Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal eye novel Zubimendi payment plan, Man Utd exit agreement near, Man City blow

FootballSports
16 Jan 2025 • 12:49 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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Clubs across the continent are in the market for January transfer deals as they look to strengthen their squads for the second half of the 2024/25 season with titles, European football and survival all on the line.

Arsenal are rumoured to be looking for new forwards after cup defeats to Manchester United and Newcastle, but have struck a deal to sign Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi in the summer. Mikel Arteta’s side have been linked with a goalscorer and have reportedly turned their sights on Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic and Martin Zubimendi.

The window could see some big exits confirmed with Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold open to negotiate a possible free transfer to Real Madrid and Manchester United looking to sell Marcus Rashford. Kyle Walker could be on his way out of Manchester City, though, after informing Pep Guardiola of a desire to explore options away from the club and Milan and Inter are battling for the right back.

Elsewhere, Chelsea have opened talks with Bayern Munich winger Mathys Tel, in a move that could see striker Christopher Nkunku head the other way and return to the Bundesliga after a difficult time at Stamford Bridge and Liverpool have ‘started talks’ with FC Nurnberg star Stefanos Tzimas after rejecting a £70m verbal offer for Darwin Nunez.

Follow all the latest news, rumours and deals below:

January transfer window - live updates

  • The winter transfer window began on 1 January and finishes at the end of the month
  • Arsenal agree deal to sign Martin Zubimendi in summer
  • Liverpool set to miss out on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
  • Chelsea move for Bayern star Mathys Tel
  • Christopher Nkunku linked with Bundesliga return
  • Manchester United are reportedly open to sales of young homegrown players

Walker moving towards City exit?

17:25

Chris Wilson

There’s plenty of speculation surrounding Kyle Walker, but little in the way of concrete information on his future.

It is known that the England international wants to leave City, but it is thought that he wants to continue his career at an elite side as he looks to play for a place in England’s squad at the next World Cup.

To that end, Walker has been widely touted for a move to AC Milan, while there are also reports that Real Madrid may even consider him as they look for cover at right-back.

In addition, reports of interest from Saudi Arabia have been published too.

West Ham targeting Fulham forward

17:11

Chris Wilson

We previously posted about West Ham’s interest in a number of forward players following the injury to Niclas Fullkrug, and The Guardian are now reporting that the Hammers hold an interest in Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz.

The report states that Graham Potter’s side would ideally like an initial loan for the 23-year-old, with the possibility of a £30m obligation to buy.

Tierney closing in on Celtic move

16:58

Chris Wilson

Sky Sports reports that Kieran Tierney is getting closer to completing a move to Celtic, with Anthony Joseph saying that the Scottish side “are close to agreeing pre-contract terms” with the left-back.

Tierney has entered the final six months of his Arsenal contract, and there are reports that Celtic may ask for the full-back on loan for the remainder of the season too.

The 27-year-old made 170 appearances for Celtic in a spell between 2015 & 2019.

Liverpool latest

16:40

Chris Wilson

There is not a lot of noise surrounding Liverpool after their draw last night, with Arne Slot stating that he is able to “strengthen the team, or impact the game with the substitutes I have on the bench”, thereby suggesting that the Reds may not need to make any signings this month.

Nevertheless, Liverpool continue to be linked with Nuremberg forward Stefanos Tzimas (who is on loan from parent club PAOK).

Much of the news surrounding the Merseysiders regards potential outgoings, with Darwin Nunez, Trent Alexander-Arnold and even Harvey Elliott being linked with moves away.

Philogene edging closer to Ipswich move?

16:24

Chris Wilson

The noise surrounding Jaden Philogene’s move to Ipswich has quietened, but Sky Sports are reporting that the youngster is “closing in” on a move to Portman Road, for a fee around £22m.

Speaking regarding the move, Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna said: “It has been a slightly longer process than we would have wanted, but steadfast within all that has been that Jaden believes in the project here.”

Arsenal to reject Coman?

16:10

Chris Wilson

According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal have been offered Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman, but they are set to reject any deal as they don’t believe the Frenchman represents good value for money at this time.

Antony to leave United this window?

16:02

Chris Wilson

Several reports continue to link Manchester United winger Antony with a move away, and Real Betis are the club linked most regularly.

The Seville-based side are in the market for a winger, having recently sold Assane Diao to Como, but they are thought to be keen on a loan move rather than a purchase.

Betis are also thought to want United to pay a large portion of the Brazilian’s wages.

Plenty of players on Graham Potter's radar

15:49

Chris Wilson

New West Ham manager Graham Potter appears to be planning a few winter signings, having seen his club beat Fulham 3-2 despite missing Jarrod Bowen, Niclas Fullkrug, Crysencio Summerville and Michail Antonio.

The club are actively searching for a striker and Sky Sports have linked them with RB Leipzig’s Andre Silva, as well as Evan Ferguson of Brighton and Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi.

In addition, the club are thought to be considering a loan move for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – who is yet to start a match for Chelsea in the Premier League this season - according to Sky’s Dharmesh Sheth.

Chelsea targeting Deportivo winger?

15:37

Chris Wilson

According to reports from Spain, Chelsea have made a €10m offer for Deportivo la Coruna winger Yeremay Hernandez.

Marca reports that the Spaniard’s release clause is €20m.

Spurs still tracking forwards despite Kolo Muani blow

15:24

Chris Wilson

With news that Randal Kolo Muani is close to joining Juventus on loan, Tottenham remain in the hunt for reinforcements in the forward positions before the end of the window.

The Daily Mail have linked Spurs with Nice forward Evann Guessand, who is also reportedly a target for West Ham.

Bryan Mbeumo is another name in the mix, though Spurs would face stiff competition from Arsenal and Manchester United.

Spurs had previously been linked with a loan offer for Marcus Rashford, but it’s not thought that United would be keen on this.

Garnacho reportedly agrees personal terms

15:12

Chris Wilson

Speculation in Italian media continues surrounding the future of Alejandro Garnacho, and now Il Matino are reporting that the winger has agreed personal terms with Napoli.

The paper claims that Garnacho has been offered a five-year deal worth €3m per year, though there is currently a wide gap in the valuation of the player between United and the Partenopei.

United are said to value Garnacho at around £70m, while Napoli are set to agree a deal to sell Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to PSG for slightly less.

Arsenal eyeing Gyokeres and Mbeumo?

14:57

Chris Wilson

Reports from French outlet L’Equipe suggest that Arsenal will look to Viktor Gyokeres and Bryan Mbeumo to fix their forward issues.

With Gabriel Jesus suffering an ACL injury in the loss to Manchester United, Mikel Arteta is keen on bringing in attacking reinforcements as the Gunners fight for the Premier League title.

Gyokeres could be available if the club chooses to activate his €100m release clause, while Thomas Frank has insisted that Mbeumo will not leave the Bees this month.

Arsenal eyeing novel Zubimendi deal?

14:42

Chris Wilson

With yesterday’s news breaking regarding Arsenal’s attempts to sign Martin Zubimendi in the summer, The Athletic’s David Ornstein has suggested that the Gunners could use a different approach to payments in order to structure the deal better.

Speaking to NBC, Ornstein said that his understanding is that Arsenal may look to pay “a little bit more” than Zubimendi’s €60m release clause.

This is so that Arsenal “can stagger the payments, thereby allowing them “to do other business in next summer’s transfer window”.

Barcelona latest

14:31

Chris Wilson

Barcelona’s eventual success in registering Dani Olmo caused plenty of controversy over in Spain, but with that settled the club are now looking at sorting out contracts for their most established players.

In a surprising turn of events, centre-back Ronaldo Araujo has “agreed in principle on new contract” according to Fabrizio Romano, with the Blaugrana looking at new deals for Gavi, Pedri and Lamine Yamal next.

Arsenal duo edge closer to leaving club

14:17

Chris Wilson

The Telegraph is reporting that Arsenal duo Jorginho and Thomas Partey are close to leaving the club, and will be pushed towards an exit this summer.

The arrival of Martin Zubimendi would mean that both were surplus to requirements as Arteta rebuilds his midfield.

In recent days, Jorginho has been linked to a move to clubs in Brazil.

More on Chalobah

14:02

Chris Wilson

With news that Chelsea are activating their option to recall Trevoh Chaobah from Crystal Palace, here’s some additional detail.

According to Sky, Chelsea will now cool their interest in Marc Guehi, with other outlets reporting that it is unlikely the England defender moves anywhere this window.

In addition, Chalobah will not feature for Palace tonight and will return to training at Cobham ahead of the match against Wolves.

However, despite being recalled, it is thought that Chalobah will be sold in the summer if he does want to leave permanently.

Speculation remains on Rashford and Garnacho

13:48

Chris Wilson

It seems like Spanish and Italian media almost can’t stop writing about Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, amid reports that United may need to sell homegrown talent in order to stay within PSR limits this summer.

Rashford has been most heavily linked with a move away, with Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport reporting that meetings are underway with AC Milan. Nevertheless, Spanish media is reporting that the player would ideally move to Barcelona if given the chance.

Regarding Garnacho, rumours persist linking him with Napoli, but nothing concrete has emerged. It is though that United value the Argentinian at around £70m.

Successful January signings

13:32

Chris Wilson

Fans of both Arsenal and Liverpool have been quick to suggest that making a signing this window could be the difference between winning the title and finishing second, but how often do January signings turn out successful?

For Liverpool, they have a decent hit rate in recent years, with Virgil van Dijk, Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho all joining in the winter window.

Manchester United are another side who have three famed January signings, with Bruno Fernandes and Nemanja Vidic the more recent ones – you have to go back to 1995 for the other one, when the club signed Andy Cole for £7m.

Other notable deals done in the winter include Gary Cahill from Bolton to Chelsea in 2012 and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Dortmund to Arsenal in 2018.

Aston Villa latest

13:16

Chris Wilson

As well as the signing of Donyell Malen, it is expected that Villa will try and complete one or two more signings this month, report the Guardian.

However, according to Sky, Unai Emery has said that the situation at the club is “is one in and one out for the rest of January”, with the club looking at offloading Diego Carlos – Turkish sides Fenerbahce and Galatasaray are said to be interested.

One player who the Villans are desperate to keep is Jhon Duran, with Emery joking that he hopes that Duran and Ollie Watkins can be with the club “for the next 10 years”.

Messi to return for brief Barcelona spell?

13:03

Chris Wilson

It’s perhaps one of the more far-fetched rumours out there, but a report from Catalan outlet El Nacional claims that Lionel Messi could return to Barcelona on loan.

The report states that Messi will look to renew his contract with Inter Miami in the coming months, signing a deal until the end of 2026. This would then enable him to be loaned out during the MLS’ close-season, and Messi could look to return to Barcelona in order to stay match-fit in the lead up to the 2026 World Cup.

In any case, this move would not be possible until 2026, but it could be one to look out for!

Aston Villa sign Netherlands forward Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund

12:52

Chris Wilson

Some of the big news from yesterday...

Aston Villa have completed their move for Borussia Dortmund’s Netherlands international Donyell Malen.

The 25-year-old frontman, who had 18 months of his contract remaining at Dortmund, has joined for an undisclosed fee, reported to be in the region of £21million, although Villa have not released details of the length of his deal.

A statement on the club’s official website read: “Aston Villa is delighted to announce the signing of Dutch international Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund.

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West Ham in the market for new striker

12:40

Chris Wilson

The recent injury to Niclas Fullkrug seems to have forced West Ham into the January market, with the Hammers reportedly looking for a striker.

The Guardian are reporting that RB Leipzig forward André Silva is a target, while Evann Guessand of Nice has also been linked to Graham Potter’s side.

Real Madrid abandon Alexander-Arnold pursuit – for now

12:28

Chris Wilson

Some potential relief for Liverpool fans, with reports emerging in Spain that Real Madrid have given up on trying to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold in the winter window.

Relevo reports that Los Blancos believe it will be impossible to sign the England full-back this month, though they will come back to try and sign him this summer.

Arsenal and Tottenham prepare to renew bitter rivalry but face the same big problem

12:16

Chris Wilson

Compromises in the transfer market and unrealistic ambition has left Mikel Arteta and Ange Postecoglou in similar positions despite being on different sides of the north London divide

As Marcus Rashford looks beyond Tottenham Hotspur’s interest and to European clubs, Arsenal have found they can no longer look as far as the summer. Mikel Arteta has been in discussion with the club hierarchy about bringing forward plans for a “project attacker”, with their hands finally forced by Gabriel Jesus’ ACL injury.

Some at the club would have said they should have had such a player in place before this season. Arteta wants a physically imposing forward who can grow, with Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres, Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani and Brighton’s Evan Ferguson all raised, and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko the ideal profile.

The hope is to break the recent block, and maybe break a ceiling. On the latter, there’s a fact that those close to Arteta feel worth reminding people of, especially amid all of the emotive debate that has followed the recent drop in form.

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Nottingham Forest latest

12:00

Chris Wilson

High-flying Nottingham Forest “are actively looking for options that can improve the squad” according to Sky Sports, with a new striker reportedly high on Nuno Espirito Santo’s wish list.

Nevertheless, “Nottingham Forest’s priority remains to tie down Murillo, Ola Aina and Chris Wood to new contracts”, adds Rob Dorsett.

In terms of outgoings, the club are prepared to listen to offers for Emmanuel Dennis, Lewis O’Brien, Harry Toffolo and Andrew Omabamadele. However, Taiwo Awoniyi wil not be allowed to leave unless they have a replacement.

Chelsea activate option to recall Trovoh Chalobah

11:43

Chris Wilson

Breaking news regarding Chelsea, as The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports that the club have activated their option to recall Trevoh Chalobah from his loan at Crystal Palace.

The 25-year-old will return to Stamford Bridge “with immediate effect”, adds Ornstein.

Chelsea latest

11:32

Chris Wilson

As ever, plenty of rumours persist around both sales and incomings for Chelsea.

The strongest links surround the pursuit of Mathys Tel, who currently plays for Bayern Munich, with the Bavarian side reportedly keen on signing Christopher Nkunku too.

Elsewhere, summer signing Renato Veiga continues to be linked with a move to Borussia Dortmund, while Chelsea are keen on selling centre-back Axel Disasi.

Liam Delap is another player who has been linked with Stamford Bridge, with a reported fee of around £30m, but that rumour has gone quiet in recent days.

Meanwhile, The Telegraph says that Chelsea have a young and unnamed centre-back on their transfer list for the summer, but could look to move the deal forward if is becomes necessary.

Man Utd make Branthwaite decision

11:17

Chris Wilson

The Daily Mail are reporting that Manchester United have decided against a move for Jarrad Branthwaite after seeing Harry Maguire’s recent upturn in form.

The club’s decision to award the England centre-back with a new contract means that they will avoid going in for a ready-made replacement in the summer, and will instead look to invest in a young player with potential, in a similar vein to Leny Yoro.

Premier League clubs avoid PSR charges for 2023/24 but one team still at risk

11:02

Chris Wilson

All 20 Premier League sides have avoided charges relating to Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) for the 2023/24 season after the league deemed every club to have been financially compliant.

PSR stipulates that clubs cannot post losses of more than £105m over a three-year period, with most clubs required to submit their accounts for the 2023/24 season by 31 December.

This year, the Premier League has adjudged that all clubs have adhered to the rules – in 2024, the league charged both Everton and Nottingham Forest with PSR breaches, with the Merseyside club later being given an eight-point reduction, while Forest were docked four points.

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Spain latest

10:40

Chris Wilson

Plenty of rumours coming from Spain surrounding the country’s biggest clubs.

Relevo are reporting that supposed Chelsea target Ronald Araujo has decided to stay at Barcelona, while AS claims that Real Madrid are looking to invest in a full-back in this winter market, with the club’s hierarchy having deemed it “necessary”.

Reports also continue to link Marcus Rashford with a move to Barca, though this is seen as difficult due to the club’s financial situation.

Nico Williams is a name that keeps popping up in Spanish media in relation to Arsenal, but there are a lack of concrete links and the Spaniard’s huge wages would likely put the Gunners off the move.

Liverpool miss out on Kvaratskhelia

10:25

Chris Wilson

As reported yesterday, Liverpool seem destined to miss out on purported target Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who is set to join PSG.

Fabrizio Romano reported yesterday that the Georgian winger will join the Parisian club in a deal worth around €70m, and he’ll sign a five-year contract.

City deals progressing well

10:10

Chris Wilson

Manchester City seem to have been one of the most active sides in the January market so far, and Fabrizio Romano has assured fans that deals for their three main targets are progressing according to plan.

Earlie this morning, he posted on X to say that negotiations with Eintracht Frankfurt were “ongoing as planned” after City submitted their first official bid yesterday.

The Italian added that there are “no issues for Abdoukodir Khusanov’s move”, while “Vitor Reis will undergo [his] medical in the next days”.

Arsenal’s hunt for a striker continues?

09:55

Chris Wilson

In his pre-match press conference for tonight’s match against Spurs, Mikel Arteta told the media that Arsenal “are actively looking into the market to improve the squad”.

While news has broken that the Gunners will likely sign Martin Zubimendi in the summer, much attention has been placed on the search for a striker, especially with the news of an ACL injury to Gabriel Jesus.

Alexander Isak continues to be linked, though his price tag likely means he won’t move in this window, and perhaps not even in the summer either.

Dusan Vlahovic is another name linked with the Emirates, and the Serbian sat out Juventus’ draw with Atalanta yesterday, though manger Thiago Motta blamed it on a separate issue. Some reports have claimed that Arsenal have sent Juve a loan offer for the striker, but these areas far unconfirmed.

United and Spurs miss out on Kolo Muani

09:45

Chris Wilson

One of the ‘mini-sagas’ of the winter window seems to be coming to an end, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that PSG’s Randal Kolo Muani is set to join Juventus on a six-month loan.

The Italian posted on X to say that the French forward will join the Turin club on a deal with no buy option, and he will have a medical at some point this week.

The 26-year-old had been linked with moves to Spurs and Manchester United earlier in the window.

Cristiano Ronaldo set for extension at Al-Nassr?

09:35

Jack Rathborn

Cristiano Ronaldo could land a new mega Saudi contract to remain with Al-Nassr.

Marca reports the Portuguese superstar could be offered part ownership of the club with a salary to confirm him as the world's highest-paid athlete.

The deal could be worth £167.9million (€200m) to extend his stay by a further year.

The deal would see Ronaldo pocket £3.19m (€3.8m) per week.

Man Utd could sell home-grown stars this transfer window?

09:23

Jack Rathborn

Due to PSR restrictions, Manchester United could be open to selling some of their most valuable home-grown talent.

That not only includes the out-of-favour Marcus Rashford, but Kobbie Mainoo, who has been linked to Chelsea this month, and Alejandro Garnacho as well.

Several sales could then allow Ruben Amorim to bolster his squad with his own signings, reports the Telegraph.

The paper claims Monaco will rival AC Milan for Rashford.

Brighton could send young stars out on loan

09:23

Lawrence Ostlere

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has not ruled out January loan moves for Evan Ferguson and Julio Enciso.

The two forwards have struggled for minutes this season having worked their way back from long-term injuries last term.

West Ham have been linked with Ferguson in this window and new Hammers boss Graham Potter gave the Republic of Ireland international his Brighton debut during his time on the south coast.

“We will negotiate what is important for him, what is important for his development, where he can improve the best and then we will make the decision together,” Hurzeler said on Ferguson’s future ahead of Brighton’s Premier League trip to Ipswich on Thursday.

“This decision should be what is best for the player and for the club. We sent (Facundo) Buonanotte, for example, to Leicester.

“We know that the Premier League is a very good league to improve, because it’s tough, it’s intense, especially for young players. It’s the perfect environment to adapt.

“In the end, they want to play for Brighton and we want them to play for Brighton. So, when they improve in the environment of the league where we are also playing, it’s always very helpful.

“So, that’s why I am not thinking about making the other teams better, it’s more about what is best for the player.”

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Chelsea put hefty price tag on Nkunku

09:02

Lawrence Ostlere

More on Christopher Nkunku, for whom Chelsea will demand a £65m transfee, according to the Athletic.

The striker is keen to depart for Bayern Munich after struggling for minutes this season under Enzo Maresca, who has primarily used Nicolas Jackson as his No 9. And while there are likely to be more opportunities for Nkunku in the second half of the season, he is already looking to return to the Bundesliga, where he was named player of the season during his final campaign with RB Leipzig.

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Arne Slot: Liverpool don’t need new recruits

08:27

Lawrence Ostlere

Liverpool manager Arne Slot insisted the strength of the options he has in reserve means the club do not need to add to their squad in the January transfer window, after substitute Diogo Jota earned his side a draw at Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.

Jota netted just 22 seconds after coming off the bench - Liverpool’s fastest goal by a substitute on record in the Premier League - heading home a corner from fellow replacement Kostas Tsimikas.

The Portuguese forward was one of four Liverpool strikers on the pitch when he cancelled out Chris Wood’s opener at the City Ground, with Italy international Federico Chiesa an unused substitute.

“I think you saw today again, that I can still strengthen the team or impact the game with the substitutions I have from the bench,” Slot said when asked whether Liverpool will have a busy January transfer window.

“And it was not for the first time this season that these players have helped us. If you looked at today, I could not have asked for more. I said to them at halftime, don’t get frustrated.

“I knew we would get chances, with the options we had. We created chance after chance late on and could have won.”

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Gunners poised to land Zubimendi

08:04

Sam Turner

With all the attention focussed on which striker Arsenal will sign in the January window, news has emerged that the Gunners are all but certain to land primary target Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi at the end of the season.

Mikel Arteta is known to be a long-term admirer of the 25-year-old Spanish star and, with Jorginho and Thomas Partey both out of contract at the end of the season, the club have accelerated their interest in Zubimendi.

Arsenal are reported by The Mail to have triggered Zubimendi’s €60million (£51m) release cause and would have ideally liked one of Europe’s leading midfield talents to join them this month, but Real Sociedad have insisted he stays until the end of the campaign.

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Antonio Conte confirms Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has asked to leave Napoli

08:00

Michael Jones

Napoli forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has sparked a potential January transfer window scramble after telling manager Antonio Conte he wants to leave.

The 23-year-old Georgia winger, valued at around £70million, is regarded as one of Europe’s hottest properties and has been linked with Paris St Germain, Chelsea and Liverpool, with the French capital seemingly his most likely destination.

“Kvaratskhelia has asked to leave the club,” Conte told a press conference ahead of Napoli’s league match at home to Hellas Verona on Sunday.

“I spoke to him and he confirmed his plan to leave the club. I feel very disappointed because I spent six months trying to make him feel at the centre of the project, to make him see that something important could be done.”

Chelsea move for Bayern star Mathys Tel

07:00

Mike Jones

Chelsea have contacted Bayern Munich over a move for winger Mathys Tel, according to multiple reports. The 19-year-old French youth international had a breakout season last year.

The move could depend on Christopher Nkunku heading in the other direction. The France international has struggled since moving to Stamford Bridge and is looking to return to the Bundesliga, where he was named player of the season during his final campaign with RB Leipzig.

Emery address Diego Carlos-Fenerbahce links

06:00

Mike Jones

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery gave his thoughts on the future of defender Diego Carlos and the rumours he could be exiting the club for a move to Fenerbahce.

Sky Sports News have reported that the Turkish side were interested and would pay £10m for the player.

“When we are in the transfer window different options can happen with the players,” Emery said, “Of course we can see how important Diego Carlos was and is for us because he played consistently with us, performing very well.

“Of course, like I told you before, we are thinking in different circumstances but always trying to link and get what is best for the club, for the team and for each player.

“After those circumstances we will analyse and always try to make the best decision.”

West Ham boss Graham Potter refuses to be drawn on Marcus Rashford speculation

05:00

Mike Jones

New West Ham boss Graham Potter distanced himself from speculation he wants to sign Marcus Rashford from Manchester United.

Potter was appointed as Julen Lopetegui’s successor on Thursday and was in the dugout to watch his side lose their FA Cup third-round tie 2-1 at Aston Villa on Friday night.

Following his appointment at the London Stadium, the Hammers have been linked with wantaway Red Devils forward Rashford in the January transfer window but Potter remained tight-lipped.

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West Ham boss Graham Potter refuses to be drawn on Marcus Rashford speculation

17:30

Chris Wilson

New West Ham boss Graham Potter distanced himself from speculation he wants to sign Marcus Rashford from Manchester United.

Potter was appointed as Julen Lopetegui’s successor on Thursday and was in the dugout to watch his side lose their FA Cup third-round tie 2-1 at Aston Villa on Friday night.

Following his appointment at the London Stadium, the Hammers have been linked with wantaway Red Devils forward Rashford in the January transfer window but Potter remained tight-lipped.

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Man City target €40m Brazil defender to step up rebuild plans

04:00

Mike Jones

Manchester City are interested in Brazilian centre-back Vitor Reis as they start to plan for the future of their defence.

The Premier League champions hope to bring the 18-year-old to the Etihad Stadium while Palmeiras want €40m for the prospect.

City are also keen to sign another young centre-back, the 20-year-old Uzbekistan international Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens.

Their squad only contains two defenders they have bought in the last four years, in Josko Gvardiol and Manuel Akanji, and manager Pep Guardiola has had a host of centre-back injuries this season.

Right-back Kyle Walker turns 35 in May while central defender John Stones is 30, with both Akanji and Nathan Ake having their 30th birthdays later this year and City have started to turn their attention towards the next generation of defenders.

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AC Milan to formally approach Man Utd over Marcus Rashford

03:00

Mike Jones

Marcus Rashford was left out of Manchester United’s matchday squad for the FA Cup match against Arsenal which points more clearly that the winger will be leaving the club during this window.

Sky Sports News say AC Milan, who have been in talks with Rashford’s team, are reportedly preparing a formal bid for the 27-year-old with United believed to want a straight loan.

The hierarchy at Old Trafford understand that they are likely to have to subsidise some of Rashford’s wages in order to get a deal over the line.

Liverpool winger on five man shortlist for Napoli to replace Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

02:00

Mike Jones

Napoli are now open to the idea of selling talented Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, but a new name has now emerged as a possible replacement.

Edon Zhegrova has been linked with a move to Naples, reports Corriere dello Sport, after impressing for Lille.

While Bologna’s Swiss international Dan Ndoye is another option. Antonio Conte prefers Lecce’s Danish starlet Patrick Dorgu.

While Roma’s Matías Soulé and Liverpool’s Federico Chiesa also come under consideration.

Arsenal back away from potential Alexander Isak deal

01:00

Mike Jones

Arsenal have backed down from a potential blockbuster move for Alexander Isak this summer.

The numbers have simply become too much for the Gunners to make work, reports the Mail.

It is no surprise that Newcastle and the market’s valuation of the Swedish striker has rocketed since his sensational run of form.

It is a blow for Mikel Arteta, who continues to struggle to find the right solution in attack, with Kai Havertz impressing at times but unable to consistently lead the Gunners’ front line.

And Isak, who Newcastle want to keep, would now cost more than the British record fee of £115m that Chelsea paid Brighton for Moises Caicedo.

Man Utd and Real Madrid to fight it out for Ederson?

00:00

Mike Jones

Manchester United may have to fight off competition from Real Madrid if they hope to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson.

The 25-year-old is enjoying another strong season in Serie A and is attracting interest from across Europe. He is valued at near £50m and United’s close proximity to the edge of PSR restrictions may mean Madrid have the edge in terms of purchasing power.

Spanish outlet AS also report that Madrid are keen on Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, who rejected a move to Liverpool in the summer, and have made him their priority as a midfield target.

Brereton Diaz heading to Sheffield?

Tuesday 14 January 2025 23:30

Mike Jones

Sheffield United are the new favourites to sign Southampton striker Ben Brereton Diaz on loan this month.

Brereton Diaz has made just four Premier League substitute appearances for the Saints since September and the club are looking to move on some of the personnel they feel are not integral to the team.

Sky Sports News reports that Sunderland and Blackburn have made approached for the striker but Brereton Diaz’s on preference is to return to Sheffield United where he spent five months on loan last year.

Southampton are believed to want a contractual guarantee from any Championship club that they will sign the forward permanently if that club is promoted to the Premier League.

A move to keep tabs on.

Why Liverpool’s squad worries go well beyond Salah, Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold

Tuesday 14 January 2025 23:00

Mike Jones

Some of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s more traumatic outings in a Liverpool shirt have tended to involve Real Madrid. Normally, however, it entailed trial by Vinicius Junior, a test many a right-back has failed over the years. If there are plenty of reasons to join Real, one is that he would only have to face the Brazilian in training.

In the week Real attempted to sign Alexander-Arnold in January, his worst performance of the season felt ill-timed. Perhaps only the right-back and those closest to him know for sure if the distraction caused by Real contributed to his substandard display against Manchester United. Arne Slot, often a voice of reason, pointed out it is not the only difficult day even a player of Alexander-Arnold’s standard has experienced over the years. He afforded credit to the United double act of Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, citing their status as Portugal internationals, even if the inconvenient truth is that neither remotely resembles a left winger.

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Atalanta target Calvert-Lewin

Tuesday 14 January 2025 22:30

Mike Jones

New Everton manager David Moyes could have his work cut out if the club agree a deal to let Dominic Calvert-Lewin leave. The forward is in dire need of rediscovering his best form but The Sun report that he could be on his way out.

They say that Serie A side Atalanta want to sign Calvert-Lewin who is into the final few months of his contract at Goodison Park.

Calvert-Lewin is able to sign a pre-contract deal should he agree to to the move.

Newcastle, meanwhile, have also been interested in a move for the 27-year-old, who has 2 goals in 19 appearances this season.

Man City target €40m Brazil defender to step up rebuild plans

Tuesday 14 January 2025 22:00

Mike Jones

Manchester City are interested in Brazilian centre-back Vitor Reis as they start to plan for the future of their defence.

The Premier League champions hope to bring the 18-year-old to the Etihad Stadium while Palmeiras want €40m for the prospect.

City are also keen to sign another young centre-back, the 20-year-old Uzbekistan international Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens.

Their squad only contains two defenders they have bought in the last four years, in Josko Gvardiol and Manuel Akanji, and manager Pep Guardiola has had a host of centre-back injuries this season.

Right-back Kyle Walker turns 35 in May while central defender John Stones is 30, with both Akanji and Nathan Ake having their 30th birthdays later this year and City have started to turn their attention towards the next generation of defenders.

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Eddie Howe on Newcastle outgoings

Tuesday 14 January 2025 21:30

Mike Jones

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was asked if the club had received any offers for players during this window and he replied: “Don’t think so.”

The manager then explained: “I said at the start of January we didn’t really want to focus on any outgoings. It’s not a month we want to destabilise anything.

“We need to try and keep the harmony of the group. The feeling is really strong at the moment, as you can imagine.”

Man Utd propose Marcus Rashford swap for Napoli star

Tuesday 14 January 2025 21:00

Mike Jones

Man Utd are offering a swap deal with Napoli to bring Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to Old Trafford, with Marcus Rashford heading to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.