Compared with previous winter transfer windows jam-packed with excitement and sensation, January 2015 turned out to be a somewhat flat affair. Yes – the likes of Juan Cuadrado and Wilfried Bony made their moves to Chelsea and Manchester City respectively, but other than the odd interesting deal here and there, the transfer market remained somewhat muted.

Perhaps this is good for Europe’s top leagues though. The instability and ‘panic buy’ nature of the January window often leaves teams in worse positions than they initially began. But as this is just the kind of behaviour that we football fans tend to love, maybe negations could have gone that little bit further throughout last month.

In light of such inactivity, here are FIVE transfer deals that potentially should have happened this January:

Rickie Lambert -> Aston Villa

Whilst the Reds only signed the former St. Mary's favourite a mere six months ago, Rickie Lambert has simply failed to show any real indications that he suits playing for a club the size of Liverpool. That seems to be the overall feeling among many within the footballing community anyway, but as the burly striker still has time to do the business at Anfield, perhaps such statements remain slightly premature.

That said, at 33-years-old, time isn’t exactly on Lambert’s side. He may have a sweet shot on him – and better technical ability than most would give him credit for – but it ultimately seems that this potentially dream move never lived up to such a lofty status in reality.

Sky Sports reported that Aston Villa were interested in the former Saints man and this could have represented the perfect deal for all parties involved. Villa need goals right now, and although Rickie Lambert hasn’t offered up too much in the striking department so far this season, the striker could still thrive at a club where his place in the starting line-up would be more concrete. The £5 million supposedly required according to Eurosport, does seem a bit steep for a 33-year-old, however.

Carlton Cole -> West Brom

Another striker who could have done well given more first team opportunities this year is West Ham’s Carlton Cole. The Hammers striker, who has developed an undoubted cult-hero status at Upton Park in recent seasons, may also be approaching the twilight stages his career. But as his three important goals this season could yet prove, the former England international may just have enough left in the tank.

Thanks to the form of West Ham’s other leading front men: Diafra Sakho, Enner Valencia and – when not injured – Andy Carroll, the former Chelsea youngster has simply not been given much time out on the pitch this campaign. His goalscoring record certainly has been infrequent, but especially as he has recorded more league finishes than Mario Balotelli this season, a team like West Brom could have certainly benefited from the West Ham man’s services.

Tony Pulis’ side seem to have developed a bit more of a direction in their play since the Welshman’s arrival, yet with Sky Sports reporting that Shola Ameobi was being considered a transfer target at the Hawthorns this January, a low budget move for Carlton Cole certainly wouldn’t have done the Baggies any harm throughout the rest of their campaign.

Ezequiel Garay -> Manchester United

Whilst the Red Devils' interest in this proposed deal could still easily be completed over the summer, according to reports in The Mirror, when the chances of a last minute inflated price tag being tantalisingly hung over the Argentinean defender’s head are less likely, Ezequiel Garay could still have made a big impact for Manchester United this campaign.

Despite spending what was quite frankly a crazy amount last summer, Louis van Gaal’s current defence simply doesn’t do justice to the Man United rear guard of old. The likes of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, for all the effort they give out on the pitch, just haven’t matched the expectations that many placed on upon them arriving at Old Trafford. Whilst new boy Marco Rojo seemingly lacks the discipline and organisation required to play efficiently at centre back.

The newly acquired Sporting Lisbon defender still has enough time to come good at United however, but if he had had the chance to play alongside fellow Argentinean Ezequiel Garay this season, the Red Devils could have been a more solid defensive unit.

Xherdan Shaqiri -> Liverpool

The ‘Magic Dwarfs’' lack of first team action with Bayern Munich made him a decent target for pretty much every top European side. As it transpired, Inter Milan eventually landed the stocky Swiss star on loan, but given Liverpool's interest in the World Cup star according to The Express, they could have been in with a good shout of landing Xherdan Shaqiri in January.

Pep Guardiola would have obviously been keen to not let the skillful playmaker depart Munich permanently, however. The fact that he has moved to Serie A merely on a loan basis acts as evidence for Bayern Munich’s continued admiration for the player. But as Shaqiri’s place in Bayern’s starting line-up was never very likely, Anfield really could have been a great place for the Swiss talent to relocate to.

He would have fitted in very nicely among Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho – and whilst Luis Suarez will never truly be replaced at Liverpool any time soon – Shaqiri’s creative qualities could have seen the ‘Alpine Messi’ somewhat emulate the Uruguayan star in the Premier League.

Emmanuel Adebayor -> QPR

Although the former Arsenal, Manchester City and Real Madrid striker certainly hasn't been short of critics in the Premier League throughout his career, perhaps a last minute link-up with former boss Harry Redknapp wouldn’t have gone amiss for QPR. Such a deal would have been a big gamble seeing as the Togolese striker hasn’t exactly been credited as the most hard-working player the English game has ever seen, but as he certainly has goals somewhere in his game, the Hoops may have just about benefited enough for such a deal to be worthwhile.

This potential transfer comes in as the most risky on the list however. After all, several QPR fans would have likely rejected the chance to sign Adebayor despite the club's interest in the player being reported in the Evening Standard. As Harry Redknapp knew his game well and what he could best offer this current Queens Park Rangers team however, perhaps the veteran manager could have eventually got the best out of his former man.

Redknapp’s subsequent departure from the Loftus Road dug-out clearly puts this one to bed. This potential deal could have made a positive impact on QPR’s hopes of successfully avoiding relegation this season but wasn't to be.