Tottenham have made the signing of Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher official, bringing him back to the Premier League in a £35m move after hijacking Aston Villa’s move for the former Chelsea product, as the January transfer window heats up.
Gallagher isn’t the only England international on the transfer merry-go-round with Arsenal joining the race to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi. The Eagles skipper is said to prefer a move to the Gunners or Liverpool, but Manchester City are desperate to overcome any hurdles and secure his signature this month, while European heavyweights Bayern Munich have now also expressed an interest in the England centre-back.
Mikel Arteta’s side are also rumoured to have entered the race to sign Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr, with one outlet even reporting they will offer Gabriel Martinelli in a swap deal, but Chelsea, who have reportedly made a huge bid for Federico Valverde, are also reportedly still interested in Vini Jr.
Manchester United have meanwhile confirmed the appointment of Michael Carrick as interim manager and now look to strengthen their squad before the window closes, with Carlos Baleba, Marcos Llorente and Elliot Anderson all rumoured as targets, although Man City are also said to be eyeing Nottingham Forest talisman Anderson.
And while United’s managerial picture looks clearer for the short-term, speculation remains frantic over the future of the Real Madrid dugout after Xabi Alonso’s shock exit, with the Spanish giants hoping to lure former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp back into coaching in what would be a spectacular move.
Follow all the latest transfer news, gossip, rumours and done deals in The Independent’s live blog below
Read MoreEverton target Youssef En-Nesyri to solve goalscoring woes
Pep Guardiola reveals James Trafford transfer plan
Man City prepared to overcome obstacles to sign Marc Guehi this month
January transfer window latest updates
- DONE DEAL! Conor Gallagher completes £35m move to Tottenham
- Man City preparing proposal for Marc Guehi amid Liverpool, Arsenal and Bayern interest
- Liverpool brace for bidding war over £52m Dutch starlet
- Real Madrid target Jurgen Klopp to replace Xabi Alonso
- Chelsea 'make huge bid' for Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde
- Michael Carrick appointed Man United manager until end of season
- Deadline day on Monday 2 February at 7pm GMT
‘World class’ Cole Palmer has ‘so much more’ to offer Chelsea – Liam Rosenior
20:30 , Chris WilsonChelsea boss Liam Rosenior believes there is much more to come from “world class” Cole Palmer but warned it may take time to unlock his full potential.
England international Palmer registered 43 goals and 29 assists across his first two seasons with the Blues after arriving from Premier League rivals Manchester City in 2023.
Yet, hampered by injury setbacks, the 23-year-old has struggled to make a consistent impact this term.
‘World class’ Cole Palmer has ‘so much more’ to offer Chelsea – Liam Rosenior
Why Real Madrid sacked Xabi Alonso – and how it impacts the Premier League
20:00 , Miguel DelaneyIt finished as it started, with a new coach like Xabi Alonso apparently totally out of sync with the grand old institution of Real Madrid around him.
While many around the club were all too keen to point to Kylian Mbappe allegedly stopping his teammates giving Barcelona a Super Cup guard of honour, as appeared to have been suggested, some went back much further. They went back to Alonso’s first assignment, and a fixture against Al Hilal at the Club World Cup.
Although Florentino Perez actively wanted the club to constantly proclaim the historic significance of this new competition, in keeping with his own ambitions for modern football, Alonso couldn’t really hide the fact that he didn’t attribute any sporting importance to it. Sources maintain this immediately created an issue for Perez with his vaunted new appointment. There was barely any public support for Alonso after that, and not even a mention in the president’s annual Christmas message.
That’s quite a bookend to a brief coaching tenure, that only symbolises the way every Madrid coach always gets squeezed out by the stars and the president. The saying at the Bernabeu - that has actually been articulated to executives of other major clubs – is that the coach barely matters.
Why Real Madrid sacked Xabi Alonso – and how it impacts the Premier League
Three ways Manchester United will line up under Michael Carrick
19:30 , Lawrence OstlereMichael Carrick is the new man in charge of Manchester United after signing a contract until the end of the season.
Interestingly, there was no mention of the word “interim” in United’s confirmation statement, announcing Carrick instead as simply “head coach”. That suggests that while the club are looking for a permanent manager to take over in the summer, Carrick is not entirely out of the frame to stay on beyond the next six months.
He takes over a club sitting seventh in a congested Premier League table, only three points behind Liverpool in fourth, but only six points above 15th-placed Bournemouth, and his task is simple: finish in the Premier League’s top five.
There is no European competition to distract his team and no cup involvement either. Carrick has 17 games, starting with the visit of Manchester City to Old Trafford on Saturday, in which to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
So how will Carrick set up his Manchester United team? Lawrence Ostlere explores the different possible setups:
Three ways Manchester United will line up under Michael Carrick
Sunderland facing battle to keep duo
19:00 , Will CastleSunderland are intent on keeping Romaine Mundle despite growing interest from the likes of Feyenoord and Rangers, according to Sky Sports.
Mundle wants assurances over game time and has not ruled out any of his options, which includes a potential contract extension.
Elsewhere, Rangers are among the club looking at Dan Neil, whose contract expires in the summer.
The Gers are joined by West Ham and now Bundesliga outfit Koln, who are interested both in signing him now or on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Souza set for Tottenham medical
18:30 , Will CastleWith Conor Gallagher coming through the door, it doesn’t seem like Spurs fans will need to wait much longer for their next signing.
Santos defender Souza is reportedly expected to undergo his Tottenham medical in London on Thursday ahead of a £13m move to the club, the details of which is being finalised.
The Brazilian will be brought in to provide cover and competition for Destiny Udogie.
Middlesbrough in talks over Jeremy Sarmiento
18:00 , Will CastleMiddlesbrough are continuing talks with Brighton over a potential permanent move for Jeremy Sarmiento, according to Sky Sports, though nothing has been agreed between the two clubs yet.
The 23-year-old is currently on loan at Serie A side Cremonese and Boro would need that cancelled for any switch to go through this month.
Jurgen Klopp on Real Madrid links
17:46 , Will CastleJurgen Klopp has reacted to reports linking him with the vacant Real Madrid role after Xabi Alonso’s sacking, insisting that the news “didn’t trigger anything in me”.
Speaking to ServusTV in Germany after news broke that Alonso had left Real, Klopp said: "My phone did actually ring - but not from Madrid.
"There were, however, a few people who felt they needed to bring it up with me."
Klopp then added: "In general, it's a sign that not everything there is 100 per cent right when Xabi Alonso, who showed over two years in Leverkusen what an outstanding coaching talent he is, has to leave Real Madrid just half a year later.
"When you come in after a legend and an incredibly successful coach like Carlo Ancelotti, who had a very specific way of managing his teams, and then try to introduce new rules, that has now proven to be too difficult.
"I really feel sorry for him, because I consider him a great coach. It has nothing to do with me and didn't trigger anything in me either.
"The coaching market is being reshuffled, and it's not a bad thing to experience all of this from an observer's perspective and not think about what it might mean for yourself - because you're in the right place where you are."
Rangers agree loan deal for Andreas Skov Olsen
17:30 , Will CastleRangers have agreed a loan deal for Wolfsburg winger Andreas Skov Olsen, according to Sky Sports.
The 26-year-old is set to undergo a medical on a deal that will see the Dane join until the summer.
An option to buy has been included in the deal that could see him stay at Ibrox permanently.
Chelsea hoping to flog David Datro Fofana this month
17:15 , Will CastleChelsea and David Datro Fofana are working on a permanent exit from Stamford Bridge this window, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Celtic, Royal Antwerp and Derby County have all expressed interest over potential deal for the striker, who has been sent out on four loans since joining the Blues in 2023.
Conor Bradley breaks silence after serious knee injury
17:00 , Will CastleConor Bradley has confirmed that he has undergone surgery and is beginning his rehabilitation to recover from a serious knee injury suffered against Arsenal.
"A big blow but surgery is done so the comeback starts now," Bradley posted on Instagram.
"It won't be for a little while but I already can't wait to get back playing for Liverpool and Northern Ireland. Thanks for all the support."
Miguel Delaney answers your football questions
16:45 , Will CastleWelcome to an exclusive Ask Me Anything session with Miguel Delaney, chief football writer at The Independent.
To see the questions and answers, click below – and don’t forget to press “load more” to catch the full Q&A.
Miguel Delaney answers your football questions – from transfers to managers and more
Why Man United have turned back to Michael Carrick, the anti-Amorim
16:30 , Richard JollyAs a footballer, Michael Carrick had the ability to blend into the background, his unassuming nature giving him a lower profile than his ability merited. He may have taken that capacity for relative anonymity into his coaching career. If Carrick was the stealth candidate to take the reins at Manchester United for the rest of the season, with Darren Fletcher thrust into the spotlight immediately and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the romantic, nostalgic choice, a selection process may have been the triumph of the quiet man.
Carrick nevertheless interviewed well when he spoke to director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada last Thursday. It may not have harmed his cause that he can appear the anti-Amorim: less charismatic, less quotable, less explosive. Carrick brought a calmness in possession of the ball. That unflustered nature may serve him well for the pressurised task of leading United.
Why Man United have turned back to Michael Carrick, the anti-Amorim
Thomas Frank: 'Conor will bring leadership, maturity, character and personality'
16:23 , Luke BakerTottenham boss Thomas Frank has discussed the qualities Conor Gallagher will bring to his side and is excited to work with the tireless midfielder.
Frank told the official Spurs website: “Conor is a top midfielder, who we have worked tirelessly to add to our squad.
“He is still young, so has plenty of room for improvement, but also has huge experience across the Premier League, La Liga and with the England national team.
“Conor has captained teams so will bring leadership, maturity, character and personality to our dressing room, while his running power, pressing ability and eye for goal will strengthen us in a key area of the pitch.
“I’m excited about working with him every day and I know the fans will love what he will bring to the team.”
Gallagher discusses Spurs move: 'I want to create special moments
16:16 , Luke BakerConor Gallagher has given his first interview to the club since joining Spurs and stresses his desire to create “special moments” at Tottenham.
Gallagher told the official Spurs website: “I'm so happy and excited to be here, taking the next step in my career at an amazing club.
“I wanted to be a Spurs player and thankfully the club felt the same. It was very easy, it happened very quickly and I'm ready to get on the pitch.
“I know how great the fans are, I’m really happy to be a part of it here and want to create special moments and memories together.”
Welcome to North London. pic.twitter.com/FsCLFWgxFR
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 14, 2026
BREAKING: Tottenham announce signing of Conor Gallagher
16:11 , Chris WilsonTottenham have announced that they have completed the deal to bring Conor Gallagher to the club “subject to international clearance”.
The deal is believed to be worth £34m, with the England international signing a a five-and-a-half-year deal.
We are delighted to announce the signing of Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid, subject to international clearance ✍️
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 14, 2026
🔗 https://t.co/jmiovICICt pic.twitter.com/NScayD72LZ
Liam Rosenior plans talks with Chelsea outcasts
16:00 , Will CastleLiam Rosenior will speak to Chelsea ‘bomb squad’ duo Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi before deciding whether or not they have a future at Chelsea.
“I haven’t [spoken with them yet],” Rosenior said. “To be honest I’ve had so much on. This is my fourth day in the job. I will have conversations with them.
“Raheem’s had an outstanding career. I’ve got huge respect for him and Axel, who was someone I’ve really, really liked for a long time. But in this moment, with the amount of games that we’ve got and the stuff I’ve had to do — not just in terms of training but with the staff — I haven’t got on to that topic. I will do it in the next few days.
“Honestly, I have to have a conversation with them. I have to have a conversation with the club. It’s been a whirlwind. There’s a lot for me to do and that’s near the top of my list.”
Lucas Paqueta wants out of West Ham
15:45 , Will CastleWest Ham are reportedly desperate to keep Lucas Paqueta at the London Stadium after The Athletic claimed the Hammers had rejected a bid for the midfielder.
Paqueta wants to return to Brazil and Fabrizio Romano reports that personal terms have been sorted with Flamengo but Hammers boss Nuno Espirito Santo will not countenance losing his playmaker as the club face an uphill battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
It comes after Paqueta reportedly asked to be left out of West Ham’s FA Cup tie with QPR last weekend to pursue a move away.
Everton keeper set for Cardiff medical
15:30 , Will CastleEverton goalkeeper Harry Tyrer is set to join League One Cardiff City, providing their transfer embargo is lifted, according to the Daily Mail.
The 24-year-old has had talks and is due to undergo a medical.
Brentford want to keep Kristoffer Ajer
15:16 , Will CastleBrentford are planning on selling Kristoffer Ajer this month despite interest from abroad.
The Norwegian has attracted suitors on the continent, with Wolfsburg the most heavily linked with a move, as reported in the Daily Mail.
But Sky Sports says that the Bees see the 27-year-old defender as an important first-team player.
Bournemouth keep pushing for Alex Toth
15:00 , Will CastleBournemouth are continuing talks with Ferencvaros over a deal for Alex Toth after seeing their initial £8.6m offer rejected, according to Sky Sports.
Robbie Keane is the manager of the Hungarian club and has overseen the development of Toth into one of Europe’s most promising starlets, with many clubs keeping tabs.
Toth is said to be keen on a move to the Premier League.
Everton target Youssef En-Nesyri to solve goalscoring woes
14:48 , Richard JollyEverton are considering Morocco’s Youssef En-Nesyri as David Moyes looks to add more goals to his side.
They are yet to make a move for the Fenerbahce forward, who is a target for Nottingham Forest, but are interested in the 28-year-old.
But Everton have only had six goals from centre-forwards all season, with Thierno Barry and Beto both on three, and each missed a penalty in the shootout as they exited the FA Cup to Sunderland.
En-Nesyri is a proven scorer who got 30 goals last season for Fenerbahce and 67 in his last four campaigns at Sevilla, who he twice helped win the Europa League.
He also helped Morocco reach the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup and the last four of the current African Cup of Nations, scoring 25 goals for his country.
Everton target Youssef En-Nesyri to solve goalscoring woes
N'Golo Kante close to agreeing personal terms for Fenerbahce switch
14:45 , Will CastleN’Golo Kante is very close to agreeing personal terms with Fenerbahce after positive meeting on Tuesday, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Negotiations are to continue with Al-Ittihad, with the Saudi club ruling out the possibility of the Frenchman leaving on a free transfer.
When asked on rumours linking Kante with a move away, Al-Ittihad manager Sergio Conceicao said: “I don’t want to talk about the transfer market. Any player who stays must have the right mindset and work for the prestige of the club.”
Martin O'Neill admits he's 'not prepared' for January
14:30 , Will CastleMartin O’Neill has admitted that his hurried Celtic return following Wilfred Nancy’s swift sacking has left him unprepared for the January transfer window.
He told the Daily Record: “I agree, it is vital [to get players in], I’m well aware and I’m not going to minimise it.
“I promise I am not sitting on my backside, I’m trying my best. I’d be very hopeful of bringing a few in. I am in the process of looking at these.
“Away back in my first spell as manager, I had time to do that before I was bringing people in. I had that all prepared.
“Unfortunately, it’s me, and I haven’t got this prepared now at this minute. Because I had Christmas at home, not expecting this.”
Injured Lionesses hero Michelle Agyemang returns to Arsenal
14:23 , Will CastleEngland forward Michelle Agyemang has ended her loan spell at Brighton to continue her recovery from a season-ending knee injury at parent club Arsenal.
The 19-year-old ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament during her country's 3-0 friendly win over Australia on October 28.
Agyemang, who has registered three goals in seven international caps, helped England to glory at Euro 2025 last summer by claiming crucial equalisers in the quarter-finals and semi-finals.
The teenager scored once in eight Brighton appearances this season after returning to the club following a successful loan last term.
Fabio Paratici to leave Tottenham in February as director’s new club is revealed
14:05 , Will CastleTottenham have announced Fabio Paratici will leave his role as co-sporting director at the end of the winter transfer window.
Paratici only returned to Spurs in October after he left in 2023 due to allegations of false accounting at former club Juventus.
The Italian subsequently received a 30-month ban imposed by FIFA, but worked as a consultant for Tottenham before he officially rejoined earlier this season.
However, Paratici’s second spell in north London will be shortlived due to a change in personal circumstances.
Fabio Paratici to leave Tottenham in February as director’s new club is revealed
Donyell Malen set for Roma move
14:00 , Will CastleRoma have struck a deal to sign Donyell Malen from Aston Villa on loan with an obligation to buy, as per Fabrizio Romano.
The Italian club offered a £1.7m fee to loan him until the end of the season plus a £21.6m obligation to buy him permanently in the summer.
Atletico Madrid were also in talks for the Dutchman but appear to have missed out.
Joe Gomez not for sale after Conor Bradley injury
13:45 , Will CastleLiverpool will not sell Joe Gomez this month after Conor Bradley suffered a season-ending knee injury against Arsenal, according to Football Insider.
Gomez is Liverpool’s current longest-serving player, having joined from Charlton as a teenage in the summer of 2015.
He has been regularly linked with moves away from Anfield after spending years on the fringes, but with Liverpool’s defensive options further limited by Bradley’s setback, the club are not in a position to let another defender leave.
Have Leipzig found their Yan Diomande replacement?
13:30 , Will CastleRB Leipzig are set to fend off Premier League competition to sign winger Suleiman Sani from Trencin, according to the Daily Mail.
Manchester City, Brentford and Spurs had shown varying interest in 19-year-old Sani who is a Nigeria Under-20 international.
Leipzig are finalising a £4.5m deal for the left winger, whose signing indicates that the club is bracing itself for bids for Yan Diomande. The Ivorian has attracted strong interest from the likes of Manchester United and Spurs.
Newcastle weighing up options after Tino Livramento injury
13:15 , Will CastleNewcastle are weighing up potential options in the transfer market after full-back Tino Livramento was been ruled out for eight weeks with a hamstring injury, according to Sky Sports.
The defender had a scan on Monday after coming off against Bournemouth on the weekend, and Newcastle’s worst fears were discovered, meaning he could miss up to 15 games.
Newcastle are now weighing up whether to dip into the market this month for a defender, with Livramento joining Fabian Schar on the sidelines.
Juventus move 'a matter of love' for Federico Chiesa
13:00 , Will CastleFederico Chiesa is willing to take a wage cut to move get his move back to Juventus, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, who describe the touted switch as “a matter of love” for the Italian.
It comes after reports that Juventus were making progress on meeting Liverpool’s demands for the player, with the club only wanting a permanent transfer.
The Turin club had initially offered a loan with an option to buy but are now putting forward a purchase obligation to try and make the deal more attractive.
Man City preparing Marc Guehi bid
12:45 , Will CastleManchester City will submit a bid for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi in the next week, according to Fabrizio Romano.
City are keen to get a deal done this month and are prepared to reach an agreement with Manchester City over the move, meaning it will be up to Guehi whether he wants to leave Selhurst Park six months before his contract expires.
Liverpool are still said to be “really pushing” and Arsenal are also admirers, but it appears only City are gunning to get Guehi in January.
Liverpool eye Xabi Alonso
12:30 , Will CastleXabi Alonso does not look like he will have much trouble finding a new high-powered role following his shock Real Madrid departure, with Liverpool among the clubs eyeing up the Spaniard, according to AS.
Liverpool admire their former midfield maestro and have not let his struggles in the cursed Real role cloud overshadow his exploits at Bayer Leverkusen, which saw him end Bayern Munich’s reign of terror to win the Bundesliga in an invincible domestic season.
It’s for that reason that Bayern are also keen on the Spaniard, as are Manchester City, who could lose Pep Guardiola this summer.
Liverpool, meanwhile, may choose to move on from Arne Slot if performances do not pick up before the end of the season.
Marcus Rashford unlikely to receive Man Utd lifeline post-Amorim
12:15 , Will CastleManchester United have no plans to bring Marcus Rashford back into the fold despite Ruben Amorim now being out of the picture, according to talkSPORT.
The England international is excelling on loan at Barcelona, who could exercise their option to sign him permanently for around £26m at the end of the season.
But if they don’t, Rashford will not get a lifeline at Old Trafford, with Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrarda sharing the sentiment held by Amorim that had the winger offloaded in the first place.
Eric Dier unlikely to take up West Ham offer
12:00 , Will CastleEric Dier has been handed a surprise Premier League lifeline with the defender offered to West Ham, according to talkSPORT.
Ex-England international Dier is at Monaco, and under contract until 2028, but West Ham are reportedly mulling the move.
The 49-cap England man has been out of the Premier League for two years, since moving on loan to Bayern Munich in January 2024 and making the move permanent that summer.
However, the Daily Mail say Dier is reluctant to take up this offer and move away from Monaco.
Arsenal stand firm on Ben White
11:45 , Will CastleArsenal will not let Ben White leave this month amid interest from Everton.
The Gunners have no interest in selling White while they are still competing on four fronts, say Football.London.
White's contract does not expire until the summer of 2028 and also contains the option of a 12-month extension, with Arsenal set to re-assess his future come the end of the season.
According to Football Insider, Everton had earmarked the 28-year-old to solve their problematic right-back issue.
Tottenham's one-way transfer policy
11:30 , Will CastleTottenham do not intend to sell any member of their first-team squad this month, as per Sky Sports.
Mathys Tel has had loan interest from Paris FC and Radu Dragusin from Roma - but they are still part of Frank’s plans.
Spurs also want to add another forward before the transfer deadline on February 2 and are meanwhile finalising the deal for Santos left-back Souza, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that an announcement for the Brazilian will come alongside the confirmation of Conor Gallagher’s arrival.
Thomas Frank difference-maker as Conor Gallagher completes Spurs medical
11:25 , Will CastleIf you’re just joining us, Conor Gallagher is on the verge of joining Tottenham for £35m after completing his medical at the club.
He is expected to sign a five-and-a-half year deal with the club, with Spurs successfully hijacking Aston Villa’s move for the Atletico Madrid midfielder.
According to the Telegraph, it was Thomas Frank who proved the difference, with the Spurs boss personally speaking to Gallagher to convince him to make the move to north London amid interest from Villa Park.
Man United youngster set for Bradford loan move
11:15 , Will CastleManchester United youngster Ethan Wheatley will spend the second half of the season on loan at Bradford City, according to Manchester Evening News.
Wheatley was recently recalled from his loan at Northampton Town from the same division.
Spurs reignite interest in Maghnes Akliouche
11:00 , Miguel DelaneyTottenham are looking at Monaco attacking midfielder Maghnes Akliouche again as they look to reinforce further in the middle of the park.
Tottenham hold a long-time interest in the 23-year-old Frenchman and have reignited their interest from the summer transfer window.
Frank has been keen to strengthen in the attacking midfield department since his arrival, landing Xavi Simons in the summer after failing in their pursuits of Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze, who opted to sign for rivals Arsenal.
Forest rebuffed in Marcus Tavernier approach
10:45 , Will CastleNottingham Forest have made an enquiry for Bournemouth’s Marcus Tavernier but the Cherries are insisting he is not for sale, according to the Daily Mail.
Tavernier, 26, scored in Saturday's FA Cup defeat to Newcastle and will be important to Andoni Iraola for the remainder of the season.
The Cherries are already in the throes of trying to replace Antoine Semenyo and have Justin Kluivert out for four months following knee surgery, so cannot afford to lose another winger.
Liverpool keen on £52m teenager
10:30 , Will CastleLiverpool could be about to enter a bidding war with Real Madrid for Dutch starlet Kees Smit, according to the Daily Star.
AZ Alkmaar value Smit at £52m but stiff competition could force clubs to pay even more to secure his signature, with Newcastle also being linked with the young midfielder.
Is Antoine Semenyo already the signing of the window?
10:15 , Will CastleAfter making it two goals in as many Manchester City appearances, Richard Jolly analyses Antoine Semenyo’s stunning start to life under Pep Guardiola following yesterday’s Carabao Cup semi-final win at Newcastle.
Knocked out of the Carabao Cup in August, Antoine Semenyo may be taking Manchester City to the final of it. And if that made little sense, the rule change that allowed players to represent two clubs in the competition this season had irritated Eddie Howe even before Manchester City’s latest signing threatened to end Newcastle’s defence of their first major trophy since the 1960s.
In previous years, he would have been cup-tied. Not now. “The rules are the rules,” said Howe, but a rewrite to them came at a bad time for Newcastle. Semenyo’s part in Bournemouth’s summer defeat to Brentford might be no impediment to claiming a winner’s medal. His first-leg strike, coupled with Rayan Cherki’s 99th-minute second, means City can envisage a March date with Arsenal or Chelsea at Wembley. “First step to reach the final,” said Pep Guardiola. Newcastle need a turnaround at the Etihad next month and it is a bogey ground. “We haven’t got a good record there, I haven’t good a good record there but records are there to be broken,” said Howe. “We are still alive, still fighting.”
But they are likely to face a stronger City team in Manchester. Guardiola had a £62.5m addition to their attack but a makeshift look to the back half of his team. City won anyway. But it helps to have the financial muscle to sign a player coveted by Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United.
Antoine Semenyo’s flying start proves he is Manchester City’s latest big game player
Michael Carrick 'knows what it takes to succeed' at Man Utd
10:00 , Will CastleUpon his appointment as interim manager, Michael Carrick said: “Having the responsibility to lead Manchester United is an honour.
“I know what it takes to succeed here; my focus is now on helping the players to reach the standards that we expect at this incredible club, which we know that this group is more than capable of producing.
“I have worked with a number of the players already and have obviously continued to watch the team closely in recent years, I have total belief in their talents, dedication and ability to be successful here.
“There is still a lot to fight for this season, we are ready to pull everyone together and give the fans the performances that their loyal support deserves.”
Why Conor Gallagher does not address Tottenham’s elephant in the room
09:45 , Ben McAleerFirst, Pape Sarr jetted off to the Africa Cup of Nations with pre-tournament favourites Senegal. Then, Lucas Bergvall pulled up with a muscle complaint in the 3-2 loss at Bournemouth. Rodrigo Bentancur suffered a hamstring injury late on at the Vitality Stadium. The Uruguayan is now sidelined for the next three months.
Suddenly, Tottenham have gone from an abundance of fit central midfielders, to just two. Well, three if you consider Yves Bissouma, but Thomas Frank hasn’t this season, and neither will we. Joao Palhinha and Archie Gray are the senior options for the under-fire Spurs boss. Even then, the latter is only 19 years of age.
Confirmation of Bentancur’s absence forced Spurs into action. The north London side, as reactive as ever, suddenly entered the race for Conor Gallagher. Spurs are long-term admirers of the former Chelsea man, and they are finally landing a long-standing target. The 25-year-old looked set for a move to Aston Villa, only for their Premier League rivals to trump the Villans in the race to land the out-of-favour Atletico Madrid star, with Gallagher expected to complete his Spurs switch imminently.
Do Spurs really need a midfielder of Gallagher’s profile? Ben McAleer analyses:
Why Conor Gallagher does not address Tottenham’s elephant in the room
Arsenal enter Vinicus Jr race - and offer Martinelli swap?
09:30 , Will CastleNot exactly reliable sources but as a bit of fun, a couple of unreliable outlets in Spain are reporting Arsenal chasing Vinicius Jr.
The Real Madrid superstar has been unhappy at the Bernabeu, although the departure of Xabi Alonso may change things slightly, and Fichajes are reporting Arsenal’s interest, with Chelsea also said to be in the hunt.
Meanwhile, Defensa Central are going one step further and claiming the Gunners have offered winger Gabriel Martinelli in a swap deal.
They say Martinelli has been offered around Europe as Arsenal look to raise funds to improve their attack and hope for a straight swap with Vini Jr because they value Martinelli at around £87m – similar to his Brazil team-mate.
Chelsea make huge bid for Federico Valverde
09:15 , Will CastleChelsea are keen to build their midfield around Real Madrid star Federcio Valverde and have submitted a €120m (£104m) bid.
That's according to Fichajes, who claim new boss Liam Rosenior is a big fan of the Uruguayan.
Valverde is considered “indispensable” at Real Madrid but they will consider “unrealistic bids” which this alleged £104m offer may qualify as.
Bayern Munich join race for Marc Guehi
09:00 , Will CastleBayern Munich have entered the chase to sign Marc Guehi with Florian Pettenberg of Sky Germany reporting they have made phone calls over the past few days to try and convince him to sign in the summer, having previously met his agent.
Man City are desperate to sign the Crystal Palace centre-back during this transfer window, to ease their defensive injury crisis, and as we reported at the beginning of the week, they intend to overcome any obstacles to make that happen.
Price may prove the defining factor, with talkSPORT saying that City are preparing to make an offer for Guehi but are currently unlikely to meet Palace's asking price of above £35m.
Arsenal and Liverpool are also targeting the England international upon the expiry of his contract in the summer and Guehi has been reported to prefer a move to one of those two clubs.
ICYMI: Manchester United appoint Michael Carrick as interim head coach
08:45 , Will CastleManchester United have appointed Michael Carrick as their head coach for the rest of the season.
The former United captain was the unanimous choice of the club to replace the interim Darren Fletcher and the sacked Ruben Amorim.
United, who also considered bringing back Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, looked for a continuity candidate of someone who knew the club as they aim to meet their season’s objectives of European qualification.
They decided to give themselves more time in their search for a long-term appointment and felt there would be more good candidates available in the summer, with director of football Jason Wilcox spearheading their attempts to find Amorim’s permanent successor.
But Carrick will be in charge for the next 17 games after impressing Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada in an interview in person last Thursday. After further talks on Monday he came to a verbal agreement to take the job.
Manchester United appoint Michael Carrick as new head coach
Could Jurgen Klopp be lured back into management by Real Madrid?
08:30 , Will CastleJurgen Klopp is in the running to be the next Real Madrid manager, if they opt to replace Alvaro Arbeloa in the summer.
Xabi Alonso left the club yesterday after less than eight months in the role, with Arbeloa put in charge for the foreseeable future.
But according to Sky Germany, Klopp, who is currently working as the head of global soccer for Red Bull, would be interested in taking the reins at the Bernabeu despite his long-term contract in his current role.
Klopp left Liverpool in 2024, saying he was “running out of energy” after landing six trophies during his time at Anfield, before taking the Red Bull role in January last year.
Conor Gallagher completes Tottenham medical ahead of £35m move
08:20 , Will CastleConor Gallagher is on the verge of completing a £35m move to Tottenham after undergoing his medical last night, according to Sky Sports.
He is expected to sign a five-and-a-half year deal with the club, with Spurs successfully hijacking Aston Villa’s move for the Atletico Madrid midfielder.
The 25-year-old returns to the Premier League having left boyhood club Chelsea in 2024.
Good morning
08:10 , Will CastleRise and shine, transfer fanatics!
Welcome to The Independent’s transfer news live blog, where you can stay up to date with all the latest done deals, rumours and gossip.
