Life’s A Pitch: shopping in the January sales

The January transfer window: a market with fewer players available than in the summer, and they all seem to cost more. You can understand why even the most desperate managers approach this opportunity to plug holes in their squads with caution. Unless they spot a bargain, that is.

Take Rory Donnelly, for example. The 19 year-old Northern Irishman is available for £100,000 (peanuts to Premier League clubs), and Liverpool, Everton and Swansea are all swarming, hoping the Cliftonville striker will decide to sign for them. And as Laure James reveals, the young lad looks set to turn down both Kenny Dalglish and David Moyes, in favour of steady progress under Brendan Rodgers at Swansea.

One club that looks set to be busier than most is Newcastle. Weakened by injuries, the Toon will be keen to bring in some defensive reinforcements, as well as having to fend off interest in star performers Cheick Tiote and Fabricio Coloccini, writes Mike Calvin.

One place Premier League will be looking for bargains is the Football League. And, as our expert pundits reveal, there are rich pickings there for those prepared to take a gamble. We also assess the latest transfer rumours and sort the certainties from the fantasies.

Looking further afield, Michael Cox wonders whether Tottenham should push the boat out for Emmanuel Adebayor for when his loan deal with them ends this summer. And despite the defensive chaos at Stamford Bridge this season, Jonathan Wilson believes Andre Villas-Boas is slowly but surely building a bright future at Chelsea. Find out why.

Plus, we’ve got a pair of Adidas F50 football boots signed by Tottenham star Gareth Bale to give away.

Expert pundit videos

“You wouldn’t blame Van Persie if he wanted to go to City”

Janine Self explains why she could understand if Robin van Persie decided to leave Arsenal for Manchester City.
Robin reliant? >

Premier League clubs scour the Football League for bargains

The Life’s A Pitch panel discusses the latest efforts of Premier League clubs to sign players from the Football League at knock-down prices.
Bargain basement >

“De Rossi would be perfect in central midfield for Man Utd”

Man Utd need midfield reinforcements this January and the Life’s A Pitch panel has got a couple of suggestions.
The Italian job >

Hummels to Man Utd, Chelsea chase Neymar, Liverpool watching Dutch pair?

Get the latest on transfers involving Man Utd, Chelsea and Liverpool this January with the Life’s A Pitch panel.
Transfer talk >

Lively opinion blogs

Is Donnelly set to pick Swansea over Liverpool and Everton?

Despite the interest of mighty Liverpool, moving to Swansea might be best for the career of young Northern Irish striker Rory Donnelly, writes Laure James.
Decision time >

A busy January transfer window expected at Newcastle

Despite agreeing to finance two signings in January, Mike Calvin wonders if Newcastle owner Mike Ashley will be able to resist selling any of his prime assets.
Buy or sell? >

Why Chelsea must keep faith in Villas-Boas’ methods

Chelsea may look like a side struggling tactically, but Jonathan Wilson believes Villas-Boas is slowly transforming Chelsea into a side with a bright future.
Keep the faith >

Should Spurs push the boat out for enigmatic Adebayor?

Adebayor is perfect for Spurs on the pitch, but his wage demands and nomadic reputation has Michael Cox wondering if Tottenham should try and sign him permanently.
A bridge too far? >

Competition

Win a pair of football boots signed by Gareth Bale! >

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