The transfer window in the Premier League opens again in January and already there are a number of rumours flying around about who could be moving clubs. Here is a look at three players who may be involved in the biggest moves at the start of 2018.

Virgil Van Dijk

Southampton defender Virgil Van Dijk was desperate for a move away from the Saints in the summer to one of the clubs who are in the hunt for the title this season. Sadly for the Dutchman, he was unable to secure the transfer. Van Dijk has already hinted that he could leave Southampton in January and Liverpool look the most likely club to secure his signature. Jurgen Klopp’s side have been woeful at the back so far this season, so the German will be desperate to strengthen his back four. The Reds’ inability to stop conceding has already cost them points and as a result, they are now out to +3300 in the football betting for the Premier League title. Manchester City and Manchester United would also likely be interested in Van Dijk, but it appears that the Dutchman has his heart set on a move to Anfield.

Theo Walcott

Arsenal’s Theo Walcott is no longer a regular in Arsene Wenger’s starting XI, therefore if the Englishman wants to guarantee a slot in the England squad for the World Cup next year, where they have already qualified, he needs to be playing regular football. There won’t be a shortage of interest in the 27-year-old as he has a lot to offer a team just outside the top six in the table. Everton and Southampton are both thought to be very interested in the player. Everton are lacking a winger with pace, so Ronald Koeman may see him as the perfect target. Walcott has been unable to progress as much as Arsenal fans would have wanted at the London club, so his 11-year stay in North London looks likely to come to an end soon.

Phillipe Coutinho

Rumours have circulated that Barcelona may look to test Liverpool’s resolve once again in January with a bid in the region of £120 million for the services of Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian was clearly interested in joining the Catalan giants, however Liverpool remained firm and didn’t budge from their position that their player was not available. It will be interesting to see if Coutinho makes more of a fuss when the window opens again and pushes for the move.

The issue Liverpool will have if they do let go of their star player midway through a season, who will they sign to replace him? The Reds are in the Champions League and will struggle to find a player who is not cup-tied in that competition. Barcelona remain desperate to sign Coutinho so it does look very likely now that the transfer will either occur in January or next summer after the World Cup.

It is unlikely that the Premier League record spending will be broken this January, but don’t rule out clubs splashing the cash again to help themselves improve in the second half of the campaign.

Recent articles

US Soccer’s Road to Disappointment

The Premier League sack race: Koeman, Hodgson and Bilic

Coshcast: City dominate, Napoli obliviate, Barcelona close the gates