Transfer Talk: Ashley Cole to Real Madrid; Mario Balotelli to AC Milan; Moussa Sissoko to Newcastle
The Independent's Jack Pitt-Brooke analyses today's January transfer window stories and separates the reality from the rumour
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Your support makes all the difference.Player: Ashley Cole
Club: Chelsea
Possible move to: Real Madrid
Time left on deal: Six months
The story: Is known to be on his way out of Chelsea along with fellow-veteran Frank Lampard. Despite talk of a move to Manchester United, Cole is most likely to leave England to head abroad. Real Madrid already have Marcelo, though, so maybe Paris Saint-Germain is a more likely destination for Cole?
Chance of moving: Three stars
Player: Mario Balotelli
Club: Manchester City
Possible move to: AC Milan
Time left on deal: Two and a half years
The story: City are now willing to let Balotelli leave for the right price. This is his third season at the Etihad Stadium and he still does not look like being able to string a few good performances together. With Roberto Mancini's patience wearing thin, it is reliant on Silvio Berlusconi putting up the money.
Chance of moving: Three stars
Player: Frank Lampard
Club: Chelsea
Possible move to: Fiorentina
Time left on deal: Six months
The story: It is football's worst-kept secret that Frank Lampard is leaving Stamford Bridge this summer. But could he go to Serie A? This seems less likely - his partner Christine Bleakley works in television and so a move to the US, and LA Galaxy in particular, sounds more plausible.
Chance of moving: Two stars
Player: Moussa Sissoko
Club: Toulouse
Possible move to: Newcastle United
Time left on deal: Six months
The story: Newcastle's midfield has been poor this year, with Yohan Cabaye injured and Cheikh Tiote struggling for form. So Alan Pardew may go back to Ligue 1 for Toulouse's powerful French midfielder Moussa Sissoko, available for a bargain price with just six months left on his deal. Though there will certainly be competition.
Chance of moving: Four stars
Player: Gaetan Bong
Club: Valenciennes
Possible move to: Newcastle United
The story: Newcastle United need defensive reinforcements and enjoy shopping in France and so Valenciennes left-back Gaetan Bong could be the perfect man, with Mathieu Debuchy already having arrived from Lille to play on the opposite side.
Chance of moving: Four stars
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