Five Championship players who could move to the Premier League in January

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 09 January 2014

Sports Mole picks out five players that could make the move from the Championship to the Premier League during the January transfer window.

We are less than a third of the way through the January transfer window, and speculation regarding potential big-money moves is already filling the back pages.

The first month of the year is usually a time where clubs struggle to find value for money, and that could see some Premier League clubs opting to take a punt on acquiring a player from the Championship if their respective sides decide to cash in on one of their star men.

Below, Sports Mole picks out five players that could make the step up to the Premier League over the next three weeks.

Blackpool's Tom Ince celebrates after scoring the equaliser from the penalty spot against Leicester during their Championship match on September 21, 2013

1. Thomas Ince

Winger Thomas Ince has long been linked with a high-profile move ever since he began to impress frequently for Blackpool soon after his arrival in 2011.

Ince, the son of former Manchester United midfielder Paul, failed to make the grade at Liverpool as a youngster, but 25 goals in the Championship over the past 18 months has made him the hottest property outside of the top flight.

The 21-year-old had looked likely to complete an £8m move to Cardiff City during the summer, but he decided against the transfer after the birth of his son.

The England Under-21 international has been strongly linked with Swansea City over the past 48 hours, while Everton, Crystal Palace, Ajax and AS Monaco are said to hold an interest in his signature.

Burnley's Danny Ings with his Player of the Month award for October on November 7, 2013

2. Danny Ings

Burnley striker Danny Ings started the season with a modest record of six goals in 47 Championship appearances for the Clarets, and there wasn't much expectation on him to dramatically improve on that record.

However, the former Bournemouth forward has been the star performer during the first half of the campaign, netting 20 goals in all competitions.

Acting as a direct replacement for Charlie Austin, Ings has combined with strike partner Sam Vokes to help Burnley into second place in the table.

Manager Sean Dyche has admitted that he is keen to keep hold of the 21-year-old, but it's increasingly likely that significant bids will be made during the transfer window.

Adam Le Fondre of Reading attacks during the Sky Bet Championship match between Reading v Watford at The Madejski Stadium on August 17, 2013

3. Adam Le Fondre

Striker Adam Le Fondre's performances in front of goal were one of the few positives to come out of Reading's relegation to the Championship last season.

The 27-year-old earned himself a reputation of scoring from the substitutes' bench, scoring 12 times during a troubled campaign for his side.

However, despite scoring a goal every other game, Le Fondre has struggled to retain a place in Reading's starting lineup this season, and he has indicated that he would be open to leaving the Madejski Stadium.

There will be no shortage of suitors for the former Rotherham United man's signature, and he could be seen as a viable option for many clubs in the bottom half of the Premier League table.

Brighton's Liam Bridcutt in action against Newport County during their League Cup first round match on August 6, 2013

4. Liam Bridcutt

Ever since his departure from Chelsea, midfielder Liam Bridcutt has quickly become one of the most underrated players below the Premier League.

A sustained spell in the Brighton & Hove Albion first team has seen the 24-year-old attract plenty of interest from other clubs, and it appears to be only a matter of time before he leaves Oscar Garcia's side.

Bridcutt has been linked with a move to Sunderland, which resulted in him handing in a transfer request at the AMEX Stadium.

That was quickly rejected by Brighton, but it would come as no surprise if the interest in the Scotland international strengthened over the next three weeks.

Wigan's Callum McManaman scores his team's third goal against MK Dons during their FA Cup third round match on January 4, 2013

5. Callum McManaman

Wigan Athletic's Callum McManaman burst onto the scene at the DW Stadium during the second half of the 2012-13 campaign.

The 22-year-old wasn't able to prevent the Latics from being relegated from the Premier League, but three goals in seven appearances helped Wigan claim a historic triumph in the FA Cup.

The England Under-20 international was expected to leave the club during the summer, but he remained in the North-West as Wigan embarked on their debut campaign in the Europa League.

With that run over, and Uwe Rosler arriving at the club, the German boss could decide to cash in on McManaman, who will undoubtedly receive offers during the current transfer window.