Source: Daily_Mail
THE INSIDER: Richards not a priority for Spurs, Celtic keen on McCarthy and Wigan eye Nolan
Simon Jones is Sportsmail's man on the inside of all the major transfer moves this month. [LNB] His column, published every weekday, offers an insight into the deals which will be done and those that won't - and why. [LNB]A 5/5-rating means The Insider reckons it's a done deal; 0/5 means The Insider has his mortgage on it not happening.[LNB]Don't miss your daily instalment of The Insider every weekday through the transfer window here at MailOnline.[LNB]Micah RichardsManchester City to Tottenham - The Insider says: 2/5City have been looking to improve their defence and that means each player has comeunder scrutiny whatever their price tag. [LNB]Richards has failed to build on his early promise but has improved his form of late. Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is a fan and believes he could improve theEngland U21 international who can play right-back or centre half.[LNB] Not in a hurry: Spurs like Micah Richards but are in no rush to sign the defender[LNB]However, while City would listen to offers, he is not a priority for Tottenham. [LNB]Redknapp would still prefer to have a goalkeeper, another striker, a centre midfielder and left-sided player ahead of Richards.[LNB]Kevin NolanNewcastle to Wigan - The Insider says: 2/5Nolan has rediscovered his old Bolton form albeit in the Championship and is once again catching the eye of other Premier League clubs with 11 goals this season.[LNB]Newcastle's financial position always makes them vulnerable to offers but there are other higher wage earners who have less affect on the team who they would prefer to push out the door first. [LNB] Back to the top: In-form Newcastle United midfielder Kevin Nolan is in-demand[LNB]That won't stop the likes of Wigan, Birmingham, Stoke or Hull trying their arm.[LNB]Certainly for Stoke or Birmingham it would be more straight forward as they have the cash to match the £5.5million valuation.[LNB]Adam JohnsonMiddlesbrough to Wolves - The Insider says: 1/5Johnson is unhappy at Middlesbrough's demise and is keen to make a move away from the Riverside. [LNB]Many Premier League clubs including Chelsea have made inquiries over recent months about the England U21 international and those inquiries will keep coming. [LNB] Making a move: Adam Johnson is wanted by a host of Premier League clubs[LNB]Wolves are the latest to show interest and they are willing to put down £3million for a player who is out of contract in the summer. [LNB]Boro want to keep him to try and salvage their season and that is reflected in their £6m asking price but their slide makes that all the more difficult for the player particularly with Sunderland waiting in the wings.[LNB]Benni McCarthyBlackburn to Celtic - The Insider says: 3/5McCarthy made it clear in Sportsmail last month that he believes he has no future at the club.[LNB]Although he gets on with manager Sam Allardyce, McCarthy does not get the game time he craves. He is on the wanted list for four Premier League clubs but not necessarily their first choice with his age at 32 and Blackburn seeking around £2.5m. [LNB] I'm a World Cup hopeful, get me out of here: South Africa ace McCarthy wants out[LNB]Celtic are interested and that would appeal to the South Africa international in World Cup year but they too will have to sell to help finance a move. [LNB]Much could hinge on Middlesbrough's attempts to sign Celtic trio Barry Robson, GaryCaldwell and Scott McDonald.[LNB] THE LIST: The top 50 footballers we'd like to see snapped up by Premier League clubs in the transfer window, Nos 50-41The free XI: Cole, Van Nistelrooy and Petrov head list of out of contract starsJANUARY TRANSFER WINDOW 2010: All the moves at every Premier League club [LNB]
