Transfer Talk: David Astori to Liverpool; Jack Butland to Arsenal; David Beckham to West Ham

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

David Astori (GETTY IMAGES)

Player: Alfred N'Diaye

Club: Bursaspor

Possible move to: Sunderland

Time left on deal: 18 months

The story: Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill wants to add some power to his midfield and the French midfielder tops the bill. The six foot two inch N'Diaye could sign for the club this afternoon in a deal worth around £3million.

Chance of moving: Five stars

Player: Martin Olsson

Club: Blackburn

Possible move to: West Ham

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

The story: Sam Allardyce is one of the main players in the transfer window so far and he wants a left back to stiffen up his defence. He knows Olsson from his time at Ewood Park and the plight of Rovers means they will sell.

Chance of moving: Five stars

Player: Jack Butland

Club: Birmingham

Possible move to: Arsenal

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

The story: Butland remains serious hot property in the transfer window. Birmingham have financial problems and that has only added to the possibility of a move, but Arsenal face competition from Liverpool, Fulham and Southampton.

Chance of moving: Three stars

Player: David Astori

Club: Cagliari

Possible move to: Liverpool/Southampton

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

The story: The two Premier League clubs like the look of the 25-year-old central defender, who has been capped twice for Italy. Southampton could be on the brink of outbidding Liverpool with a near £10million offer but the player did turn down a big money move to Spartak Moscow last summer.

Chance of moving: Three stars

Player: David Beckham

Club: Currently without a club

Possible move to: West Ham

Time left on deal: n/a

The story: Sam Allardyce refused to rule out a move on Saturday. David Gold has already admitted he would like to have Beckham at West Ham, and what a coup it would be as the Hammers look to land the real big one, the Olympic Stadium. Beckham was at Upton Park at the weekend but he has admitted he can't see himself playing for another English club after Manchester United.

Chance of moving: Three stars