5 most wanted players in Europe who are highly unlikely to move this January

With the transfer window now open, the wheeling and dealing can begin in earnest across the continent of Europe. The social media hive is abuzz with news, rumours and whispers of various deals in progress or ready to go through. But as is always the case with football, nothing can be for sure until it is officially confirmed. Until then, we can all have fun reading about the wild speculation, counter-claims and anonymous sources.There will always be some players who are strictly off limits (such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo) but what about the rest of the stars across the board? Who else will likely prove too good to be let go of by their respective clubs?

#5 Javier Hernandez - Bayer Leverkusen

Ever since he was let go by Manchester United back in 2015, Javier Hernandez has enjoyed the form of his life with Bayer Leverkusen. Producing some clinical finishing time and again for Die Werkself, the Mexico international has scored 17 goals in his last 14 games and has really proven himself as a primary striker.

Moreover, Chicharito has won the Bundesliga Player of the Month award the last two months in a row for his terrific net-busting ability, all of which has seemingly attracted the interest of a big Premier League team in the form of Arsenal.

As relayed by the Express, Leverkusen’s sporting director Rudi Voller has had to come out and insist that the player is not for sale, so a move seems increasingly unlikely despite the interest that is building with every goal he nabs.

The way he is playing, absolutely anybody would be delighted to have him on board. But, for now, it seems that the invaluable Little Pea won’t be moving anywhere anytime soon.

#4 Riyad Mahrez - Leicester City

It is no secret that Leicester City have enjoyed a phenomenal campaign this season. While manager Claudio Ranieri has been the mastermind behind their success from the dugout, it has been the deadly duo of Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez who have successfully produced the goods on the pitch.

Between league goals and assists this season, the exceptional Mahrez has contributed to 20 league goals – far superior to so many other big names in the Premier League. Indeed, his impressive form has attracted the admiration of a number of spectators, not least a struggling Manchester United.

As reported by Metro earlier this month, the Red Devils, alongside Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, have scouted the Algerian international over the past few weeks. However, despite the wealth of these clubs, Ranieri has attempted to pour cold water over any links between his two star players and a move away seems very unlikely right now.

Whoever the 24-year-old plays for in the second half of the 2015/16 season, he is sure to continue lighting up the football pitch despite the fact he recently missed a crucial spot-kick against Bournemouth to keep the pressure on Arsenal at the top of the table.

#3 Paul Pogba - Juventus

Could Paul Pogba be in line for a sensational return to the Premier League? Well in short, no – probably not.

The current Juventus star has constantly been linked with a move back to England where he used to play for Manchester United, but it would take a bid of gargantuan proportions to steal the 22-year-old away from the Bianconeri as Pogba has already hinted at his faithfulness to his current side in a recent interview, for now at least.

The French international has long been considered one of the most promising players in Europe and he has earned that reputation after a series of wonderful displays in the famous Black and White of Juve. Attempting to pull him away won’t be easy for Manchester United, especially following the player’s recent claims that his stint at the 13-time Premier League Champions was akin to being on holiday.

It won’t be any easier for Chelsea either but rumblings of a cash/player deal might just be good enough if the money is right, especially if the Blues include one of their top midfielders in the deal.

#2 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - Borussia Dortmund

The Gabon international recently made Sportskeeda’s top 10 forwards of 2015 thanks to a phenomenal year of goal-scoring and assisting for Borussia Dortmund. So the fact he is being linked with so many elite clubs isn’t at all surprising.

Most recently, Arsenal have become linked with the 26-year-old attacker which has no doubt caused a great deal of excitement amongst the Gunners’ fans. While Olivier Giroud had a great 2015 which repelled doubts about his world-class talent, the north Londoners would still welcome another goal-hungry striker, especially considering the amount of injuries manager Arsene Wenger’s men have suffered already this season.

But prising Aubameyang away from the Bundesliga side is not going to be an easy task. though. Although a figure of around £42 million has been reported, it is probable that they will need to stump up some serious wages as well as fighting off competition from other top clubs.

Getting him this January could well drain their transfer kitty, so they might just have to wait until the summer.

#1 Marco Reus - Borussia Dortmund

Ever since Jurgen Klopp was placed in charge at the helm of Liverpool, there have been countless column inches written about just who would follow him from Borussia Dortmund. It has been a regular occurrence to see one Die Schwarzgelben star or another connected with a move to Anfield ever since the bespectacled German took over. But one name, in particular, has been mentioned with more excitement than all the rest – even by neutrals.

Yes, Marco Reus would be a terrific addition to the EPL. He is one of the most highly-rated players in the German Bundesliga and has continued to perform brilliantly for the Black and Yellows ever since making the move from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2012.

Klopp’s Reds have been struggling in recent weeks and, although the general consensus is that they are still going through some changes under their new management, some remain disappointed that the “Normal One” hasn’t been able to steady the ship a little more comprehensively.

Too much negativity about the wily Klopp is a dangerous thing this early in his tenure, but it is difficult to argue that Reus wouldn’t help him greatly. And it is also easy to understand precisely why they would make a good fit.

That said, Dortmund will not be keen to let the 26-year-old go as he remains a key player in their squad, something his eight league goals this campaign clearly proves.