While the rumours have swirled and heated conversations are lighting up cyberspace, the January transfer window has so far seen relatively little activity for players of Australian nationality. But with a selection of Socceroos and Socceroo-hopefuls currently struggling for game time around Europe, a number of moves would not be out of the question.

The only major deal to be inked so far has seen young midfielder James Holland secure a switch from AZ Alkmaar to Austria Vienna in the hope of making the first team. With that move now confirmed, it would not be surprising to see a flurry of activity follow.

Tim Cahill

The first and arguably highest profile Australian on the list is Everton star Tim Cahill. A club legend, the attacking midfielder has been at the Merseyside outfit since 2004 and manager David Moyes would be reluctant to let Cahill go.

Nonetheless, having not scored for the club in over a year, the Socceroo lynchpin might see a move as a way to revitalise his career. At 32 Cahill knows his body won’t last much longer, and is reportedly the target of serious interest from Queens Park Rangers under new boss Mark Hughes.

Moyes was adamant that the newly promoted club had made no contact about a bid for Cahill, and answered emphatically when asked about his future importance to the club. However given Everton’s money woes, a moderate offer from QPR could test Moyes’ resolve.

Tommy Oar

Only 20 years of age, pacey winger Tommy Oar has a lot of Australian football fans very excited. Billed as the next Harry Kewell, Oar secured a lucrative move to Dutch club FC Utrecht after some astonishing performances for Brisbane Roar.

Although the youngster made a good start to life in Europe, a managerial change has seen Oar relegated to the bench, with fellow Australians Michael Zullo and Adam Sarota now featuring more prominently.

While a transfer seems unlikely given his potential, a loan move and an opportunity to gain consistent playing time could certainly be on the cards. With Holland renowned for its youth development, a temporary switch to a fellow Eredivisie or second tier Eerste Divisie side is definitely a possibility.

Brett Holman

Long derided as not good enough for the top level, Brett Holman proved the critics wrong with several impressive displays during the 2010 World Cup. He has since become a Socceroos mainstay and a key player for AZ Alkmaar.

But Holman has long hinted at his desire to play in a top European league, and with six months left on his contract it seems a move could be on the horizon. Aston Villa, Fulham and Blackburn Rovers are all believed to be interested, while German side Borussia Monchengladbach are also said to be monitoring the situation.

As Holman could leave in the summer for nothing, AZ may look to cash in on the attacking midfielder while they can. Holman will be a key contributor in the Socceroos next World Cup qualifying campaign, and it is vital a move doesn’t lead to less playing time.

Rhys Williams

Another Australian star on the radar of a number of English Premier League clubs is versatile Middlesbrough defender Rhys Williams. The likes of Aston Villa, Newcastle, Bolton and West Bromwich Albion are all believed to be considering a bid for the Socceroo, while Liverpool are monitoring the situation.

‘Boro boss Tony Mowbray has insisted that Williams will be staying, at least in the short term, but comments made recently by the 23-year-old suggest the manager could have a fight on his hands.

“It’s always been my dream to play in the Premier League and right now it’s looking good,” said Williams.

“I’m aware there has been some speculation but I am more than happy at Middlesbrough. I am well settled and it would mean so much to the town and the manager Tony Mowbray to go up. For me it’s not about money or anything, it’s about fulfilling a dream. I’d love to go up with Boro but at the end of the day it’s my burning desire to play in the Premier League.”

Matt McKay

Having struggled to break into the Rangers first team since his move to the club in August, recent reports have suggested midfielder Matt McKay could be looking for a return home. Despite former club Brisbane Roar having ruled out trying to lure him back, a loan move to the A-League is a definitive possibility.

Well, that is at least what the majority of Australian football fans and pundits thought before the transfers window opened. But McKay recently announced through agent John Viola that he will fight for his place in Scotland, rejecting a loan move to Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad.

Nonetheless, given his lack of playing time a lucrative offer could probably tempt McKay elsewhere. If he does stay at Rangers, a run of games for the first team is a must before his Socceroos position is jeopardised.

And back home?

While all the players mentioned above have been Australians playing in Europe, a number of footballers from the domestic A-League competition could also be on the move. Central Coast Mariners striker Bernie Ibini-Isei may only be 19, but he has already caught the eye of a number of European clubs.

Nearby Newcastle Jets are also apparently keen on the rapid attacker although Central Coast would be loath to let Ibini-Isei join their local rivals.

Elsewhere, Socceroo Dario Vidosic is reportedly the target of A-League champions Brisbane Roar, although his agent has so far denied this and no further rumours have emanated from the Queensland capital.

With several Australians looking to secure regular playing time or the opportunity to play in bigger leagues, it would not be surprising to see a number of Socceroos young and old make a switch in the next week or so.