Arsenal are rumoured to have entered the race to sign Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr, with one outlet even reporting they will offer Gabriel Martinelli in a swap deal, but Chelsea, who have reportedly made a huge bid for Federico Valverde, are also reportedly still interested in Vini Jr as the January transfer window heats up.
The Gunners face plenty of competition to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who is said to prefer a move to Arsenal or Liverpool, but Manchester City are desperate to overcome any hurdles and secure his signature this month, while European heavyweights Bayern Munich have now also expressed an interest in the England centre-back.
Another England international, Conor Gallagher, looks set to return to the Premier League from Atletico Madrid as he heads for a medical at Tottenham Hotspur, who beat Aston Villa to a £35m deal, while Michael Carrick has verbally agreed to take over as interim boss until the end of the season at Manchester United, with the deal set to be finalised today.
United may then look to strengthen their squad before the window closes, with Carlos Baleba, Marcos Llorente and Elliot Anderson all rumoured as targets, although Man City are also said to be eyeing Nottingham Forest talisman Anderson.
Follow all the latest transfer news, gossip, rumours and done deals in The Independent’s live blog below:
Read MoreTottenham closing in on signing of Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher
Man City prepared to overcome obstacles to sign Marc Guehi this month
Pep Guardiola reveals James Trafford transfer plan
January transfer window latest updates
- Arsenal enter race for Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr
- Michael Carrick verbally agrees to become Man United boss until the end of the season
- Conor Gallagher set for Tottenham medical amid £35m deal
- European giants join Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool in Marc Guehi chase
- Chelsea 'make huge bid' for Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde
- Deadline day on Monday 2 February at 7pm GMT
Man City 'expect to lose' Stones and Ake
01:00 , Mike JonesMan City’s defence may be getting even more of an overhaul with the club said they ‘expect’ to lose John Stones and Nathan Ake at the end of the season.
Stones is out of contract at the Etihad Stadium and isn't expected to sign a new deal, while Ake has another year left but The Athletic report that the Dutch international is also on the chopping block.
Pep Guardiola has let his frustration over the fact that both men struggle with injury/match fitness be known.
Brentford will keep Ajer
00:00 , Mike JonesBrentford are planning on selling Kristoffer Ajer this month despite interest from abroad.
The Norwegian has attracted suitors on the continent, with Wolfsburg the most heavily linked with a move.
But Sky Sports are reporting that the Bees see the 27-year-old defender as an important first-team player.
Bournemouth in talks with Hungarian midfielder
23:30 , Mike JonesBournemouth are in talks with Ferencvaros for central midfielder Alex Toth, according to reports from Sky Sports.
Serie A side Lazio also want Toth though and have made an offer to the Hungarian club.
Toth is a 20-year-old Hungary international who has two years left on his contract.
West Ham desperate to keep Paqueta
23:00 , Mike JonesWest Ham are reportedly desperate to keep Lucas Paqueta at the London Stadium despite reports of him reaching a deal with Flamengo.
Paqueta wants to return to Brazil and Fabrizio Romano reports that personal terms have been sorted with Flamengo but Hammers boss Nuno Espirito Santo will not countenance losing his playmaker as the club face an uphill battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
Juve keen on Man United defender Mazraoui
22:30 , Mike JonesJuventus are interested in Manchester United’s Noussair Mazraoui with Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport claiming that the Serie A side are stepping up their search for a right-back.
Mazraoui, who is currently away with hosts Morocco at Afcon, is believed to be keen to leave Manchester in search of a new challenge ahead of the World Cup.
Juve also have interest Aston Villa target Oscar Mingueza of Celta Vigo, according to Sky Italia with the Old Lady of Turin weighing up the options.
Man United lodge Llorente bid
22:00 , Mike JonesWith Carrick on the way in as interim boss, United have apparently made a €35m bid for Marcos Llorente, although get your big pile of slat ready to pinch as this report comes from Fichjaes...
The Red Devils badly need midfield reinforcements, and are also interested in Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, but apparently 30-year-old Atletico Madrid engine-roomer Llorente is also on that list.
Bernardo Silva linked with Como
21:30 , Mike JonesMan City captain Bernardo Silva could be leaving the club this month, with a move to Como on the table.
Sky Calcio Club are reporting the interest from the Serie A side, who are managed by Cesc Fabregas and have spent heavily since promotion to the Italian top flight.
The 31-year-old midfielder has also been linked with a move to Galatasaray, although that would be as a free agent this summer, with former City teammate Ilkay Gundogan said to be persuading the Portuguese to come to Istanbul.
Jack Harrison leaving Leeds for Fiorentina
21:00 , Mike JonesJack Harrison will leave Leeds to join Serie A side Fiorentina on loan.
Fabrizio Romano is reporting that the deal has been agreed, with a €10m option to buy included in the loan and Fiorentina are said to like the fact he can play on both wings.
Harrison, who was on loan at Everton last season before rejoining Leeds after promotion back to the Premier League, has started just one league match this term, with 10 further sub appearances.
The 29-year-old has a deal with Leeds that runs until the summer of 2028.
Man City contact Forest about Elliot Anderson
20:30 , Mike JonesMan City have contact with Nottingham Forest about a deal for midfield talisman Elliot Anderson, claims Teamtalk.
Anderson is also a target for local rivals Man United, and would come at a large cost, but Pep Guardiola is said to be a big fan of the England international.
Both Manchester clubs are aiming to strengthen in midfield and City director of football Hugo Viana is said to have scouted Anderson in person.
Pep Guardiola reveals James Trafford transfer plan
20:00 , Mike JonesPep Guardiola will not let James Trafford leave Manchester City on loan this month but admits that the goalkeeper could be on the move at the end of the season.
Trafford, 23, will start City’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Newcastle this evening but has not appeared in the Premier League since August and has only made one Champions League appearance since his summer move from Burnley with Gianluigi Donnarumma cemented as the club’s No 1.
“I would like him [Trafford] to stay for many, many years here because he has the attributes to play for a top club like us,” explained Guardiola.
Chelsea make huge bid for Federico Valverde
19:41 , Mike JonesChelsea are keen to build their midfield around Real Madrid star Federcio Valverde and have submitted a €120m (£104m) bid.
That's according to Fichajes, who claim new boss Liam Rosenior is a big fan of the Uruguayan
Valverde is considered “indispensable” at Real Madrid but they will consider “unrealistic bids” which this alleged £104m offer may qualify as.
Manchester United appoint Michael Carrick as interim head coach
19:32 , Mike JonesManchester United have appointed Michael Carrick as their head coach for the rest of the season.
The former United captain was the unanimous choice of the club to replace the interim Darren Fletcher and the sacked Ruben Amorim.
United, who also considered bringing back Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, looked for a continuity candidate of someone who knew the club as they aim to meet their season’s objectives of European qualification.
Manchester United appoint Michael Carrick as interim head coach
European giants join Marc Guehi chase
19:21 , Mike JonesBayern Munich have entered the chase to sign Marc Guehi with Florian Pettenberg of Sky Germany reporting they have made phone calls over the past few days to try and convince him to sign in the summer, having previously met his agent.
Man City are desperate to sign the Crystal Palace centre-back during this transfer window, to ease their defensive injury crisis, and as we reported yesterday, they intend to overcome any obstacles to make that happen.
Arsenal and Liverpool are targeting the England international upon the expiry of his contract in the summer and Guehi has been reported to prefer a move to one of those two clubs.
Man United set to appoint Michael Carrick
19:00 , Mike JonesManchester United are poised to choose their interim manager for the rest of the season with Michael Carrick now the frontrunner to take charge, ahead of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Darren Fletcher, who has been in the role for two games, and Ruud van Nistelrooy were also in contention to oversee the remainder of the campaign, though the Scot’s candidature may have been damaged by their FA Cup exit to Brighton.
United conducted face-to-face interviews with Carrick, their former captain, on Thursday and Solskjaer, the scorer of the winner in the 1999 Champions League final, on Saturday.
Carrick is believed to have interviewed well and went unbeaten in a three-game stint in caretaker charge of United in 2021, before having three seasons as Middlesbrough manager. He should be appointed ahead of the Manchester derby this weekend.
Arsenal enter Vinicus Jr race - and offer Martinelli swap?
18:40 , Mike JonesNot exactly reliable sources but as a bit of fun, a couple of unreliable outlets in Spain are reporting Arsenal chasing Vinicius Jr.
The Real Madrid superstar has been unhappy at the Bernabeu, although the departure of Xabi Alonso may change things slightly, and Fichajes are reporting Arsenal’s interest, with Chelsea also said to be in the hunt.
Meanwhile, Defensa Central are going one step further and claiming the Gunners have offered winger Gabriel Martinelli in a swap deal.
They say Martinelli has been offered around Europe as Arsenal look to raise funds to improve their attack and hope for a straight swap with Vini Jr because they value Martinelli at around £87m – similar to his Brazil team-mate.
Conor Gallagher to undergo Tottenham medical amid £35m deal
18:20 , Mike JonesConor Gallagher will be returning to the Premier League with Tottenham, as they beat Aston Villa to secure his signature in a £35m deal.
Gallagher had been happy at Atletico Madrid but was open to a return to England and Spurs offered a higher fee and greater wages than Villa, in what is seen as an effect of Daniel Levy no longer running the club.
Tottenham had a midfield need after Rodrigo Bentancur sustained an injury that will keep him out for several months, with 25-year-old Gallagher seen to fit the bill as he tries to force his way back into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of the World Cup.
He will head to the UK today to undergo a medical with Spurs, according to reports.
Brentford bid for Lazio star
18:00 , Mike JonesBrentford are said to have made a £13m bid for Lazio attacker Matteo Cancellieri.
The 23-year-old Italy international is a versatile winger that can operate on either flank or centrally, just behind the striker and has scored three times in 14 games for Lazio this season.
Brentford’s offer is reported to consist of an initial £10.4m payment, plus around £2.6m in bonuses.
Jack Harrison leaving Leeds for Fiorentina
17:45 , Luke BakerJack Harrison will leave Leeds to join Serie A side Fiorentina on loan.
Fabrizio Romano is reporting that the deal has been agreed, with a €10m option to buy included in the loan and Fiorentina are said to like the fact he can play on both wings.
Harrison, who was on loan at Everton last season before rejoining Leeds after promotion back to the Premier League, has started just one league match this term, with 10 further sub appearances.
The 29-year-old has a deal with Leeds that runs until the summer of 2028.
Interest from Brazil in Brighton defender
17:24 , Luke BakerPalmeiras are exploring the possibility of signing Brighton defender Igor Julio, who is currently on loan at West Ham.
According to Sky Sports, the Brazilian club are interested in a permanent transfer either in January or at the end of the season.
Julio, who has struggled for playing time at the London Stadium and made just four Premier League appearances this season, is apparently prepared to fight for his place at West Ham if the move doesn’t develop.
Bournemouth defender Senesi attracting interest from European giants
17:03 , Luke BakerMarcos Senesi’s contract at Bournemouth expires this summer and Juventus remain confident of signing the defender, despite increasing interest from Barcelona.
According to Tuttosport, Juve are expected to hold talks in the coming days to assess the cost and feasibility of a deal, aiming to move quickly to avoid increased competition.
Mikel Arteta reveals new injury concerns for WWilliam Saliba and Leandro Trossard ahead of Carabao Cup tie
16:40 , Luke BakerArsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided an update on injuries in the Gunners’ squad, revealing that the club could be without four key players for their Carabao Cup match this week.
The Gunners will face Chelsea in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final tie at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday 14 January, and Arteta disclosed new injury concerns over William Saliba and Leandro Trossard, while adding that Piero Hincapie and Riccardo Calafiori remain sidelined.
Mikel Arteta reveals new Arsenal injury concerns ahead of Carabao Cup semi-final
Klopp in the running for Real Madrid job
16:21 , Luke BakerJurgen Klopp is in the running to be the next Real Madrid manager, if they opt to replace Alvaro Arbeloa in the summer.
Xabi Alonso left the club yesterday after less than eight months in the role, with Arbeloa put in charge for the foreseeable future.
But according to Sky Germany, Klopp, who is currently working as the head of global soccer for Red Bull, would be interested in taking the reins at the Bernabeu despite his long-term contract in his current role.
Klopp left Liverpool in 2024, saying he was “running out of energy” after landing six trophies during his time at Anfield, before taking the Red Bull role in January last year.
Why Man United have turned back to Michael Carrick, the anti-Amorim
16:01 , Luke BakerAs a footballer, Michael Carrick had the ability to blend into the background, his unassuming nature giving him a lower profile that his ability merited. He may have taken that capacity for relative anonymity into his coaching career.
If Carrick was the stealth candidate to take the reins at Manchester United for the rest of the season, with Darren Fletcher thrust into the spotlight immediately and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the romantic, nostalgic choice, a selection process may have been the triumph of the quiet man.
Carrick nevertheless interviewed well when he spoke to director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada last Thursday. It may not have harmed his cause that he can appear the anti-Amorim: less charismatic, less quotable, less explosive.
Carrick brought a calmness in possession of the ball. That unflustered nature may serve him well for the pressurised task of leading United.
Read Richard Jolly’s full analysis:
Why Man United have turned back to Michael Carrick, the anti-Amorim
Everton goalkeeper set for exit door
15:40 , Luke BakerEverton goalkeeper Harry Tryer looks set to join Cardiff City on a permanent deal, according to Sky Sports.
The 24-year-old has had talks with the League One club and is due to undergo a medical but the deal will have to wait until Cardiff’s transfer embargo is lifted in order to be officially sanctioned.
The Bluebirds have said they expect the issue to be resolved and insist it will not impact their January transfer plans.
Man United, Tottenham and Newcastle eye Bosnian defender
15:22 , Luke BakerBosnian centre-back Tarik Muharemovic is attracting interest from Man United, Tottenham and Newcastle this transfer window.
The 22-year-old has been hugely impressive for Sassuolo in Serie A this term, becoming one of the most highly-rated young defenders in Europe.
The three Premier League sides are monitoring him closely, according to CaughtOffside, as they look to improve their backlines, with United having scouted him in person.
German side RB Leipzig have prepared a bid of €25m plus bonuses, while Serie A heavyweights Inter and Juventus are keeping the door open for a potential move, with Juve at an advantage as they sold Muharemovic to Sassuolo for €3m and are entitled to 50 per cent of any future transfer fee.
Man United target Ruben Neves
15:01 , Luke BakerMan United’s desire to beef up their midfield is no secret and Ruben Neves is the latest name on their shortlist, say The Guardian.
Michael Carrick is expected to be confirmed as the new interim United manager imminently and Neves could help strengthen his hand.
The 28-year-old Portuguese is at Al-Hilal, having left Wolves in 2023, and could be available for around £20m.
Xabi Alonso releases statement following shock sacking from Real Madrid
14:41 , Luke BakerXabi Alonso has lamented the failure of his seven-month stint as Real Madrid manager but has put aside dressing room tensions to thank his players in his first public statement following his Bernabeu departure.
The Spanish coach was hired from Bayer Leverkusen after a stunning run in the Bundesliga, with the Basque helping to dethrone Bayern Munich and end a run of 11 successive league titles, but he quickly found himself under pressure amid mixed results this season.
Real Madrid’s 4-3 loss to Barcelona in the Supercopa final proved to be the final straw, which saw internal tensions play out on the pitch when star striker Kylian Mbappe was captured urging his teammates to defy their manager, who was calling on the team to form a guard of honour for their rivals.
Xabi Alonso releases statement following shock sacking from Real Madrid
Eric Dier to West Ham?
14:25 , Luke BakerEric Dier has been handed a surprise Premier League lifeline m with the defender offered to West Ham, according to Talksport.
Ex-England international Dier is at Monaco, and under contract until 2028, but West Ham are reportedly mulling the move.
The 49-cap England man has been out of the Premier League for two years, since moving on loan to Bayern Munich in January 2024 and making the move permanent that summer.
Dier worked with Hammers boss Nuno during his brief spell in charge of Tottenham.
Spurs renew Maghnes Akliouche interest
14:12 , Luke BakerTottenham are rolling back the months to last summer as they renew their interest in Maghnes Akliouche, reports The Independent’s Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney.
Spurs were keen on Monaco star Akliouche during the summer transfer window but failed to capture him, Morgan Gibbs-White or Eberechi Eze and eventually settled for Xavi Simons to fill the role.
But they still want a wide forward, especially after Brennan Johnson’s departure to Crystal Palace, so are looking at the 23-year-old France international once more.
No price has been set but some reports suggest he may cost upwards of £50m.
Arsenal won't let Ben White leave
13:50 , Luke BakerArsenal will not let Ben White leave this month amid interest from Everton.
The Gunners have no interest in selling White while they are still competing on four fronts, say Football.london.
White's contract does not expire until the summer of 2028 and also contains the option of a 12-month extension, with Arsenal set to re-assess his future come the end of the season.
According to Football Insider, Everton had earmarked the 28-year-old to solve their problematic right-back issue.
Man City 'expect to lose' Stones and Ake
13:33 , Luke BakerMan City’s defence may be getting even more of an overhaul with the club said they ‘expect’ to lose John Stones and Nathan Ake at the end of the season.
Stones is out of contract at the Etihad Stadium and isn't expected to sign a new deal, while Ake has another year left but The Athletic report that the Dutch international is also on the chopping block.
Pep Guardiola has let his frustration over the fact that both men struggle with injury/match fitness be known.
Brentford will keep Ajer
13:14 , Luke BakerBrentford are planning on selling Kristoffer Ajer this month despite interest from abroad.
The Norwegian has attracted suitors on the continent, with Wolfsburg the most heavily linked with a move.
But Sky Sports are reporting that the Bees see the 27-year-old defender as an important first-team player.
Bournemouth in talks with Hungarian midfielder
12:56 , Luke BakerBournemouth are in talks with Ferencvaros for central midfielder Alex Toth, according to reports from Sky Sports.
Serie A side Lazio also want Toth though and have made an offer to the Hungarian club.
Toth is a 20-year-old Hungary international who has two years left on his contract.
West Ham desperate to keep Paqueta
12:40 , Luke BakerWest Ham are reportedly desperate to keep Lucas Paqueta at the London Stadium despite reports of him reaching a deal with Flamengo.
Paqueta wants to return to Brazil and Fabrizio Romano reports that personal terms have been sorted with Flamengo but Hammers boss Nuno Espirito Santo will not countenance losing his playmaker as the club face an uphill battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
Flamengo still need to agree a deal with West Ham, who insist the 28-year-old missed the FA Cup win over QPR through injury amid reports that he asked not to play
Juve keen on Man United defender Mazraoui
12:22 , Luke BakerJuventus are interested in Manchester United’s Noussair Mazraoui with Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport claiming that the Serie A side are stepping up their search for a right-back.
Mazraoui, who is currently away with hosts Morocco at Afcon, is believed to be keen to leave Manchester in search of a new challenge ahead of the World Cup.
Juve also have interest Aston Villa target Oscar Mingueza of Celta Vigo, according to Sky Italia with the Old Lady of Turin weighing up the options.
Man United lodge Llorente bid
12:04 , Luke BakerWith Carrick on the way in as interim boss, United have apparently made a €35m bid for Marcos Llorente, although get your big pile of slat ready to pinch as this report comes from Fichjaes...
The Red Devils badly need midfield reinforcements, and are also interested in Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, but apparently 30-year-old Atletico Madrid engine-roomer Llorente is also on that list.
Carrick puts together Man United backroom staff
11:50 , Richard Jolly, Senior Football CorrespondentSome information from The Independent’s Senior Football Correspondent Richard Jolly on Michael Carrick’s backroom staff at Man United.
Darren Fletcher will return to his role as head coach of the under-18s, though he was offered a place on Carrick’s first-team staff.
Besides ex-England assistant Steve Holland, who we mentioned earlier, Carrick will also be assisted by Travis Binnion, United’s under-21 head coach, and Jonny Evans, who was brought back to the club by Fletcher, plus Jonathan Woodgate, who he worked with at Middlesbrough.
Bernardo Silva linked with Como
11:34 , Luke BakerMan City captain Bernardo Silva could be leaving the club this month, with a move to Como on the table.
Sky Calcio Club are reporting the interest from the Serie A side, who are managed by Cesc Fabregas and have spent heavily since promotion to the Italian top flight.
The 31-year-old midfielder has also been linked with a move to Galatasaray, although that would be as a free agent this summer, with former City teammate Ilkay Gundogan said to be persuading the Portuguese to come to Istanbul.
Jack Harrison leaving Leeds for Jack Harrison
11:18 , Luke BakerJack Harrison will leave Leeds to join Serie A side Fiorentina on loan.
Fabrizio Romano is reporting that the deal has been agreed, with a €10m option to buy included in the loan and Fiorentina are said to like the fact he can play on both wings.
Harrison, who was on loan at Everton last season before rejoining Leeds after promotion back to the Premier League, has started just one league match this term, with 10 further sub appearances.
The 29-year-old has a deal with Leeds that runs until the summer of 2028.
Man City contact Forest about Elliot Anderson
11:02 , Luke BakerMan City have contact with Nottingham Forest about a deal for midfield talisman Elliot Anderson, claims Teamtalk.
Anderson is also a target for local rivals Man United, and would come at a large cost, but Pep Guardiola is said to be a big fan of the England international.
Both Manchester clubs are aiming to strengthen in midfield and City director of football Hugo Viana is said to have scouted Anderson in person.
BREAKING: Michael Carrick verbally agrees to become new Man United manager
10:40 , Richard Jolly, Senior Football CorrespondentMichael Carrick is inching closer to becoming Man United’s new interim boss, with The Independent’s Senior Football Correspondent Richard Jolly confirming he has verbally agreed to take over for the rest of the season.
Steve Holland, the former England assistant under Gareth Southgate, will be part of Carrick’s coaching team.
Final contractual details are being sorted and the deal should be done this afternoon, giving the new boss maximum preparation time ahead of the Manchester derby at Saturday lunchtime.
Juventus join Roma in Malen hunt
10:33 , Luke BakerJuventus have now joined Roma in the hunt to sign Astong Villa forward Donyell Malen.
Yesterday, Sky Italia reported that Malen was on the verge of signing for Roma on an initial loan deal, with an option to buy between €21.7m and €26m.
Now they are saying Juve have thrown their hat into the ring as well, with Roma still waiting for Malen’s approval.
Brentford bid for Lazio star
10:16 , Luke BakerBrentford are said to have made a £13m bid for Lazio attacker Matteo Cancellieri.
The 23-year-old Italy international is a versatile winger that can operate on either flank or centrally, just behind the striker and has scored three times in 14 games for Lazio this season.
Brentford’s offer is reported to consist of an initial £10.4m payment, plus around £2.6m in bonuses.
Why Real Madrid sacked Xabi Alonso – and how it impacts the Premier League
09:56 , Luke BakerIt finished as it started, with a new coach like Xabi Alonso apparently totally out of sync with the grand old institution of Real Madrid around him.
While many around the club were all too keen to point to Kylian Mbappe allegedly stopping his teammates giving Barcelona a Super Cup guard of honour, as appeared to have been suggested, some went back much further.
They went back to Alonso’s first assignment, and a fixture against Al Hilal at the Club World Cup.
Read the full analysis from Miguel Delaney:
Why Real Madrid sacked Xabi Alonso – and how it impacts the Premier League
Pep Guardiola reveals James Trafford transfer plan
09:40 , Luke BakerPep Guardiola will not let James Trafford leave Manchester City on loan this month but admits that the goalkeeper could be on the move at the end of the season.
Trafford, 23, will start City’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Newcastle this evening but has not appeared in the Premier League since August and has only made one Champions League appearance since his summer move from Burnley with Gianluigi Donnarumma cemented as the club’s No 1.
“I would like him [Trafford] to stay for many, many years here because he has the attributes to play for a top club like us,” explained Guardiola.
“James is a top keeper and there's no doubt about that but the situation of the keepers is special, is different. We'll see what happens at the end of the season.”
Got a transfer window question for our Chief Football Writer?
09:25 , Luke BakerOur football insider Miguel Delaney will take you behind the scenes of the Premier League, answering your questions on transfers, managerial shake-ups and the forces shaping top clubs in 2026 in an exclusive Q&A later this week.
He says: “The January transfer window has been quiet so far, with Antoine Semenyo’s move from Bournemouth to Manchester City standing out as the biggest deal – but that may now be the spark for more. Industry figures expect it to be very busy towards the end. I’ll discuss that and much more.
“As The Independent’s Chief Football Writer, I’ve spent years covering transfers, managerial appointments, and speaking to sources about the behind-the-scenes workings that shape top clubs.
“I’ll be here to answer all your football questions – from the managerial merry-go-round and the head coach versus sporting director debate to potential January and summer moves and how these stories are likely to play out across the Premier League and Europe.”
Join the Q&A here:
Miguel Delaney answers your football questions – from transfers to managers and more
Chelsea make huge bid for Federico Valverde
09:13 , Luke BakerChelsea are keen to build their midfield around Real Madrid star Federcio Valverde and have submitted a €120m (£104m) bid.
That's according to Fichajes, who claim new boss Liam Rosenior is a big fan of the Uruguayan
Valverde is considered “indispensable” at Real Madrid but they will consider “unrealistic bids” which this alleged £104m offer may qualify as.
European giants join Marc Guehi chase
08:59 , Luke BakerBayern Munich have entered the chase to sign Marc Guehi with Florian Pettenberg of Sky Germany reporting they have made phone calls over the past few days to try and convince him to sign in the summer, having previously met his agent.
Man City are desperate to sign the Crystal Palace centre-back during this transfer window, to ease their defensive injury crisis, and as we reported yesterday, they intend to overcome any obstacles to make that happen.
Arsenal and Liverpool are targeting the England international upon the expiry of his contract in the summer and Guehi has been reported to prefer a move to one of those two clubs.
Man United set to appoint Michael Carrick today
08:44 , Luke BakerManchester United are poised to choose their interim manager for the rest of the season with Michael Carrick now the frontrunner to take charge, ahead of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Darren Fletcher, who has been in the role for two games, and Ruud van Nistelrooy were also in contention to oversee the remainder of the campaign, though the Scot’s candidature may have been damaged by their FA Cup exit to Brighton.
United conducted face-to-face interviews with Carrick, their former captain, on Thursday and Solskjaer, the scorer of the winner in the 1999 Champions League final, on Saturday.
Carrick is believed to have interviewed well and went unbeaten in a three-game stint in caretaker charge of United in 2021, before having three seasons as Middlesbrough manager. He should be appointed today, ahead of the Manchester derby this weekend
Arsenal enter Vinicus Jr race - and offer Martinelli swap?
08:42 , Luke BakerNot exactly reliable sources but as a bit of fun, a couple of unreliable outlets in Spain are reporting Arsenal chasing Vinicius Jr.
The Real Madrid superstar has been unhappy at the Bernabeu, although the departure of Xabi Alonso may change things slightly, and Fichajes are reporting Arsenal’s interest, with Chelsea also said to be in the hunt.
Meanwhile, Defensa Central are going one step further and claiming the Gunners have offered winger Gabriel Martinelli in a swap deal.
They say Martinelli has been offered around Europe as Arsenal look to raise funds to improve their attack and hope for a straight swap with Vini Jr because they value Martinelli at around £87m – similar to his Brazil team-mate.
Colour me sceptical...
Conor Gallagher to undergo Tottenham medical amid £35m deal
08:38 , Luke BakerConor Gallagher will be returning to the Premier League with Tottenham, as they beat Aston Villa to secure his signature in a £35m deal.
Gallagher had been happy at Atletico Madrid but was open to a return to England and Spurs offered a higher fee and greater wages than Villa, in what is seen as an effect of Daniel Levy no longer running the club.
Tottenham had a midfield need after Rodrigo Bentancur sustained an injury that will keep him out for several months, with 25-year-old Gallagher seen to fit the bill as he tries to force his way back into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of the World Cup.
He will head to the UK today to undergo a medical with Spurs, according to reports.
