There has been a surprising amount of big name and big money moves going on this window, especially considering that the January window is usually quite slow and over hyped. Names such as Fernando Torres, Gareth Bale, Andy Carroll, Sulley Muntari and Stephane Sessegnon are the big names today, the day after Luis Suarez finally signed for Liverpool.First of all, is Luis Suarez the partner or replacement for Torres at Anfield? The Spanish striker has submitted a transfer request to his club which has swiftly been rejected with a club statement asking Torres to honor the commitment he made to both Liverpool and the fans. His current contract ends in 2013, and it is believed that Chelsea have offered £35 million for the privilege of Torres playing in the blue shirt. Liverpool are now awaiting an improved offer, and despite a reported bid of £40 million and Danny Sturridge in the pipeline, Liverpool will do everything they can to fend Chelsea off their star striker.
Gareth Bale hasn't expressed his desire to leave Tottenham like Torres has Liverpool, but he is certainly attracting attention from top clubs around Europe. Inter Milan have felt the full force of Bale's brilliant left foot already and feel it would be better for them if he was on their side rather than the oppositions. However, they don't want to pay the £40 million valuation that Spurs have placed on Bale. Inters sporting director said that he received an email from the Tottenham chairman stating £40 million wouldn't be enough, and the Inter director replied by saying that the large amount isn't compatible with their strategies.
Perhaps Liverpool should value Torres at something ridiculous and get rid of pursuers that way?
Newcastle have rejected a bid for Andy Carroll of £23 million. The Magpies have once again been forced to reiterate the simple fact that the England striker is not for sale, and a Newcastle source called the bid 'paltry in the current climate'. The strikers 11 goals this season have helped his club to a respectable 9th in the League, and it his frightening presence up the field that has made him such a threat for Newcastle against opposing defenders that is attracting Spurs. Spurs know from Bale, that clubs with good players can be ever so stubborn about letting them go.
As Newcastle try to fight off interest for top players, their local rivals Sunderland are bringing them in as they try and snatch a European place. Inter Milan may not want to part with £40 million, but they don't mind letting Sulley Muntari go. Muntari is no £40 million, but he is still a good player, and certainly someone who can help out alongside Lee Cattermole in the Sunderland midfield.
Muntari is on loan until the end of the season, and the 26 year-old said of his move: "It feels great to be at Sunderland and to be back in English football. I'm very happy and from what I have seen here, it's going to be great."
Another 26 year-old joining Muntari at Sunderland is Stephane Sessegnon, for £6 million. The midfielder, who is described by his new manager Steve Bruce as someone who "can play on the left, on the right, through the middle - he's lightning quick and he's a match-winner." Bruce added that he thinks that Sessegnon will be a crowd favourite at the Stadium of Light. He has a while to prove his worth to the fans, as he signed a three and a half year deal at Sunderland.
Finally, Carlos Vela has officially joined West Brom on loan. The Arsenal striker was strongly linked to a move to Bolton, and Owen Coyle revealed that he had spoken to the players agent, but after being demanded to pay both the wages of the player and additional fees, pulled out.
Vela made only 13 appearances for Arsenal this season and 62 in total, scoring 11 times for the Gunners and the the West Brom manager Roberto Di Matteo welcomed Vela to his club:
''I'd like to officially welcome Carlos, who is an exciting signing for this club. Carlos is a new attacking option for us who can play both centrally and in the wide areas.
''He also has great technical ability and pace and we're hoping he can make a big impact during the remainder of the season."
