Transfer news LIVE! Lukaku fallout; Arsenal Jonathan David latest; Tottenham, Man United and Chelsea updates

Transfer news LIVE!

It is January transfer window eve - and that means we are just moments away from kicking off an exciting month of market activity.

Liverpool have reportedly made contact with Tottenham target Franck Kessie over a move for the AC Milan midfielder.

Having already signed Ferran Torres from Manchester City, Barcelona are continuing their rebuild under Xavi and are linked with a surprise deal for Juventus’ ex-Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata. That could then pave the way for the Old Lady to do a deal for Liverpool’s Divock Origi.

Arsenal are also expected to be big players in the coming window and we bring you the latest updates on potential deals for Philippe Coutinho, Tariq Lamptey and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Elsewhere, Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has made a statement on the Manchester United star’s future and Tottenham are reportedly after a new goalkeeper in Sam Johnstone of West Brom.

Over at Chelsea, the club could be up against it in there bid to tie down defender Andreas Christensen to a new contract after a “complicated” turn in his Blues future. The fallout also continues after Romelu Lukaku’s bombshell comments.

Follow the latest market happenings below with our LIVE blog...

Latest transfer news and gossip

• Barcelona keen on Alvaro Morata

• Liverpool make offer to Spurs target Kessie

• Morata exit pushes Juventus towards Origi

• Fresh Harry Kane saga predicted

• Romelu Lukaku fallout continues

• Arsenal maintain Jonathan David interest

• Mikel Arteta provides Arsenal update

• PSG hopeful over Kylian Mbappe contract renewal

Lyon reject Emerson loan recall

19:20 , Giuseppe Muro

Lyon have rejected an attempt from Chelsea to terminate their loan deal for Emerson.

Chelsea are exploring their left-back options after Ben Chilwell was ruled out for the rest of the season after knee surgery and considered recalling Emerson from Lyon.

But, according to Calciomercato, the Ligue 1 side have rejected the approach.

Fulham defender wanted by Blackburn and Cardiff

17:52 , Giuseppe Muro

Cyrus Christie told Standard Sport in an exclusive interview earlier this month that he was desperate to be allowed to kickstart his career at a new club in January.

Christie has barely kicked a ball in anger since returning to parent club Fulham from Nottingham Forest in the summer, and Sky Sports are reporting that Blackburn and Cardiff are interested in signing the right-back.

The 29-year-old is expected leave Fulham next month with his contract expiring at the end of the season.

Liverpool make offer to Spurs target Kessie

16:50 , Giuseppe Muro

Franck Kessie has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League, but Tottenham fans will be concerned to hear that Liverpool have reportedly made an offer to sign the AC Milan midfielder.

Kessie is out of contract at the San Siro club at the end of the season and Spurs were thought to be the frontrunners to sign him.

But Italian outlet Ansa report that Liverpool have made a contract offer to Kessie, who will be a free agent next summer and can speak to foreign clubs from January 1.

Benitez: Everton targeting ‘two or three’ signings

16:16 , Giuseppe Muro

Rafael Benitez says he is confident Everton will bring in two or three players in January.

“We are working hard,” said Benitez today. “We are trying to find some targets to improve the team. Everybody knows how difficult January is.

“Everybody is a little bit worried about Covid, no-one wants to spend too much money. That is complicated. I am quite confident we will do two or three things.

“Not everybody has a lot of money to spend so we have to be careful when we buy, sell or loan players. We are trying to be sure we have chances to improve. What can (the fans) expect? Two or three players, and players who want to be here.”

Watford get Dennis boost

16:00 , Giuseppe Muro

Good news for Watford, who will have star Emmanuel Dennis available throughout January after it was confirmed he will not be going off to the Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria accused Watford of “baring fangs” in confirming the striker, who has scored eight Premier League goals this season, had not made their 28-man squad.

Speaking today, Claudio Ranieri said: “I knew they were speaking, the board and Nigeria board, and I accept every decision they find, and that, for me, is finished.

“I’ve spoken with him, of course he wanted to go, to play, but he also wanted to help Watford. I accept the decision of the board and the Nigeria team.”

Rangnick: Too early to think about new signings

15:35 , Giuseppe Muro

Ralf Rangnick said this week that Manchester United will only dip into the January transfer market if the club can identify a signing that would “increase the quality” of the squad.

And speaking today, Rangnick insists he is not thinking about January because he wants to focus on the current squad.

“It is too early now,” he said. “The current squad is big enough, there is a lot of competition in the squad and to speak about future players coming into the club does not make sense at this stage. My full focus is on the current squad.”

Done deal!

15:13 , Giuseppe Muro

Brentford have signed Denmark goalkeeper Jonas Lossl.

The 32-year-old has joined from FC Midtjylland, the Danish side where Brentford owner Matthew Benham has the majority shareholding.

Lossl has initially joined Brentford on loan until the end of the season, subject to international clearance.

Brentford have gone into the market to strengthen their goalkeeping options after losing David Raya to injury earlier this season. His deputy Alvaro Fernandez has also missed some training recently.

Lossl has experience of English football and the Premier League, having played for Huddersfield.

Bees boss Thomas Frank said: “Jonas is a very good goalkeeper who will bring with him lots of experience. He fits the criteria of what we want in a goalkeeper with his feet and in his penalty area. The most important thing is that he will add to the experience within our goalkeeper group.”

Man United youngster wanted on permanent deal

14:45 , Marc Mayo

Steven Gerrard has outlined Aston Villa’s plans to bid for Axel Tuanzebe once his loan switch from Manchester United ends.

"It’s very much in Ax’s hands and Manchester United’s hands," the Villa boss told reporters. "We want him here, we would be delighted to keep him. We don’t just see it as a loan until the end of the season.

"It’s something we want to explore further than that. We just hope we’ve got that opportunity. He’s a player we like very much and we’d like him to stay until the end of the season at least. Axel is his own man and will want to make his own decision.

"He is obviously owned by Manchester United which we all need to respect. I hope he wants to be part of this.”

14:26 , Marc Mayo

Romelu Lukaku rejected the chance to sign for Manchester City - even though they put more money on the table than Chelsea.

In his Sky Sport Italia interview, the Beligna revealed the bid that came a year after he signed for Inter Milan.

“After the first year, I turned down an offer from Manchester City that was higher than Chelsea’s current one, because I didn’t want to,” he said.

“It was not the time, it was the first year, I wanted to do something good for Inter because they saved my career. I was in a deep hole at Manchester United, things weren't going well. I was a big investment for Inter and we did great things together.”

PSG hopeful over Mbappe contract

14:18 , Marc Mayo

Paris Saint-Germain are not giving up on signing Kylian Mbappe up to a new contract.

According to PA Media, the French club remain in talks with the striker despite his ability, from tomorrow, to sign a pre-agreement with Real Madrid for a free agent move in the summer.

Mbappe said last week he would "100 per cent" be a PSG player for the rest of this season, and sources close to the leadership of the French club say they have not given up hope of a new one or two-year deal.

The club accept Mbappe has a genuine desire to play for Real at some stage in his career, but also point to the player's deep affection for, and connection to, Paris, the city where he was born and raised.

PSG rejected bids from Real last summer, with club sources at the time questioning whether the Spanish side even had the financial resources to back up their interest.

Arsenal plot loan signings

14:00 , Marc Mayo

Mikel Arteta has delivered an update on Arsenal’s plans for the January transfer window.

He told reporters: “There are a few players, a few loans that we will have to complete but it depends. As we all know it is a complicated market and a short window so we will see what happens.”

Raphinha the Red?

13:45 , Marc Mayo

Liverpool have been told to snap up Leeds winger Raphinha to bolster their attack.

Ex-defender Glen Johnson told Boylesports: "I like Raphinha, who they’ve been linked with. He’s a good player, he’s very intelligent, he’s good on the ball. He’s got a bit of Riyad Mahrez about him, the way he glides around.

"He could be a good impact player for them. He’s a realistic target. No disrespect to Leeds, but the player is going to want to go to a top team.

"Leeds are struggling and could want to take the money. There are other players out there, but sometimes it’s too difficult to get them out of their clubs. With Raphinha, it’s a real, serious opportunity."

Foxes forced into market moves

13:36 , Marc Mayo

Brendan Rodgers has admitted that Leicester may have to make an unexpected trip into the January market amid an injury crisis at Leicester.

“It's something we'll be looking at,” he told reporters.

“Now it takes on a different focus with the injuries that we've had and from the weekend after having one fit and available centre-half. Money doesn't grow on trees so we'll have to maximise the talent that we have and go from there.”

Done deal!

13:21 , Marc Mayo

French champion Lille have sold forward Jonathan Ikone to Italian club Fiorentina.

Lille said in a statement Friday that the 23-year-old France international had left to begin training with Fiorentina and will officially sign on Monday when the transfer window opens.

No further details were given, but Ikone had a contract to June 2023 and the transfer is reportedly worth around £13million.

"Lille thank him for everything he gave to the club and wishes him the best for the future," the club said.

Celtic seal triple deal

13:09 , Marc Mayo

Celtic have announced the signing of three players from Japan.

Daizen Maeda from Yokohama F. Marinos, Yosuke Ideguchi from Gamba Osaka and Reo Hatate from Kawasaki Frontale are all joining on permanent deals.

Maeda’s will be confirmed after an initial loan spell, featuring an obligatory purchase clause.

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou, who worked in the J League before moving to Scotland, said: “They are all really at the peak of their careers, ambitious to achieve more success and I am sure at this particular time we will be getting their best years.”

Digne a wanted man

12:53 , Marc Mayo

Inter Milan are optimistic of sealing a deal for Everton defender Lucas Digne, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The club reportedly await the next word on the move from the Toffees, after the Frenchman fell out of favour under Rafa Benitez.

A plan B is being lined up by Inter, namely Filip Kostic from Eintracht Frankfurt who is said to cost around £8million.

Chelsea have also been linked with Digne.

Arsenal in striker hunt

12:33 , Marc Mayo

Jonathan David remains a target for Arsenal, so say The Athletic.

The Lille forward and Real Sociedad star Alexander Isak are described as being “long-term” targets for the club. Yet neither are reportedly likely to move next month, with a summer transfer more plausible.

Spurs set their sights

12:11 , Marc Mayo

Antonio Conte is confident that he now knows where Tottenham need to improve in the transfer market.

The coach said: “For sure [signings are needed]. After only two weeks I said we needed to improve the quality of this squad and for sure we need to.

“I was sure after seven to 10 days about this and then I had to make the evaluation over who I can count on and who I can't. The gap is very large and we need to work a lot and try to build and improve our squad.”

Door opens for Zakaria

11:53 , Marc Mayo

Borussia Monchengladbach transfer chief Max Eberl has confirmed that Denis Zakaria will leave the club in 2022.

The Swiss midfielder is out of contract and Eberl told the club website: “I already contacted his agent before Christmas and said that we would be planning without him from the summer at the latest.”

Bild claims a fee of £5.9million could be enough to secure a January move.

Liverpool and Bayern Munich are said to want Zakaria.

Lukaku going nowhere

11:38 , Marc Mayo

Romelu Lukaku will NOT try to force a move away from Chelsea in January.

Bombshell comments from the Belgian suggested he is unhappy with life in West London, and is open to one day returning to Inter Milan.

But the Telegraph outline a determination to continue and improve matters from both the club and player’s camps.

11:26 , Marc Mayo

Dimitar Berbatov has warned Tottenham that Harry Kane will once again seek a move away from the club if he feels he cannot win the Premier League title in North London.

Berbatov told Betfair: “This year saw the big transfer saga with Kane looking like he was going to leave Tottenham, it didn’t happen and I believe we will see a similar saga in 2022. The questions about his future are still there.

“He's a great player and I'm certain that he will be England's top goalscorer soon, he will be Spurs' top goalscorer if he stays, but at the end of the day if he doesn't have anything in his trophy cabinet then that will be a waste in my opinion and it will be a regret that he will have.

“I'll say it again, time is flying and it feels like it was only yesterday when I was kicking the ball around, scoring goals and lifting trophies.

“If one of the greatest goalscorers of our generation doesn't win the Premier League at least once, then I am sure he will regret it for the rest of his life.”

Kulusevski in North London tussle

11:12 , Marc Mayo

Arsenal and Tottenham are reportedly battling over Juventus winger Dejan Kulusevski.

Calciomercato have described the Gunners as “overtaking” their North London rivals in the Swedish star’s future.

A deal of around £30m could be enough to secure his services.

More from Tuchel

10:56 , Marc Mayo

Thomas Tuchel has dismissed the notion that Romelu Lukaku is unhappy at Chelsea, despite his comments over life in West London.

“He is an experienced player and he should know what kind of value it has when he speaks out with messages like this,” said the manager.

“I don’t see him as unhappy. I feel the exact opposite. If you ask me yesterday morning, I would say I feel the exact opposite. That’s why I would say it’s a surprise, but I am the wrong person to ask.”

He added: “We will do it behind closed doors. We will speak openly like I think the relationship is and always has been.

“Maybe we here can take the time to try to understand what’s going on. Because it does not reflect his daily work, it does not reflect his daily attitude, it does not reflect the daily behaviour which Romelu shows here at Cobham.”

10:38 , Marc Mayo

Thomas Tuchel has admitted his frustration at Romelu Lukaku’s comments over his Chelsea future.

The striker intimated that he was disappointed with life at Stamford Bridge since his £97.5million move from Inter Milan.

“We don’t like it, of course, because it brings noise that we don’t need and is not helpful,” Tuchel said. “But on the other side, we don’t want to make more out of it than it actually is.

“You know very well how it is, it’s very easy to take lines out of context, to shorten lines to make headlines, then realise later it’s not so bad or what he meant. But let’s be honest, we don’t like it, because it’s noise we don’t need, we need a calm environment and focus. And it does not help.”

PSG’s Mbappe hopes aren’t over

10:20 , Marc Mayo

Kylian Mbappe could remain with Paris Saint-Germain next season.

Real Madrid are highly interested in the French forward, who has already dismissed the idea of a January exit.

Out of contract in the summer, L’Equipe claim talks over a new deal are still ongoing and not yet completely dead.

Lamptey to Arsenal?

09:59 , Marc Mayo

Arsenal are interested in a deal for Brighton full-back Tariq Lamptey, it has been claimed.

Mikel Arteta could soon dispense with Sead Kolasinac and is not a huge fan of Cedric Soares, meaning competition with Takehiro Tomiyasu at right-back could be a priority in the market.

Transfer journalist Duncan Castles has said that a deal is on the cards, if the money is right for Brighton.

Johnstone on Spurs radar

09:42 , Marc Mayo

Tottenham reportedly want West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

The England reserve’s contract expires in the summer, as does Hugo Lloris’ deal at Spurs.

And talkSPORT outline Tottenham’s hopes of landing Johnstone, with West Ham, Newcastle and Southampton also keen.

Erling Haaland ponders Dortmund renewal

09:23 , Marc Mayo

Erling Haaland will decide on his next step in February, according to Bild.

The German publication states that a club-record contract offer will be put on the table by Borussia Dortmund to eradicate his buyout clause becoming active in the summer.

And Haaland could earn upwards of £250,000-a-week if he stays.

The Hammers enter the market

09:06 , Marc Mayo

David Moyes is ready to make serious moves in the January transfer market having enjoyed previous success in the window with West Ham.

Asked whether he felt the club were ready to act when the window opens this weekend, Moyes said: "I’d love to say yes. Do we want to act? Yes we do. Are we ready to act? Probably not.

"That is not to do with resources but it’s to do with availability, generally it looks like a difficult market. We say that every year but it feels that way.

"All I would say is that our last few January windows have seen us get [Tomas] Soucek, [Jarrod] Bowen and Jesse Lingard so if I could get anybody that would give us that level of success during the January window it would be seen as a positive."

08:49 , Marc Mayo

Andreas Christensen’s Chelsea future is reportedly murky after “complications” in negotiating his new contract.

With his existing deal up in the summer, the Dane is in talks to sign a renewal but Gianluca Di Marzio journalist Nathan Gissing has claimed that the deal has stalled.

Christensen is said to be open to a new challenge amid interest from Barcelona.

The key to Coutinho?

08:31 , Marc Mayo

Arsenal could step up their bid for Philippe Coutinho with technical director Edu leading negotiations.

Football.London say the former midfielder has a good connection with the Barcelona man after working as the Brazilian national team’s coordinator between 2016 and 2019.

A fee of just £18million could be enough to lure Coutinho to North London.

Juventus in Origi move

08:16 , Marc Mayo

Juventus could make a shock swoop for Divock Origi if Alvaro Morata leaves for Barcelona.

The Spanish striker is said to be sure that Juve do not want to make his loan move from Atletico Madrid permanent, and has therefore given the green light to join the Clasico rivals of former team Real Madrid.

Only agreement between Atletico and Barcelona is lacking, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

That will then force Juventus into looking for a new striker, where Mauro Icardi and Edinson Cavani are said to be of interest.

And Liverpool reserve forward Origi is now said to be on that list, with the Bianconeri taking the “first steps” to gauge a deal.

Jorge Mendes confirms Ronaldo is happy at Manchester United

Thursday 30 December 2021 23:04 , Jonathan Gorrie

Jorge Mendes has told Sky Sports that Cristiano Ronaldo remains committed to Manchester United despite a difficult season for the club as a whole.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is very happy at Man United. He’s gonna continue with his solid, great performances as always in his career. It’s gonna be a great season for him, I’m sure.”

Explosive Romelu Lukaku quotes

Thursday 30 December 2021 18:59 , Jonathan Gorrie

Napoli approach Man United

Thursday 30 December 2021 18:08 , Jonathan Gorrie

According to The Daily Mail, Napoli have approached Manchester United over the potential signing of Axel Tuanzebe.

The defender is on loan at Aston Villa but has rarely featured, leading to the Italian interest.

Barcelona track Alvaro Morata

Thursday 30 December 2021 17:33 , Jonathan Gorrie

According to noted transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona have contacted Alvaro Morata ahead of a potential loan move.

The Spanish giants, fresh from signing Ferran Torres, are understood to have targeted the former Chelsea striker as part of their rebuild.

Man City remain keen on Erling Haaland and Harry Kane

Thursday 30 December 2021 16:00 , Jonathan Gorrie

ESPN claim Manchester City remain keen on signing either Harry Kane or Erling Haaland but will not make any move until the summer window.

Cruising atop the Premier League at the moment, there isn’t though to be much of a needed to launch an attempt to sign either during the notoriously difficult January window.

Conte: Lloris wants to stay at Spurs

Thursday 30 December 2021 14:44 , Giuseppe Muro

Antonio Conte has said Hugo Lloris is in talks with Tottenham over a new contract he expects him to stay.

Lloris is entering the final six months of his contract and is free to talk to foreign clubs from January 1.

"I think so, I think Hugo wants to stay in this club,” said Conte today. “He loves this club. He stays well in Tottenham and this could be his opinion."

Juve set McKennie asking price

Thursday 30 December 2021 13:48 , Giuseppe Muro

Tottenham are interested in Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie, who has been told he can leave for around £30m in January.

Juve have made the American international available so they can step up their interest in Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, who is also of interest to Chelsea.

Real Madrid eye Chelsea right-back James

Thursday 30 December 2021 13:01 , Giuseppe Muro

According to reports in Spain, Real Madrid are interested in Chelsea right-back Reece James.

El Nacional say Real could try to tempt Chelsea into selling James by offering Eden Hazard as part of any deal.

Martial ‘expected to finish season at Sevilla’

Thursday 30 December 2021 12:11 , Giuseppe Muro

It was no surprise when Ralf Rangnick confirmed Anthony Martial wanted to leave Manchester United sooner rather than later.

Sevilla have had an offer to sign Martial on loan for the rest of the season rejected by United but L’Equipe have reported that the Spanish club remain confident of securing a deal.

The report says Martial “is expected to finish the season on loan at Sevilla” and that he has become their “priority”.

Rangnick is adamant any move must be right for United, so it remains to be seen if the two clubs can reach an agreement that suits all parties.

Newcastle close in on Trippier signing

Thursday 30 December 2021 11:57 , Giuseppe Muro

Newcastle reportedly hope to complete a deal to bring Kieran Trippier back to the Premier League next week.

The Telegraph report that Newcastle are confident they will be able to move quickly as they look to make an early statement of intent once the January window opens.

They will also try to sign a striker after losing Callum Wilson to injury.

Spurs to make move for Henderson?

Thursday 30 December 2021 10:58 , Giuseppe Muro

With Hugo Lloris’ future uncertain, Tottenham have been linked with a move for Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

Ajax have also been linked with a January loan move for Henderson, who is desperate to get some regular playing time.

But, according to the Manchester Evening News, Ralf Rangnick has told Henderson he cannot leave Old Trafford on loan next month.

Spurs are continuing to monitor Henderson’s situation with a view to a summer move for him.

Man City won’t replace Ferran Torres in January

Thursday 30 December 2021 10:29 , Giuseppe Muro

Manchester City still hold an interest in Harry Kane – but they will reportedly not replace Ferran Torres in January and will instead renew their efforts to sign a striker next summer.

Torres joined Barcelona in a £46.3million deal on Tuesday.

According to ESPN, instead of trying to bring in another forward next month City are set to use the money to boost their bid to sign a striker in the summer.

Kane and Erling Haaland areamong their list of targets.

Haaland's future to be decided by February

Thursday 30 December 2021 10:16 , Giuseppe Muro

Borussia Dortmund are looking to put together a deal to try to persuade Erling Braut Haaland to stay with them.

And, according to Bild in Germany, Haaland’s future will be decided by the end of February.

With Manchester United, Manchester City and Real Madrid all keeping a close eye on his situation, Dortmund are putting together a club-record financial package to convince the 21-year-old to stay.

The report in Bild claims Dortmund are set to double Haaland’s salary to £13.4m-a-year, which equates to £260,000-a-week, and he could also earn up to £6.7m in bonuses from Dortmund’s kit manufacturer Puma.

Lloris considering Spurs exit

Thursday 30 December 2021 09:35 , Giuseppe Muro

Hugo Lloris is entering the final six months of his contact at Tottenham and the Spurs captain is open to rejoining his boyhood Nice next summer, according to reports.

Lloris first signed for Nice aged 10 and was in their youth ranks before making his senior debut for the club eight years later.

He left for Lyon before joining Tottenham in 2012, and has made almost 400 appearances during 10 seasons in north London.

Spurs want to tie the 35-year-old down to a new deal but, according to Foot Mercato, Nice want to take him back to France and Lloris is keen on heading back to the French Riviera.

Chelsea contact AC Milan over Hernandez

Thursday 30 December 2021 09:28 , Giuseppe Muro

Chelsea have reportedly made contact with AC Milan over a deal for left-back Theo Hernandez.

But the Serie A giants have slapped a £50million price tag on the French defender.

Thomas Tuchel is keen to strengthen at left-back after Ben Chilwell was ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

According to Tuttosport, Chelsea have contacted AC Milan over Hernandez to check his availability in January.

Hernandez is regarded as one of the best full backs in Europe and has also been linked with Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.

Saka ‘interested’ in Liverpool move

Thursday 30 December 2021 09:23 , Giuseppe Muro

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is said to be “interested” in a future move to Liverpool.

And Jurgen Klopp has reportedly identified the 20-year-old England international as a potential target.

Saka has emerged as a superstar in 2021 and, according to information from Ian McGarry on The Transfer Window Podcast, he would be open to a switch to Anfield.

“Liverpool would provide the opportunity and platform for him to play and compete at the highest level,” said McGarry. “And that would certainly be something that I’m told he and his representatives are very interested in.”

Saka is under contract at Arsenal until 2024 and it is difficult to see him leaving Emirates Stadium.

But talk of Liverpool’s interest will not be what Gunners fans want to hear.

Dixon: DCL the man for Gunners

Wednesday 29 December 2021 17:58 , Malik Ouzia

Former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon believes Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the man to solve Arsenal’s striker puzzle.

The Gunners are in the market for a centre-forward, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang out of favour and both Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah out of contract at the end of the season.

“Would I like to see Calvert-Lewin at Arsenal? I think yes,” Dixon told the Mail.

“I think you’d struggle to get one of the top, top strikers like [Erling] Haaland.

“It would be a step up for Calvert-Lewin, no disrespect to Everton.

“I like him, I think he’s got potential to be as good as he wants to be. He is fit and athletic, he is strong and good in the air and a good finisher. I would take him.”

Spanner in Digne plan

Wednesday 29 December 2021 16:56 , Malik Ouzia

Earlier on we heard about Chelsea considering a recall for Emerson Palmieri amid their left-back crisis.

According to reports elsewhere, Everton’s Lucas Digne is also being considered as a short-term option.

However, L’Equipe claim that the Toffees wouldn’t be interested in allowing the Frenchman to leave on loan and would instead be looking for a £25m permanent deal.

Rs Cooking this January?

Wednesday 29 December 2021 16:35 , Malik Ouzia

QPR are reportedly leading the race to sign Bournemouth defender Steve Cook.

The Mail claim Nottingham Forest are also interested in the centre-back, but that Mark Warburton’s side are favourites to land the Cherries skipper next month.

Cook was left out of the Bournemouth squad for their 1-0 victory over QPR on Monday and afterwards manager Scott Parker confirmed he may be headed for the exit door.

“Firstly, I am very respectful of Steve’s situation,” Parker said. “I spoke to Steve yesterday – there’s maybe a possibility he may be leaving in this window, due to his situation.”

Mata wanted by Real Sociedad

Wednesday 29 December 2021 14:53 , Giuseppe Muro

Sticking with Manchester United, Juan Mata looks to be heading for the Old Trafford exit door and Real Sociedad are keen on a move to take the midfielder back to Spain.

Mata has just six months left on his contract but Sociedad hope to persuade United to release him for free in January.

Man United eye Icardi as Cavani replacement

Wednesday 29 December 2021 14:44 , Giuseppe Muro

With Edinson Cavani’s future at Old Trafford up in the air, Manchester United have reportedly come up with a contingency plan in place in case leaves next month.

And, according to Calciomercato, United are preparing a move for Paris Saint-Germain striker Mauro Icardi should Cavani depert.

Barcelona are interested in Cavani, with the Uruguayan keen on the move too but any move depends on interim manager Ralf Rangnick.

Everton return for Barkley?

Wednesday 29 December 2021 14:15 , Giuseppe Muro

Ross Barkley could be back at Everton in January.

The Daily Mail claims Everton are interested in bringing their former player back to Goodison Park.

The England midfielder has featured only five times for Chelsea in the Premier League this season.

Arsenal lead race for Coutinho

Wednesday 29 December 2021 14:13 , Giuseppe Muro

Arsenal are reportedly the frontrunners to sign Barcelona outcast Philippe Coutinho on loan in January.

Coutinho is free to leave Barcelona after falling out of favour at the Nou Camp and, according to Spanish outlet Sport, he prefers a move to Arsenal over other Premier League clubs.

Arsenal quoted Guimaraes price

Wednesday 29 December 2021 13:30 , Giuseppe Muro

Arsenal have been quoted £38million for Lyon midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, according to Brazilian outlet Globo.

The Gunners are set to send Ainsley Maitland-Niles on loan to Roma in January.

If a loan-to-buy option is included in the deal then Arsenal could use the money, as well as the sales of Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira, to fund a move for Guimaraes in the summer.

Wednesday 29 December 2021 13:24 , Giuseppe Muro

Back to Chelsea as they weigh-up their left-back options, Goal reports that the Blues could recall 27-year-old Italy left-back Emerson Palmieri from his loan at Lyon.

Chelsea also have an option to recall 19-year-old Dutchman Ian Maatsen from Coventry City.

Raphinha won’t push for January move

Wednesday 29 December 2021 13:22 , Giuseppe Muro

Chelsea have been linked with Raphinha in recent day and Liverpool and Bayern Munich are also said to be considering a move for the Leeds winger.

But the Mirror reports that the 25-year-old is reluctant to spoil his relationship with the Leeds fans by agitating for a transfer, even if he will eventually move on from Elland Road.

Mbappe addresses transfer rumours

Wednesday 29 December 2021 13:19 , Giuseppe Muro

He continues to be linked with a move to Real Madrid but, for now, Kylian Mbappe insists his full focus is still on Paris Saint-Germain - particularly with a Champions League tie against the Spanish side to come.

“No, I’m not joining Real Madrid in January,” Mbappe told CNN. “I’m in PSG, I’m really happy and I will finish the season [here] 100 per cent.

“I’ll give everything to win the Champions League, the league and the cup and to give all of the pleasure to the fans because they deserve it.

“And I think I deserve to win something great with PSG.”

Wednesday 29 December 2021 13:18 , Giuseppe Muro

Barcelona are said be interested in bringing Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen from Chelsea the Nou Camp.

Gerard Moreno reports that an agreement in principle has been reached between Azpilicueta and Barca, though Barca could wait until next summer to sign the Chelsea pair for free when their contracts expire.

Chelsea consider Lucas Digne move

Wednesday 29 December 2021 13:15 , Giuseppe Muro

With Ben Chilwell set to miss the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery, Chelsea are considering their left-back options.

Fabrizio Romano says their first move will be to enquire about Everton’s Lucas Digne, who has fallen out of favour with Rafael Benitez.

Sergino Dest is also an option, with the Barcelona defender said to be among the players up for sale at the Camp Nou.

Chelsea also have long-standing interest in Ajax defender Nico Tagliafico.

Real eyeing double swoop for Mbappe and Haaland

Wednesday 29 December 2021 13:08 , Giuseppe Muro

According to reports in Spain, Real Madrid are confident of pulling off an audacious double swoop for Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland next summer.

Mbappe attempted to force a move to Real in the summer transfer window. He is expected to run down the final six months of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain and a move to Real next summer seems the most likely outcome.

Marca claim Real are also lining up a move for Haaland.

His agent Mino Raiola has named Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real as possible destinations for the striker.

But the report by Marca claims Real “hold the edge” over their rivals because of their strong relationship with Dortmund.

Dortmund chief Aki Watzke is said to be good friends with his counterpart Jose Angel Sanches, as well as Madrid president Florentino Perez.

Wednesday 29 December 2021 13:01 , Giuseppe Muro

Good afternoon and welcome to Standard Sport’s transfer blog.

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