Which Premier League clubs need to strengthen this January?

The January transfer window is set to open in under a week and the rumours of players moving clubs have already hit fever pitch.

A number of Premier League clubs seem in need of extra additions this January to achieve their goals.

Creativity

One of the most glaring issues in the top flight has been the lack of creativity in the centre of Manchester United’s midfield.

The Champions may have started to score more freely in recent weeks but it’s obvious against better opposition they just haven’t got the flair and guile to compete.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has said its unlikely that the Red Devils will sign anybody during the transfer window but hasn’t completely ruled out signing new players. United have recently been linked with Benfica’s Argentinian midfield playmaker Nicolas Gaitan, who impressed in his two appearances against United in the Champions League.

Strikers

Everton fans will tell you that the Toffee’s greatest need is a striker, any striker. The lack of firepower has cost Everton so many points this season as the strikers have looked lacklustre in front of goal. Veteran striker Louis Saha has struggled for goals with just two in 14 appearances this season.

Young Greek striker Apostolos Vellios has bettered that total with three goals, all three after coming off the substitutes bench. However the 19 year-old is very raw and still has a lot to learn before he becomes the finished article.

And Everton fans have seen more of the invisible man than they have of deadline day signing Denis Stracqualursi. The Argentine has hardly featured for the Blues, apart from a few cameo appearances from the bench.

Everton have already agreed to sign American international Landon Donovan on-loan from MLS side LA Galaxy but he is more of an attacking midfield player. Everton are currently short on funds but have been linked with Bristol City’s Nicky Maynard and Donovan’s international teammate Charlie Davies.

Whether Everton will sign anybody in this transfer window remains to be seen but if they don’t then the rest of the season could be a major struggle for David Moyes’ men.

Defence

A lot of people believe that Arsenal’s defence has improved in the last few months. However I’m not so convinced. The Gunners are still vulnerable at the back and its cost Arsene Wenger’s men a host of points this season.

I always liked Per Mertesacker, until he came to the Premier League that is. He has struggled with the pace of the English top flight and has looked cumbersome at times. I’d say that Arsenal need a solid partner for the outstanding Thomas Vermaelen at the heart of their defence.

There are also currently defensive problems at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas likes to play a high defensive line which really doesn’t suit the likes of John Terry or Branislav Ivanovic. Brazilian defender David Luiz has got pace but has been erratic in his performances. Chelsea are in need of a centre-back with a touch of pace.

At the moment one name springs to mind that would solve both clubs problems, Gary Cahill. He isn’t slow, he’s solid and his club Bolton are willing to sell the England international in January. I think both managers will have to seriously consider signing the former-Aston Villa star.

Strengthening

The clubs I have mentioned won’t be the only clubs looking to strengthen their squads in January. Most Premier League clubs will be looking to give themselves extra options for the second half of the season.

As always January looks set to be a very busy time for top flight managers and chairman. The players that clubs sign in January could make the difference between success and failure.

Which Premier League Club will be the most active in the January transfer window?