South America's top 10 players looking for moves in January - ESPN

In most of the world the transfer window has closed until January, leaving some players frustrated and others hopeful that their turn will come.

The top talent in South America continues to move abroad, with the European clubs looking to sign players young as possible. And a quiet theme of the window was the rise of interest from Saudi Arabia in acquiring young South Americans.

But there is another dynamic going on; Brazil has greatly increased its spending. In general terms, though, this does not mean that Brazil can compete with Europe for the biggest names. It often means that Brazil is picking up players from neighbouring countries and then looking to move them on to Europe.

Below is a list of 10 South Americans who could well be on the move next year. Eight are Brazil based, but only three are Brazilians.

Finances bolstered by the transfer of André and others, Fluminense of Brazil were able to bat off transfer bids from Girona and Galatasaray for Arias, their Colombia international midfielder. The club acknowledged that the player is disappointed — a late developer, Arias is 26 and anxious to make his mark. With the window in Turkey open until Sept. 13, Arias could still leave soon. But if not, it is difficult to see how Fluminense can hold on to him in January.

He had a good Copa America as a disciplined member of Colombia's midfield trio, but it is with Fluminense that he has really shone. Ostensibly a right winger, he is given free rein to wander. Tough, excellent on the turn, with a wonderful engine and an eye for a pass, he is the main creative force of the current South American champions and was the one player able to carry the fight to Manchester City in the final of the Club World Cup.

In a move that