Eight January signings! Arsenal, Man United, Liverpool and the players who can sign pre-contract deals

8. Sami Khedira is out of contract in summer 2015 and would be perfect for Arsenal 

The Real Madrid man seemed destined to leave the Bernabeu during the summer, but a move failed to materialise. Two bit-part appearances for Los Blancos this season is indicative of his place in boss Carlo Ancelotti’s plans, so expect him to seek a move at the next possible opportunity. Arsenal were rumoured to be talking to him earlier this year and would be foolish not to reignite that interest in January. The Gunners have the funds to sign him early, but might opt to agree a pre-contract and snap him up for nothing come June.

7. Yevhen Konoplyanka – Perfect for: Tottenham

One of the most talked about names last January was Dnipro’s Yevhen Konoplyanka, as both Tottenham and Liverpool reportedly battled it out for his signature. Fast forward 12 months and the same man could be at the centre of transfer dealings again, as his contract reaches its conclusion. Although Liverpool have made great advancements in wide areas, Spurs still seem to need the level of wizardry Konoplyanka would offer.

6. Nigel De Jong – Perfect for: Man United

Despite their extravagant spending this summer, Man United remain a club in flux and one that still need to address a number of areas. One of these is still central midfield. Despite drafting in Daley Blind from Ajax, the Red Devils could do with a real bruiser to protect their fragile back four. Dutchman Nigel De Jong was uttered as exactly that solution, and while United opted against moving for him six weeks ago, they could reignite interest with the midfielder reaching the end of his AC Milan deal.

5. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar – Perfect for: Man City

Manuel Pellegrini may have dropped a bit of a clanger when he allowed Alvaro Negredo to leave at the end of the summer window without bringing in a replacement striker. Should he decided to move for a replacement in the winter, then he should look no further than Schalke hitman Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. The Dutchman is out of contract in the summer, but given Schalke have cashed in on a player early before (selling Lewis Holtby to Tottenham), they could do it again.

4. Jon Flanagan – Perfect for: Liverpool

Unquestionably one of the unearthed gems of last season, it would be a minor disaster if Liverpool were to lose Jon Flanagan when his contract expires next year. Everything suggests he will pen a new deal at Anfield as soon as he returns from a lengthy injury lay-off, but with his potential there for all to see, he could attract the attentions of other established clubs.

3. James Milner – Perfect for: Liverpool 

Although he may be frequently derided for his less glamorous approach to the game, James Milner remains a very talented and dependable footballer. It is therefore perhaps a little surprising that he is could be available for nothing come the end of the season. The former Leeds United man is arguably an ideal addition to Liverpool’s ranks, especially given his workman-like approach – similar to that of Dirk Kuyt. Brendan Rodgers’ recent deployment of Raheem Sterling as a wing-back was a little baffling, and if he is going to use this tactic in future, Milner would be the perfect selection, with the England man defensively astute and capable of producing excellent crosses.

2. Giorgio Chiellini – Perfect for: Man United

It’s almost mind-boggling to think Man United spent in excess of £150m during the summer and failed to address arguably their biggest concern in central defence. The Red Devils are reportedly set on eventually luring Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels to Old Trafford, but they must surely keep an eye on other potentially available players as well. One such player is Juventus’ highly-respected centre-back Giorgio Chiellini. The Italian is in the last year of his contract, although he will likely remain in Turin unless an unbelievable offer comes his way.

1. Glen Johnson – Perfect for: Tottenham

With Liverpool looking pretty stacked in the full-back area, it seems increasingly likely that Glen Johnson will be allowed to leave Anfield when his contract expires. There have been silent calls for him to take his chances abroad – much like Ashley Cole and Micah Richards, but he could find a suitable home in the Premier League at Tottenham. Beyond Kyle Walker, Mauricio Pochettino has few options at full-back, recently playing Eric Dier in that role.

The summer transfer window may be closed, but as a 

number of clubs will attest to, the winter window can’t 

come around quickly enough.

The likes of Man United, Tottenham and Liverpool have endured mixed starts to the new campaign, while their rivals are still showing areas of weakness that need to be addressed soon.

January may still be over three months away, but for the clubs in need of further strengthening, work will start now on engineering the next purchases.

However, a brief look over the list of players in the final year of their contract offers some particularly interesting reading.