5 players who will try to force a move in January

The January transfer market is ready to open soon and as always, the rumour mongers are working extra time. Almost every club is looking to strengthen their current squad and have identified the positions to get an upgrade in. With many players being in their final few months of their contract, a lot of clubs are hoping to sign such players on a cut-price deal or make them sign a pre-contract agreement.

Also, the biggest reason why this January transfer market may be the most happening of them all is the fast approaching 2018 World Cup. The players who are not getting desired game time and are in the race of a World Cup squad spot will look to shift loyalties in order to receive a berth in their respective national sides.

Considering every possible transfer aspect, let's take a look at the five players from around Europe who will try and force a move in January:

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#5 Virgil van Dijk

The transfer saga involving has truly been long drawn and a tedious affair. It all started with Liverpool's open interest in the Southampton man which fizzled out after the Saints' complaint to the FA over tapping up allegations. Van Dijk even put in a transfer request which also could not change Southampton's will of keeping the centre-back at the club.

But Mauricio Pellegrino recently revealed that van Dijk is still eager on leaving the Saints in January, despite the club's continuous efforts to keep him at the St. Mary's. Liverpool are still said to be his number one choice but the arrival of Manchester City on the scene may make matters interesting.

Van Dijk has reportedly told the Saints hierarchy of letting him go next month and may take a self-imposed exile again if his wish is not met. Southampton are expected to demand around £60 million for van Dijk with both Liverpool and Manchester City ready to pay the required amount.

#4 Alex Sandro

Alex Sandro wants to play in the Premier League

The Brazilian left-back was Antonio Conte's first choice target last summer. Chelsea had made a bid of around €65 million for Sandro which was turned down immediately by Juventus. The full-back was made to stay put in Turin but the situation has worsened since then.

It is believed that Sandro has told the Bianconeri management to let him leave in January as he does not wish to continue with the club. Premier League remains high on Alex Sandro's list with Chelsea still on the lookout for a left-back.

Manchester United are also monitoring Sandro's situation at Juventus with Jose Mourinho desperate to sign a left-back as soon as possible. United are ready to offload Luke Shaw and Daley Blind next month which may pave the way for Sandro to make a move to Old Trafford.

#3 Julian Draxler

The German playmaker has fallen down the pecking order in Paris

The German attacker was signed by Paris Saint-Germain last January. He made a dream start to his stint in the French capital. But the arrival of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe has put Draxler's PSG career in complete jeopardy. Along with the star duo, Draxler has to fight for a starting berth with Angel Di Maria which has made life difficult for the former Schalke man.

Draxler has scored just 2 goals in Ligue 1 this season with his most influential performances for the Parisians coming in the cup competition. Draxler played in the Confederations Cup last summer and will need to impress Joachim Low to include him on a plane to Russia.

PSG also need to sell some of their first team players in order to manage their bloating wage bill and Draxler is on top of PSG's offloading list. He himself is said to be keen on leaving France to have a chance of getting on that plane to Moscow. Arsenal, Manchester United and Juventus have been linked with the attacker who can be a valuable addition to any attack in the world.

#2 Alexis Sanchez

Alexis Sanchez could be on his way to Manchester City

The Chilean's situation at Arsenal is very well documented. Sanchez has rejected to sign a new deal with the Gunners and is set to be in his last few days with the club. Arsenal rejected a £60 million bid from Manchester City last summer but Pep Guardiola's side are still the favourites to sign him up next month.

Guardiola is keen on working with Sanchez again with the Chilean also looking to extend his stay in England. Arsenal's hierarchy has reportedly accepted that they made a blunder last summer by rejecting such a huge offer and are ready to let Sanchez leave next month for around £30 million.

Sanchez's performances of late reek of a player who is not happy at the club and is looking to shift loyalties as soon as possible. On one hand, Mesut Ozil has revealed his desire of staying put in London whereas Sanchez has not made any assurances as such. He is trying hard to force a move away from Arsenal next month and it is in the best interests of the club to let him go.

#1 Philippe Coutinho

Barcelona beckons?

Well, well, well! Did you expect anyone else to top this list? After a host of "back issues" and transfer requests in the summer, Coutinho still could not force his way to sunny Spain. Though he has been extremely professional to carry a good run of form for Liverpool since September, it is a certainty that he is still longing for a move to La Liga.

Barcelona are reportedly thinking of putting in a £132 million bid for the Brazilian as soon as the market opens up and have started their daily tapping up missions to lure Coutinho next month. The likes of Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Luis Suarez have spoken about how Coutinho will be a perfect fit at the Camp Nou outfit and so on.

Jurgen Klopp has also looked uncertain when asked about Coutinho's future at the club whereas the player himself has avoided answering questions about his future. The Brazilian has had his mind turned due to the interest from Spain and it is only a matter of days before Coutinho may be seen for the last time in a Liverpool shirt.