Verdict: January's rumoured transfer targets...

David Bentley
A couple of terrific seasons at Blackburn during which he proved himself as one of the most consistent wingers in the land led to his 'dream move' to White Hart Lane where he's failed to make any real impact in part due to the improved form of Aaron Lennon. David Levy will almost certainly be looking to claw back most of the £15m paid last summer.

Whether Bentley would get any more action here than at Spurs is debatable, but despite the last year he's a player with something that we often lack, an end ball. With Vladimir Weiss on the verges of breaking through into the side, however, i'm not sure how i'd feel about another international wingman arriving. Shaun Wright-Phillips' form has been criticised, but he's beginning to show signs of improvement. Mixed feelings; on one hand, we've got plenty of options, on the other, people shouldn't forget that he's a very good player.

Likelihood: 8/10

Di Maria
Sublimely skillful Argentinian winger who recently added a few quid on to his value during Benfica's excellent showing at Everton. Got all the tricks in the book, but lightweight, a whinger, and no more likely to knuckle down when the tough gets going, or show consistency away from home than youknowwho.

Quite simply, i can't see Hughes going for it. Robinho will probably be here until the summer at least, and even if that's not the case, a like-for-like replacement seems unlikely. The £36m fee being mentioned is optimistic. Odds are £20m+ might get the player, but still excessive for someone who, despite having bags of natural talent, has only one good season at a proven European club under his belt.

Likelihood: 2/10

Yaya Toure
Mountainous midfielder who seems to be in and out of the Barca side. Proven at the very highest level, good as a holding midfielder, in a more offensive role, and no slouch at centre-half either. Noises coming from his camp are mixed, but there's no doubt it would be a massive coup for the club.

Increasingly close relations between the two clubs, not to mention some convincing by his elder brother, might have us in the driving seat, but in truth he could name his destination. £15m-£20m would be a fair price, and he would improve us, but not sure central midfield is where we need to strengthen. Most likely to move to another Champions League club.

Likelihood: 6/10

Neven Subotic
Giant Serbian centre-half currently playing for Borussia Dortmund. Good performances in the Bundesliga not matched for his country, and another whose pricetag, said to be over £20m, seems ridiculously excessive.

Can't see Hughes bringing in another centre-half after spending close to £40m there only recently. He must and will show faith in Lescott and Toure. Subotic might be one to keep tabs on, but not expecting another hugely-expensive arrival in that department, certainly now Nedum Onuoha's back.

Likelihood: 2/10

Maicon
Brazil's first-choice right-back now over Dani Alves, and another at least as good going forwards as defending. Didn't appear anything special at Monaco, but has really established himself as the number one in the world in his position. Would have no shortage of admirers, and again would command a huge fee.

Not sure he's Hughes' sort of player, and they chose to sell, which is probably unlikely, we'd be looking at £20m+. Would be a terrific addition to not just the club but the Premier League, though might not find it as easy going here as in a top side such as Inter. Madrid, United, and with continued uncertainty over the future of Jose Bosingwa, even possibly Chelsea would be more realistic destinations, but the money might talk.

Likelihood: 4/10

Jack Rodwell
Highly sought after central midfielder expected to eventually move back to centre-half and become an England regular. Only started thirty games for Everton but already said to be attracting interest from bigger clubs. Looks extremely composed and one we should definitely keep watching.

He's a player i'd like to see here but think it would be a bad move for the lad at the moment. Probably best off staying where he is for another couple of years, Moyes will keep him grounded and if he continues to play well he'll be guaranteed of a place. Couldn't really see him walking into our side at the minute, more one for the future. Kenwright and Moyes probably won't deal with us again after the Lescott affair.

Likelihood: 2/10

Franck Ribery
Needs no introduction. Goalscoring winger, capable of playing on either flank, wants out of Bayern and will almost certainly move on to pastures new before the start of next season. Figures being mooted up to £70m, but around half that figure might be closer to the mark. Averages just under a goal every two-and-a-half games at current club, an exquisite talent.

Would be a huge statement of intent, and unlike some other expensive alternatives you get the impression he'd be more than capable of handling himself in England. As one of the best players in the world, though, he is probably out of our league as things stand, but who knows. Wouldn't be surprised to see him move to Madrid on the advice of his hero and their transfer adviser, Zinedine Zidane.

Likelihood: 3/10

Rino Gattuso
Tigerish Italian defensive midfield general who's probably seen better days. Has spent most of the last eighteen months injured and talk of a move may be his agent fancifully dipping a toe in the water. Has links to Britain, a season at Rangers over a decade ago, and married to a Scottish girl.

A legend in his pomp, but will be 32 in January. Probably a no-goer, though someone i'm sure the manager appreciates. Pace of the Premier League might be a bit too much for him at this stage. Not sure he'd be a huge improvement on Nigel de Jong.

Likelihood: 5/10

Rene Krhin
Elegant teenage Slovenian attacking central-midfielder, only started a handful of games for Inter. Rated as a big star of the future, and hasn't looked out of place in such a good side on the couple of occasions i've seen him.

Word is the links with City may have come from his agent to nudge his club into opening talks over a contract extension. Would need to watch a bit more of him. Can't see it, not in the next window anyway.

Likelihood: 4/10

Luis Suarez
Short-tempered Uruguayan winger/forward currently banging them in left, right and centre for Ajax. 21 goals already this season means he's on the radar of most big clubs. As we've seen in the past, however, with the likes of Afonso Alves and Dirk Kuyt, being a prolific marksman in the Eredivisie doesn't guarantee goals in the Premier League.

Tough one, really. Certainly don't think we'll be considering paying the £35m asking price, but Dutch clubs tend to deal once the readies are on the table. Again, might depend on Robinho leaving, if he'd play on the left, or could Hughes justify spending £68m on three strikers and then having to bring another big-name in half-a-season later?

Likelihood: 5/10