Aston Villa are closing in on a loan move for Marcus Rashford and The Independent understands talks are “progressing” with Manchester United to secure a deal. Arsenal target Ollie Watkins is meanwhile “happy to stay” at Villa after Jhon Duran was sold to Saudi club Al-Nassr in a £64m deal before the transfer deadline.
Meanwhile, Mathys Tel is now expected to stay at Bayern Munich. Tottenham had agreed a £50m deal but Tel is reported to have rejected the move, while Arsenal and Manchester United had both been interested in the teenager.
Spurs are now interested in Alejandro Garnacho, however, despite United setting Chelsea a new price for the 20-year-old Argentina winger. Marcus Rashford is also searching for a move away from Old Trafford, but only one club looks like a possible option this January.
Follow all the latest news, rumours and deals below.
January transfer window - live updates
- Aston Villa close in on Marcus Rashford loan from Man Utd
- Mathys Tel prefers to stay at Bayern Munich after rejecting Tottenham transfer
- Spurs turn attention to Alejandro Garnacho and Fikayo Tomori
- Man Utd set to sign Patrick Dorgu and want Sporting's Geovany Quenda
- Chelsea join West Ham and Everton in race for Brighton's Evan Ferguson
Sverre Nypan latest
20:18
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Arsenal are still leading the race for Rosenborg's Sverre Nypan, but the 18-year-old will not be on the move this month.
According the Athletic’s David Ornstein, no agreement has been made over a January transfer, despite interest from Arsenal and Girona.
A move looks likely, but not before the deadline. Ornstein says Nypan will remain at Rosenborg and consider his future.
Aston Villa in for Joao Felix?
19:39
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Apparently so, according to Villa’s transfer guru Monchi. He was on Spanish TV station Cope last night and has confirmed there is interest in the Chelsea player, as well as PSG’s Marco Asensio.
“They are similar players, who Unai Emery likes. Asensio was tried by Aston Villa before I arrived. Last summer we were close to Joao. Neither of them are easy because in terms of salary and cost they are not simple.
"If there is a coach in world football who recovers players, it is Unai Emery. He has been able to recover talents. Joao Felix has talent, and it is only a matter of finding the right environment to bring out the best version of himself. And Unai works very, very well on that."
Arsenal block Tierney's return to Celtic
18:52
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Arsenal have blocked Kieran Tierney from returning to Celtic, according to the Telegraph, with the left-back set to complete the season at the Gunners before rejoining his boyhood club.
Tierney will return to Celtic in the summer but there were talks about bringing that forward, with Myles Lewis-Skelly and Riccardo Calafiori first choice at left-back.
But the Telegraph report that Mikel Arteta will not allow Tierney to leave his squad without a replacement, given Arsenal’s position in the title race and Champions League.
Ollie Watkins 'happy to stay' at Aston Villa
17:22
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery says Ollie Watkins is “happy to stay” at the club after Arsenal saw an opening bid rejected this week.
“He is happy to stay,” Emery said. “We asked him how he is feeling every day and year he is being here with Villa and he is happy here.
"The commitment of Ollie Watkins with us is a huge commitment. He appreciates a lot how Villa was always supporting him and helping him, when we joined here two years ago how we were working with him and getting the best of him.
"Now we need him, like he needed Aston Villa in the last years. I am speaking with him a lot, he is always adapting with every circumstances we have and of course when some teams calling us being interested in the players it’s very good for us and the players.
"Some players prefer to leave and some accept to stay here and commit with our challenges. One of them is Ollie Watkins."
Chelsea to battle Man United for Dortmund goalkeeper Kobel
16:59
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Chelsea are interested in Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, although any move is likelier in the summer.
There may also be competition at that point from Manchester United, who have a long-standing interest in the Swiss international.
Chelsea have started to consider their goalkeeping situation after some high-profile errors from current No. 1 Robert Sanchez.
Despite Enzo Maresca publicly backing the Spanish shot-stopper, the Blues have identified Kobel as a candidate who fits a lot of the criteria they prefer in a goalkeeper.
Dortmund are nevertheless resistant to even considering anything for the 27-year-old right now, especially in the midst of a run to the Champions League play-off round, with Wednesday’s 3-1 win over Shakhtar Donetsk securing 10th place in the table.
Mikel Arteta on Arsenal's search for a striker
16:26
,
Jamie Braidwood
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta on the club’s bid for Ollie Watkins and their aim to bring in a striker before the end of the January transfer window.
"I’m not going to talk about any individuals," Arteta said. "We are actively looking to find a solution in that position and we will see what the market brings.
"I’m very confident with the work the club is doing, exploring every single opportunity that can have an impact on the team. If we can agree something we will. If we can’t, we won’t.
"We are trying everything that we can, but I don’t want to give any reassurance or not. It doesn’t depend only on us. Our intentions are clear but the possibilities are affected by three parties.
We look at what we have in the squad, what we are lacking, what can make an impact and make us much better, regardless of age or background. It’s just a belief that player can be really good for us over time."
Wolves determined to keep Matheus Cunha at the club amid transfer interest
15:57
,
Jamie Braidwood
Wolves are not expected to sell star player Matheus Cunha during the January transfer window, despite reported interest from a host of Premier League clubs.
The 25-year-old has been a standout performer for Wolves in a miserable season, scoring 10 goals and assisting four more in 21 Premier League appearances.
That has seen him attract interest from a number of Premier League clubs during the current transfer window, with Nottingham Forest and Arsenal said to be considering bids.
When is the winter transfer deadline?
15:11
,
Lawrence Ostlere
The January transfer window opened on Wednesday 1 January, 2025 for English clubs and will run for just over a month with Deadline Day being Monday 3 February, 2025.
The window officially closes at 11pm GMT for English clubs.
When does the transfer window close around Europe?
Throughout Europe the timings for the January transfer window are similar but different to the English clubs. Most major European leagues also close on February 3 with Germany, Scotland and Spain all having the same time slot as England though France’s window closes at 1pm GMT.
Italian clubs, meanwhile, only have until 7pm on Saturday 1 February 1 to do their business and the transfer window in Turkey closes a full week later on Tuesday 11 February, 2025.
Another window to be aware of due to its potentially high spending is the Saudi Arabian one which has until January 30 to get deals over the line.
When does the WSL window close?
The January transfer window is also open for the Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship. It lasts the full length of January and closes at 11pm on Thursday 30 January, 2025.
14:40
,
Lawrence Ostlere
It sounds like Tyrell Malacia could be on his way to Benfica on loan.
The Man Utd full-back has been unlucky to have spent such a long time injured at Old Trafford, and needs minutes to rebuild his game.
The Athletic reports that talks are ongoing between the two clubs, but that Malacia is keen on the switch.
Could Tel still move?
14:29
,
Lawrence Ostlere
A report earlier by David Ornstein in The Athletic suggesting Mathys Tel was staying at Bayern Munich after telling the club he wanted to fight for his place until the summer and then reassess his options.
But Sky Sports are now reporting that Man Utd could still come in for a loan deal at the 11th hour...
Tel not in Bayern matchday squad for game against Holstein Kiel #FCBayern #MUFC https://t.co/1PnGeovWDn
— Dharmesh Sheth (@skysports_sheth) February 1, 2025
ICYMI: Manchester United want Geovany Quenda - reports
14:08
,
Jamie Braidwood
Manchester United are interested in Sporting winger Geovany Quenda, according to David Ornstein of the Athletic.
Quanda is just 17 but the Portugal youth international is a player Ruben Amorim knows well from his time at Sporting.
The report says that Quenda has been identified as a player who can fit into Amorim’s system - but he may not be available until the summer.
Quenda has received interest from other clubs and is valued at around £35m.
Dorgu in Manchester to seal transfer
13:42
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Patrick Dorgu’s move to Manchester United is almost a done deal.
“It’s an opportunity for me,” he told a reporter as he boarded his flight from Italy this morning.
City baulk at Gonzalez price
13:27
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Manchester City are in negotiations with Nico Gonzalez of Porto, but don’t want to pay his release clause.
That’s according to The Telegraph, which says City want the midfielder before deadline day but only if they can find a way to knock Porto down from the 23-year-old’s contracted price of £50m.
Chuba Akpom heading to Lille
13:18
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Chuba Akpom is joining Lille, according to L’Equipe, after spening one and a half seasons at Ajax.
The Londoner has 22 goals in all competitions for Ajax.
Jordan Henderson set to stay at Ajax
13:02
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Jordan Henderson won’t be leaving Ajax this winter, it seems:
Jordan Henderson stays at Ajax - potential Monaco move off. 34yo midfielder held talks with #Ajax hierarchy last night after Europa League win over Galatasaray; agreement reached to remain in Amsterdam + battle for trophies. Contract 2026 @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/KozSiOmZYT
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 31, 2025
Villa close in on Rashford loan deal
12:51
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Aston Villa are closing in on a loan move for Marcus Rashford and The Independent understands talks are “progressing” with Manchester United to secure a deal.
It is seven weeks since Rashford was surprisingly omitted from the United squad that went on to secure a late comeback win at City.
His continued exile is dominating the headlines, with Amorim saying on the eve of the Europa League match against FCSB that he "has to change" and meet his standards to have a future at Old Trafford.
Ollie Watkins 'happy to stay' at Villa Park
12:22
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Unai Emery insists Ollie Watkins is happy to stay at Aston Villa, who are reportedly considering a loan move for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford.
Villa turned down a bid from Arsenal for England striker Watkins earlier this week, reported to be in the region of £60million.
And according to reports, Villa are interested in bringing in out-of-favour Rashford on loan before Monday’s transfer deadline.
Rashford has been frozen out of Ruben Amorim’s squad, with the United boss saying after Sunday’s win over Fulham he would rather select 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital.
United declined to comment on Villa’s reported interest in Rashford when contacted by the PA news agency, while Villa have been approached for comment.
Striker Jhon Duran has left Villa to join Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr in a deal understood to be worth up to £71million, but Emery says Watkins will be staying at Villa Park.
Tel wants to stay at Bayern Munich
12:16
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Despite some reports that Mathys Tel wanted to leave Bayern for Man United – having rejected Spurs – The Atheletic says that Tel is keen to stay at Bayern and reassess his options in the summer.
Spurs had a reached agreement thought to be around £50m for his transfer, but the 19-year-old, who has fallen out of favour under Vincent Kompany at Bayern, turned down that option.
United and Arsenal were both keeping tabs on the situation, but David Ornstein suggests the chase could be over.
Rodri’s injury highlights Man City and Arsenal’s key difference in pursuit of glory
11:39
,
Lawrence Ostlere
It isn’t often Pep Guardiola wishes he had suffered defeat. But as he looks back four months, to what now looks the moment Manchester City’s era of dominance came to an abrupt end, he said: “I would have preferred to lose that game and have Rodri all season, absolutely.”
Guardiola didn’t lose the game in question. John Stones’ 98th-minute equaliser against Arsenal in September seemed colossal in the context of the title race. Not now: or only in the way points have tended to escape Arsenal’s grasp. It was the second of seven games this season they have drawn after leading, despite a heroic defensive display in the second half.
For City, however, the seismic setback had nothing to do with the scoreline. Penalty shootouts aside, they lost a lone game in which Rodri appeared last season: the FA Cup final. They have lost 10 this season: none in the first month after the Spaniard was sidelined, then in a flurry.
Chelsea join battle for Brighton striker Ferguson
11:22
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Chelsea want to sign Brighton striker Evan Ferguson, reports the Guardian.
Ferguson has been the subject of interest from around Europe with Arsenal, Leverkusen, Bournemouth, and Tottenham all keeping tabs on the Irish 20-year-old.
Brighton are apparently willing to sell the youngster despite his potential, with a reported asking price of around £40m.
Tel wants Man Utd loan move
11:06
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Mathys Tel wants to join Manchester United on loan, according to the i.
The 19-year-old Bayern Munich forward is a wanted man this winter, but he has rejected a £50m transfer to Tottenham and reports say he is keen on Old Trafford as a short-term destination.
Bayern would like to keep Tel, but he wants to depart for more playing time after a fading role under Vincent Kompany this season.
"Mathys can imagine a move away. We need to come to terms with the facts," said Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl this week.
"Whether it's a loan or a sale, we'll see. It needs to be right for all parties. Will we do it? Our squad is very well set up."
Spurs loan Lankshear to West Brom
10:51
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Will Lankshear has joined West Brom on loan from Tottenham until the end of the season.
The 19-year-old striker has made six first-team appearances for Spurs this term, scoring against Galatasaray in their Europa League meeting in November.
Lankshear will join up with West Brom on Monday, ahead of next Saturday's Championship meeting with Sheffield Wednesday.
He told wba.co.uk: "I am delighted to join this great club. I'm looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and I can't wait to play in front of all the fans.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for me to compete for game time and, hopefully, score goals that can help the club push on to get promoted during my time here.
"Tony Mowbray is a manager who everyone says only good things about and I'm keen to learn as much from him as I can over the next few months."
Spurs still attractive despite Tel snub
10:25
,
Lawrence Ostlere
"It depends what the players are looking for," Postecoglou said on potential new signings.
"You can look at it two ways, OK the league form is not great but there's some pretty big possibilities to have success here in the last three or four months.
"It's still a big club, it's still a club that can challenge for honours and it's whether the player sees the potential that we see right now, or certainly that I see. If it's too much of a hard sell, it's probably not the right one for us.
"You need a bit of discipline. The one thing I don't want to do is bring somebody in who is just going to be another body.
"I don't think that serves any purpose knowing what we've got coming. That aside, there is definitely a need for us and has been a need. That's why we've been looking for a player or two to help us with what's ahead, but they have to be the right types and fit in with what we're doing.
"I guess that's the tricky bit. There are plenty of players available but are they going to be the right ones? That's the question for us."
Spurs still attractive despite Tel snub
10:20
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Tottenham remain an attractive proposition for new players ahead of Monday's transfer deadline, according to Ange Postecoglou.
Spurs are in desperate need of reinforcements with nine first-teamers unavailable for the trip to Brentford on Sunday.
It has been a similar story across the last two months and while Postecoglou has repeatedly called for his depleted squad to be given help, the club are yet to sign an outfield player going into the final days of the transfer window.
Talks have taken place with Bayern Munich over the potential signing of Mathys Tel, but the 19-year-old forward has reportedly rejected the move.
Tottenham can still end a 17-year trophy drought this term with key Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Europa League fixtures to come during the next six weeks, but have dropped to 15th in the Premier League to raise relegation fears.
Spurs switch to Garnacho after Tel rejects move
10:10
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Spurs are also reported to on the hunt for Alejandro Garnacho, after losing out on the chase for Mathys Tel of Bayern Munich.
Tel rejected a move to Tottenham after a transfer fee had been agreed between the two clubs.
But the Mail reports that Spurs have quickly shifted their attention to Old Trafford, where Garnacho is available and being courted by Napoli and Chelsea among other clubs in Europe.
Man Utd want £60m for the young winger, according to the Mail.
Totteham in advanced talks with Tomori
10:01
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Spurs are closing in on the signing of AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori.
That’s according to Sky Sports, which claims the former Chelsea centre-half is a key target at Tottenham.
Spurs want to add a defender before the deadline on Monday, with Christian Romero and Radu Dragusin both injured and Micky Van de Ven only just recovered from a hamstring strain.
But Sky Sports says that although Spurs and Milan are in ‘advanced talks’, no agreement has yet been made with the player.
One to watch over the weekend.
Neymar in tears as 'the prince' returns to Santos
09:57
,
Lawrence Ostlere
A tearful Neymar was welcomed back to his boyhood club on Friday by thousands of Santos fans and a concert in the home stadium beneath an electronic sign saying, "The prince is back."
The 32-year-old signed a six-month contract, which he said could be extended.
Neymar later admitted his return was also due to his feeling unhappy at Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal earlier this year as he struggled to get playing time. He said he would be ready to play for Santos at least 30 minutes in a match scheduled for Saturday if he was given the go-ahead by local soccer authorities.
About 20,000 raucous Santos fans filled their Vila Belmiro Stadium in the rain outside Sao Paulo to celebrate the Brazilian's return.
His evening arrival highlighted by fireworks capped a three-hour fiesta which also featured local singers.
"I am very happy. We lived great moments here. There's still a lot that could come," Neymar said on the pitch."
Villa enter race to sign Rashford from Man Utd
09:39
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Aston Villa have joined the race to sign Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United before the transfer window closes on Monday.
A move to Villa Park is thought to be a long shot but the Midlands club are looking at the England international as they search for a replacement for Jhon Duran, who has been sold to Al-Nassr.
Rashford has also attracted interest from Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus and AC Milan, among others, after revealing he was considering leaving Old Trafford.
Read more:
Mikel Arteta on Arsenal's search for a striker
08:52
,
Jamie Braidwood
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta on the club’s bid for Ollie Watkins and their aim to bring in a striker before the end of the January transfer window.
"I’m not going to talk about any individuals," Arteta said. "We are actively looking to find a solution in that position and we will see what the market brings.
"I’m very confident with the work the club is doing, exploring every single opportunity that can have an impact on the team. If we can agree something we will. If we can’t, we won’t.
"We are trying everything that we can, but I don’t want to give any reassurance or not. It doesn’t depend only on us. Our intentions are clear but the possibilities are affected by three parties.
We look at what we have in the squad, what we are lacking, what can make an impact and make us much better, regardless of age or background. It’s just a belief that player can be really good for us over time."
Arsenal block Tierney's return to Celtic
08:33
,
Jamie Braidwood
Arsenal have blocked Kieran Tierney from returning to Celtic, according to the Telegraph, with the left-back set to complete the season at the Gunners before rejoining his boyhood club.
Tierney will return to Celtic in the summer but there were talks about bringing that forward, with Myles Lewis-Skelly and Riccardo Calafiori first choice at left-back.
But the Telegraph report that Mikel Arteta will not allow Tierney to leave his squad without a replacement, given Arsenal’s position in the title race and Champions League.
Latest on Alejandro Garnacho
08:05
,
Miguel Delaney
Those close to Alejandro Garnacho maintain that the winger is preparing to leave Old Trafford this weekend, but there may yet be a battle for his signing.
Napoli have had interest but would need to significantly raise their valuation of £38m, closer to United's £70m.
Chelsea have long been interested, but sources close to the situation say there is still considerable negotiation.
It is understood that the possibility of one of Chelsea's younger players - such as Joshua Acheampong - going in the other direction has also been raised.
Why Man Utd hold Mathys Tel advantage in transfer race with Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham
Friday 31 January 2025 14:49
,
Miguel Delaney
Manchester United are aiming to sell Alejandro Garnacho and bring in Bayern Munich's Mathys Tel on loan in what could end up a frantic final weekend of the transfer window.
While Garnacho's destination is still to be determined, amid interest from Chelsea and Napoli, Tel is understood to favour Old Trafford out of a range of potential options that includes Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham.
The news that the 19-year-old wanted to the German club, which has now been confirmed by Bayern’s sporting director Max Eberl, has sparked a frenzy among some of the wealthiest Premier League teams.
