The final week of the January transfer window arrives with Premier League clubs making some late additions before the business end of the season.
Premier League leaders Arsenal are plotting a bid for Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez, after Ethan Nwaneri completed his loan move to Marseille. Alvarez would cost up to £87m and Gary Lineker believes he is not happy with his situation at Atletico and could be in favour of the move.
Tottenham looked poised for a shock swoop after it emerged that they were plotting a deal for Liverpool stalwart Andy Robertson, whose contract is up at the end of the season. After losing his place to Milos Kerkez, the Reds have blocked a premature exit for the 31-year-old citing the need of his services for the remainder of the season.
A former Liverpool full-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has struggled at Real Madrid so far, could be a future target for Man City, it has been reported, though any return to the Premier League looks premature with the England international determined to fight for his place.
Elsewhere, Chelsea are reportedly targeting a loan move for Nottingham Forest midfielder Douglas Luiz alongside trying to seal a deal for promising French defender Jeremy Jacquet. In the Scottish league, Celtic are looking at reinforcements with striker Kasper Hogh at the top of their shortlist.
Follow all the latest transfer news, gossip, rumours and done deals in The Independent’s live blog below
Read MoreLiverpool to hold on to Andy Robertson despite Tottenham interest
The bold decision Michael Carrick faces to implement his Manchester United masterplan
Transfer news - live updates
- Julian Alvarez 'unhappy' at Atletico as Arsenal learn price
- Liverpool add midfielder Adam Wharton to list of targets
- Reds block Andy Robertson's move to Spurs
- Celtic need reinforcements and enter race for striker Kasper Hogh
- Man Utd targeting midfielders after Casemiro announces exit
- West Ham agree deal with Flamengo over Lucas Paqueta
Anderson prefers Man City to Man United
13:18 , Mike JonesIn a battle of the Manchester clubs, Elliot Anderson is said to prefer Man City, rather than United.
The Nottingham Forest midfielder has long been a target for Man United but they could lose another player to their city rivals, with The I reporting he will join Pep Guardiola’s side this summer.
Anderson has emerged as a key player for not just Forest but Thomas Tuchel’s England as well.
Eddie Howe provides Bruno Guimaraes injury update ahead of Newcastle’s crucial PSG clash
13:08 , Will CastleEddie Howe says Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes will do “everything he can” to make fitness for Wednesday’s pivotal Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
Guimaraes missed out on Sunday’s home defeat to Aston Villa with an ankle injury he suffered in last week’s 3-0 European win over PSV Eindhoven, and saw his team-mates extend a miserable record without him.
Howe provides Guimaraes injury update ahead of Newcastle’s crucial PSG clash
Joe Gomez wanted by AC Milan
12:58 , Mike JonesLiverpool’s intention to improve their centre-back ranks has led to links to the likes of Micky van de Ven, Alessandro Bastoni and Nico Schlotterbeck but one defender who could be departing is Joe Gomez.
AC Milan are considering the 28-year-old Gomez as an emergency option to fill their defensive needs, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato.
The former Charlton man has struggled for game-time under Arne Slot.
Nani signs for Aktobe
12:46 , Mike JonesWell, this was unexpected.
Former Manchester United winger Nani has come out of retirement to sign of Kazak side FC Aktobe.
The 39-year-old retired in December 2024 and has not played since an appearance for Estrela da Amadora against Sporting in the Portuguese league.
"I’m very happy to have joined FC Aktobe and I am looking forward to contributing to the development of the club and football in Kazakhstan.
"I was very impressed with the club’s vision for the future and will work hard to take us to new heights, at home and abroad."
Alexander-Arnold NOT told to leave Real Madrid
12:37 , Mike JonesReports in Spain suggested that Trent Alexander-Arnold had been told by new boss Alvaro Arbelao to find a new club in the summer but the Daily Mail are reporting that is NOT the case.
The 27-year-old has had an underwhelming, injury-interrupted campaign at the Bernabeu so far but retained the backing of ex-manager Xabi Alonso.
Spanish outlet El Nacional claimed that had changed under Arbeloa, who saw the ex-Liverpool full-back as surplus to requirements, but the Mail is adamant there’s no truth in that claim.
Bayern chasing Cody Gakpo
12:28 , Mike JonesSlightly out of left field, this one, but Bayern Munich are planning to raid Liverpool for another winger, in the form of Cody Gakpo.
Bayern signed Luis Diaz for £65m, including add-ons last summer and, according to Bayern Space, the German heavyweights are planning a move for the same amount to sign Gakpo.
This has been prompted by another target, Yan Diomande, reportedly preferring a move to Liverpool rather than the Munich-based side.
Masuaku set for loan to high-flying Lens
12:17 , Mike JonesSunderland defender Arthur Masuaku is close to completing a loan move to Ligue 1 Lens for the remainder of the season.
It’s understood an agreement between the two clubs is in place and that the 32-year-old DR Congo international is due to travel to France to seal the switch.
Former West Ham and Besiktas full-back Masuaku joined the Black Cats on a free transfer last summer as head coach Regis Le Bris reshaped his squad for life in the Premier League, but he has made only four senior appearances for the club to date.
He returned from the Africa Cup of Nations, where he started twice as his country went out to Algeria in the last 16, desperate for regular football and will now hope to play his part in high-flying Lens' push to deny Paris St Germain a fifth successive league title.
PSG land Barcelona wonderkid
12:09 , Mike JonesBarcelona starlet Dro Fernandez is due to undergo a medical at PSG today according to Fabrizio Romano.
The deal is reportedly worth £6.9m, with PSG triggering the player’s release clause this week.
🚨❤️💙 Dro, undergoing his medical at Paris Saint-Germain today ahead of €8m deal sealed with Barcelona. pic.twitter.com/VeQ0ip5xVw
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 26, 2026
Everton reject Lazio bid for Tim Iroegbunam
12:00 , Richard JollyEverton have rejected an offer from Lazio for midfielder Tim Iroegbunam.
The Serie A club made an approach for the 22-year-old but it did not match Everton’s valuation.
Everton face a decision if Lazio up their offer for the former Aston Villa player, who cost them £10m in the summer of 2024.
Everton reject Lazio bid for Tim Iroegbunam
Chelsea recall Anselmino
11:53 , Mike JonesChelsea are recalling Aaron Anselmino from his loan at Borussia Dortmund.
The Standard say that Chelsea are recalling the 20-year-old as an initial measure for centre-back cover.
The Argentine impressed at the German club in the first half of the season but will now return to Chelsea.
Chelsea have been linked with Jeremy Jacquet and Harry Maguire though it seems unlikely that either deal will get completed before the end of the window.
Palace targeting Acheampong
11:44 , Mike JonesChelsea defender Josh Acheampong is a target for Crystal Palace this month, according to Sky Sports.
The Eagles are looking to fill the void left by former captain Marc Guehi, and Chelsea’s versatile 19-year-old defender is one of the names being discussed.
However, no formal conversations are understood to have taken place yet.
Man Utd add Nmecha to midfield targets?
11:35 , Mike JonesManchester United are tracking Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha as they consider a number of midfield targets, reports German outlet Bild.
The reports claims that Dortmund would ask for €60m in order to sign the 25-year-old, though it is unlikely a deal will be done this month.
The bold decision Michael Carrick faces to implement his Manchester United masterplan
11:26 , Richard JollyWhen Thomas Tuchel was parachuted into Chelsea mid-season four years ago, he actually arrived by plane. And on it, he devised the tactics that propelled a team who had languished in mid-table in the Premier League to Champions League glory. It involved a change of shape, to a 3-4-3 formation.
When Michael Carrick was taken from the relative obscurity of being a former Middlesbrough manager and given the Manchester United post for the rest of the campaign, the situation was different; the solution too.
The bold decision Michael Carrick faces to implement his Manchester United masterplan
Donnarumma would move back to Italy, says agent
11:15 , Mike JonesGianluigi Donnarumma’s agent Enzo Raiola has sensationally suggested that the Manchester City goalkeeper would accept a return to Italy, should it be offered.
Donnarumma has not played in Italy since leaving AC Milan in 2021. “Today at Manchester City he is finding serenity with the team and the environment, and he likes the project very much,” Raiola told Italian outlet Rai.
“He is also starting to understand the English championship. The other day he told me jokingly that playing five or six years there is an adventure, but it was a joke.”
Chelsea far from agreeing deal for Jacquet
11:06 , Mike JonesChelsea appear far apart with Rennes in their valuation of defender Jeremy Jacquet, with the French side holding out on a fee in the region of £55m, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Blues are known to be looking for defensive reinforcements but there is no guarantee tbey will make a signing this month.
Liverpool are among the other clubs interested in Jacquet, with the youngster widely regarded as one of France’s best emerging talents.
Patrick Dorgu set for long absence
11:05 , Mike JonesManchester United have been dealt a blow as Patrick Dorgu is set to miss 10 weeks with a hamstring injury.
Dorgu has been in superb form since Michael Carrick took over as manager scoring in both wins against Manchester City and Arsenal.
Carrick positioned Dorgu on the left wing and he has excelled with pace and power.
The timeline for Dorgu’s recovery is still unknown but it looks like he is set to miss at least eight matches until the international break in March.
Bournemouth holding off Senesi interest
10:56 , Mike JonesBournemouth are planning on resisting any bids for Marcos Senesi during this month’s window, according to TalkSport.
The Argentine has turned down multiple offers to extend his contract – which expires in the summer – and Juventus and Barcelona have shown interest in the defender.
While both clubs know get ahead of rivals by trying to sign Senesi in January, the Cherries will do everything they can to keep their key defender this month.
Rayan's Bournemouth medical
10:47 , Mike JonesHighly rated young winger Rayan is set to join up with Bournemouth and complete a move from Vasco Da Gama in a deal reportedly worth around £30.3m.
Rayan was scheduled for a medical with the Cherries on Monday ahead of the transfer which should give the club their replacement for Antoine Semenyo following his switch to Man City.
Bournemouth are also in the market for a new goalkeeper with Lazio’s Christo Mandas also set for a medical having agreed to join the club.
We’re now just waiting on the results of those medicals and for an announcement of the new signings which could come as early as today.
Bastoni favouring move to Barcelona?
10:38 , Mike JonesSpanish media is (perhaps unsurprisingly) reporting that Liverpool target Alessandro Bastoni a move to the Camp Nou over Anfield.
AS reports that Bastoni’s contract expires in 2028, though Inter will consider ‘generous offers’, and Barcelona director of football Deco is an admirer of the Italian.
As always, the Blaugrana’s finances could prove a stumbling block, with Inter said to be asking for a price of around €70 million.
Everton tie down James Garner to new long-term contract amid risk of losing him for free
10:27 , Mike JonesEverton have got a major boost as midfielder James Garner has signed a new four-and-a-half year contract to stay on Merseyside.
The England hopeful’s previous deal was due to expire at the end of the season and Everton risking losing the £9m signing on a free transfer.
But the versatile Garner – who has played in both full-back positions and on the right as well as in his favoured role in the centre of midfield – has agreed to stay at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton tie down Garner to new long-term contract
Sunderland recall Aleksic
10:20 , Mike JonesSunderland have recalled Milan Aleksic from his loan to KS Cracovia.
The 20-year-old Serb signed for the Black Cats in 2024, and made six league appearances for Cracovia during his six-month stay in Krakow, with a further two outings in the Polish Cup.
Aleksic did make one appearance for Sunderland before leaving on loan, bagging an assist in a Carabao Cup defeat by Huddersfield, which was decided by a penalty shootout.
Man Utd plan to hijack Chelsea move
10:11 , Mike JonesManchester United are considering hijacking Chelsea’s interest in Rennes striker Mohamed Kader Meite.
TEAMtalk report that the 18-year-old is currently being eyed up by the Old Trafford hierarchy with United becoming the latest club to show interest in the Chelsea target.
The striker is being looked at by nine clubs, including Crystal Palace and Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.
Chelsea plot shock Maguire move
10:03 , Mike JonesChelsea are reportedly looking to sign Harry Maguire from Manchester United.
As reported by CaughtOffside and The Standard, Chelsea are in the market for a new centre-back before the end of January.
Jeremy Jacquet seems to be the priority but negotiations for the 20-year-old have reportedly been difficult.
That has seen Chelsea turn attentions to Maguire, who is enjoying a key role under new Man Utd interim manager Michael Carrick.
Juventus unlikely to move for Mateta
09:54 , Mike JonesJuventus are unlikely to make a move for Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta despite talks over Youssef En Nesyri collapsing over the weekend.
Palace value Mateta at £35m and that is too much for Juve to consider at the time being.
Palace are highly unlikely to let Mateta go on loan given their current predicament. They are eight points above the relegation zone and trying to ensure Oliver Glasner stays until the end of the season.
West Ham agree deal over Paqueta
09:48 , Mike JonesWest Ham United have verbally agreed a deal for Flamengo to sign Lucas Paqueta.
The £35.8m (€41.25m) transfer will be formalised in the next 24 hours and Paqueta will join Flamengo straight away.
That’s according to Sky Sports.
Paqueta had wanted to leave England to return to his home country of Brazil and now it seems as though the move is happening.
Nuno Espirito Santo said that Paqueta was the best player at the club so for the Hammers to let him leave it will be a blow to West Ham’s hopes of avoiding relegation.
Man Utd draw up four-man shortlist to replace Casemiro
09:44 , Mike JonesWith Casemiro’s exit now confirmed for the end of the season, Manchester United will need to strengthen their midfield in the summer.
The club have apparantly drawn up a shortlist of four players to replace him with summer moves the most likely.
Accordin to The Sun, the players United are looking at at Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott.
All four have previously been linked with Manchester United and if Michael Carrick can lead them to the Champions League this term then the Old Trafford higher ups will have a better chance of securing their services.
Liverpool have sights on Wharton
09:40 , Mike JonesLiverpool have long been admirers of Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton and remain interested in his services.
However, the club will not actively be pursuing him in January due to an alleged price tag of £80m.
Rumours of a five-year contract for the midfielder have also been ‘shot down’ and, should this switch progress any further, it is likely to be a summer move at best.
Celtic enter race for Kasper Hogh
09:37 , Mike JonesCeltic have entered the race to sign striker Kasper Hogh as they look to bring in reinforcements for manager Martin O’Neil.
The 25-year-old forward has 20 goals in 37 games and scored twice in Bodo/Glimt’s victory over Man City last week.
Norwich are also reportedly interested in his services and he looks set to make a move before the window closes on February 2.
Liverpool enter race to sign Yan Diomande
09:34 , Mike JonesLiverpool have thrown their hat into the ring to sign much sought-after RB Leipzig teenager Yan Diomande.
Tricky forward Diomande shone for Ivory Coast at the recent Afcon and has been superb for Leipzig in recent times.
German outlet Bild are reporting that the Reds are keen to bring the 19-year-old to Anfield, entering a race that also includes Bayern Munich, although Diomande is said to prefer a move to Liverpool.
Lineker urges Arsenal to sign £82m star after Manchester United disaster
09:31 , Holly BishopGary Lineker has urged Arsenal to sign an £81m player following their 3-2 loss to Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday (25 January).
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast on Monday (26 January), the former England striker said it would be “game over” in the Premier League title race if the Gunners signed Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez.
The former Manchester City star is reportedly considering a return to the Premier League, with Lineker claiming that the footballer is “not entirely happy with life at Atletico”.
“Now that is the sort of player you know can handle the big occasion – he’s a World Cup winner for crying out loud. Someone like that at Arsenal would be game over.”
Gary Lineker says Arsenal should sign 'unhappy' Alvarez'
09:28 , Mike JonesJulian Alvarez continues to be of interest to Arsenal and Gary Lineker believes he would be a fantastic signing for the club.
Alvarez had scored 40 goals in 86 games for the Spanish side and would bring more firepower to the Gunners forward line.
“I saw they were linked with Julian Alvarez who I know is not entirely happy with life at Atletico,” Lineker said on the Rest is Football podcast.
“Now that is the sort of player you know can handle the big occasion – he’s a World Cup winner for crying out loud.
“Someone like that at Arsenal would be game over. But they do need one or two of these current forwards to start scoring on a reasonably regular basis.”
Arsenal plotting bid for Alvarez
09:25 , Mike JonesArsenal are exploring a potential move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, although a bid wouldn’t come until this summer, according to ESPN.
Alvarez, who moved to Madrid from Manchester City for £82m in 2024, has scored 45 goals in 80 games for Atleti.
The Spanish club would reportedly demand a fee in excess of €100m to sell the player.
Alongside Arsenal, both Barcelona and Chelsea are said to be tracking the Argentina international.
Liverpool to hold on to Andy Robertson despite Tottenham interest
09:22 , Mike JonesLiverpool have decided they cannot let Andy Robertson move to Tottenham.
They had entered preliminary talks after Spurs made a surprise approach for the left-back, whose contract at Anfield expires in the summer and who has said he would like more first-team football.
But while Liverpool considered Tottenham’s offer out of respect for Robertson, they have concluded that, as things stand, they need him at Anfield.
Liverpool to hold on to Andy Robertson despite Tottenham interest
Tammy Abraham on brink of Aston Villa move
09:21 , Mike JonesTammy Abraham is on the brink of completing a move back to the Premier League, with Aston Villa.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Villa now have an agreement in principle with Besiktas, where Abraham is on loan from Roma, with personal terms having long since been agreed.
The deal will be €21m plus add-ons, with Villa’s teenage defender Yasin Ozcan also part of the package, according to Romano.
