Transfer news live: Liverpool launch emergency move, Arsenal updates, Man Utd star wanted by Real Madrid

FootballSports
1 Feb 2026 • 8:44 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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The final days of the January transfer window put Premier League clubs up against it in the scramble for late additions to make a decisive impact at the business end of the season.

Raheem Sterling, now a free agent after his sad fall at Chelsea led to his contract being terminated, has been linked with Tottenham and several other clubs.

The Blues have been linked to Jeremy Jacquet, with Liverpool and Bayern Munich reportedly keen to rival Liam Rosenior’s side in the summer should a January deal not materialise. The Reds are also said to have entered talks over a move for Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida, who is on loan from RB Leipzig, as they seek emergency right-back cover.

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.

Follow all the latest transfer news, gossip, rumours and done deals in The Independent’s live blog below

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Transfer news - live updates

  • Liverpool explore late move for Lutsharel Geertruida
  • Julian Alvarez 'unhappy' at Atletico as Arsenal learn price
  • Man Utd draw up four-man shortlist to replace Casemiro
  • Raheem Sterling leaves Chelsea by mutual consent
  • Liverpool join Chelsea in battle to sign French star Jeremy Jacquet
  • Lucas Paqueta gets his West Ham exit
  • Diogo Dalot considered by Madrid and Bayern after United form

Chelsea defender set for West Ham loan?

13:00 , Flo Clifford

Axel Disasi is on the brink of joining West Ham from Chelsea on loan, reports Fabrizio Romano.

The Chelsea centre-back could boost Nuno Espirito Santo’s Hammers and the bid to beat the drop.

Disasi was part of the Blues’ “bomb squad”, but has rejointed training under Liam Rosenior.

But there is little chance of regular minutes still at Stamford Bridge, meaning a loan across London could revitalise his career.

Chelsea continue pursuit of Jacquet

12:00 , Flo Clifford

Chelsea’s bid to sign Rennes’ Jeremy Jacquet is still on, with the centre-back keen on a move to Stamford Bridge despite interest from Liverpool too. Sky Sports reports that developments are expected in this saga today.

Spurs looking to keep Kolo Muani

11:00 , Flo Clifford

Tottenham have no plans to cut Randal Kolo Muani's loan short, even though Juventus want to bring the forward back to Turin.

Kolo Muani is on loan at Spurs from PSG, and while reports elsewhere suggested that the club might want to cut his loan short due to interest in strikers such as Jean-Philippe Mateta, Sky Sports reports that that is not the case.

Liverpool target emergency right-back cover

09:10 , Flo Clifford

The Athletic reports that Liverpool are targeting Lutsharel Geertruida, who could plug their gaping hole in defence after an injury crisis.

Currently on loan at Sunderland from Leipzig, the 25-year-old Dutchman can play at right-back, centre-back or as a holding midfielder, and has previously played under Reds boss Arne Slot at Feyenoord.

Rangers launch move for Naderi

Friday 30 January 2026 23:10 , Jack Rathborn

Rangers have reportedly lodged a £2.6m bid for Hansa Rostock striker Ryan Naderi as they strive to bolster their squad for the William Hill Premiership title run-in.

The 22-year-old target man has attracted Gers' interest after notching eight goals for the German third-tier side this term.

It remains to be seen if Rostock are willing to cash in on their top scorer as they chase promotion to Bundesliga 2.

Rangers currently have three centre-forwards at their disposal in Bojan Miovski, Youssef Chermiti and Danilo but they have scored just 10 league goals between them.

Brazilian striker Danilo has been linked with a move away from Ibrox amid interest from Cypriot club Pafos and Dutch side NEC Nijmegen.

Second-placed Rangers, who are four points behind leaders Hearts, have already added winger Andreas Skov Olsen, midfielder Tochi Chukwuani and left-back Tuur Rommens to their squad this month, with further recruitment anticipated before the transfer window closes next Monday.

Atletico consider move for ex-Bayern star

Friday 30 January 2026 21:10 , Jack Rathborn

Atletico Madrid are considering a move for Leon Goretzka, reports Sky Sports Germany.

The 30-year-old is out of contract after leaving Bayern Munich in the summer.

Goretzka could sign a short-term deal with Diego Simeone’s side, who dropped into the Champions League play-offs last night after failing to finish inside the top eight.

Chelsea interested in Endrick?

Friday 30 January 2026 20:10 , Chris Wilson

Another fairly sensationalist claim from Spanish media but one you could see being true!

Fichajes reports that Chelsea are targeting a move for Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Endrick, who has impressed since moving to Lyon on loan recently.

The report claims that the Blues would be willing to make a deal up to €80m, though any move would be complicated by the fact that the 19-year-old is under contract at the Bernabeu until 2030.

Why Raheem Sterling’s sad decline is symptomatic of a chaotic Chelsea era

Friday 30 January 2026 19:10 , Chris Wilson

A good day to bury bad news became a very good day to bury bad news. Chelsea FC announced Raheem Sterling’s departure two-and-a-half hours before kick-off on Wednesday. Later that night, they had beaten a man consigned to their past rather earlier, and after a rather more successful time at Stamford Bridge, in Antonio Conte.

Overcoming Napoli in Italy was the best result of Liam Rosenior’s brief tenure, and one of the finest since Sterling last kicked a ball for the Blues. It left Chelsea sixth in the Champions League standings: impressive, even for a club who have spent some £1.6bn in under four years.

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Why Raheem Sterling’s sad decline is symptomatic of Chelsea’s chaos

Tottenham and Aston Villa hit with six-figure fines for FA Cup fracas

Friday 30 January 2026 18:10 , Will Castle

Tottenham and Aston Villa have each been fined £125,000 by the Football Association after admitting misconduct charges following a melee at the end of their FA Cup third-round tie.

Players from both sides were involved in a confrontation shortly after Villa claimed a 2-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 10 January.

The two Premier League clubs were sanctioned by an independent regulatory commission having "failed to ensure their players and/or officials did not behave in an improper and/or provocative way after the final whistle".

First-half goals from Emiliano Buendia and Morgan Rogers secured victory for Villa to set up a fourth-round clash at home to Newcastle.

Julian Alvarez 'unhappy' at Atletico as Arsenal learn price

Friday 30 January 2026 17:10 , Jack Rathborn

Julian 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.

ESPN reports 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.

“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.”

Liverpool interested in Upamecano amid stalling Bayern contract talks

Friday 30 January 2026 16:55 , Will Castle

Liverpool are interested in Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano as the Frenchman continues to stall over a new deal at the German giants, per Sky Germany.

"Everyone is waiting for his commitment, his signature. His contract is ready. But Bayern Munich will not improve their offer," Florian Plettenberg said.

"Upamecano can sign it, [taking him until] 2030 or 2031. There's a release clause included from the summer of 2027. He can earn 20m Euros gross per year and receive a big signing feed, together with his agent.

"But Bayern is waiting for weeks, they want a decision soon. My opinion is he's waiting for Liverpool, for Real Madrid.

"Liverpool is interested in Upamecano, we can confirm that."

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Napoli renew interest in Jadon Sancho

Friday 30 January 2026 16:30 , Jack Rathborn

Napoli have renewed their interest in Jadon Sancho and are weighing up a summer move.

Corriere dello Sport add that the United loanee is one name on a five-strong shortlist.

Real Betis' Abde Ezzalzouli, OGC Nice's Jeremie Boga, Atalanta's Daniel Maldini and Sassuolo's Armand Lauriente are the other names listed.

Palace set to land £50m Wolves star?

Friday 30 January 2026 16:00 , Jack Rathborn

Crystal Palace look ready to sell Jean Paul Mateta, as a deal is close to sign Jorgen Strand Larsen, reports Fabrizio Romano, David Ornstein and others.

A total package, add-ons included, could reach a massive £50m for the Norway forward.

It is a blow for Wolves, and their unlikely bid to beat the drop, but the Eagles could now sanction the sale of their French forward.

Palmer is committed to Chelsea, says James

Friday 30 January 2026 15:30 , Will Castle

Chelsea captain Reece James has insisted that Cole Palmer is committed to the club amid talks that the Manchester-born forward is homesick.

James said: “He’s been in a difficult period. He’s had a few setbacks, it’s been slow for him this season, but we’re super happy to have him.

“He showed what he can do today in the 45 minutes that he played. Everyone needs to be patient with him. He’s an amazing player, he’s still super young. He’s going to improve with time.

“Of course he’s committed to Chelsea. He’s a Chelsea player and many players have speculation in transfer windows, it’s normal, but he’s conducted himself really well and we’re happy with him.”

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Liverpool have sights on Wharton

Friday 30 January 2026 15:10 , Jack Rathborn

Liverpool 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.

Fiorentina in talks over West Ham pair

Friday 30 January 2026 14:55 , Jack Rathborn

Fiorentina could make a surprise swoop for West Ham’s Kyle Walker-Peters and Soungoutou Magassa, reports Gazzetta dello Sport.

The Serie A could bring in the English defender and French midfielder to boost their hopes of beating the drop.

The Viola are currently in the relegation zone in 18th, with the Hammers fighting to survive in the Premier League.

Chelsea face competition from Liverpool and Bayern for Jacquet

Friday 30 January 2026 14:40 , Jack Rathborn

Chelsea had been linked with a January deal for Jeremy Jacquet to boost their centre-back depth.

But with a deal this month to sign the Rennes star seemingly unlikely, Fabrizio Romano is reporting that Liverpool and Bayern Munich are also in negotiations over a summer deal for the centre-back.

The 20-year-old has featured for the France Under-21s and played 17 times in Ligue 1 this term.

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Man Utd draw up four-man shortlist to replace Casemiro

Friday 30 January 2026 14:25 , Jack Rathborn

With 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.

Julian Alvarez 'unhappy' at Atletico as Arsenal learn price

Friday 30 January 2026 14:10 , Jack Rathborn

Julian 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.

ESPN reports 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.

“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.”

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How Alexander Isak’s record move left Liverpool and Newcastle with an improbable outcome

Friday 30 January 2026 13:54 , Jack Rathborn

Alexander Isak will, once again, be conspicuous by his absence. The last time the Swede took the field as Liverpool faced Newcastle United, he ended the game in a conversation with Virgil van Dijk that kept the amateur lip-readers busy. He also won Newcastle their first major trophy since the 1960s with a Carabao Cup final decider that should have guaranteed him heroic status for life on Tyneside.

It did not quite work out that way. Isak was the on-strike striker when Newcastle and Liverpool reconvened in August. The United director Jamie Reuben and representatives of the Saudi Public Investment Fund visited him on the day of their game, trying to persuade him to stay. Rio Ngumoha got a 100th-minute winner for Liverpool that night, Newcastle a £125m windfall the following Monday, Liverpool a British record buy.

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The improbable outcome from Alexander Isak’s record Liverpool move

United monitoring Rennes striker?

Friday 30 January 2026 13:30 , Chris Wilson

Man Utd are keeping tabs on young Rennes striker Mohamed Kader Meite, who is valued at around €30 million by the French club.

The centre-forward is regarded as a long-term option for United, and though it was originally not likely that the club decide to make a move this month, the injury to Patrick Dorgu might have changed things, with the Dane set to be out for 10 weeks at least.

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Roma signal Zirkzee interest

Friday 30 January 2026 12:55 , Jack Rathborn

Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee is being watched by Juventus and Roma.

Juve have their sights on Youssef En Nesyri - though talks have broken down - and Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Juve have Zirkzee on their list but may face competition from Roma.

Sky Sports say that United are aware of Roma’s interest but are not thought to be actively looking to sell the Dutchman this month.

They also report that Zirkzee prefers to stay depsite being left out of Michael Carrick’s first two matchday squads.

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Parker hoping to see Ward-Prowse break Beckham record with Burnley

Friday 30 January 2026 12:40 , Will Castle

Scott Parker is backing set-piece specialist James Ward-Prowse to break Sir David Beckham's Premier League record for goals scored directly from free-kicks after signing the midfielder on loan for the rest of the campaign.

"Let's hope he breaks that!" Parker said when told of the record. "I think we've seen it over many, many years - in and around the edge of the box, his delivery from wide areas, corners as well, it's an absolutely huge, huge threat.

"His quality in and around the edge of the box, to get a ball up and down at speed, to beat keepers, it's probably world class really in terms of the set-piece. Hopefully he can break that record with us because it would mean one has gone in!"

Cole Palmer going nowhere?

Friday 30 January 2026 12:25 , Jack Rathborn

Despite the recent noise, it looks like an audacious Manchester United move for Chelsea star Cole Palmer will not materialise.

Not this month, or this summer, according to the Mirror.

The England international is out of the club's price range, adds the report, with Chelsea previously reported to have labelled the 23-year-old as “untouchable”.

Man United youngster sees loan scuppered by injury

Friday 30 January 2026 11:55 , Will Castle

Tyler Fredricson is set to stay at Manchester United after seeing a loan exit scuppered by a calf issue.

The 20-year-old academy graduate has made two first-team appearances this season and was lined up for a temporary switch for the rest of the season.

Several clubs from the Championship and Belgian Pro League registered interested with United, only for an injury to scotch Fredricson's hopes of a loan switch.

The defender played the entirety of the under-21s's 3-2 win against Sporting Lisbon last week but complained of a calf issue after the Premier League International Cup game.

Fredricson has now been ruled out for around four weeks with an issue that has delayed a potential loan exit until the summer.

Meanwhile, fellow defender Rhys Bennett is in talks over a temporary return to Fleetwood.

Harry Kane opens talks to extend Bayern Munich contract

Friday 30 January 2026 11:40 , Chris Wilson

England captain Harry Kane is reportedly in discussions with Bayern Munich regarding a new contract, following a stellar debut season in Germany.

The prolific striker, whose current deal runs until summer 2027, is understood to be negotiating an extension that could see him remain at the Bundesliga champions until 2028 or 2029.

Bayern sporting director Max Eberl confirmed the talks on Monday, stating: "We are talking to Harry."

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Harry Kane opens talks to extend Bayern Munich contract

Miguel Delaney: Inside Football

Friday 30 January 2026 11:32 , Jack Rathborn

Miguel Delaney’s ‘Inside Football’ is available for just £1.

Subscribers get full insider access on the biggest stories in football.

Find out more below:

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Miguel Delaney: Inside Football – get full insider access for just £1

Fulham's Pepi pursuit stalls

Friday 30 January 2026 11:25 , Chris Wilson

Fulham's pursuit of PSV Eindhoven striker Ricardo Pepi has stalled, according to Sky.

There are no current talks ongoing for the player, though it is understood that the gap in valuations is just £800,000 (€1m) between the two clubs.

However, PSV want to sign a replacement with at least 48 hours of the window left, and they are struggling to find one.

It remains to be seen whether a deal can be done by Monday, though the striker is happy to stay at the Dutch club until summer if nothing can be agreed.

Conor Coady joins Charlton

Friday 30 January 2026 10:55 , Will Castle

Former England international Conor Coady has joined Charlton on loan from Wrexham until the end of the season.

The 32-year-old has won 10 caps for his country and was part of Gareth Southgate's squads at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.

Former Everton and Wolves defender Coady joined Wrexham from Leicester in the summer following their promotion to the Sky Bet Championship but has only made six appearances in all competitions.

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Man City starlet set for Watford loan

Friday 30 January 2026 10:40 , Jack Rathborn

Manchester City are looking to the future and hope to strike a deal to send young English defender Stephen Mfuni on loan to Watford until the end of the season.

Fabrizio Romano reports the 17-year-old could gain valuable experience under Javi Gracia.

Mfuni has gained experience through England’s youth ranks, featuring for the Under-16s, Under-17s, Under-18s and Under-19s.

Unai Emery linked with Real Madrid job

Friday 30 January 2026 10:25 , Jack Rathborn

Unai Emery has impressed so much after guiding Aston Villa to a Premier League title race and into the last 16 of the Europa League that Real Madrid are considering the Spanish coach.

A shortlist will be compiled, reports Sky Germany, with Alvaro Arbeloa in temporary charge following Xabi Alonso’s sacking.

Zinchenko set for Ajax move?

Friday 30 January 2026 10:10 , Jack Rathborn

Ajax are closing in on a deal for Oleksandr Zinchenko, reports Fabrizio Romano.

The 29-year-old is on loan at Nottingham Forest from Arsenal, but a permanent deal to Amsterdam could materialise.

The Gunners would bank €1.5m (£1.3m), plus add-ons, which would be tied to the Dutch outfit qualifying for the Champions League.

Chelsea defender set for West Ham loan?

Friday 30 January 2026 09:40 , Jack Rathborn

Axel Disasi is on the brink of joining West Ham from Chelsea on loan, reports Fabrizio Romano.

The Chelsea centre-back could boost Nuno Espirito Santo’s Hammers and the bid to beat the drop.

Disasi was part of the Blues’ “bomb squad”, but has rejointed training under Liam Rosenior.

But there is little chance of regular minutes still at Stamford Bridge, meaning a loan across London could revitalise his career.

Nuno: West Ham must 'move forward' without Paqueta

Friday 30 January 2026 09:25 , Will Castle

Nuno Espirito Santo has admitted West Ham need to "move forward" without Lucas Paqueta after the club reluctantly gave the green light for his £35m switch to Flamengo.

"I think we found a solution that everybody was aware of and came to a good conclusion," said Nuno.

"Lucas was clear that he wanted to return home and we expect the medical and things to become official.

"For me Lucas is a special player, a special person, he's a number 10. I think everything could be different, but the circumstances are what they are.

"He wanted to go to Brazil, and you keep moving, knowing that he's special person and special player and we wish him all the best.

"It could have been done two years ago, and then everything would be different. But it is what it is, and we move forward."

Haaland and Klopp to make Madrid moves?

Friday 30 January 2026 09:10 , Chris Wilson

Reports in Spain suggest that Jurgen Klopp has made contact with Erling Haaland over a potential move to Real Madrid if the German were to take over as manager at the Bernabeu.

El Nacional claims that Klopp is set to take over as full-time boss at the beginning of next season, and that the German has already contacted Haaland over joining the club.

Reports elsewhere in Spain also claim that Haaland’s dream club is Real Madrid, and that he would only accept a move to the Bernabeu if he were to leave City.

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Arne Slot appears to rule out new signings despite Liverpool’s growing injury concerns

Friday 30 January 2026 08:55 , Chris Wilson

Liverpool manager Arne Slot appeared to rule out making a defensive signing this month despite admitting that he thinks Jeremie Frimpong will be “out for a period of time” after the Dutchman was forced off against Qarabag.

Frimpong pulled up with a potential hamstring injury within the first three minutes of the Reds’ 6-0 demolition of the Azerbaijani side, with the Dutchman falling and requiring treatment before trudging off and being replaced by Wataru Endo.

He becomes the fifth name on the treatment table for the Reds, and the fourth defender alongside Joe Gomez, Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley, with Ibrahima Konate also absent at present due to compassionate leave.

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Arne Slot appears to rule out new signings despite growing injury concerns

Spurs lead hunt for Sterling with eight clubs keen on ex-Chelsea star

Friday 30 January 2026 08:40 , Jack Rathborn

Tottenham are among a group of eight clubs keen to sign Raheem Sterling after his Chelsea exit.

The Mail reports that Spurs would be keen to bolster their forward options after injuries to Richarlison and Dominic Solanke and the poor form of Randal Kolo Muani and Mathys Tel.

Napoli and Juventus are also linked, with the chance to link up again with Kevin De Bruyne in Naples.

Dalot considered by Madrid and Bayern after United form

Friday 30 January 2026 08:23 , Jack Rathborn

Man United star Diogo Dalot has been linked with a move to Real Madrid.

It’s not the most concrete of reports, with Fichajes detailing the loss to Benfica has pushed Los Blancos to make a move for the Portuguese full-back.

They add that Bayern Munich are also keen, and could spark a bidding war, with United holding a lot of negotiating power, with two years remaining on his deal and the potential for a one-year option.

Andrews gives assessment of Nelson's faltering Brentford loan

Friday 30 January 2026 07:30 , Will Castle

Keith Andrews has acknowledged Reiss Nelson's loan at Brentford has not yet gone to plan, but backed the Arsenal forward to make an impact.

Ahead of Sunday's trip to Aston Villa, Andrews told a press conference: "Reiss has had to overcome a couple of niggles that has just stifled the rhythm of his game and getting up to speed.

"I think anyone that watches us play really sees the levels of intensity that we play with, in terms of how we press and how get after teams, how we spring forward from wherever we are on the pitch, utilise the speed we have and attack with vengeance.

"It hasn't been ideal for Reiss that the fact it's been disrupted and he will feel he has not had enough opportunities. I have to accept that to a point, but equally I feel like some of the attacking players have played particularly well.

"Reiss as a young man, I'm really keen on him, I really like his qualities and really like his qualities as a person.

"I think he has fitted into the football club really well and we just need to get him to that level where he can really impact it consistently."

Liverpool interested in Upamecano amid stalling Bayern contract talks

Friday 30 January 2026 07:00 , Will Castle

Liverpool are interested in Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano as the Frenchman continues to stall over a new deal at the German giants, per Sky Germany.

"Everyone is waiting for his commitment, his signature. His contract is ready. But Bayern Munich will not improve their offer," Florian Plettenberg said.

"Upamecano can sign it, [taking him until] 2030 or 2031. There's a release clause included from the summer of 2027. He can earn 20m Euros gross per year and receive a big signing feed, together with his agent.

"But Bayern is waiting for weeks, they want a decision soon. My opinion is he's waiting for Liverpool, for Real Madrid.

"Liverpool is interested in Upamecano, we can confirm that."

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Why Raheem Sterling’s sad decline is symptomatic of a chaotic Chelsea era

Friday 30 January 2026 06:30 , Richard Jolly

A good day to bury bad news became a very good day to bury bad news. Chelsea FC announced Raheem Sterling’s departure two-and-a-half hours before kick-off on Wednesday. Later that night, they had beaten a man consigned to their past rather earlier, and after a rather more successful time at Stamford Bridge, in Antonio Conte.

Overcoming Napoli in Italy was the best result of Liam Rosenior’s brief tenure, and one of the finest since Sterling last kicked a ball for the Blues. It left Chelsea sixth in the Champions League standings: impressive, even for a club who have spent some £1.6bn in under four years.

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Why Raheem Sterling’s sad decline is symptomatic of Chelsea’s chaos

Tottenham rival Inter for Diaby

Friday 30 January 2026 06:00 , Miguel Delaney

Tottenham are set to rival Inter Milan for former Aston Villa winger Moussa Diaby, The Independent understands.

Diaby left Villa Park for Saudi side Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2024, with the Villans bringing in a transfer fee of £50m for the Frenchman.

However, the winger is now open to returning to a Champions League club and is assessing his options.

Tottenham are exploring the possibility of signing Diaby in this window.

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Farke gives nothing away over potential transfer target

Friday 30 January 2026 05:00 , Will Castle

Daniel Farke said Leeds bosses know "exactly what I think we need to do" in the transfer market before the current window closes on 2 February.

"The club knows exactly what I think we need to do, they are aware of this, but I'm not willing to give too much away before the window is ended,” Farke said.

"If I was to tell you we need another number eight - I use this as an example because we don't need an eight - a potential club in negotiations knows this and the price goes up.

"It makes no sense to mention the position we're desperate to do something in, there will be no public statements from me, the club knows my thoughts. I can give you an assessment after the window is closed. We're in a very relaxed and good situation."

The club have so far added only Argentina midfielder Facundo Buonanotte on loan from Brighton and appear to have missed out on signing Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen after a £50m fee was agreed with Crystal Palace.

Fulham agree Oscar Bobb deal as Manchester City include two key clauses

Friday 30 January 2026 03:00 , Richard Jolly

Fulham have agreed to sign Oscar Bobb from Manchester City for an initial £27m.

As part of the deal, City will also get a 20 percent sell-on clause and matching rights in case they want to bring the Norway international back to the Etihad Stadium.

Bobb is set to join Fulham as a replacement for fellow winger Adama Traore, who has signed for West Ham, and means they have more cover in case Harry Wilson, who is out of contract at the end of the season, leaves Craven Cottage.

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Fulham agree Oscar Bobb deal as Manchester City include two key clauses

Derby sign Banel on loan from Burnley

Thursday 29 January 2026 19:00 , Will Castle

Championship play-off contenders Derby have announced the signing of winger Jaydon Banel on loan from Burnley for the rest of the season.

The 21-year-old has made four appearances this season for the Clarets, although one of them came in the Premier League as a substitute in the 2-0 defeat at Brighton.

He also clocked 25 minutes against Derby in the Carabao Cup back in August, and scored in Burnley's 5-1 FA Cup win over Millwall in January.

Banel came through Ajax's academy before signing for Burnley in February last year.

Cole Palmer 'untouchable' amid Man Utd links

Thursday 29 January 2026 12:30 , Will Castle

Shock links with Man United emerged around Cole Palmer this week, with the Manchester-born forward reportedly homesick.

But The Telegraph claims Palmer is part of a new group of “untouchables” at Chelsea, along with skipper Reece James and midfielder Moises Caicedo.

Speaking ahead of the clash with Crystal Palace, boss Liam Rosenior was asked about Palmer and said: “I’ve had numerous conversations with Cole and he seems very, very happy to be here. He is very, very happy to be here.

“He’s a huge part of our plans in the long term. He’s an outstanding player. Every player goes through difficult moments in their careers in terms of injury. I don’t think it’s any reflection on his qualities. He’s an outstanding footballer.”