The January Transfer Window

There has been a lot of talk surrounding our business in January, as per usual. This time round, it does not feel like we are close to anything as of now. But of course, things can speed up very quickly in this day and age.

I don't really like talking about transfers because we as fans, can list names, but I'm not sure many quite grasp what actually happens in order to get a deal over the line. So, take what I say with a pinch of salt, because there are so many factors when it comes to transfer business. Anyway, here are my thoughts.

The players which I have seen us be linked to are:

Pedro Porro - Sporting - RWB - £36.7m (RC)

Leandro Trossard - Brighton - FW - £30m+ Piero Hincapie - Leverkusen - CB - £25m+

As of now the most likely, looks to be Porro, who we have had a good look at during the two Champions League group games against Sporting. I have to say, he looks like a really good player, and RWB is definitely a position which needs we need to improve upon. The spaniard looked very comfortable in the final third and was pretty sound defensively. So what's the problem you ask, good value, good player, perfect fit, attainable. What could go wrong? Well, firstly I can't see us forking out the money in January. We definitely should do, since he fits Conte's system like a glove, isn't outrageously expensive and could really improve our Starting XI in a key position. However, Sporting have stated they will only take the release clause fee, and that isn't Daniel Levy's way of negotiating.

Whilst these are the sort of deals we need to snap up and get done, in order for Conte to stay, and move forward as a club, we would probably have to sell Emerson or Spence and bring him in, but the trouble is, it will be difficult to sell Emerson, since I can't see anyone wanting him, and him wanting to also go there, so even though we may be reluctant to do so, loaning Spence is most likely the best option to facilitate Porro. But we've got to take into account that this is pretty unlikely. However, it would be wonderful if it did happen.

Leandro Trossard would be a great addition, but I can't see Brighton letting him go, so I deem this transfer pretty unlikely. Don't get me wrong, his versatility and attacking threat would be really useful but I just cannot see this one happening due to the fact he is such a key player for Brighton. Losing him in January would be a huge loss for them.

Piero Hincapie, now this would be fantastic business. Fabrizio Romano stated today that we could make a move for him in January, but he would join in the summer. I would not mind that at all. Obviously,it would be better to get him in straight away, but I would not be fussed, as long as we got him in. He was quality in the World Cup for Ecuador, and is the exact mould of centre back which we need on the left. Physically capable, yet good on the ball. He would be a dream.

Any of these signings would be a huge success, and I would be buzzing with any one of them. I doubt we'll get any of them done, but let's see as the window progresses. It can all change in a few hours.

It's vital we get some players in, of course, but we also need to get some players out the door. Ideally, we would see Emerson and Tanganga leave, to be replaced by two other defenders. Hincapie and Porro are my preferences. Even though it may be a big ask.

Keep an eye out in the coming days, COYS.