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 Barclays 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 Barclays Premier League. The potential comings and goings and reasons behind the move.
West Ham
Coming In -
John Mensah 
Sam Allardyce is contemplating giving free agent John Mensah a contract in order too tighten up his defense this January. The West Ham manager had a fruitful summer transfer window – bringing in attacking options of Andy Carroll, Matt Jarvis and Yossi Benayoun. However, he now finds himself short of options at the back, mainly in the centre. Mensah has experience in The Barclays Premier League with North East side Sunderland. The Ghanian was released by Lyon in the summer and is keen to return to England's top flight.
Anhony vanden Borre
The 24 year old arrived in London in a bid to win a deal with the Hammers after leaving Genk in his homeland this summer. Capable of playing right back or right wing – vandem Borre will be seen as ideal squad player for West Ham.While he knows both Italian and English football, Sam Allardyce is a manager reputed for getting the best out of talented players whose careers have started to slide. It is just what he needs. The defender tipped as one of Europe's most promising still has plenty of good years ahead of him, and he would add good depth to the Hammers squad.
Craig Gordon
With 40 international caps for Scotland and once demanding a £9million transfer fee – it is easy to see why West Ham and Sam Allardyce are after the former Scottish international – especially on a free! However, with an injury record more associated with a tough tackling central midfielder. He broke his arm twice, and suffered niggling injuries on a constant basis, while a knee tendon and anterior cruciate ligament injury picked up in April last year meant he was ruled out for eight months.
Allardyce is known for getting the best out of players who seem to be on decline – and Gordon may jump at the chance to return to football. As early as this January in East London. Andy Carroll
Currently on loan with the London club and seemingly deemed surplus to requirements at Liverpool – it is more of a matter of 'when' than 'if' Andy Carroll joins West Ham. The big target man claimed he wansn't given enough time at Liverpool and jumped at the chance to play regular football at West Ham – under Sam Allardyce. Big Sam already realises Carroll's importance to his plans this season. He said: “He is still only a young man and he has got a lot of improving to do. But he is such an important for us already.” A young man confident of his own abilities – Carroll claims he can 'fit in any system'. Carroll will be keen to take advantage of this period in his career to show off his talent. Maybe for a return to Liverpool or a permanent transfer to West Ham United.
Going Out -
James Tomkins
Rumours have begun that with the arrival of Andy Carroll – James Tomkins will be involved in part of a player exchange deal at Upton Park for the permanent signing of the giant centre foward. The young centre half, who can play defensive midfield – is the most recent player to exit the famous West Ham Academy. Although Liverpool would prefer a big sum of money for the England striker – Tomkins could be used as a make-weight for the deal of Carroll to go through.
Ricardo Vaz Te
After scoring the decisive goal to crown West Ham play-off champions at the end of last season – Vaz Te was rumoured to be after an exit out of West Ham, according to the Daily Mail. He said: “I have another two years on my contract and I'm happy – but if something came up id analyse it – ive never had the chance to play in Portugal. If I did, of course, id sit down with my people and study the offer.” After bagging 12 goals in 18 appearances at the end of last season, Vaz Te quickly became a fan favourite at Upton Park. Currently injured – Vaz Te may be out the door come January.
Ravel Morrison
The former Manchester United trainee – who was so close to starting for the first team – now finds himself on loan at Championship side Brimingham City. With his off field issue's seemingly too much for Manchester United and now West Ham – Ravel Morrison could move to Birmingham in January on a permanent transfer. Birmingham manager Lee Clark rates the youngster very highly – and is seemingly transforming the attitude of the youngster.
Stephen Henderson
The young goalkeeper has seen his opportunities for the first team very limited – and is currently on loan at Ipswich Town. With West Ham linked with Craig Gordon to replace the veteran Jussi Jaaskelainen – Henderson may opt to stay at Ipswich in order to earn the number one jersey. At 25 years of age he has plenty of time to grow in to a top goalkeeper – and may feel that Ipswich is the place for him to be.
Source: DSG
