As the January transfer window inches closer, clubs across Europe will be identifying potential transfer targets and holding discussions with clubs and agents over future deals. Chelsea's transfer ban has been halved and that means there's one more competitor in the market. Let's take a look at when will January transfer window open & close.
When does the January transfer window open?
January 1: Premier League, Ligue 1 and Bundesliga
January 2: Serie A and La Liga
January 3: Primeira Liga
January 22: Russian Premier League
When does the January transfer window close?
January 31: Ligue 1, Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A and La Liga
February 2: Primeira Liga
February 21: Russian Premier League
The winter transfer window will be heating up soon and these are the top 5 forwards to watch out for.
1. Mario Mandzukic
Clubs interested: Manchester United & AC Milan
The Croatian forward was very close to signing with the Red Devils but it looks like the English giants haven't dropped their interest in him. After four seasons in Turin, Mandzukic looks to be on his way out of Juventus. Despite signing a contract till 2021, he wasn't included in Sarri's 22-man list for the Champions League earlier this season. He hasn't played a single competitive minute and has stopped training with the team. He reportedly held talks with Qatari side Al Rayyan but he ended the transfer talks. AC Milan are also interested in signing him alongside Manchester United. A move to Old Trafford is very likely because Solskjaer is desperate for a striker following the departure of Sanchez and Lukaku.
2. Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Clubs interested: AC Milan, Napoli & AS Roma
Earlier there were reports that Tottenham might be interested in signing Zlatan but Jose Mourinho ruled out the transfer. The Swedish forward has dropped a major hint that he's set to return to Serie A.
"I will join a club that must get back to winning, that has to renew its history and is in search of a battle against everyone and everything,’ Ibrahimovic told GQ Italia.
"That is the only way I’ll be able to find the necessary motivation to surprise you again.
"It’s not just about choosing a team, as there are other factors that need to line up, including in the interests of my family.
‘I’ll see you in Italy soon."
Zlatan is available on a free transfer after his contract with LA Galaxy recently expired. His former club, AC Milan are very interested in signing him. There are reports that Roma are providing strong competition for him. Zlatan's chances of joining Napoli reportedly hinge on the side's qualifying for the R16 of the Champions League.
3. Erling Haaland
Clubs interested: Manchester United, Bayern Munich & RB Leipzig
The 19-year-old is currently among the most in form forwards in the world. He has 16 goals & six assists from 14 games for RB Salzburg in the league. In the Champions League, he became the first player to score six goals in his first three games. Many clubs are interested to sign him. According to Sport Bild, his father is suggesting him to sign for a German club as an immediate step as he finds the Premier League more tougher. RB Leipzig are very much in race for him as well. Julian Nagelsmann is a big admirer of of the 19-year-old and believes he would be a 'perfect fit' for the German club. Haaland has played under Solskjaer at Molde and therefore it is believed that he would favour a move to Manchester United. After selling Lukaku and failing to replace him, United desperately need a striker.
4. Timo Werner
Clubs interested: Liverpool, Chelsea & Manchester United
Werner has been linked with a move away from Leipzig for years now. Liverpool are keen to sign him in the January transfer window. He is flourishing under Nagelsmann and has 15 goals from 14 games in the Bundesliga. However, according to reports, Liverpool would only buy him if he accepts a substitute role behind Roberto Firmino. Manchester United are also interested in him as they are still in search for Lukaku's replacement. Chelsea have also emerged as potential suitors after their transfer ban was halved.
5. Wilfried Zaha
Clubs interested: Chelsea, Arsenal & Manchester United
Zaha re-joined Palace in January 2015 from Manchester United. The Red Devils failed to sign him in the summer and will again try to sign him in January. Chelsea have started showing interest in Zaha and are plotting a £50m swoop to bring the winger to London. Reports suggest that his agent has spoken to Chelsea on a possible transfer to the capital. Arsenal weren't able to bring Zaha to the Emirates last summer. They can join the race alongside Manchester United & Chelsea for his services
