Transfer Talk: Philippe Coutinho to Liverpool; Victor Wanyama to Manchester United; Julio Cesar to Arsenal

The Independent's Jack Pitt-Brooke analyses today's January transfer window stories and separates the reality from the rumour

Philippe Coutinho (GETTY IMAGES)

Player: Philippe Coutinho

Club: Internazionale

Possible move to: Liverpool

The story: Brendan Rodgers’ attempts to rebuild the team with more young attacking talent are taking him towards Philippe Coutinho, Internazionale’s brilliant young Brazilian creative midfielder. Adept at playing between the lines, Coutinho would add quality to Rodgers’ improving front-line. But Southampton are also keen, as new manager Mauricio Pochettino worked with Coutinho when he was on loan at Espanyol last year. There well may be a battle between those two.

Chance of moving: Four stars

Player: Victor Wanyama

Club: Celtic

Possible move to: Manchester United

The story: Manchester United need muscular additions to midfield and Victor Wanyama has been a crucial part of Neil Lennon’s success at Celtic, scoring a famous header against Barcelona in their Champions League group stage success. Wanyama has been interesting other Premier League clubs but United could out-bid them, although Celtic would not want to sell before their tie with Juventus in the last-16.

Chance of moving: Three stars

Player: Mohamed Diame

Club: West Ham United

Possible move to: Arsenal

The story: Mohamed Diame can leave West Ham for £3.5m because of a release clause in his contract. Arsenal need power in their midfield, given the departure of Alex Song and the unreliability of Abou Diaby. Arsene Wenger has admitted his admiration for Diame in the past and so a move for the muscular midfielder would make perfect sense.

Chance of moving: Four stars

Player: Pepe Reina

Club: Liverpool

Possible move to: Barcelona

The story: Barcelona are going to need a new goalkeeper either this summer or next after Victor Valdes’ decision not to renew his contract at the Nou Camp. So they will be in the market for a new goalkeeper and Spain international Pepe Reina understands their style of play and is suitably proficient with his feet to recycle possession. With Brendan Rodgers not obviously impressed by Reina so far, he could well see this as a good opportunity to move Reina on.

Chance of moving: Four stars

Player: Julio Cesar

Club: QPR

Possible move to: Arsenal

The story: Wojciech Szczesny is talented but needs competition. Cesar could be just the man to provide that, if he could be tempted away from relegation-threatened Queens Park Rangers. The Brazilian international and recent European champion might not fancy the prospect of Championship football – which could face QPR next season – and might like another chance in the Champions League.

Chance of moving: Four stars