Premier League clubs are gearing up for the month-long January transfer window, some seeking to tweak their squad as they press for the title and others hoping to add players in the fight to stay in England's most lucrative competition.

Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool have all been linked with players as they try to overtake Arsenal at the top of the standings, while Sunderland and Fulham are among those in the market for new talent in a desperate attempt to avoid relegation.

United has leading Premier League scorer Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez and Louis Saha vying for places in attack, but is still being linked with Tottenham strikers Dimitar Berbatov and Jermain Defoe.

Tottenham has been expected to dabble in the market after a poor start to the season that led to it switching coaches, but speculation has now switched to whether it will be selling.

Berbatov hit four goals in Saturday's 6-4 win over Reading and his agent has been quoted by British dailies as saying the player wants to leave.

"Dimitar wants to fulfill his potential and win trophies now," Emil Dantchev was quoted as saying by papers. "Fans must understand Dimitar is 27 next month and time is running out for him to play for a club that can match his ambition."

United has long been interested in the Bulgaria striker, whose unpredictability, skill and awareness have brought plaudits and 34 goals in less than 18 months with Tottenham, while Bayern Munich and AC Milan are also possible destinations.

The last time United wanted Tottenham's top player, it had to pay 18 million pounds (US$36.1 million) for midfielder Michael Carrick in 2006. With Berbatov a more glamorous signing, it is clear any suitor would have to pay more to come up with what Dantchev called "an offer that suits his current club."

Berbatov's teammate Robbie Keane leads Premier League scoring for the full year with 19 goals - one more than Ronaldo - so the Bulgaria striker's departure would probably not be disastrous for Spurs.

London's Evening Standard reported that United could offer defender Wes Brown and 10 million pounds (US$20 million) for Defoe, who has started just one Premier League match this season but still scored three goals.

Chelsea is seeking cover for the injured John Terry and Frank Lampard, and may also try to strengthen its squad because it is set to lose key players Didier Drogba, John Obi Mikel and Michael Essien during the January 20-February 10 African Cup of Nations.

The Blues are among several clubs linked with a move for Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka, who has hit 10 of the struggling club's 22 goals this season and could also end up at United or Manchester City.

Liverpool is 10 points behind Arsenal after Sunday's 0-0 draw at City and could also dip into the market to revive its foundering challenge.

"We will bring the things we need," Rafa Benitez said.

(Agencies via Shanghai Daily January 2, 2008)