The January transfer window is largely ignored by the Premier League big guns, but it could prove crucial to sides battling it out for honours at both ends of the table. Here is the low down on which managers could be looking to do the most business next month.

Manchester City

Boss Roberto Mancini has never been short of a bob or two in the transfer market from the club’s mega-rich owners as they attempt to bridge the gap between themselves and rivals United, Chelsea and Arsenal (City 9/1 Premier League Outright).

City were boosted by Carlos Tevez’s decision to withdraw his transfer request as he is set to be a key player in his side’s campaign (4/1 Premier League Top Scorer).

However, Mancini is set to offload several players, including strike duo Emmanuel Adebayor and Roque Santa Cruz, which means there will be a vacancy in the attack at Eastlands.

Wolfsburg’s Edin Dzeko could be the man to fill the void as City have been heavily linked with the Bosnian hitman in the past, while the player reportedly wrote to the Citizens expressing his desire to join them.

Liverpool

Roy Hodgson recently stated that he should not be judged on his tenure at Anfield until he has brought his own players into the squad left behind by Rafa Benitez.

The former Fulham chief has been linked to the likes of Ashley Young, Johan Elmander and Gary Cahill, who would all clearly enhance the current set-up. But Hodgson has vowed to be patient in his efforts to recruit new blood and get the Reds up the Premier League table (5/1 Premier League Top 4 Finish).

Aston Villa

Villa boss Gerard Houllier will be looking for the club’s hierarchy to back up their recent claims that they do still harbour ambitions of bringing success to the club when the New Year window swings open.

The Frenchman took over from Martin O’Neill in September so has yet to stamp his own look on the squad at his disposal.

However, his first main task will be to persuade Ashley Young that his future remains at Villa Park, with the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham heavily linked.

Steve Sidwell is set to depart and a catalogue of injuries which have blighted his selection options so far this term means a midfielder is almost certainly on the wanted list.

If Houllier can prise him away then Newcastle’s Joey Barton could be a surprise name to add some steel to the Villa ranks and this could get them back up the table in search of a European spot (11/2 Villa Top 6 Finish).

Blackburn Rovers

January will be a huge month for Steve Kean to prove he is the man to take over from Big Sam Allardyce after owners Venky’s handed him the job until the end of the season with the promise of cash to spend.

Many doubters feel Kean could take Rovers down (13/2 Relegation) and Christopher Samba’s transfer request, Phil Jones’ long-term knee injury and Ryan Nelsen’s bemusement at the new owners’ antics suggests a defender could be a priority next month, while there is also talk of Middlesbrough striker Kris Boyd moving to Ewood Park.

West Ham

At the foot of the Premier League, Avram Grant will be looking to wheel and deal in January in a bid to save his job and the Hammers from relegation to the Championship (13/8 To Stay Up).

Aston Villa’s Steve Sidwell is on the verge of joining, while Tottenham’s Jamie O’Hara and Newcastle’s Joey Barton have been linked with the Upton Park outfit following Grant’s admission that he would like three new players on board by February 1.

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