With the January Transfer window looming – certain rumours have been thrown around since the beginning of the 12/13 season. Here I will take a look at the top 5 potential 'comings and goings' that will affect The Barclay's Premier League.
With only £58,000,000 spent in The British Transfer Market last January – it is fair to say that compared to the summer window, top flight managers are much more reluctant to spend. That said – with such success stories like Papiss Cisse and Nikica Jelavic people may wonder why managers do not spend? Of course, the likes of big spenders Manchester City and Chelsea are in the latter stages of assembling their squads to challenge domestically and on the continent.
In this article – I will look at transfer rumours surrounding teams in The Barclay's Premier League. The potential comings and goings and reasons behind the move.
Queens Park Rangers
Coming in:
Darren Bent
Aston Villa are prepared to sell the England international in January – as the striker himself has become increasingly frustrated with boss Paul Lambert. Since Lambert's arrival – Bent has lost his starting place in the squad as well as losing the captaincy – new signing Ron Vlaar took over from Stilliyan Petrov. QPR owner and chairman – Tony Fernandes is a long-term admirer of the England international – and will be desperate to sign a proven goal scorer for his side who currently sit bottom of The Barclay's Premier League. QPR will face Liverpool for the signature of Darren Bent – and Fernandes will need to persuade Bent to QPR, like he has with other key signings in the past.
Michael Dawson
At the start of the season, AVB named Michael Dawson as his captain for the season. Dawson was soon linked to QPR as Mark Hughes wanted to bolster his defence ahead of a tough second season in The Barclays Premier League. However – the England international reportedly rejected QPR after 'failing to agree personal terms'. Dawson may feel he still has the ability to play at Spurs – but with Gallas, Caulker, Vertonghen, all performin well, Dawson may jump at the chance for regular first team football at QPR. The London Side were happy to meet his wage demands of £60,000 a week – but the two parties failed to agree over bonus' for the England International.
Kolo Toure 
Mark Hughes signed the Ivory Coast international for Manchester City back in the summer of 2009 – and is looking to reunite with the player this January when the transfer window opens up. Toure has struggled for first team football – since his ban from a weight-loss drugs ban, being replaced in the City line up by Joleon Lescott. Although Toure will be away for the AFCON this January – Hughes is still keen to tempt Toure into making a move to the West London Club. QPR have conceded 16 goals this season – and have one clean sheet so far. Hughes will hope the experienced defender can marshall his defence and end this problem of conceding too many goals. QPR will give Toure the opportunity for first team football – Toure has made just one Premier League start since March this year.
Brede Hangeland
Another defender linked with QPR, it is evident that Hughes is desperate to sort out his defence for this season. Brede Hangeland, 31, runs out this summer – and there are plenty of teams desperate for his signature. The giant Norwegian could well be on his way to QPR – as he looks destined to leave Fulham. Although Hangeland has offers around The Barclays Premier League, it is believed he wants to stay in London. With Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal all seemingly not interested in him – Fulham is the most likely destination remaining. At 31 years old this may potentially be the final move of Hangeland's career – QPR have the money to pay Hangeland's his wage demands, and more.
Going out:
Joey Barton
Having joined French side Marseille on a season long loan – Barton looks set to join the French side permanently, as long as he performances are to a high enough standard for Ligue 1. Currently serving a 12-game suspension following his infamous sending off against Manchester City last season, the one time England international was stripped of the captaincy at QPR – and fined six weeks wages by Hughes and the QPR board. The controversial character has no doubt shown class through certain periods of his career, well, Newcastle. However, a move to France could do Barton the world of good. A new scenery with new media, a new chance for a footballer who could never stay out of trouble.
Robert Green
Mark Hughes has opened the door for Robert Green to leave in January – after just four games in goal for QPR. Having joined from West Ham last summer – Green went on to make his debut against Swansea, and let in 5. Inter Milan keeper Julio Cesar soon became available on the transfer market, and Mark Hughes snapped up the Brazilian. A champions league winner in 2010 – Cesar has brought some leadership and order to the back line of QPR, and Rob Green seems surplus to requirements at Loftus Road. Hughes said: “Rob may have concerns in terms of his international standing but I have got make sure we are strong as a club.” Green has been rumoured to be 'gutted' about what has happened at QPR – and a return to West Ham, his former club is on the cards.
Adel Taarabt
Having been rumoured to leave QPR in the past – Taarabt is in a class of his own at QPR and will more than likely leave the London club soon. With 19 goals and 19 assists in the season QPR were promoted to The Barclays Premier League – Taarabt was linked with moves around the world. However – since QPR have been in Englands top flight – Taarabt has struggled. With just two goals in his first season – and currently two this campaign, questions have been raised whether or not Taarabt can adapt to the ability of The Premiership. If Taarabt is to carry on however – performing like he his this season – expect the Morrocan to get a move to a bigger club sooner rather than later.
Shaun Derry
The 34 year old has not started a Premier League game this season after 28 appearances last year as QPR managed to avoid relegation. However, currently he is low in the pecking order behind the likes of Esteban Granero and Alejandro Faurlin. Derry said: “I need to be playing football and will try to play at some place.” At 34, Derry may have to drop a league for regular first team football. In the twilight of his career – this move may be the last of Shan Derry's career.
Source: DSG
