The festive period may be behind us, but Premier League managers are heading into this January transfer window with their own wishlists drawn up of what they'll be hoping for in the coming weeks.
It's an opportunity for managers to refresh a tired squad, bring in some extra magic midway through the campaign, or - most pressingly - to solve a gaping hole in a team.
ESPN profiles some of the African players who could solve your club's biggest needs during the ongoing January transfer window.
Manchester United: Boubacar Kamara, Amadou Haidara
The arrival of Ralf Rangnick has prompted some improvement from Fred, perhaps, but it's hard to shake the perception that he and Scott McTominay together are neither protecting United's defence adequately, nor feeding the Red Devils' more expansive players.
The German coach needs to address both a lack of tenacity and an absence of creativity in the heart of the park for United.
Kamara of Olympique de Marseille and Haidara of RB Leipzig have both also been linked with a move to Old Trafford, along with the likes of Declan Rice and Tyler Adams.
Kamara, who has represented France up to U-21 level but is eligible for Senegal, is entering the final six months of his contact with OM and appears to be there for the taking.
At 22, he's an ideal age for Rangnick to work with, and his all-round game -- particularly his defensive attributes and work in the tackle -- could make him a combative option for United, even if he lacks top end experience.
The aggressive Haidara is a player who will be familiar to Rangnick from the coach's time with the Red Bull family, and indeed, the new United boss was influential in helping the Mali international swap RB Salzburg for Leipzig.
The boyhood United fan carries the ball well, thrives under pressure and, at 23, has further room to grow once reunited with his former mentor.
Tottenham Hotspur: Franck Kessie, Yves Bissouma
While Spurs have improved dramatically since Antonio Conte's arrival, they still appear light in the centre of midfield, where Dele Alli and Tanguy Ndombele have not proved to the Italian's liking.
While any incomings may be contingent on either or both of those two being transferred, the Lilywhites will surely be prioritising bolstering this zone over the coming weeks.
AC Milan's Franck Kessie -- proving himself to be such a leader for the Rossoneri over the last 18 months -- has been heavily courted, with Spurs reportedly offering a four-year contract to the Ivory Coast powerhouse.
With only six months left on his deal, Tottenham appear well placed to pull off a bargain acquisition either now or in the summer, although reports in Italy suggest their attempts to include Ndombele in a partial swap deal for Kessie are proving frustrating.
Another option for Tottenham could be Brighton's Bissouma, who's Africa Cup of Nations-bound after ending his international exile with Mali.
Unlike Kessie, Bissouma is a proven quality in the Premier League, having emerged as one of the Seagulls' most influential performers under Graham Potter, and his ability to marry defence and attack in the cut and thrust of a top flight midfield battle should appeal to Conte.
However, the likes of Arsenal and Newcastle United have also been linked to the 25-year-old.
Chelsea are linked with various central defenders this transfer window, with the futures of some of their existing centre-backs up in the air.
There are questions about the next steps for Antonio Rudiger and Cesar Azpilicueta, with both out of contract this summer, while Andreas Christensen and Malang Sarr appear unwanted and Thiago Silva is 37.
The Blues need a succession plan, with names such as Jules Kounde have been mooted as a potential option for manager Thomas Tuchel.
They've also been long-term admirers of Napoli's Koulibaly, with Football London reporting in the autumn that they could turn their attention back to the Senegal international this year should they again be frustrated in their pursuit of Kounde.
Now 30, Koulibaly is firmly in his prime -- he made the ESPN FC 100 again this year among the world's finest central defenders -- and has been influential as Napoli have maintained a title challenge in Serie A.
With only 18 months left on his deal in Naples, he would be available for less than in previous windows, but could Chelsea convince Napoli to sell midway through the campaign?
Everton: Eddie Nketiah
Crystal Palace, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Bayer Leverkusen are the teams most prominently linked with Arsenal attacker Nketiah, who's out of contract in the summer, but Everton could do a lot worse than consider a move for the Anglo-Ghanaian frontman.
Admittedly, the Toffees have various holes that need plugging in their squad -- with Rafa Benitez currently appearing to prioritise new full-backs -- but a lack of cover for Dominic Calvert-Lewin has hurt them badly this term.
The England international has made just four league appearances this season, playing just once - against Brighton this month - since featuring against the same opponents in late August.
Without him, Everton have lacked a focal point, with Richarlison more effective in a wide role cutting in, and Salomon Rondon struggling to impress at Goodison Park.
Nketiah, still with some rough edges at 22, would be hungry cover for Calvert-Lewin, and could even be used alongside DCL as he looks to prove himself as a Premier League-calibre forward.
Newcastle United: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Odion Ighalo
Another team with various problem areas that need addressing in the coming transfer windows, Newcastle desperately need a threat going forward, having netted four goals in seven games since drawing 3-3 with Brentford in late November.
Of most concern, their two key goal threats - and arguably two best players - Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin - are both sidelined with injury.
With a dearth of alternatives within the squad, Eddie Howe desperately needs to use the market wisely. The Daily Mail suggest that the Magpies are keen to follow up their move for Kieran Trippier with a swoop for Arsenal skipper Aubameyang, and their recent Saudi-backed takeover could give them the financial clout to take on the striker's £350,000-per-week salary.
He'd be a marquee acquisition for Newcastle, but could Howe and the Magpies tempt the forward to swap North London for a relegation battle?
The report suggests that the Magpies are also considering Arsenal's Egypt midfielder Mohamed Elneny, whose discipline and work rate in the heart of the park could help make the St James Park heavyweights more competitive.
Nigeria striker Odion Ighalo -- who won't be joining the Super Eagles at the Nations Cup -- has also been targeted by Newcastle as a potential solution to their lack of cutting edge, according to Sky Sports.
The ex-Manchester United forward - who is currently plying his trade in Saudi Arabia - has 11 goals in 14 Professional League matches so far this term, and recently netted five in 23 during a loan spell at Old Trafford.
The Hammers have been outstanding across the park so far this season, but their excellent campaign is in danger of stalling unless they can bring in defensive reinforcements.
Centre-backs Kurt Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna are both injured currently -- with the latter expected to be a long-term absentee -- while the courageous Craig Dawson can come unstuck against more mobile opposition strikers.
They've been linked with James Tarkowski, Nat Phillips and Flavius Daniliuc, but would be wise to consider Wolves centre-back Boly.
Out of favour under Bruno Lago, the Ivory Coast international has not featured in the league at all this term, even once he's returned from COVID-related and injury problems.
Now set for AFCON, Boly has the opportunity to prove his fitness -- and demonstrate his class -- and as a seasoned Premier League campaigner, he could fit the bill for the Irons.
Watford, also desperate for more solidity at the back, should also be considering Boly.
Brighton & Hove Albion: Dominic Solanke
Brighton have, in recent years, grown increasingly over-reliant on Neal Maupay, who has battled manfully as the spearhead of the Seagulls' attack.
He's netted 15 goals across this season and last, and while an adequate Premier League forward, a lack of genuine cutting edge has led to Brighton drawing a league-high nine matches and dropping too many points.
They need an in-form forward who can step into the squad immediately, compete with or complement Maupay, and help Graham Potter's side maintain their top half push.
Bournemouth's Solanke could be just the man.
Admittedly, he struggled in the Premier League with the Cherries, but he's found his feet in the second tier this term -- scoring 18 goals in 25 games so far this term -- and would surely relish the prospect of helping Brighton sustain their European ambitions.
West Ham United or Everton, seeking support for Michail Antonio or Calvert-Lewin respectively, may also consider the Anglo-Nigerian frontman.