Could also take Taarabt on loan...
He is incredibly talented, and performed well for AC Milan. Unfortunately, he makes Balotelli look like a defensive work-horse. Low risk signing, but I'd be surprised if he stayed beyond his loan spell.
It's tough in the winter window, because there are too many things that make signings difficult:
-Cup-tied players
-Desperation to improve a team mid-season, which gives the seller a ton of leverage.
-Teams that are in the midst of a season and aren't looking to get worse.
A quick fix for the winter is likely the best solution without overpaying, but determining which quick-fix is the best is the tough part.
On Taarabt though, if he ever got his **** together, he'd be one hell of a player. Unfortunately he seems to like cake too much.