Mark Bosnich: The 'major' player move that could decide Premier League title as transfer window begins

The Premier League's January transfer window is upon us.

After a record breaking summer transfer window the mid-season one has a tendency to not be as productive.

A few things to remember: Even though there was no set transfer window back then the signing of Eric Cantona in November 1992 from Leeds to Man United was the catalyst for United to go on and win the championship, and is often used as an example of what a mid-season signing can do.

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But there have been plenty of other examples of things going the other way after big mid-season signings.

The other thing to take into consideration is the Profit and Sustainability Rules (better known as PSR) which can and does limit the amount a team can spend.

Also, there will be players who want to play regular football to secure a place in their country's World Cup squad for June.

The other thing to take into consideration is with players who are off-contract come June, this will be the last opportunity for clubs to cash in and sell them now.

Let's look at some of the teams who might engage in transfer business during January.

ARSENAL: They will keep their eye out but the way things are going they need nobody. Possibly a back-up or two just as cover as the injury list at the Emirates has been quite extensive.

ASTON VILLA: The superb 11-game winning streak came to a resounding end with a thumping defeat vs Arsenal. Due to PSR restraints I believe no new signings are imminent, but don't be surprised to see someone come in on loan.

BOURNEMOUTH: With the imminent departure of Antoine Semenyo, Bournemouth will be looking to secure a replacement as soon as possible. Brennan Johnson could be the one. Although it's rumoured that Crystal Palace have already agreed a price with Spurs to secure his services, the player is said to yet to decide. Watch this space.

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BRENTFORD: All roads lead to a defensive midfielder being the main target. Feyenoord's Quinten Timber and PSV's Joey Veerman are being touted.

BRIGHTON: With a few players out of contract at the end of the season and the likelihood of Carlos Baleba departing, getting through this window without any major departures( especially Baleba) will be the priority.

BURNLEY: Although spending relatively heavily in the summer, Scott Parker's men are still in a relegation fight. Will probably go after players available on loan so if they were to be relegated they will not be saddled with players on Premier League wages in the Championship.

CHELSEA: Although their form has dipped of late, I cannot foresee any major signings for the Blues... they are more likely to be offloading players.

CRYSTAL PALACE: Marc Guehi's future is the key to this window for Palace. Although off contract in July, this is the last chance for Palace to get some money for him. If he does go now, Oliver Glasner could well decide to leave as well. So a huge decision coming up for Steve Parish and co. Glasner was critical of Palace's summer transfer lack of activity, and has not signed an extension to his contract. Other players off contract include Daichi Kamada who Palace will be determined to keep. A lot hinging on what happens in January for the club.

EVERTON: Are rumoured to be active in January. Ivan Toney has been linked to add to their striking stocks. Loans may be the way to go as well, with Koibe Mainoo an option especially with Idrissa Gueye off at AFCON with Senegal.

FULHAM: An attacking midfielder was a priority during the summer, and that will be the priority in January as well especially with Alex Iwobi off to AFCON with Nigeria. They will also be keeping an eye out for a striker with Raul Jimenez being 34 and off contract in June.

LEEDS: Missing out on Fulham's Welsh international Harry Wilson on the summer transfers deadline day points to another attempt during this window. His contract will end in June at Fulham so it's a good time to revisit this deal for Leeds.

LIVERPOOL: Despite being the biggest spenders in the summer, Liverpool's struggles and the Mo Salah affair could see them very active once again. Marc Gueye is the obvious target. With Konates' contract up in June and the possibility that Palace will not receive any money for him if they wait for the summer, this deal seems likely. In terms of Salah I cannot see him leaving in January. He is on duty with Egypt at the AFCON and probably will not be back until late January. The more pertinent issue will be does Slot get a replacement, even a loan one, for the injured Issak?

MANCHESTER CITY: Could Antoine Semenyo be the "Eric Cantona" signing this January that propels them to the title? It very well maybe. On the other hand could it disrupt the cohesion of the team and take them the other way? I'd say the former (being that there is more of a chance he takes City forward). This will be the signing of January to keep an eye on the most as it will have a major bearing on where the EPL title will end up.

MANCHESTER UNITED: Defensive midfielder will be a priority, however they have a midfielder there that would be the answer to that - Koibe Mainoo. Now we do not know if there has been issues behind the scenes that has led to his current situation... but while he is there he is the answer and would be just as good, if not better, then any new signing.

NEWCASTLE: The severe injury list, especially to Eddie Howe's backline, has made it quite latent that either signings or loans are imperative as Newcastle embark on the second half of the season still in four competitions. Convincing players to sign or come on loan will be a different matter, knowing that when the players return from injury your place will not be as secure, especially in a World Cup year.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST: Still a distance off being able to say "we are safe from relegation" and still in the Europa League, which means more games. If they wish to be able to say that they're safe and go deep into the Europa League then they must reinforce the squad. Ibrahim Sangare is away at the AFCON with Ivory Coast and Douglas Luiz has been plagued by injury setbacks, so someone to back them up in midfield is a priority.

SUNDERLAND: A super first half of the season for Regis Le Bris' men means that they should not be overly bothered about doing business this January. Showing faith in those who have performed outstandingly is important. Have lost six of their players to AFCON, but they should be OK.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR: Despite the injuries to Solanke, Maddison and Kulusevski the one question that Spurs need to ask themselves is, "is there anyone available at a reasonable price who is better than what we have got?". If that answer is yes, then go get him. If it's no, then don't... simple really. Obviously Thomas Frank will want to put his own stamp on this team with some new personnel, but not in an act of desperation. Brennan Johnson (scorer of the winning goal in last season's Europa League final) will leave.

WEST HAM: Right in the thick of a relegation battle, they will need to convince some players that joining them will result in them staying up and not going down. Niclas Fullkrug is leaving so another striker is a must. Ivan Toney would be ideal but they will have to pay for him and face stiff competition from others. Adama Traore, who has worked with manager Nuno Espírito Santo before at Wolves, is rumoured to be an option. But they need an injection of new blood.

WOLVES: What can one say? Zero wins from 19 games and 15 points away from safety. A whole new mentality is needed. It's going to be so difficult to convince players to come when it looks certain they'll be playing in the Championship next season. But they owe it to their fans and themselves to fight like hell to stay up. Maybe the answer lies within? Throwing youngsters in in desperate situations gives you nothing to lose. They will run, fight and give every last bit they have to win you football games. Rob Edwards, the manager, has nothing to lose if he does that.

So there we go, let the mayhem begin!