As the weather outside gets more frightful, are the transfer rumours delightful?

Alright yes that was awful, anyway as the winter gets colder and it’s transfer window gets closer, the rumours come thicker and are they getting hotter?

• One of today’s biggest bits of news is that Lukas Podolski has submitted a request to leave in January, he will now be linked to half of the teams in the Premiership, but which ones will be able to afford him? Bayern don’t have to sell him – he won’t be cheap.
  Man City will no doubt be in the hat, whether Mark Hughes is interested or not, Aston Villa and Spurs should be able to afford the German, and the Champions League finalists might take a look at the forward too.
• One of the only Englishman to play in Euro 2008, Colin Kazim-Richards has today been linked with a move back to the Premiership from Turkey. The ex-Bury, Brighton and Sheffield Utd forward has been a hit at Fenerbahce, especially with the fans.
  Kazim-Kazim, though has been attracting interest from England following his Euro and Champions League exploits, and after not settling completely and has said “I’d love to come back and show people what I can do.”
  Sunderland, Hull City and Manchester City have all been touted as potential bidders in January, and the London born Turkey international will probably attract offers upto about £5m.
• Per Cikijan Skjelbred, a player that the majority of people would have heard of from Football Manager if anywhere at all is being touted as the next Norwegian winger to try his luck in the Premiership. The international is reportedly been monitored by Bolton, Blackburn, Spurs, Hull and Villa but it is Newcastle that have been suggested as the most likely to sign the young star at the moment. The 21-year-old was rumoured to have snubbed West Brom in the summer before signing a new contract, but there was interest from more established clubs in pre-season that ultimately did not materialise before the deadline.
• Barcelona are apparently keeping tabs on Irish youngster James McCarthy, the old firm are interested as are a number of English clubs. McCarthy has long been heralded as a future star after making his Hamilton Academicals debut at just 15. Three years on and McCarthy’s potential and performances in the SPL have attracted attention from quite a few Spanish teams and it now seems only a matter of time until he’s snapped up.
• Hosni is the Egyptian to want to try his luck in England, he will join Mido and Zaki when he arrives at Blackburn for a trial soon. If Hosni Abd-Rabou is allowed to link-up with Blackburn he will join fellow countryman Ahmed Al-Muhammadi who is currently on trial at Ewood Park.
• Matthew Upson has been rumoured to be a target for his former boos and team. The centre back who scored his first international goal last week would be a decent addition to Arsenal’s backline, which has looked fragile recently. The West Ham man may well be open to the possibility of a move to a club that is more likely to compete for trophies this year.
• After the furore of the past week, William Gallas has been touted for a move back to France with PSG, to join the rejuvenated Parisians. Wenger has said that he’s still in his plans for the gunners, but after losing the club captaincy to Cesc Fabregas he may be tempted to jump ship.
• Everton may test the waters with a £4m bid for Wes Brown or Gary Neville in January with the emergence of the young Brazilian Rafael Da Silva.
• Liverpool plan to loan out Andrea Dossena and Philipp Degen in the transfer window, both of the summer signing have failed to impress, Degen may stay in England but Dossena is more likely to find himself back in Italy if he does make any move.
• Stoke are set to revive their interest in Villa striker Marlon Harewood, as Dave Kitson has not taken off and could well suit the Potters style of play, this would though depend on whether Martin O’Neill gets a new striker himself.