Transfer Talk: Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa to Newcastle; Florent Malouda to QPR; Vasilis Torosidis to Fulham

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

Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa (GETTY IMAGES)

Player: Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa

Club: Montpellier

Possible move to: Newcastle

Time left on deal: 18 months

The story: Newcastle need new players. They certainly need to strengthen their defence and talks are close on a £6.7m deal for the French centre half Yang-Mbiaw, despite reported interest from Arsenal.

Chance of moving: Four stars

Player: Florent Malouda

Club: Chelsea

Possible move to: QPR

Time left on deal: Six months

The story: Malouda is 32, a Champions League winner and is currently looking for a club after falling out of favour at Chelsea. Harry Redknapp knows Malouda would make his struggling team better and is planning a move.

Chance of moving: Three stars

Player: Frank Lampard

Club: Chelsea

Possible move to: LA Galaxy

Time left on deal: Six months

The story: Lampard is being shown the door by Chelsea and Galaxy want a big name to replace David Beckham. Lampard, still a regular scorer in the Premier League, is unsure.

Chance of moving: Three stars

Player: Vasilis Torosidis

Club: Olympiakos

Possible move to: Fulham

Time left on deal: Six months

The story: Torosidis wants a move to the Premier League and Martin Jol is hopeful of securing a £500,000 deal for the 27-year-old.

Chance of moving: Three stars

Player: Jason Scotland

Club: Ipswich

Possible move to: Wolves

Time left on deal: None

The story: Dean Saunders wants more firepower and Scotland is available straight away.

Chance of moving: Four stars