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.

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Robinho

The Brazilian star is in the shop window after falling out of favour at Manchester City in January and spending the rest of the season on loan at his former club Santos.

Robinho, who joined the Premier League club for £32.5million, has spoken of his desire to join Barcelona but the Catalan club appear to have cooled their interest.

Schuster, who coached Real Madrid from 2007 to 2008, took charge of the Turkish side on Thursday and confirmed his interest in taking Robinho to the club.

And Robinho, speaking to reporters at the Brazilian training base ahead of their opening Group G clash with North Korea (28/1 to win in 90 minutes) revealed he is open to moving to Turkey.

“If Schuster is there, I could go too,” he said.

Team-mate Luis Fabiano claims he is not concerned by his lack of recent goals going into Tuesday’s opening match (Brazil 1/11, Draw 8/1 in 90 minutes betting).

The Sevilla star has not found the back of the net for his country in eight matches – dating back to a World Cup qualifier against Argentina in September.

“I know it’s normal, I have to keep trying and the ball will eventually go in,” he said. “I can’t worry about it, it’s how it goes for strikers.”

Luis Fabiano was Brazil’s top scorer in last year’s Confederations Cup with five goals, but failed to register in warm-up matches against Zimbabwe and Tanzania.

“I brought a DVD with my goals,” he joked. “I keep watching it from time to time.”

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.