
Manchester City have agreed a deal in principle to sign Crystal Palace defender, and captain, Marc Guehi. Guehi had been garnering interest from other clubs such as Liverpool, Arsenal and Bayern Munich but Pep Guardiola’s side will win the race for the centre-back.
Oliver Glasner confirmed as much in a press conference on Friday where he also announced his decision to leave Palace at the end of the season. Some negotiations over Guehi’s move are still taking place with the Eagles wanting an asking price of £35-£40m for the defender despite him being out of contract at the end of the season.
Manchester United are looking to strengthen before the January transfer window closes. In midfield they have lined up Carlos Baleba, Marcos Llorente and Elliot Anderson as targets - Man City are also said to be interested in Anderson - while Nottingham Forest defender Murillo is being looked at to reinforce the defence. However, there is growing fear that United could lose Bruno Fernandes in the summer as the 31-year-old considers his future at the club.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have reportedly made a huge bid for Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde, and are also reportedly interested in Lucas Paqueta. Reports from Brazil say the West Ham midfielder prefers to return to his home country but a switch to another European club hasn’t been ruled out.
The Blues have also agreed to end the loan move of Brighton midfielder Facundo Buonanotte with the Argentine making the switch to Leeds United for the rest of the season.
Follow all the latest transfer news, gossip, rumours and done deals in The Independent’s live blog below
Read MoreMan City prepared to overcome obstacles to sign Marc Guehi this month
Andy Robertson throws doubt on Liverpool future but confirms new contract talks
The Morocco forward who is top of Everton’s transfer wish list
January transfer window latest updates
- Marc Guehi close to Crystal Palace exit amid Man City, Liverpool and Bayern interest
- Facundo Buonanotte joins Leeds United on loan after poor spell at Chelsea
- Chelsea interested in Valverde and Paqueta but focused on outgoings
- Manchester United target Forest defender Murillo with fears over Fernandes exit
- United also confident of signing Carlos Baleba in summer deal
- Tottenham on brink of signing left-back Souza after medical
- Donyell Malen completes move from Aston Villa to Roma
Are Leeds ready to be greedy?
15:48 , Mike JonesDominic Calvert-Lewin’s summer signing has proved a masterstroke for Leeds, with the former Everton striker boasting eight goals in his last nine Premier League games.
But Farke is not scared to bring in another centre-forward to provide competition and cover for the Englishman, saying: "I'm always greedy, I'm never scared of (bringing in) quality.
"You need competition. On the other hand, you have to make sure that the group is not too big and the players who are there also feel trusted and backed."
Frank hails Gallagher signing
15:36 , Mike JonesTottenham boss Thomas Frank has hailed the signing of Conor Gallagher as “exactly what we needed” following his £35m arrival from Atletico Madrid yesterday.
Frank said: “I think it’s a top signing. I can’t praise Fabio and Vinai enough, the ownership for doing it and getting it over the line. It went quick.
“What he brings in terms of abilities. First and foremost, he’s a very good player. Great experience in the Premier League and LaLiga. He’s captained two teams, so that character, leadership and experience, and he’s still young at 25.
"Plenty of development to reach, but coming in on a good level, bringing his pressing abilities, directness, scoring goals and also being able to find good positions on the pitch. He’s exactly what we need.”
West Ham want £50m for Paqueta
15:24 , Mike JonesTim Vickery of Sky Sports says that Lucas Paqueta could be sold if West Ham’s valuation of the midfielder is met.
Paqueta has interest from Brazilian side Flamengo and the possibility he makes the move in January hasn’t been ruled out.
"Flamengo can afford Lucas Paqueta. Flamengo don't want to go above £40m, West Ham's price, it seems, is £50m,” Vickery told Sky Sports.
"Flamengo are huge, probably the biggest club outside of Europe. The Club World Cup is huge over here, it gave them a lot of money and ambition.
"They're champions of Brazil, champions of South America, but it's not enough. They want world domination.
"Flamengo is where Pacqueta started. In the short-term, remember the World Cup; this is why a lot of South American players are looking to reposition themselves.”
Rosenior says Chelsea will only sign 'the right player'
15:12 , Mike JonesChelsea boss Liam Rosenior has insisted the club will only act in the transfer market this month if the right opportunity arises.
When asked if he would sign anyone this window, he said: "I think if we do, it needs to be the right player.
"We need to be patient. I want to assess this group. It's really, really important to me.
"I like to give the players I work with a chance to show good surprises.
"We still have time. We have obviously conversations every day, myself and the board about potential transfers both out and in. But at the same time, I need to focus on the players in the building.
"And if I feel it's the right time or the right player,then we'll make that decision."
Chelsea hit by virus with duo forced to stay at home before Brentford match
15:00 , Jack RathbornLiam Rosenior has revealed Chelsea are working to “contain a virus” in the squad with players and coaches forced to stay away from the training ground.
Rosenior oversaw his first home match in charge at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, with Arsenal winning the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.
Chelsea hit by virus with duo forced to stay at home before Brentford match
Fernandes to address future in the summer
14:48 , Mike JonesManchester United’s Bruno Fernandes has no plans to leave the club in January but will address his future at the end of the season.
Fernandes resisted a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal last summer as well as turning down two other offers to leave the club.
He gave an interview expressing his disappointment that the club’s hierarchy seemed willing to let him move on and was convinced to remain at Old Trafford by Ruben Amorim.
With Amorim now no longer in charge Fernandes will look at his future once more and decide if he is best served moving away from Manchester United.
Gallagher discusses Spurs move: 'I want to create special moments
14:34 , Mike JonesConor Gallagher has given his first interview to the club since joining Spurs and stresses his desire to create “special moments” at Tottenham.
Gallagher told the official Spurs website: “I'm so happy and excited to be here, taking the next step in my career at an amazing club.
“I wanted to be a Spurs player and thankfully the club felt the same. It was very easy, it happened very quickly and I'm ready to get on the pitch.
“I know how great the fans are, I’m really happy to be a part of it here and want to create special moments and memories together.”
Liam Rosenior plans talks with Chelsea outcasts
14:20 , Mike JonesLiam Rosenior will speak to Chelsea ‘bomb squad’ duo Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi before deciding whether or not they have a future at Chelsea.
“I haven’t [spoken with them yet],” Rosenior said. “To be honest I’ve had so much on. This is my fourth day in the job. I will have conversations with them.
“Raheem’s had an outstanding career. I’ve got huge respect for him and Axel, who was someone I’ve really, really liked for a long time. But in this moment, with the amount of games that we’ve got and the stuff I’ve had to do — not just in terms of training but with the staff — I haven’t got on to that topic. I will do it in the next few days.
“Honestly, I have to have a conversation with them. I have to have a conversation with the club. It’s been a whirlwind. There’s a lot for me to do and that’s near the top of my list.”
Marc Guehi to join Man City over Liverpool with Crystal Palace exit in ‘final stages’
14:13 , Miguel Delaney, Chief Football WriterMarc Guehi is closing in on a move to Manchester City with the defender’s exit from Crystal Palace progressing into its final stages.
Pep Guardiola’s side have fended off interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool to land the England international, whose contract at Selhurst Park was due to expire at the end of the season.
The club have reached an agreement over personal terms, clearing what could have proved a major obstacle, though a fee with Palace is yet to be discussed.
Marc Guehi to join Man City over Liverpool with Crystal Palace exit in ‘final stages’
Brentford want to keep Kristoffer Ajer
14:05 , 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, as reported in the Daily Mail.
But Sky Sports says that the Bees see the 27-year-old defender as an important first-team play
Glasner to leave Crystal Palace at end of season
14:03 , Mike JonesOliver Glasner has confirmed that he will leave Crystal Palace at the end of the season, amid reported interest from Manchester United.
The 51-year-old, who led Palace to their first major trophy in the FA Cup last season, announced in a press conference that he told the club’s chairman Steve Parish in October that he had would leave at the end of his contract.
Oliver Glasner to leave Crystal Palace at end of season
Guehi to Man City in 'final stages', confirms Glasner
13:57 , Jack RathbornOliver Glasner has confirmed Marc Guehi to Manchester City is in the ‘final stages’, while also revealing he will leave Crystal Palace this summer.
Guehi was close to joining Liverpool last summer, and would have been a free agent this summer, but the England centre-back has opted for a January move to link up with Pep Guardiola.
Andy Robertson throws doubt on Liverpool future but confirms new contract talks
13:53 , Richard JollyAndy Robertson has revealed he has opened talks with Liverpool about a new contract – but is unsure whether he wants to stay as he wants to play more.
The left-back has lost his place after the summer signing of Milos Kerkez and has only begun four Premier League games this season.
Robertson, who was appointed vice-captain after Trent Alexander-Arnold left to join Real Madrid, is out of contract in the summer and Liverpool risk losing him on a free transfer.
Andy Robertson throws doubt on Liverpool future but confirms new contract talks
Bournemouth keep pushing for Alex Toth
13:39 , Mike JonesBournemouth are continuing talks with Ferencvaros over a deal for Alex Toth after seeing their initial £8.6m offer rejected, according to Sky Sports.
Robbie Keane is the manager of the Hungarian club and has overseen the development of Toth into one of Europe’s most promising starlets, with many clubs keeping tabs.
Toth is said to be keen on a move to the Premier League.
N'Golo Kante close to agreeing personal terms for Fenerbahce switch
13:23 , Mike JonesN’Golo Kante is very close to agreeing personal terms with Fenerbahce after positive meeting on Tuesday, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Negotiations are to continue with Al-Ittihad, with the Saudi club ruling out the possibility of the Frenchman leaving on a free transfer.
When asked on rumours linking Kante with a move away, Al-Ittihad manager Sergio Conceicao said: “I don’t want to talk about the transfer market. Any player who stays must have the right mindset and work for the prestige of the club.”
Martin O'Neill admits he's 'not prepared' for January
13:11 , Mike JonesMartin O’Neill has admitted that his hurried Celtic return following Wilfred Nancy’s swift sacking has left him unprepared for the January transfer window.
He told the Daily Record: “I agree, it is vital [to get players in], I’m well aware and I’m not going to minimise it.
“I promise I am not sitting on my backside, I’m trying my best. I’d be very hopeful of bringing a few in. I am in the process of looking at these.
“Away back in my first spell as manager, I had time to do that before I was bringing people in. I had that all prepared.
“Unfortunately, it’s me, and I haven’t got this prepared now at this minute. Because I had Christmas at home, not expecting this.”
Guehi on verge of Crystal Palace exit
13:09 , Mike JonesMarc Guehi could be on the verge of leaving Crystal Palace reports Fabrizio Romano.
The transfer guru says that Manchester City have made big strides in negotiating with Guehi over the last 12 hours presenting him with a proposal and terms of contract.
City still need to deal with Palace who want a previously reported £35-£40m for their captain to leave this month.
City have been proactive in trying to bolster their defence due to injury and Guehi may jump at the chance of becoming a first team player under Pep Guardiola.
Injured Lionesses hero Michelle Agyemang returns to Arsenal
13:00 , Mike JonesEngland forward Michelle Agyemang has ended her loan spell at Brighton to continue her recovery from a season-ending knee injury at parent club Arsenal.
The 19-year-old ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament during her country's 3-0 friendly win over Australia on October 28.
Agyemang, who has registered three goals in seven international caps, helped England to glory at Euro 2025 last summer by claiming crucial equalisers in the quarter-finals and semi-finals.
The teenager scored once in eight Brighton appearances this season after returning to the club following a successful loan last term.
Chelsea preparing to sell George
12:49 , Mike JonesTyrique George is looking increasingly likely to leave Chelsea this January according to the Standard.
The 19-year-old academy graduate has not featured in a Premier League squad since October and has interest from other clubs in England as well as Europe.
Chelsea are willing to sell the forward but are also open to a six month loan until the end of the season if the terms were attractive enough.
Joe Gomez not for sale after Conor Bradley injury
12:36 , Mike JonesLiverpool will not sell Joe Gomez this month after Conor Bradley suffered a season-ending knee injury against Arsenal, according to Football Insider.
Gomez is Liverpool’s current longest-serving player, having joined from Charlton as a teenage in the summer of 2015.
He has been regularly linked with moves away from Anfield after spending years on the fringes, but with Liverpool’s defensive options further limited by Bradley’s setback, the club are not in a position to let another defender leave.
Have Leipzig found their Yan Diomande replacement?
12:24 , Mike JonesRB Leipzig are set to fend off Premier League competition to sign winger Suleiman Sani from Trencin, according to the Daily Mail.
Manchester City, Brentford and Spurs had shown varying interest in 19-year-old Sani who is a Nigeria Under-20 international.
Leipzig are finalising a £4.5m deal for the left winger, whose signing indicates that the club is bracing itself for bids for Yan Diomande. The Ivorian has attracted strong interest from the likes of Manchester United and Spurs.
Newcastle weighing up options after Tino Livramento injury
12:12 , Mike JonesNewcastle are weighing up potential options in the transfer market after full-back Tino Livramento was been ruled out for eight weeks with a hamstring injury, according to Sky Sports.
The defender had a scan on Monday after coming off against Bournemouth on the weekend, and Newcastle’s worst fears were discovered, meaning he could miss up to 15 games.
Newcastle are now weighing up whether to dip into the market this month for a defender, with Livramento joining Fabian Schar on the sidelines.
Juventus move 'a matter of love' for Federico Chiesa
12:00 , Mike JonesFederico Chiesa is willing to take a wage cut to move get his move back to Juventus, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, who describe the touted switch as “a matter of love” for the Italian.
It comes after reports that Juventus were making progress on meeting Liverpool’s demands for the player, with the club only wanting a permanent transfer.
The Turin club had initially offered a loan with an option to buy but are now putting forward a purchase obligation to try and make the deal more attractive.
Liverpool eye Xabi Alonso
11:48 , Mike JonesXabi Alonso does not look like he will have much trouble finding a new high-powered role following his shock Real Madrid departure, with Liverpool among the clubs eyeing up the Spaniard, according to AS.
Liverpool admire their former midfield maestro and have not let his struggles in the cursed Real role cloud overshadow his exploits at Bayer Leverkusen, which saw him end Bayern Munich’s reign of terror to win the Bundesliga in an invincible domestic season.
It’s for that reason that Bayern are also keen on the Spaniard, as are Manchester City, who could lose Pep Guardiola this summer.
Liverpool, meanwhile, may choose to move on from Arne Slot if performances do not pick up before the end of the season.
Marcus Rashford unlikely to receive Man Utd lifeline post-Amorim
11:36 , Mike JonesManchester United have no plans to bring Marcus Rashford back into the fold despite Ruben Amorim now being out of the picture, according to talkSPORT.
The England international is excelling on loan at Barcelona, who could exercise their option to sign him permanently for around £26m at the end of the season.
But if they don’t, Rashford will not get a lifeline at Old Trafford, with Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrarda sharing the sentiment held by Amorim that had the winger offloaded in the first place.
Why Conor Gallagher does not address Tottenham’s elephant in the room
11:24 , Ben McAleerFirst, Pape Sarr jetted off to the Africa Cup of Nations with pre-tournament favourites Senegal.
Then, Lucas Bergvall pulled up with a muscle complaint in the 3-2 loss at Bournemouth. Rodrigo Bentancur suffered a hamstring injury late on at the Vitality Stadium. The Uruguayan is now sidelined for the next three months.
Suddenly, Tottenham have gone from an abundance of fit central midfielders, to just two.
Why Conor Gallagher does not address Tottenham’s elephant in the room
Eric Dier unlikely to take up West Ham offer
11:13 , Mike JonesEric Dier has been handed a surprise Premier League lifeline 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.
However, the Daily Mail say Dier is reluctant to take up this offer and move away from Monaco.
Arsenal stand firm on Ben White
11:01 , Mike JonesArsenal 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.
Tottenham's one-way transfer policy
10:52 , Mike JonesTottenham do not intend to sell any member of their first-team squad this month, as per Sky Sports.
Mathys Tel has had loan interest from Paris FC and Radu Dragusin from Roma - but they are still part of Frank’s plans.
Spurs also want to add another forward before the transfer deadline on February 2 and are meanwhile finalising the deal for Santos left-back Souza.
Man Utd make desire on potential sales
10:41 , Mike JonesKobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee had all been rumoured to leave Manchester United having been out of favour with Ruben Amorim.
Instead, Amorim was handed his P45 and as such the club has seen a change in direction.
Zirkzee was close to joining Roma on loan for the remainder of the season after agreeing personal terms but ESPN say that the expectation now is all three will remain at Old Trafford.
Thomas Frank outlines long term transfer strategy
10:30 , Mike Jones"Richy unfortunately has got a hamstring injury that will keep him out for up to seven weeks," Tottenham boss Thomas Frank said ahead of Saturday's visit of West Ham.
"Hey, it is what it is. We are in the market, as I said many times, to see if we can improve the squad, but it needs to be something that will improve the squad short and long term. It needs to be that decision.
"It can't only be for the next four months. We need to think bigger picture as well, but of course, we know that we are a few offensive players down."
Thomas Frank provides update on Tottenham transfer plans after Richarlison injury blow
10:21 , Mike JonesRicharlison's seven-week injury lay-off will not force Tottenham to look for short-term alternatives, according to Thomas Frank.
Spurs' leading scorer Richarlison sustained a hamstring injury in Saturday's 2-1 loss to Aston Villa in the FA Cup and is unlikely to return until March.
Frank provides update on Tottenham transfer plans after Richarlison injury blow
Man United youngster set for Bradford loan move
10:12 , Mike JonesManchester United youngster Ethan Wheatley will spend the second half of the season on loan at Bradford City, according to Manchester Evening News.
Wheatley was recently recalled from his loan at Northampton Town from the same division.
Spurs reignite interest in Maghnes Akliouche
10:03 , Mike JonesTottenham are looking at Monaco attacking midfielder Maghnes Akliouche again as they look to reinforce further in the middle of the park.
Tottenham hold a long-time interest in the 23-year-old Frenchman and have reignited their interest from the summer transfer window.
Frank has been keen to strengthen in the attacking midfield department since his arrival, landing Xavi Simons in the summer after failing in their pursuits of Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze, who opted to sign for rivals Arsenal.
Liverpool and Juve in Chiesa negotiations
09:54 , Mike JonesLiverpool and Juventus are in negotiations over Federico Chiesa.
The English club want a reported €20m according to Italian publication Calciomercato and only want a permanent move for the winger.
The report reveals that Juventus’ stance is an inital loan with an option to buy which becomes mandatory under certain conditions.
Juve manager Luciano Spalletti said: “I am pleased you are giving me this news, seeing as we haven’t even had a meeting yet on the transfer market.
“But it’s the first I’ve heard of it. For the moment, it’s just thrown out there, but absolutely nothing concrete behind it.”
Arsenal reignite Gordon interest
09:45 , Mike JonesArsenal are reportedly still interested in Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon.
Mikel Arteta is said to want to strengthen his attacking options and the Gunners were linked with Gordon last summer.
They have also expressed an interest in Spanish winger Nico Williams and rumours have been made over Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr though they seem unlikely to happen.
Any move for Gordon would not be made in January but instead happen in the summer.
Chelsea in for Senesi?
09:36 , Mike JonesThe Telegraph report that Chelsea are now bringing forward their summer plans to recruit a new centre-back as Liam Rosenior’s first signing for the club.
Bournemouth’s Marcos Sensi is the rumoured name but it seems unlikely that the Cherries will let him leave cheaply.
talkSPORT also claim that Chelsea are keeping tabs on Jeremy Jacquet at Rennes, Como’s Jacobo Ramon and Toulouse defender Charlie Cresswell.
Forest rebuffed in Marcus Tavernier approach
09:27 , Mike JonesNottingham Forest have made an enquiry for Bournemouth’s Marcus Tavernier but the Cherries are insisting he is not for sale, according to the Daily Mail.
Tavernier, 26, scored in Saturday's FA Cup defeat to Newcastle and will be important to Andoni Iraola for the remainder of the season.
The Cherries are already in the throes of trying to replace Antoine Semenyo and have Justin Kluivert out for four months following knee surgery, so cannot afford to lose another winger.
Carrick 'knows what it takes to succeed' at Man Utd
09:18 , Mike JonesUpon his appointment as interim manager, Michael Carrick said: “Having the responsibility to lead Manchester United is an honour.
“I know what it takes to succeed here; my focus is now on helping the players to reach the standards that we expect at this incredible club, which we know that this group is more than capable of producing.
“I have worked with a number of the players already and have obviously continued to watch the team closely in recent years, I have total belief in their talents, dedication and ability to be successful here.
“There is still a lot to fight for this season, we are ready to pull everyone together and give the fans the performances that their loyal support deserves.”
Liverpool keen on £52m teenager
09:09 , Mike JonesLiverpool could be about to enter a bidding war with Real Madrid for Dutch starlet Kees Smit, according to the Daily Star.
AZ Alkmaar value Smit at £52m but stiff competition could force clubs to pay even more to secure his signature, with Newcastle also being linked with the young midfielder.
How Pep Guardiola defined Michael Carrick’s career and Man United still feel the impact
09:00 , Mike JonesBut for Pep Guardiola, Michael Carrick might have been a triple Champions League winner. A Manchester derby is a meeting of deep-lying midfielders of different generations.
Carrick was more Spanish-style schemer than a traditionally English box-to-box bustler. He attracted an admirer in the man who will be in the opposite dugout on Saturday. In 2017, Guardiola called Carrick “one of the best holding midfielders I've ever seen in my life”.
How Guardiola defined Carrick’s career and Man United still feel the impact
Arsenal eye up Guler
08:49 , Mike JonesArsenal have been keeping tabs on Real Madrid’s Arda Guler.
Reports from Spain say the club have made enquiries over the midfielder but that Real want to keep him on the books.
Guler was somewhat of a favourite for former Real coach Xabi Alonso but does not yet know how he will fit into the plans of Alvara Arbeloa.
One to keep an eye on but movement unlikely at this stage.
Arsenal enter Vinicus Jr race - and offer Martinelli swap?
08:40 , 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.
Donyell Malen completes move to Roma
08:35 , Mike JonesAston Villa’s Donyell Malen have completed his move to Serie A side Roma.
The fee is for £21.6m and Roma accelerated the deal due to interest from domestic rivals Juventus as well as Atletico Madrid.

Malen moved to Villa from Borussia Dortmun in January last year for £21m.
He made 46 appearances across all competitions and scored 10 goals with two assists.
Aston Villa can confirm that Donyell Malen has joined Roma for an undisclosed fee.
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 16, 2026
Everyone at Aston Villa would like to thank Donyell for his service to the club and wish him all the very best in his future career. pic.twitter.com/Wa21Iob4JZ
Could Jurgen Klopp be lured back into management by Real Madrid?
08:31 , Mike JonesJurgen 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.
Paqueta wants out of West Ham
08:23 , Mike JonesWest Ham are reportedly desperate to keep Lucas Paqueta at the London Stadium after The Athletic claimed the Hammers had rejected a bid for the midfielder.
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.
It comes after Paqueta reportedly asked to be left out of West Ham’s FA Cup tie with QPR last weekend to pursue a move away.
Chelsea also interested in Paqueta
08:15 , Mike JonesWest Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta reportedly wants out of the club with the current rumours suggesting his prefers to return home to Brazil for family reasons.
However, a switch to another club in Europe is being ruled out as the midfielder is only 28-years-old.
Enter Chelsea.
The Blues are said to be interested in Paqueta and will provide competition to Brazilian side Flamengo to sign him in this window.
It remains to be seen if West Ham will be open to selling their best player, especially as they’re attempting to avoid relegation to the Championship.
Chelsea make huge bid for Federico Valverde
08:08 , 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.
Ruben Neves close to Premier League return
08:04 , Mike JonesRuben Neves left Wolves in 2023 for a big money move to Saudi Arabia.
But, the 28-year-old still has admirers in the Premier League with Chelsea, Manchester United and, most recently, Newcastle all showing interest in bringing him in.
Could we see a late January push for Neves as clubs look to strengthen in midfield?
Man Utd confident over Baleba move
08:04 , Mike JonesAccording to The Sun, Manchester United are increasingly confident of securing a summer deal for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, who has long been on their shortlist for midfield reinforcements.
Baleba recently returned from the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco where he plays alongside current Red Devils star Bryan Mbeumo at international level.
Crystal Palace set Marc Guehi price tag
08:00 , Mike JonesCrystal Palace captain Marc Guehi continues to garner interest from big clubs in England and Europe.
Liverpool came close to his signature during the summer transfer window and will come in again for the defender when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Bayern Munich have joined the race to sign him and Manchester City, due to injuries in their defence, want to bring him in this month.
Palace realise that Guehi will leave at some point and have set a price of £35m-£40m for any club that wants him in January according to Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg.
Manchester United target Forest defender
07:56 , Mike JonesThe Daily Mail report that Manchester United are ‘considering’ a move for Nottingham Forest defender Murillo.
The club are aiming to bring in another central defender for next season thanks to the expected departure of Harry Maguire.
The report claims that Murillo is open to leaving Nottingham Forest next summer despite signing a new, improved four-and-a-half-year deal in January 2025.
Manchester United fear losing Bruno Fernandes
07:52 , Mike JonesWith the appointment of Michael Carrick as the head coach at Old Trafford comes a new era for Manchester United and one they may have to endure without their captain and talisman Bruno Fernandes.
The club are reportedly worried that the 31-year-old will depart for pastures new as he harbours a desire to compete for the biggest trophies something United, at present, cannot offer.
Fernandes has been a driving force for the club during their decline and the i Paper says Fernandes will look to leave to further his ambitions to win league titles.
The Portuguese had a offer from Saudi Arabia last summer and was convinced to remain at Old Trafford by departed manager Ruben Amorim while Bayern Munich are also said to be interested in him with that move more of a possibility.
Bayern Munich join race for Marc Guehi
07:48 , 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 at the beginning of the week, they intend to overcome any obstacles to make that happen.
Price may prove the defining factor, with talkSPORT saying that City are preparing to make an offer for Guehi but are currently unlikely to meet Palace's asking price of above £35m.
Arsenal and Liverpool are also 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.
Souza set for to join Spurs
07:44 , Mike JonesWith Conor Gallagher coming through the door, it doesn’t seem like Spurs fans will need to wait much longer for their next signing.
Santos defender Souza reportedly underwent a Tottenham medical in London on Thursday ahead of a £13m move to the club, the details of which is being finalised.
The Brazilian will be brought in to provide cover and competition for Destiny Udogie.
The announcement could be confirmed at some point today should the paperwork and final details be swiftly completed.
Leeds sign Buonanotte on loan
07:40 , Mike JonesLeeds have completed the signing of Facundo Buonanotte on loan from Brighton until the end of the season.
The 21-year-old attacking midfielder from Argentina has been on loan at Chelsea from the Seagulls since September, but traveled to West Yorkshire on Thursday for talks with Leeds.
Buonanotte featured 35 times for Leicester during a loan spell last season.
✍️ #LUFC is delighted to announce the arrival of Facundo Buonanotte on a loan deal until the end of the 2025/26 campaign
— Leeds United (@LUFC) January 15, 2026
Good morning!
07:40 , Mike JonesWelcome back to The Independent’s coverage of today’s transfer news, gossip and rumours.
We’ll have all the latest done deal as well as insights into possible transfers taking place around the Premier League and Europe so stick around...

