Transfer news live: Liverpool plot Upamecano swoop, Chelsea confirm huge exit, Arsenal want ‘unhappy’ Alvarez

FootballSports
29 Jan 2026 • 3:17 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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The final week of the January transfer window arrives with Premier League clubs making some late additions before the business end of the season.

Chelsea appeared to be accelerating plans to sign Jeremy Jacquet, but a January move for the Rennes centre-back has stalled, leaving Liverpool and Bayern Munich to reportedly join the Blues in negotiations over a summer deal.

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.

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

  • Raheem Sterling leaves Chelsea by mutual consent
  • Liverpool interested in Upamecano amid stalling Bayern talks
  • Julian Alvarez 'unhappy' at Atletico as Arsenal learn price
  • Man Utd draw up four-man shortlist to replace Casemiro
  • Liverpool join Chelsea in battle to sign French star Jacquet
  • West Ham give permission for Paqueta medical

Tammy Abraham shirt number confirmed

23:00 , Will Castle

Tammy Abraham will wear the number 18 for Aston Villa following his move from Besiktas, taking the same shirt he wore while on loan at the club from Chelsea in 2018/19.

Wilson likely to become free agent this summer

22:30 , Will Castle

Fulham star Harry Wilson looks increasingly likely to become a free agent this summer, according to Sky Sports.

Several Premier League clubs are believed to have shown interest in the winger this month, with just six months left on his contract.

Fulham want to pen him down for the long-term future and have held talks about offering him an extension, but no agreement has been reached as of yet.

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Adama Traore reveals how fictional football movie convinced him to join West Ham

22:00 , Chris Wilson

Spain international Adama Traoré completed a move to West Ham United from fellow London club Fulham on Wednesday, revealing a film about his new team taught him about the passion of its supporters.

The 30-year-old winger stated: "I’ve been seeing West Ham for a long time. It’s a massive club, a massive fanbase. I’ve been watching since I was young, when I watched a film about West Ham. I know about the fans and how much passion they have."

This cinematic reference is widely believed to be to the 2005 fictional drama Green Street, which explored the culture of football hooliganism in English football through a fan group associated with the London club.

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Adama Traore reveals how fictional football movie convinced him to join West Ham

Man United monitoring Rennes starlet

21:30 , Will Castle

While Jeremy Jacquet is the name on everyone’s lips, Manchester United are looking further forward in Rennes’ ranks as they monitor striker Kader Meite.

According to Sky Sports, United are unlikely to move for the 18-year-old this window but see him as a possible future target.

United are tracking a variety of young prospects but are aware of the unique pressures the club’s environment brings, so want to be cautious with budding stars.

Chelsea face competition from Liverpool and Bayern for Jacquet

21:00 , 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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Paqueta given permission to undergo Flamengo medical

20:30 , Will Castle

West Ham have given Lucas Paqueta permission to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms with Brazilian club Flamengo.

Paqueta's turbulent spell in east London is close to coming to an end with a return to his homeland agreed for a fee understood to be around £35m.

The Hammers wanted the Brazil international to stay until the end of the season to help the club's battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League, but the 28-year-old was determined to leave.

A West Ham statement read: "West Ham United can confirm that Lucas Paqueta has been given permission to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms with Brazilian club Flamengo, after a fee was agreed for his permanent transfer.

"Lucas has made it clear that, for personal and family reasons, he wishes to return home to Brazil and make a fresh start after being cleared in July 2025 of FA misconduct charges that took two years to be resolved - a situation that caused him significant mental strain.

"Despite the club doing everything possible to persuade Lucas to stay, he has remained adamant that his wish is to leave.

"Therefore, the head coach and the club have reluctantly agreed to accept his transfer request.

"West Ham United would like to take this opportunity to thank our management, players, staff and loyal supporters for the unwavering and devoted support they have shown to Lucas throughout his time at the club and, in particular, over the past two-and-a-half years."

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Julian Alvarez 'unhappy' at Atletico as Arsenal learn price

20:00 , 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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Raheem Sterling leaves Chelsea after contract terminated early before January deadline day

19:30 , Miguel Delaney

Raheem Sterling has left Chelsea after a mutual agreement to terminate his contract.

The former England winger has been out of favour for two seasons at Stamford Bridge, leading to a loan move to rivals Arsenal last term.

But without a move last summer, Sterling has not played a minute of first-team football since.

A statement from Chelsea read: "Raheem Sterling has today departed Chelsea Football Club by mutual agreement, bringing to an end three-and-a-half seasons as our player, having signed in the summer of 2022 when he was transferred from Manchester City.

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Raheem Sterling leaves Chelsea after contract terminated early

Arne Slot expects Andy Robertson to stay at Liverpool after Spurs interest

19:00 , Chris Wilson

Arne Slot expects Andy Robertson to stay put at Liverpool this month after preliminary talks with Tottenham were held over a move.

Spurs made a surprise approach for the left-back last week, whose contract at Anfield expires in the summer and who had said he would like more first-team football after losing his place in the side to Milos Kerkez.

Liverpool considered Tottenham’s offer out of respect for Robertson but concluded that, as things stand, they need him at Anfield.

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Arne Slot expects Andy Robertson to stay at Liverpool after Spurs interest

Ward-Prowse completes Burnley loan

18:30 , Will Castle

West Ham midfielder James Ward-Prowse has completed a loan switch to Burnley until the end of the season.

The former England international will spend the remainder of the campaign at Turf Moor having passed his medical.

Ward-Prowse told the Clarets website: "I'm really pleased to be here. As soon as I heard of Burnley's interest and spoke to the manager, I knew this loan spell was just what I needed.

"There's a big battle between now and the end of the season, but I'm going to relish every moment. I just want to get out there, pull on the Burnley shirt and give my all for the challenge that's ahead."

The 31-year-old joined the Hammers from Southampton in 2023 and spent the first half of last season on loan at Nuno Espirito Santo's Nottingham Forest.

That deal was terminated early and Nuno subsequently followed him to West Ham, where Ward-Prowse had not made an appearance since the Portuguese coach's appointment in September.

Milan targeting Ake?

18:15 , Chris Wilson

Reports claim that AC Milan are targeting Nathan Ake as a defensive signing before the January window shuts.

Matteo Moretto claimed that the Italian club “are trying to figure out if he can become a transfer opportunity in these final days of this winter transfer window”, though several barriers remain including Ake’s wages and City’s ongoing defensive injury crisis.

Shrewsbury sack manager Appleton

18:15 , Will Castle

Shrewsbury have dismissed Michael Appleton after they suffered a sixth defeat in seven Sky Bet League Two matches.

Appleton took over at New Meadow last March and even though he was unable to secure League One survival, he stayed on to spearhead the club's promotion bid from the fourth tier of English football.

However, it has been a torrid campaign for Shrewsbury and Tuesday's 1-0 loss at Cambridge made it 15 league defeats this term and the board has acted.

"Shrewsbury can confirm head coach Michael Appleton and his assistant Richard O'Donnell have left the club by mutual consent," a club statement read.

"We wish them the best of luck for the future. The process of appointing a new head coach is under way."

Elliott situation isn't changing despite being in Villa squad for Salzburg clash

18:00 , Will Castle

Unai Emery says Harvey Elliott is in Aston Villa’s squad to face RB Salzburg on Thursday but reiterates that his situation at the club will not be changing.

"There are still five days to finish the transfer window. With Harvey, it is not changing,” Emery said on Elliott, who has seen his gametime starved to avoid triggering a £35m obligation to buy from Liverpool.

"We spoke with him clearly. He is a fantastic guy. On Sunday, he was on the bench. If we needed some help from him, he was ready to do,

"Tomorrow he is in the squad to but for him, it is not changing from the situation he has now."

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DONE DEAL! Douglas Luiz returns to Aston Villa

17:57 , Will Castle

Douglas Luiz has returned to Aston Villa on loan from Juventus, following his exit from Nottingham Forest.

He arrives back in Birmingham for a loan fee of €2m, with Villa having a €25m option to buy the player they sold in 2024.

Liverpool interested in Upamecano amid stalling Bayern contract talks

17:45 , 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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Douglas Luiz exit 'more or less there' ahead of Villa move

17:30 , Will Castle

Sean Dyche has confirmed Douglas Luiz is on the verge of leaving Nottingham Forest as he closes in on a return to Aston Villa from Juventus.

The Brazilian has not hit the heights at the City Ground, but did battle with injury.

"I don't think it is quite done, it is more or less there," he said. "It was a difficult one for me. When we came here he got injured, he recovered from that and agreed to be rushed back a little bit.

"I think he was a bit frustrated with his true fitness and his form. But we know what a good player he is, there is no two ways about that.

"But he has an opportunity and we felt it was right, he felt it was right and, if it gets finalised, it is a win-win in that respect."

In terms of incomings, Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa joins Jean-Philippe Mateta on the target list, while Dyche suggested a left-back is on his radar ahead of Oleksandr Zinchenko's expected return to loan club Arsenal this month.

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Adama Traore reveals how fictional football movie convinced him to join West Ham

17:15 , Will Castle

Spain international Adama Traoré completed a move to West Ham United from fellow London club Fulham on Wednesday, revealing a film about his new team taught him about the passion of its supporters.

The 30-year-old winger stated: "I’ve been seeing West Ham for a long time. It’s a massive club, a massive fanbase. I’ve been watching since I was young, when I watched a film about West Ham. I know about the fans and how much passion they have."

This cinematic reference is widely believed to be to the 2005 fictional drama Green Street, which explored the culture of football hooliganism in English football through a fan group associated with the London club.

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Adama Traore reveals how fictional football movie convinced him to join West Ham

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

17:00 , 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.

And selling Bobb helps City recoup some money after spending £82.5m in January on Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo.

Bobb, who also attracted interest from Borussia Dortmund, has started five Premier League games this season, but only two since August.

The 22-year-old made 47 appearances for City, scoring three goals – the most significant an injury-time winner at Newcastle in January 2024.

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

Barry Bannan completes Millwall move in emotional Wednesday farewell

16:45 , Will Castle

Long-serving Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Barry Bannan has completed his move to Championship rivals Millwall.

The 36-year-old, who has signed an 18-month contract at The Den, spent a decade at Hillsborough, during which he made over 450 appearances for the Owls.

Millwall director of football Steve Gallen said: "I'm really pleased to bring Barry into our football club. He's a player that myself, Alex (Neil) and football fans all over the country have admired for many years."

Bannan, who was given an emotional send-off by Wednesday fans after their defeat at Bristol City at the weekend, is available for selection for Millwall's home clash against Sheffield United on Saturday.

BREAKING: Raheem Sterling leaves Chelsea after contract terminated early

16:32 , Miguel Delaney

Raheem Sterling has left Chelsea after a mutual agreement to terminate his contract.

The former England winger has been out of favour for two seasons at Stamford Bridge, leading to a loan move to rivals Arsenal last term.

But without a move last summer, Sterling has not played a minute of first-team football since.

A statement from Chelsea read: "Raheem Sterling has today departed Chelsea Football Club by mutual agreement, bringing to an end three-and-a-half seasons as our player, having signed in the summer of 2022 when he was transferred from Manchester City.

“We thank Raheem for the contribution he made while a Chelsea player and wish him well for the next stage in his career."

Dyche coy over Mateta pursuit

16:15 , Chris Wilson

"You want good players at your club, and we have got them and if we can add strength," said Forest boss Sean Dyche when asked questions over his club’s pursuit of signings before the window ends.

Forest have been linked with Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, are prepared to pay £35m to sign the Frenchman according to Sky Sports.

"The club has made it clear there will support me and the owner [Evangelos Marinakis] have made that clear all along and he is willing to do that,” explained Dyche.

"But it has to be the right people and situation and fees and contracts agreed, so it is never done until it is actually done.

"There are a couple of situations we are awaiting on news, but if we can get good people in, we will do it and the owner has made that clear to me."

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Paqueta given permission to undergo Flamengo medical

16:00 , Will Castle

West Ham have given Lucas Paqueta permission to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms with Brazilian club Flamengo.

Paqueta's turbulent spell in east London is close to coming to an end with a return to his homeland agreed for a fee understood to be around £35m.

The Hammers wanted the Brazil international to stay until the end of the season to help the club's battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League, but the 28-year-old was determined to leave.

A West Ham statement read: "West Ham United can confirm that Lucas Paqueta has been given permission to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms with Brazilian club Flamengo, after a fee was agreed for his permanent transfer.

"Lucas has made it clear that, for personal and family reasons, he wishes to return home to Brazil and make a fresh start after being cleared in July 2025 of FA misconduct charges that took two years to be resolved - a situation that caused him significant mental strain.

"Despite the club doing everything possible to persuade Lucas to stay, he has remained adamant that his wish is to leave.

"Therefore, the head coach and the club have reluctantly agreed to accept his transfer request.

"West Ham United would like to take this opportunity to thank our management, players, staff and loyal supporters for the unwavering and devoted support they have shown to Lucas throughout his time at the club and, in particular, over the past two-and-a-half years."

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Fulham agree deal to sign Bobb

15:45 , Chris Wilson

Fulham have agreed a £27m deal with Manchester City to sign Oscar Bobb, according to Sky Sports.

More on this one as it comes in!

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Patrick Dorgu out for months as Man United dealt worst case scenario for his injury

15:30 , Will Castle

Patrick Dorgu is set for up to 10 weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring problem after Manchester United were dealt the worst case scenario for the player’s injury.

Dorgu went down with a thigh problem late into Sunday’s win over Premier League leaders Arsenal, a game in which the Dane starred and scored a spectacular half-volley to give his side the lead after the restart.

He was replaced by Benjamin Sesko in the 81st minute but interim United boss Michael Carrick was hopeful that the issue was just cramp, telling reporters in a post-match press conference: “He ended up coming off with a little bit of cramp, hopefully it’s nothing worse. At this stage it’s hard to tell so we’ll just have to wait and see, but we’re hoping it’s not too bad.”

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Dorgu out for months as Man United dealt worst case scenario for his injury

Villa close to Douglas Luiz deal, confirms Emery

15:15 , Jack Rathborn

"I think so [deal close],” Emery said in his pre-match press conference before taking on RB Salzburg in the Europa League.

"After those updates, we need to manage centre midfield with the matches, we are involving Douglas Luiz for this reason and Amadou Onana is coming back.

"Ross Barkley is coming back in a few days. He is so close to joining us. He will be very important. We also have George Hemmings. He has huge potential."

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Paqueta poised for £36.5m Flamengo move

15:00 , Jack Rathborn

Lucas Paqueta is set to join Flamengo after a deal was agreed with West Ham.

The Brazil international will cost in the region of £36.5m (€42m), reports Sky Sports.

And Paqueta has been given permission to fly to Brazil to complete a medical.

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Spurs to cut short Kolo Muani loan?

14:45 , Jack Rathborn

Juventus could move for Randal Kolo Muani, reports Tuttosport.

The French striker is on loan at Tottenham, from PSG, but without regular gametime, the Old Lady are considering a move and agreement with the Premier League and Ligue 1 club to cut short that deal.

It would send Kolo Muani back to Turin, where he enjoyed a fine loan spell last year, scoring eight in 16 Serie A games.

Spurs are reportedly open to ending the loan deal prematurely, while Kolo Muani is also thought to be “fine” after being involved in a minor car accident.

Celtic's Yamada leaves on loan

14:30 , Jack Rathborn

Celtic striker Shin Yamada has joined Preusen Munster on loan until the end of the season.

The Japanese international had failed to score in 12 appearances for the Hoops in all competitions this season.

Juventus unlikely to move for Mateta

14:15 , Jack Rathborn

Juventus 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.

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Chelsea and Aston Villa monitor PSG youngster

14:00 , Jack Rathborn

There’s plenty of talent coming through at Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea and Aston Villa are supposedly keen on one of their brightest prospects - Ibrahim Mbaye turned 18 yesterday after becoming Senegal’s youngest ever Africa Cup of Nations scorer earlier in January.

Sky Germany say that the Premier League pair are watching him closely.

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Cole Palmer 'untouchable' amid Man Utd links

13:45 , Jack Rathborn

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.”

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Napoli renew interest in Jadon Sancho

13:31 , 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 will only sell Mateta on permanent move

13:15 , Jack Rathborn

Crystal Palace are only willing to sanction a permanent exit for Jean-Philippe Mateta in this transfer window.

The Eagles are open to selling the French international if his £35m valuation is met and they can find a suitable replacement.

But, the club are not actively looking to sell their top scorer.

Contract negotiations between Mateta and the club have stalled meaning they would have to consider serious offers. Mateta's contract expires at the end of the 2026/27 season.

Palace are unwilling to entertain any loan options unless there is a permanent element attached.

Beto's move collapses

13:00 , Jack Rathborn

Everton striker Beto’s move to Fenerbache has collapsed.

The Portuguese had been earmarked as a replacement for Youssef En-Nesyri, who is in talks with Juventus, and his agent was spotted in Istanbul this week.

Everton demanded a fee of €20m (£17.3m) which has led Fenerbahce to move onto other targets.

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Fulham bid £28m for striker

12:45 , Jack Rathborn

Fulham have contacted PSV Eindhoven with a bid worth £28m for striker Ricardo Pepi.

Sky Sports say it would be the second attempt Fulham have made for the USA international, after their £21m bid last January was rejected.

The PSV striker’s contract runs until 2030 but PSV are considering Fulham’s bid.

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No signings coming for Newcastle

12:30 , Jack Rathborn

Eddie Howe has confirmed that Newcastle will not pursue any new signings in the January transfer window.

He said: "We have the players that we have, and we have to find a solution with those players," he said.

"There’s no point me thinking we need another type of player at this moment because it’s not going to happen.”

Sergio Ramos to buy Sevilla

12:15 , Jack Rathborn

Sergio Ramos has reportedly reached an agreement to buy Sevilla.

Ramos first joined Sevilla in 1996, breaking into their first-team in 2004 before joining Real Madrid, and later PSG.

Carrusel Deportivo claims he has reached an agreement in principle to buy out the club’s shareholders, and he has entered an exclusivity period.

Due diligence will now be carried out before a takeover can be confirmed.

Burnley no longer interested in Ward-Prowse

12:00 , Jack Rathborn

Burnley are no longer pursuing a deal for West Ham midfielder James Ward-Prowse.

Burnley had held talks over a move in this window as Ward-Prowse has not featured under Nuno Espírito Santo.

The Clarets have since pulled out of negotiations.

Everton reject bid for Iroegbunam

11:45 , Jack Rathborn

Everton have rejected an offer from Lazio for Tim Iroegbunam.

It is understood the offer wasn’t close to their valuation of the midfielder and was swiftly rejected.

Everton have also rejected a higher offer from elsewhere says Sky Sports.

Roma signal Zirkzee interest

11:30 , 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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Bobb close to Fulham move

11:15 , Jack Rathborn

Fulham are close to reaching an agreement with Manchester City for Oscar Bobb, Sky Sports News reports.

The West London club are expected to make a formal bid for the 22-year-old winger.

Personal terms are also understood to be ready for Bobb to sign, but an agreement between the club still needs to be finalised and a medical performed.

The fee is thought to be in excess of £30m.

Bayern open talks over new Kane contract

11:00 , Jack Rathborn

Bayern Munich have opened talks with Harry Kane over a new contract says Sky Sports.

The England striker's deal currently runs until the summer of 2027 and Bayern sporting director Max Eberl has confirmed that negotiations are underway to extend the 32-year-old's stay in Germany.

Kane is open to extending his time with the club and the England captain would be 35 if he stayed at Bayern until the summer of 2029 which is being rumoured as the extension date.

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Pato attends Colchester game amid takeover claims

10:45 , Jack Rathborn

Former Brazil international Alexandre Pato attended Colchester's recent 2-1 victory against Fleetwood amid reports he is involved in a possible takeover of the League Two club.

Pato, who played for AC Milan and also had a short loan spell with Chelsea, was a guest of chairman Robbie Cowling for Saturday's match, the Press Association has been told.

The BBC has reported Pato, 36, is a member of a consortium interested in completing a takeover of Colchester. The Us are eighth in League Two and unbeaten in their last six matches.

Rangers launch move for Naderi

10:30 , 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.

Villa to re-sign Luiz

10:22 , Jack Rathborn

Aston Villa have verbally agreed a deal to re-sign Douglas Luiz on loan from Juventus says Sky Sports.

He will join Villa on loan with an option to buy in the summer and the midfielder is reported to have had his heart set on returning to Villa despite interest from Chelsea.

Villa wanted to sign a midfielder because of injuries to Boubacar Kamara, John McGinn and Youri Tielemans.

West Ham interested in Kinsky

09:28 , Jack Rathborn

West Ham are interested in signing goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky from Tottenham.

Kinsky is second choice to Guglielmo Vicario at Spurs and has hardly played this season.

Spurs are waiting to determine their qualification for the Champions League knockout stages before progressing with further transfer activity.

Patrick Dorgu out for months as Man United dealt worst case scenario for his injury

08:58 , Jack Rathborn

Patrick Dorgu is set for up to 10 weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring problem after Manchester United were dealt the worst case scenario for the player’s injury.

Dorgu went down with a thigh problem late into Sunday’s win over Premier League leaders Arsenal, a game in which the Dane starred and scored a spectacular half-volley to give his side the lead after the restart.

Could this lead to United dipping into the market with Champions League football on the line after Michael Carrick’s positive start as interim boss?

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Celtic enter race for Kasper Hogh

08:28 , Jack Rathborn

Celtic 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.

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Liverpool to hold on to Andy Robertson despite Tottenham interest

08:13 , Jack Rathborn

Liverpool 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.

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Liverpool to hold on to Andy Robertson despite Tottenham interest

Liverpool have sights on Wharton

08:03 , 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.

West Ham 'agree deal' over Paqueta

07:53 , Jack Rathborn

West 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

07:53 , 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

07:51 , 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.”

Chelsea face competition from Liverpool and Bayern for Jacquet

07:50 , 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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