Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham are some of the early movers and shakers in the transfer market – along with Manchester United following the sacking of Ruben Amorim.
Big-money transfers and superstar moves are often few and far between during the winter window but there are already suggestions that this month could be different to the norm, with Manchester City looking most likely to secure a deal for Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo.
That move – which it has been suggested will hit around the £65m mark – could be wrapped up in the coming days, and the usual suspects are also looking to make moves to improve their squads, with Liverpool considering Marc Guehi as well as a couple of star young defenders in Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Joel Ordonez.
Plenty of eyes are on Manchester United too, who were reported to be monitoring Carlos Baleba before Amorim’s dismissal.
Real Madrid are said to be interested in Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton who has plenty of suitors in the Premier League including Liverpool while City’s Rodri has once again been linked with a move to the Spanish giants.
Elsewhere, Chelsea are set to appoint Liam Rosenior as their new boss after the sacking of Enzo Maresca and Arsenal are touted to reignite their long-standing interest in Rodrygo of Real Madrid.
Follow all the latest transfer news, gossip, rumours and done deals in The Independent’s live blog below:
Read MoreThe favourites to be the next Manchester United manager
How Chelsea’s ‘nobody’ exposed Enzo Maresca as dispensable
January transfer window latest updates
- Manchester United sack Ruben Amorim
- Liverpool set to sign Austrian wonderkid
- Arsenal consider €60m offer for world-class forward
- Tottenham chase winger Yan Diomande
- Antoine Semenyo expected to face Tottenham despite £65m move to Man City
- Deadline day on Monday 2 February at 7pm GMT
How Man United can finally break their cycle of doom after Amorim sacking
14:00 , Miguel DelaneyRuben Amorim’s press conference at Leeds United may have offered up his final word at Manchester United, but that was largely because the Portuguese already had an idea he was facing up to his final days.
Well-placed sources say the club’s hierarchy met last Thursday (1 January) to discuss the manager’s situation, among other issues with the team, which was quite a way to start the new year.
The nature of the 1-1 draw with Wolves is now seen as having brought a shift, as tension was rising.
How Man United can finally break their cycle of doom after Amorim sacking
Chelsea could bring back Argentine defender from Dortmund loan
13:45 , Jack RathbornBorussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl has confirmed Chelsea could bring back Aaron Anselmino from his loan.
He states: "We're planning with him for the second half of the season. But of course, in the end, it's a matter of contract design. Chelsea also has certain ideas from the situation we were in back then."
"I think it makes sense for all parties involved for Aaron to also play for Borussia Dortmund in the second half of the season, to help us, himself, and ultimately Chelsea as well."
The Argentine has impressed for BVB and could boost the Blues at the back at centre-back or left-back.
Saudi boxing chief calls for Glazer family to go after Ruben Amorim sacking
13:30 , Flo CliffordSaudi royal adviser and boxing chief Turki Alalshikh has called for Manchester United’s majority owners, the Glazer family, to follow head coach Ruben Amorim out the door at Old Trafford.
Former Sporting CP manager Amorim was sacked on Monday morning, bringing an end to a turbulent 14-month reign.
Saudi boxing chief calls for Glazer family to go after Ruben Amorim sacking
West Ham sign Argentine striker from Lazio
13:15 , Jack RathbornValentin Castellanos, known as ‘Taty’, has joined West Ham from Lazio.
The Argentina joins a rich history of compatriots who built a bond with the Hammers faithful: Carlos Tevez, Mauro Zarate and Manuel Lanzini.
Will he be enough to boost their goals to fire them to safety?
Ready to make his mark 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/3ZXRnoQhuv
— West Ham United (@WestHam) January 5, 2026
What Gary Neville said about Ruben Amorim just before his Man United sacking
13:00 , Mike JonesGary Neville’s final comments about Ruben Amorim before his sacking by Manchester United suggested the Portuguese manager was “starting to unleash” due to unhappiness with the Old Trafford hierarchy.
Following United’s 1-1 Premier League draw at Leeds on Sunday, Amorim stressed that he was manager of the club, rather than just their coach, during a tetchy press conference that raised doubts over his future.
What Gary Neville said about Ruben Amorim just before his Man United sacking
McFarlane on Chelsea characters
12:46 , Mike JonesTemporary boss Calum McFarlane paid tribute to the Chelsea players after they shrugged off a week of turmoil to snatch an unexpected draw at Manchester City.
McFarlane said: “There’s a lot of change that’s gone on. Enzo was incredibly successful with this group and some of them were shocked by the decision.
“So the character that they’ve shown in the last two days. Everyone thought we were coming here to lose. No-one thought we stood a chance.
“But we knew the character and the talent in this group and they’ve really dragged it through. I can’t speak highly enough about the characters in the group.”
West Ham targets
12:37 , Mike JonesGil Vicente striker Pablo is a player who is also represented by Jorge Mendes’ Gestifute agency, the same as Nuno Espirito Santo’s.
West Ham are also hoping to sign Fulham's Adama Traore and have agreed a £25.2m deal with Lazio for forward Taty Castellanos.
West Ham have no intention to sack Nuno
12:26 , Mike JonesOne Portuguese manager has been sacked today and another one has (seemingly) been saved.
Nuno Espirito Santo is under pressure at West Ham United with the club sitting 18th in the table and in danger of relegation.
Sky Sports News report that the club have no intentions of sacking Nuno and are planning their January moves around the manager’s suggestions on players.
Where did Ruben Amorim rank among Man United’s worst managers?
12:15 , Will CastleRuben Amorim’s torrid time as Manchester United manager has come to an end, leaving an unenviable legacy in his wake at Old Trafford.
Arriving to much hype after a spectacular reign at Sporting CP, Amorim failed to inspire a change of fortunes in his 14 months at United and instead oversaw a drastic decline in results.
Where did Ruben Amorim rank among Man United’s worst managers?
Simpson-Pusey heading to Germany
12:06 , Mike JonesManchester City youngster Jahmai Simpson-Pusey is in Germany and is set to join FC Koln on loan.
The centre-back spent the first half of the campaign at Celtic but played only 64 league minutes for the reigning Scottish champions.
City hope this next loan will provide more minutes for the 20-year-old.
Tzolis on Spurs' shortlist
11:56 , Mike JonesClub Brugge's 23-year-old Greek winger Christos Tzolis, who made 14 Premier League appearances for relegated Norwich City during the 2021/22 season, is top of a shortlist at Tottenham Hotspur.
That list is for a new forward after Mohammed Kudus picked up an injury against Sunderland and Brennan Johnson is set to move to Crystal Palace for £35m.
Wayne Rooney emphatically backs favourite for Chelsea job: ‘He won’t disappoint’
11:47 , Mike JonesWayne Rooney has emphatically backed Liam Rosenior, stating the coach has completed his "apprenticeship" and is ready to take the managerial helm at Chelsea.
Rosenior is reportedly set to leave his role as Strasbourg head coach to replace Enzo Maresca, having arrived in west London on Sunday for discussions with the Blues’ hierarchy.
Wayne Rooney emphatically backs favourite for Chelsea job: ‘He won’t disappoint’
Rooney backs Rosenior
11:36 , Mike JonesWayne Rooney is backing Liam Rosenior to do well at Chelsea should he be appointed to replace Enzo Maresca as manager.
Rooney said: "If he goes in there, he won’t disappoint. He’s been waiting for an opportunity like this. If you don’t take it now, then you’re never going to take it. And I think he’s done his apprenticeship, he’s done his work to try and get to that job.
“So he’ll have no doubts in his mind that he’s capable of doing that job. And hopefully, very soon, we hear that he is the manager, because for young English coaches I think it’s massive.
“He’s taken chances and hopefully that pays off because I think Liam is as good a coach as I’ve ever worked with. His detail, how he approaches the day-to-day, he’s as good as I’ve worked with."
Liverpool cool interest in Botman
11:25 , Mike JonesAs part of their plan to bring in a new centre-back Liverpool had reportedly had their eye on Newcastle defender Sven Botman.
With the prolonged saga over Alexander Isak last summer still fresh in the minds, Liverpool have allegedly cooled on their interest of the Newcastle man.
Arsenal submit offer for Diaz?
11:17 , Mike JonesArsenal have reportedly submitted an offer of £44m for Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz.
football365 report that the Gunners aim to reinforcement their forward line in January as they look to push for a first Premier League title under Mikel Arteta.
Arteta recently said: “We are open to every option.
“Obviously, if we can find a solution that is short, medium or long. It’s always much better because it gives you stability and you don’t have to constantly start a process with a new player.
“But let’s see what happens, let’s see what the news is in the next few weeks, and we’ll try to make the right decision.”
The warning Liverpool ignored to underline Arne Slot’s alarming issue
11:08 , Mike JonesIt was a game of fine margins… and rather wide margins. Not least the space allowed to Harrison Reed to score one of the goals of the season.
That 97th-minute strike denied Liverpool what would have been a rare come-from-behind win. Fulham could reasonably claim this 2-2 draw was the least they deserved, though, as the margin between the actual teams wasn’t that wide.
This is where there are greater questions for Arne Slot.
The warning Liverpool ignored to underline Arne Slot’s alarming issue
Reds set to sign wonderkid
10:57 , Mike JonesLiverpool are set to sign a young defender to fill the gap they have at centre-back.
Last week they came close to securing a deal for Austrian talent Ifeanyi Ndukwe and now look closer to bringing the defender to Anfield.
Ndukwe is set to arrive for around £2.6m and although he will initially join the Liverpool academy.
Tottenham chase Diomande
10:51 , Mike JonesTottenham Hotspur are showing an interest in RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande according to Fabrizio Romano.
The 19-year-old has scored six goals and provided three assists in his first 14 Bundesliga appearances.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano says that Leipzig do not want to sell the winger and a move is more likely to happen in the summer.
Arsenal consider €60m offer for world-class forward
10:47 , Mike JonesArsenal are rumoured to be interested in Real Madrid forward Rodrygo.
The Gunners are believed to be considering a €60m offer for the wide attacker as they are long-term admirers.
The club reportedly made contact over a possible move last summer and that interest hasn’t waned.
Spanish outlet Fichajes also add that Saudi club Al-Hilal are interested and may come closer to Real’s valuation of €65m.
Liverpool close to signing Club Brugge defender
10:47 , Mike JonesLiverpool are circling a deal for Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez.
The Reds wanted a central defender in the summer but failed to get a deal for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi over the line.
They now look to have moved on to the 21-year-old Ordonez but have yet to confirm whether they have agreed a deal with Brugge.
Man City’s crushing injury blow leaves season hanging by a thread
10:37 , Richard JollyA stadium winced. A stadium held its breath. If such things are possible, anyway, because it seemed that way. Rodri was grounded, a yellow card brandished in the direction of Reece James, who had caught him. Relief engulfed the Etihad Stadium when, if gingerly, Rodri got to his feet.
His first start in almost three months did not come to an abrupt end. And yet, even as Manchester City were given hope by an excellent performance that the Ballon d’Or winner can be far more of a factor in the second half of the season than the first, they got an unwanted reminder that injuries can assume huge consequences.
Man City’s crushing injury blow leaves season hanging by a thread
Do City need reinforcements?
10:30 , Mike Jones“We have a lot [of injuries],” said Pep Guardiola. “John Stones is missing for I don't know how many months. Ruben [Dias] now will be out, Josko [Gvardiol] will be out.
“Always we know with Nathan he cannot play regularly. It's the situation. Of course I have concerns. Have you seen the bench today? Four players from the academy and now we will have more.”
Will this injury crisis force City into the market during the January transfer window?
Guardiola on Maresca's Chelsea exit
10:22 , Mike JonesThe Manchester City boss spoke about Enzo Maresca being let go from Chelsea after differences with the higher ups at the club.
Pep Guardiola said: “The only (thing) I can say is that Chelsea, I think, from my point of view, lose an incredible, incredible manager, incredible person.
“But this (is a) decision from the hierarchy from Chelsea, so (I have) nothing to say.
“In football? Surprise? No. It only confirms how lucky I am in the club where I am. My club is extraordinary.”
Ruben Amorim sacked by Man United to end miserable reign
10:21 , Mike JonesRuben Amorim has been sacked by Manchester United to end a turbulent spell in charge at Old Trafford after just 14 months.
A flashy hire after a spectacular reign at Sporting, Amorim struggled to implement his preferred 3-4-2-1 system, remaining loyal to it despite apparent alternatives.
Ruben Amorim sacked by Man United to end miserable reign
Pep Guardiola committed to Man City contract
10:15 , Mike JonesPep Guardiola has reiterated his desire to stay on at Manchester City amid fresh rumours surrounding Enzo Maresca.
The long-serving City manager said last month he intended to see out his contract at the Etihad Stadium, which runs until the summer of 2027.
He said: “I have a contract. I said a thousand million times. It’s 10 years here, I will leave one day but I have a contract. I’m happy. I want to fight with my team.
“The hierarchy respect me, that was proved last season with what happened in this club – we didn’t win one game in two, three months. They supported me.
“I have one more year’s contract. I like to be here, so we will see, you will see.”
How Chelsea’s ‘nobody’ exposed Enzo Maresca as dispensable
10:07 , Richard JollyThe incomparable against the unknown, the defining manager of the last couple of decades against one who, two days earlier, many Chelsea fans would have struggled to pick out of an identity parade.
And yet if it promised to be one of the great managerial mismatches, it instead finished with the supposed nobody being celebrated by the Chelsea faithful.
Arsenal may want to thank him, too. Perhaps the title race was reshaped by Calum McFarlane.
How Chelsea’s ‘nobody’ exposed Enzo Maresca as dispensable
O'Neil could replace Rosenior
10:00 , Mike JonesWith Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior highly likely to take up the role as Chelsea boss there will be a vacancy at the French club.
Former Wolves and Bournemouth boss Gary O’Neil is said to be on the shortlist to replace Rosenior.
O’Neil has been out of work since leaving Wolves in December 2024 and the 42-year-old came close to rejoining Wolves after they sacked Vitor Pereira earlier this season.
No transfer plans for Sunderland
09:53 , Mike JonesSunderland boss Regis Le Bris admitted that there were no plans to bring in more players during the next month.
Sunderland’s aim this season is to secure a spot in the top flight for 2025/26 having been promoted from the Championship last year.
They’s already secured 30 points and are in no immediate danger of relegation though there are 18 games left to play.
Before facing Tottenham yesterday, Le Bris was asked if he had any news on transfers and he said: "Nothing. I'm focused on the game only."
West Ham winger joins Sporting
09:45 , Mike JonesWest Ham winger Luis Guilherme has joined Sporting for £17.5m.
The 19-year-old Brazilian moves to Portugal having made 18 appearances for the Hammers since joining from Palmeiras in June 2024.
The move is a decent injection of cash for the struggling Premier League side who may hope to strengthen this month.
Why Enzo Maresca to Man City never made any sense
09:37 , Mike JonesIf Enzo Maresca’s last contribution as a Manchester City employee was to help them secure the treble in 2023, his most recent input to the discourse around the Etihad Stadium feels more unwelcome.
The apparent indications that City’s former assistant manager had spoken to his old club about the possibility of replacing Pep Guardiola raised the issue of the Spaniard’s future.
‘Just a rumour’: Why Enzo Maresca to Man City never made any sense
Shock exit for Vinicius Jr?
09:30 , Mike JonesNever mind a pinch, I’d take a handful of salt for this next rumour.
The Sun are sourcing TeamTalk as claiming that Real Madrid have offered Vinicius Jr to Chelsea in what would be the most surprising move of the January window.
Vinicius is said to be interested in the move but that could be due to the reported disconnect with manager Xabi Alonso about the style of play Real have been coached this season.
At present this one is highly unlikely to happen but worth mentioning just in case of any developments.
Scott Parker felt Burnley ‘lacked belief’ in defeat to Brighton
09:22 , Mike JonesBurnley boss Scott Parker accused his players of lacking belief and rolling over following a “powderpuff” display in a limp 2-0 Premier League defeat at Brighton.
“We lacked belief and I didn’t feel for one second that it was a team or group that ever believed they could come here and get a result really,” said Parker.
“You can lose football matches but there are ways of losing and I just felt we looked at times powderpuff.
“We were never in the game. We didn’t deserve anything from the game just from our general approach and our general body language and the way we went about it.”
Hugo Ekitike joins Liverpool injury list
09:15 , Mike JonesHugo Ekitike missed Liverpool’s trip to Fulham due to a minor hamstring injury but could return in time for the clash with Premier League leaders Arsenal on Thursday.
Head coach Arne Slot said the striker, who is Liverpool’s top scorer this season with 11 goals in all competitions, picked up the problem due to an increased workload over the festive period.
Paris FC interested in Issa Diop
09:07 , Mike JonesParis FC are interested in Fulham defender Issa Diop, according to L’Equipe.
The club are looking for an experienced centre-back and have targeted Frenchman Diop, who is under contract with Fulham until 2027.
The former West Ham man started his senior career in Ligue 1 with Toulouse.
Crystal Palace's Mateta not for sale
09:00 , Mike JonesJean-Philippe Mateta is having a fine season with Crystal Palace and has scored eight goals from his 20 league appearances this term.
As such, interest is growing from ‘bigger’ clubs with both Man Utd and Tottenham said to want to sign him.
However, Palace insist he is not for sale, according to TEAMtalk and they hope to secure a new contract for him with his current deal ending in the summer of 2027.
08:52 , Mike Jones Ruben Amorim hinted at frustration behind the scenes as the Manchester United head coach refused to clarify his recent comments about the club's transfer plans.
Amorim said on Friday there had been no transfer conversations just a fortnight on from revealing activity was possible.
Some potentially illuminating Christmas Eve comments came in between those statements when the United head coach said: "I have the feeling that if we have to play a perfect 3-4-3, we need to spend a lot of money and we need time.
"So, I'm starting to understand that that is not going to happen. So, maybe I have to adapt."
Bizarre Ruben Amorim comments spark fresh doubt in Man United soap opera
08:45 , Mike JonesNot even a boring and fairly eventless draw brings about a day of little drama for Manchester United, it seems.
It was a point gained for Leeds United in their quest to stay in the Premier League and two dropped for their rivals’ pursuit of European football, but well after full-time, another story emerged in the Elland Road media room which could suggest all is not well behind the scenes at Old Trafford.
While the game lacked entertainment, the bizarre press conference afterwards by Ruben Amorim brought a plot twist.
Bizarre Ruben Amorim comments spark fresh doubt in Man United soap opera
'Impossible' for Man Utd to let players leave this month
08:37 , Mike JonesRuben Amorim said it would be “impossible” for Manchester United to allow players to leave this month.
Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee are among those who have been linked away as they search for more game time.
But Amorim says he cannot allow players to leave given his list of absentees with the Africa Cup of Nations.
“If you look at our squad, I think it's impossible [for] someone to leave,” he said.
Sean Dyche remains tight-lipped over potential Arnaud Kalimuendo exit
08:30 , Mike JonesSean Dyche refused to comment over the potential exit of Arnaud Kalimuendo from Nottingham Forest, who is reported to be nearing a loan move to Eintracht Frankfurt.
"He is a Forest footballer, he plays for us," Dyche said.
"There are always rumours. Any decisions will be from the club and not the players."
Amass to switch clubs?
08:24 , Mike JonesManchester United defender Harry Amass is garning interest in the lower leagues due to some decent performances on loan at Sheffield Wednesday.
His deal with Wednesday is near expiring though and there is thought that United could look to move him to another another for the rest of the season.
Amass and Wednesday would reportedly be happy to continue their partnership but with the Owls struggling in the Championship Amass could be sent to pastures new.
Watford’s loss of Caleb Wiley, who has returned to parent club Chelsea, has seen them emerge as potential suitors.
08:16 , Mike Jones Brighton chief confirms Carlos Baleba stance
Brighton chairman Paul Barber says there are no plans to sell midfielder Carlos Baleba during the January transfer window amid reports of Manchester United reigniting their interest.
"No call from Old Trafford, no call from anyone connected to Manchester United," Barber told talkSPORT.
"We have no plans or desire to sell Carlos in this window or any future window. We know that he's a talented player and he's got a lot of options ahead of him in the future.
"But for us right now he's an important player in the second half of the season and we're looking forward to getting him back from Afcon."
Liam Rosenior 'calm' over Chelsea links
08:08 , Mike JonesStrasbourg manager Liam Rosenior has not ruled out replacing Enzo Maresca at Chelsea, with the 41-year-old saying on Friday that he could not guarantee he would remain at the French club until the end of the season.
“I’m calm. There is a lot of noise and speculation,” Rosenior told reporters.
“If you pay attention to it as a coach, you go crazy. We are working on the preparation for the Nice match. I’m the coach of Strasbourg and I hope we get a good result.”
Strasbourg and Nice drew 1-1 and speculation over Rosenior’s future continues to grow.
Man City eye move for Troyes starlet
08:00 , Jack RathbornManchester City have identified Troyes starlet Mathys Detourbet, reports L'Equipe.
The 18-year-old is seen as one for the future and Pep Guardiola will hope to secure a deal this month.
Though City will face competition from the likes of Roma and Monaco.
Andoni Iraola expects Semenyo to play against Tottenham
07:52 , Mike JonesBournemouth boss Andoni Iraola said he expects Antoine Semenyo to feature against Tottenham on Wednesday, in what would be his third game for the Cherries since the January window opened.
Speaking after the 3-2 defeat to Arsenal, in which Semenyo played the full match despite his much-mooted move to Manchester City, Iraola said: “I expect that. The situation hasn’t changed. I expect him to play against Spurs. There is a lot of noise around him but this is the situation."
Real Madrid plot move for Man City star Rodri
07:45 , Jack RathbornReal Madrid are looking into a move for Spain midfielder Rodri, reports Marca.
But a deal for the 29-year-old won’t happen this month.
That’s because Madrid will wait until this summer, when Rodri will have just one year left on his contract at the Etihad Stadium.
Real Madrid to challenge Liverpool for Adam Wharton
07:40 , Mike JonesCrystal Palace’s creative midfielder Adam Wharton is a prime target for plenty of Premier League clubs including Liverpool and Manchester United.
He is valued at around £60m but is unlikely to move away from Palace in January despite the growing interest in his skills.
Some of that interest comes from abroad with AS claiming that Wharton has been offered to Real Madrid who would then challenge Liverpool - seen as the English club in pole position - for his signature.
This is all speculation as, in another report, AS say that Madrid will not be making any moves in the January window meaning the path is clear should some of the Premier League big hitters want to make their move before the month is out.
Man United star linked with Napoli move
07:30 , Jack RathbornNapoli have enjoyed reviving a Manchester United midfielder’s career previously, after Scott McTominay’s sensational impact in Serie A.
And now the Azzurri want Kobbie Mainoo, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The 20-year-old could emerge as a target this month, but only if Dutch winger Noa Lang can find a move away from the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
