anyway for the most part. Now though the heavens can open. Arsenal are in desperate need of an accomplished centre-back, Vlaar has made no bones about his desire to leave, and Villa will offer only token resistance. What are we waiting for already?

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