Time is running out in the January transfer window, and as more new deals are being confirmed, even more rumors are starting to spread. Let’s take a look at some of the moves that could be sealed in the last few days of transfer activity, and some that are straight up fiction.

RUMOR: AC Milan
LIKELIHOOD: Just a matter of price

This is the story that never ends. AC Milan has apparently made an official bid, but City's first team coach David Platt publicly denied that a move is imminent or going to happen. However, we’ve all heard the rumors that Balotelli has put his Manchester home for sale and sent some belongings back to Italy, so we still think it will happen. In any case, the Balotelli-City saga seems likely to drag on up until the last minute of the transfer window.

RUMOR: Bayern Munich
LIKELIHOOD: Intriguing, but no chance

Reports say Bayern Munich will hand Pep Guardiola a whopping €280m in transfer funds when he takes over at Allianz Arena this summer, and Liverpool forward Luis Suarez (along with Radamel Falcao) are on top of the wish list. From a Bayern perspective, Pep has long admired Suarez and he would fit ideally in his plans. However, we just don’t see a scenario where Liverpool lets their main man go.

RUMOR: Juventus
LIKELIHOOD: No more room for Lopez

Lyon’s Lisandro Lopez was hotly rumored to join the Old Lady this winter with the one issue: the Italians’ resistance to match Lyon’s asking price. But after the transfer of Nicolas Anelka, there doesn’t seem to be any more room, or need, for Lopez at Juve. Director General and CEO Guiseppe Marotta has come out and said “I don’t think Lopez will come.” Fair enough then.

RUMOR: Stoke City
LIKELIHOOD: Deal has gone south

The 22-year old U.S. international was set to join up with the Potters for a week-long trial ahead of a possible move to the Britannia Stadium, but it now appears that a foot injury has foiled the plan and he will remain in MLS. Manager Tony Pulis will now have to look elsewhere for reinforcements.

RUMOR: Manchester United
LIKELIHOOD: Sir Alex really “Wans” him

Ferguson needs midfielders this summer with Paul Scholes, 38, and Ryan Giggs, 39, set to retire, and he may have found his man in Celtic’s Wanyama. SAF checked out the Kenyan holding midfielder last Tuesday when he scored in Celtic’s 4-0 win over Dundee United, and United have indeed been watching every Champions League match of his as well. There’ll be no shortage of suitors for the 21-year old this summer, but Old Trafford may be his likeliest destination.

RUMOR: Norwich City
LIKELIHOOD: Getting warmer…

Norwich manager Chris Hughton has admitted that his side is “working on a few things,” and one of the most likely targets remains Gary Hooper from Celtic. An initial offer of 4.5 million was rejected by the Glasgow side, but Norwich is said to be prepared to up their offer to 7million. Norwich face competition with Spurs for Hooper’s signature, but with other deals looking bleak for the Cannaries, they’d be well served to put all their eggs in Hooper’s basket.

RUMOR: Inter Milan
LIKELIHOOD: Inter needs to get this done

After selling Wesley Sneijder to Galatasaray, and the impending deal sending Coutinho to Liverpool, Inter is keen to sign Paulinho to fill the gaping hole in midfield. Massimo Moratti confirmed that Sport Director Marco Branca has flown to Sao Paolo to speed along the transfer. Inter had previously walked away from the €12million asking price for the Corinthians playmaker, but with some new cash, this deal should get under wraps.

RUMOR: Liverpool
LIKELIHOOD: Pretty much a done deal

After speculation over the weekend that Liverpool had already signed Philippe Coutinho, boss Brendon Rodgers has admitted to holding talks with Inter but no deal has yet been agreed. The Brazilian midfielder is rumored to be had for about £12 million, and we expect the deal to be completed in time for Thursday.

RUMOR: Arsenal
LIKELIHOOD: Wenger loves him, we just don’t see the need

The Gunners have apparently sent their chief negotiator to Barcelona after the Catalans softened their stance on selling David Villa this winter. The Villa-to-Arsenal rumor has been going on since the window opened, but the price was initially way too high for Arsene Wenger to make a move. Arsenal could certainly use a big splash signing, and Villa a new team, but with Olivier Giroud, Lukas Podolski, and Theo Walcott enjoying a good run of form, we don’t see why Arsenal are looking for another striker when their defense could use much more work. Guess we’ll see if Wenger agrees with us or not!

RUMOR: Real Madrid
LIKELIHOOD: C’mon…really?

Real Madrid have reportedly made Arsene Wenger their top target to replace Jose Mourinho this summer. Speculation over Mourinho being axed after the season is nothing new, nor is Wenger’s name in rumors whenever the Madrid job opens up (or appears to be opening soon). The Frenchman has turned down moves to Madrid in favor of staying in north London in the past, but Real president Florentino Perez believes he can finally persuade Wenger to move to La Liga this time around. We’re entirely in disagreement with Perez on this one.