Clubs in the Premier League are currently preparing shortlists ahead of the January transfer window, but it will prove a extensive task with it proving difficult to find value for money at the midway point of the season. Teams must weigh up the pros and cons of bringing in a couple of fresh faces, especially sides who are competing for trophies or are looking to avoid relegation. However, there are no shortage of players currently on the market, and whose contract is currently due to expire in the summer.
Just like you can take advantage with this bookmaker sign up offer, clubs will be lining up to take advantage of Gary Cahill's situation at Chelsea. The club captain is expected to leave Stamford Bridge at some point during 2019, and the Blues may be willing to let the centre-back depart on a free given their potential schedule in cup competitions. However, the 33-year-old is desperate for more game-time after featuring in just seven matches for the West Londoners, and any interested team may be successful with a bid in the region of £5m. That may appear to be a large outlay for a player of Cahill's age, but the former England international can bring clean sheets and leadership to most sides in world football.
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English clubs will also look to the continent for potential signings and Porto are likely to find themselves receiving offers. A number of their first-team players are out of contract at the end of the campaign, and Premier League clubs have been frequently credited with an interest in Yacine Brahimi. The playmaker has only contributed four goals and two assists from 19 outings in Portugal's top flight and the Champions League this season, but that will not put off many of the mid-table outfits who will be prepared to offer the Algeria international a lucrative deal. Hector Herrera also finds himself in a similar position, and the Mexican's playing style makes him the perfect acquisition for any team in the Premier League. Porto have ambitions both in the league and in Europe, but they are unable to afford to allow both players to leave on a free transfer.
Inter Milan have enjoyed an improved season in Serie A, but they are yet to use Andrea Ranocchia. The 30-year-old has found himself on the fringes of the squad at San Siro, and it is inevitable that interest will come from all over Europe in January. There is seemingly no reason why Inter will not cash in on the centre-back, and Premier League clubs are sure to take a look at someone who has already made an impression on loan at Hull City earlier in his career. Ranocchia is not match-fit, but he possesses the quality to strengthen any club outside of the established top six in the Premier League.
The same can be said of Max Kruse, who is one of the key men at Werder Bremen. The forward has spent his entire career in Germany, but he is yet to commit his future to his current club and teams in England are expected to place bids over the coming weeks. The Germany international has not been free-scoring over the past 18 months, but he offers creativity and versatility and that could prove crucial during the second half of the campaign.
