Transfer Talk: Nicolas Anelka to West Ham; Gary Hooper to Norwich; Yann M'Vila to Arsenal

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

Yann M'Vila (GETTY IMAGES)

Player: Gary Hooper

Club: Celtic

Possible move to: Norwich

Time left on deal: 18 months

The story: Hooper moved to Celtic Park in 2010 from Scunthorpe and has been a huge hit. In 110 games the English forward has scored 64 goals. That has caught the eye of a host of clubs, including Sunderland, Aston Villa and QPR. Chris Hughton was there on Thursday night to watch Hooper score the winning goal against Motherwell. The player has not signed a new deal and this one could go to the wire, with Neil Lennon hoping the lure of the last 16 in the Champions League enough to keep him at Celtic.

Chance of moving: Three stars

Player: Nicolas Anelka

Club: Shanghai Shenhua

Possible move to: West Ham

Time left on deal: 12 months

The story: Sam Allardyce got a highly productive 18 months out of Anelka at Bolton (and re-invigorated the player's career at the same time) when the French star scored 21 goals. He would love that kind of firepower back in his stuttering Hammers and Anelka has privately admitted he wants one last shot at the Premier League.

Chance of moving: Three stars

Player: Kevin Mbabu

Club: Servette FC

Possible move to: Newcastle

The story: The 17-year-old is a highly regarded defensive talent in Europe and Newcastle see him as one for the future as they look to beef up their young players at the club. Mbabu, who has had trials at both Manchester United and Arsenal in the last 12 months, can play centre half, right back or in the midfield holding role and has been capped for the Swiss Under-19 side.

Chance of moving: Five stars

Player: Yann M'Vila

Club: Rennes

Possible move to: Arsenal

Time left on deal: Six months

The story: Arsene Wenger has been tracking the powerful defensive midfielder for more than two years and was close to a deal in the summer. M'Vila has started only eight games in Ligue One this season and could due available for a cut price £7m with his contract ticking down. That appeals to Wenger and a deal could due back on.

Chance of moving: Three stars

Player: Graham Dorrans

Club: West Brom

Possible move to: Middlesbrough

Time left on deal: 18 months

The story: Dorrans' star was shining bright 12 months ago but he has fallen out of favour at West Brom since Steve Clarke arrived. They will listen to offers for the creative midfielder in January and Tony Mowbray would like to take Dorrans to the Riverside to boost his side's push for promotion. But he will need to get a big drop in the proposed £4m asking fee.

Chance of moving: Two stars