As the relentless juggernaut of time rolls on, another transfer window rapidly approaches. The New Year could provide the prospect of some intriguing moves. If the rumours are right; Manchester United are looking to strengthen after Ronaldo said ‘adios’, Chelsea are keen to make a raid if their trading ban is lifted and Manchester City’s desire to be a football powerhouse will continue with another monster  spending spree. There is some red hot talent on the market. There are some savvy agents looking to line their pockets

10. Matthew Upson - West Ham United

West Ham’s captain and star centre back has long been coveted. The latest team linked to the dependable England regular in the January sales is Liverpool. At 31, Upson is valued rather steeply at £10 million, demonstrating how highly ‘The Hammers’ regard him. With 18 months still left on his contract letting Upson go for free would be business suicide for the East Londoners. Despite his age, the defender has the presence and quality that would benefit most top teams.



9. Marouane Chamakh - Bordeaux

There are those of the opinion that the Moroccan forward is overrated. Plying his trade for French champions Bordeaux, the 25-year-old's goal scoring record is hardly prolific, with 55 hit in 232 games. However the tall target man has a high work rate and operates as an effective support striker. West Ham is the latest English club interested. Valued at £10 million, the sale of Matt Upson would help fund ‘The Irons’ bid to sharpen their blunt attack.



8. Luca Toni - Bayern Munich

Sidelined with an achilles tendon injury, the big centre forward missed pre-season and has fallen down the pecking order of the strong roster of striking talent ‘Die Roten’ (‘The Reds’) possess. In a World Cup year, the Italian hitman wants guaranteed first team football having missed out on selection for recent national team matches. Although his form has dropped, Toni was top scorer in the Bundesliga in the 2007/08 season. Once a feared marksmen in Serie ‘A’, Napoli are the front runners to acquire him.



7. Rafeal Van der Vaart -  Real Madrid

The mercurial midfielder is geared to be the latest Dutchman to fly out of the Santiago Bernabeu.  Real are looking to recoup funds after their seismic smashing of transfer records over the summer. Rumoured to have been offered to Chelsea (which hinges on whether their ban is implemented,) Van der Vaart has become increasingly frustrated under Manuel Pellegrini. He has not featured in European competition for ‘Los Blanco’s’ (‘The Whites’) making him an attractive addition to the continent’s top clubs.



6. Luis Suarez - Ajax Amsterdam

The 22-year-old Uruguay international is Ajax’s prized asset and new club captain. Operating as a striker or winger, his maturity on and off the field for the Dutch outfit has made him a pivotal member of Martin Jol’s side. His great technique and scoring record hasn’t gone unnoticed throughout Europe’s premier scout networks. Barcelona, AC Milan and Inter Milan are apparently chasing him. He has admirers in England too; Manchester United and Liverpool are allegedly offering £10 - £35 million for him.



5. Sergio ‘Kun’ Aguero- Atletico Madrid

Although he’s happy in Madrid, the £45 million rated forward is perceived as the prime target for Chelsea in the January window after the Spanish side revealed Blues contact in the summer. Aged 21 and a supreme talent, blessed with pace and vivacious imagination, whoever offers the most cash is likely to gain him. His father in law and national team coach Maradona seems to think so: “If Chelsea, City or Inter Milan comes in with sufficient money then Atletico will take it - it is the law of football."



4. Javier Mascherano- Liverpool

The Argentine international and Liverpool’s midfield enforcer is rumoured to have declined a new contract. It’s hardly surprising considering he signed a four year deal in 2008. However with the internal turmoil facing the Merseyside club and the overt adulation from Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola, there may be further enquiries to tempt Mascherano away to the Camp Nou. Combative and an intelligent distributor of the ball, the asking price for the holding player would definitely be a significant figure.



3. David Silva- Valencia

The skilful, pacy winger has expressed a desire to play his football away from the Mestella. A left footer who can operate on the right he is being chased by teams at home and abroad.  It shows the strength in depth of the Spanish national team that the 23-year-old is not always a starter in the first eleven. Valencia’s economic situation is grave, for a substantial price January could see him in the strip of an elite club.



2. David Villa- Valencia

Estimated to be worth around £40 million, Valencia’s other prized asset looks set to be sold within the next year. Though top sides like Manchester United want the super striker, he’s believed not to be interested in a move abroad. This leaves the ‘Galactico’ obsessed Real Madrid and Barcelona as the obvious favourites to broker a deal. Alongside Fernando Torres, Villa was devastating upfront for Spain in Euro 2008. The capture of ‘El Gujae’ (‘The Kid’) has been one of the longest transfer sagas in recent times.



1. Franck Ribery - Bayern Munich

Bayern President Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is adamant that they will not sell any players in January. This may very well be the case but it won’t stop clubs continuing to bid for the dynamic Ribery; one of the world’s best wingers. The French maestro may not leave Germany until the summer but clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester United can continue the process of determining a sufficient price of agreement, regardless of what the official line is from Munich.

Главный тренер "Манчестер Юнайтед" сэр Алекс Фергюсон сообщил, что полузащитник Даррен Флетчер выйдет в стартовом составе во вторник на матч Лиги Чемпионов против московского ЦСКА.

Стоит сказать, что Флетчер, наконец, залечил свою травму, и уже в минувшую субботу он был на скамейке запасных во встрече Премьер-Лиги с "Блэкберном". Тогда Фергюсон предпочел не рисковать здоровьем едва восстановившегося полузащитника, решив приберечь его к европейским баталиям.

Возвращение Флетчера придется очень кстати "красным дьяволам", которые в матче на "Олд Траффорд" не смогут рассчитывать на ряд игроков основного состава - Неманью Видича, Рио Фердинанда, Райана Гиггза и Чжи Сун Парка. Не полностью здоров и Димитар Бербатов, пропустивший тренировку в понедельник.

"Даррен был в числе запасных в субботу, а во вторник он уже сыграет. Я думаю, большинство людей понимает, что Флетчер очень важен для нас. Мы давно знаем, какую большую роль он играет, а теперь и все остальные начинают это понимать. В последнее время нам его не хватало, поэтому хорошо, что он вернется", - сообщил Фергюсон в интервью официальному веб-сайту манкунианцев.

Добавим, что Фергюсон довольно осторожно высказался об участии в матче с ЦСКА Уэйна Руни, чья жена, Колин, в понедельник родила ему сына, которому дали имя Кай. Тренер сообщил, что окончательно этот вопрос решится непосредственно во вторник.