Transfer Talk: Kevin Gameiro to Liverpool; Adrian Lopez to Arsenal; Rickie Lambert to West Ham

The Independent's Martin Hardy analyses today's January transfer window stories and separates the reality from the rumour

Player: Peter Odemwingie

Club: West Brom

Possible move to: Newcastle

Time left on deal: 18 months

The story: If it's a transfer window, Newcastle must be either selling or signing centre forwards. The continued speculation about Demba Ba's future has seen them again linked with possible replacements. But Odemwingie, at 31, does not fit the blue print set in stone by owner Mike Ashley, who prefers younger players with future sell on value.

Chance of moving: Two stars

Player: Kevin Gameiro

Club: PSG

Possible move to: Liverpool

Time left on deal: Two-and-a-half years

The story: Gameiro was hot property in the summer of 2011, when a host of English clubs were keen on the then Lorient forward. He went to PSG and did well last season but the arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic has placed questions over his future and he could move on loan. Gameiro is a slick, intelligent and versatile forward, right up Brendan Rodgers' street. 

Chance of moving: Four stars

Player: Adrian Lopez

Club: Atletico Madrid

Possible move to: Arsenal

Time left on deal: Two-and-a-half years

The story: Arsene Wenger wants more firepower and Klass-Jan Huntelaar is off the radar after signing a new deal to stay at Schalke. Lopez is 24 and a fledgling Spanish international and has caught the eye. After two years in Madrid, he could be ready to move.

Chance of moving: Three stars

Player: Danny Simpson

Club: Newcastle

Possible move to: Fulham, Reading or QPR

Time left on deal: Six months

The story: Simpson has failed to agree a new deal at Newcastle and the impending arrival of Mathieu Debuchy is spelling the end for the former Manchester United player at St James' Park. Simpson has a broken toe so may well have played his last game for Newcastle.

Chance of moving: Four stars

Player: Rickie Lambert

Club: Southampton

Possible move to: West Ham

Time left on deal: 18 months

The story: Sam Allardyce wants more goals and in Rickie Lambert he sees a player who could immediately add that to his stuttering Hammers. Southampton cannot afford to contemplate losing a player who has already scored eight goals in his first season as a Premier League player.

Chance of moving: Two stars