Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd, Tottenham, Chelsea, Liverpool, Juventus, Real Madrid latest updates
THE transfer window is almost here as clubs look to freshen up their squads going into a packed second half of the season.
All Europe's top leagues are currently experiencing competitive title races meaning there's plenty of work to be done among the big guns.
Get all the latest transfer news, gossip and updates here…
- sstreet
DON'T CRY FOR ME ARGENTINA
Marcos Rojo is set to move to Boca Juniors, according to reports in Argentina.
The Man Utd star has been on loan at Estudiantes – the club he joined as a ten-year-old – since January.
But El Intrasigente claim Boca will make a £3.7m bid for the former World Cup finalist – enough to force United's hand.
- Joe Miles
YOU'RE KYLING US
Real Madrid reportedly fear it will be harder to sign Kylian Mbappe if Mauricio Pochettino replaces sacked Thomas Tuchel at Paris Saint-Germain.
Los Blancos had lined up moves for Mbappe and former Spurs boss Pochettino but their plans are said to have been thrown into disarray.
Real were keen on Poch as a replacement for Zinedine Zidane if the Frenchman departed in the near future.
But after Tuchel was axed the day before Christmas and the Argentine had talks about replacing him, the Spanish giants are said to be gravely concerned.
Mbappe is far more likely to agree a new contract with the Ligue 1 champions after the German's departure, according to Spanish outlet AS.
- William Pugh
LOOKING ALSEWHERE!
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is prioritising a centre-back in January, according to reports.
But Manchester United are reportedly unlikely to move for Bayern Munich defender David Alaba. Solskjaer's focus is mainly on the summer transfer window.
But United will move for a centre-back next month if an appropriate target becomes available, according to the Telegraph.
Alaba has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League – with Chelsea favourites to sign him – after Bayern accepted he will leave on a free at the end of this season.
The 28-year-old's contract expires in the summer at which time he will have spent more than a decade with the Bavarians.
Alaba can sign a pre-contract agreement with non-German clubs in January but despite his availability the Red Devils are expected to look elsewhere.
- William Pugh
…
"We want to create a team that is entertaining to watch and that embodies the spirit and the culture of those who attend, thereby reconnecting the team with its fanbase, whose support will be so vital to our success.
“In the midst of a global pandemic, we should all be aware of the difficult situation the club is currently in and the challenges we face in the months to come.
"However, through hard work, a diligent plan and togetherness from the Board of Directors, staff, players and supporters we can between us create a brighter future at the Stadium of Light.
"If we all play our parts, I firmly believe we can restore Sunderland AFC to the top tier of English football and I can’t wait to get started.”
- William Pugh
…
Louis-Dreyfus said: “First, I would like to thank Stewart Donald for his integrity and reasonableness over the last three months, which has led to me having the opportunity to take a controlling stake in Sunderland AFC.
"I am fully aware of the efforts undertaken by the current ownership and Board to protect the viability of the Club and respect the difficulty of this task, given Sunderland’s recent past and the current economic climate.
“We respectfully await the EFL’s approval for this transaction. Nonetheless it would be remiss of me at this stage not to emphasise what an enormous honour it would be for me to become involved with such a historic club, in a city renowned for its rich football culture going back to 1879.
"Many will be aware of my family connections to the industry and, in acquiring Sunderland AFC, I understand the responsibility that’s placed upon me as the custodian of the club’s future.
“Moving forward, we have a long-term strategy which integrates Sunderland’s proud traditions with a modern structure and approach.
"We will seek to be at the frontier of research and innovation in all performance domains and place great emphasis on player development and the team’s style of play…
- William Pugh
SUNDERLAND TAKEOVER!
Sunderland have announced billionaire heir Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has agreed a deal to buy Stewart Donald's controlling interest in the club.
Dreyfus will become chairman early in the new year if the EFL approve the deal.
Donald said: "“It’s been no secret that I have been looking for some time to find the right person to take Sunderland forward and during the course of the last year there have been a lot of different people wanting to take over.
"However, even though it is a matter of public record that some of those bidders offered me more money, I felt that they offered less to the club and to the community.
"Whereas from the early meetings with Kyril, his family and advisers, I have been greatly impressed with their knowledge and understanding, learned over a long period as owners of major football clubs in Belgium and France.
"I believe that experience, combined with a good plan, will provide a platform for the club to progress and I look forward to watching that progress from afar.”
- William Pugh
TIDYING HIS MES
Arsenal outcast Mesut Ozil has reportedly held secret talks with Turkish side Fenerbahce.
The German is said to have had a covert meeting in London about a move which would see his wages drop by £200,000-A-WEEK.
The playmaker has been linked with a return to Mikel Arteta's struggling squad in January.
But the deal to Fenerbahce would not take place until next summer, according to German outlet Bild.
Ozil currently pockets £350k-a-week at the Emirates.
But he will drop to a weekly wage of £150k if he moves to the Super Lig side.
- William Pugh
MERRY CHRISTMAS FOOTBALL FANS!
Manchester United have been linked with Everton's England frontman Dominic Calvert-Lewin – as they share the Christmas transfer limelight with Arsenal duo Mesut Ozil and Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
The Athletic tip Calvert-Lewin to be a much cheper alternative target to Borussia Dortmund strike starlets Erling Haaland Jadon Sancho for Borussia Dortmund.
Atletico Madrid are said to be interested in new England wideman Maitland-Niles, 23.
And German newspaper Bild suggest Turkish giants have held secret talks with outcast Ozil, 32.
In fact, lowly Arsenal at least top the table for festive speculation.
Real Madrid 's Brazil winger Rodrygo, 19, has been named as on their radar, although he was carried off injured on Wednesday.
And it's also claimed Barcelona have turned down the chance to sign Gunners' centre-back Shkodran Mustafi.
Meanwhile, Independiente del Valle general manager Santiago Morales says Ecuador midfielder Moises Caicedo, 19, is "leaving for England" – with United or Chelsea tipped as his destination for around £4.5million.
Finally, Manchester City and Tottenham are thought to be monitoring Atalanta's Holland midfielder Marten de Roon, 29,
- Ian Tuckey
BARCA FIGHT TO KEEP RIQUI
Barcelona are trying to convince midfielder Riqui Puig to sign a new deal amid concerns over his future, reports say.
The Spaniard’s contract expires next summer, and Manchester City and Bayern Munich are among the interested clubs.
But according to Fichajes, the LaLiga giants are pushing Puig to commit his future to the Nou Camp as the 21-year-old could otherwise leave on a free at the end of the season.
But Barca bosses could find it hard to talk Puig into the proposal, with the promising talent having made just four appearances this season.
And their case will not be helped after manager Ronald Koeman aimed a dig at out of favour playmaker, suggesting he is not working hard enough.
Koeman, who was asked about Puig, said: “I like people who work every day to improve, and who take opportunities with both hands. Sometimes it’s not just about quality.
“There may be players who don’t do enough in training for the coach to give opportunities.”
- Ian Tuckey
MAN LEW-NITED?
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a Manchester United alternative target to Erling Haaland, reports suggest.
Credit: AP:Associated Press Everton and now England striker Calvert-Lewin has enjoyed his best year – while Haaland is starring alongside United-linked Jadon Sancho for Borussia Dortmund.
And The Athletic claim Calvert-Lewin’s sharp improvement has suddenly put the 23-year-old on United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s radar.
He would certainly come much cheaper than Haaland and/or England attacker Sancho.
- Ian Tuckey
EXTRA GARD TIME
Manchester United want to extend Jesse Lingard’s contract, according to reports.
The out-of-favour star’s current deal is set to expire this summer.
Lingard, 28, is therefore able to start negotiating with clubs overseas from next month.
But according to the Mail, the Red Devils plan to trigger a one-year extension clause.
When handing a Lingard a new, four-year deal back in 2017, United tossed in an option to extend it by a year if they so wish – similar to the clause they triggered in Paul Pogba’s contract earlier this year.
The former England man could still leave on loan next month, however, with Sheffield United rumoured to be keen.
- Ian Tuckey
OZIL IN ‘SECRET FENERBAHCE TALKS’
Mesut Ozil has held secret talks with Fenerbahce, German newspaper Bild claims.
Arsenal’s frozen-out playmaker, 32, has publicly stated his desire to win back boss Mikel Artetata’s faith.
Credit: PA:Press Association But Turkish giants Fenerbahce are among the clubs to have been linked with the midfielder over the past 12 months.
- Ian Tuckey
UTD CAN HAVE THEIR CAIC
Moises Caicedo is ‘leaving for England’ after a deal has been struck with his club.
Independiente del Valle general manager Santiago Morales confirmed talks have been had and a deal for the player is close.
And it looks as though Manchester United have beaten Chelsea to the youngster’s signature.
The 19-year-old looks set to complete the move to the Red Devils, according to Diario Extra.
General manager Morales said: “There is a lot of interest from European teams.
“We’re in conversation with a team. We won’t have him for 2021.”
A medical is now expected.
- Ian Tuckey
ROON FOR IMPROVEMENT
Holland midfielder Marten de Roon is reportedly on the radar of Manchester City and Tottenham.
The 29-year-old has shone in Serie A with Atalanta since 2017 after a mixed year with Middlesbrough.
- Ian Tuckey
- Ian Tuckey
ATLETICO ‘EYE ALONSO’
Chelsea outcast Marcos Alonso is being linked with LaLiga leaders Atletico Madrid
The Spain left-back left-back, 29, has suffered from Ben Chillwell’s £50million arrival from leicester.
Alonso has made a paltry three appearances in all competitions this campaign, all of which have come in the Premier League.
The Spaniard – who joined the west Londoners from Fiorentina in the summer of 2016 – has been absent from Chelsea’s last 11 league matchday squads.
And Spanish TV show El Chiringuito claims the La Liga leaders are set to table a loan bid for the 29-year-old.
They also state the Madrid club is willing to pay 50 per cent of Alonso’s £100,000-a-week wages.
Atletico will reportedly have to battle Inter Milan for Alonso’s services as former Blues boss Antonio Conte is said to be keen on re-signing the full-back.
- Ian Tuckey
GUNNERS HOPE TO REEL IN ROD
Arsenal are reportedly lining up a move for Real Madrid star Rodrygo.
But Mikel Arteta may have to put his plans on hold after the three-cap Brazil winger, 19,was stretchered off injured yesterday.
El Confidencial claims Arsenal and Inter Milan are both big fans of Rodrygo.
He has already clocked up 43 appearances for Real, scoring nine goals in the process.
But Real are apparently open to selling him as they look to add a Galactico or two.
- Ian Tuckey
PUIG IN THE MIDDLE
Barcelona are trying to convince midfielder Riqui Puig to sign a new deal amid concerns over his future, reports say.
The Spaniard's contract expires next summer, and Manchester City and Bayern Munich are among the interested clubs.
But according to Fichajes, the LaLiga giants are pushing Puig to commit his future to the Nou Camp as the 21-year-old could otherwise leave on a free at the end of the season.
But Barca bosses could find it hard to talk Puig into the proposal, with the promising talent having made just four appearances this season.
And their case will not be helped after manager Ronald Koeman aimed a dig at out of favour playmaker, suggesting he is not working hard enough.
Koeman, who was asked about Puig, said: “I like people who work every day to improve, and who take opportunities with both hands. Sometimes it's not just about quality.
"There may be players who don't do enough in training for the coach to give opportunities."
- Ian Tuckey
THE RIGHT MOISES?
CHELSEA have reportedly joined Manchester United in the hunt to prise Ecuadorian teenager Moises Caicedo away from Independiente del Valle.
The Red Devils were believed to be in pole position to secure the 19-year-old midfielder’s services following his dazzling displays this season.
According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea have entered the race to bring Caicedo to England.
And they have also claimed that while United are interested in the player, talks aren’t yet at an advanced stage.
- Ian Tuckey
MAD FOR AINSLEY
Atletico Madrid are set to launch a bid to take Ainsley Maitland-Niles to Spain, reports say.
Atleti have reportedly been tracking the Arsenal man for the last 12 months amid a move.
With Kieran Trippier set to miss the next few months with a betting ban, Maitland-Niles could prove an option to fill in for Trippier.
Wolves failed with a £20million bid in the summer.
- Ian Tuckey
KOP DUEL UTD FOR BAJCETIC
Liverpool are reportedly in pole position to land Manchester United target Stefan Bajcetic from Celta Vigo.
SunSport reported last week how the Red Devils were in negotiations with the Spanish side about bringing the 16-year-old defender to Old Trafford.
But according to the Liverpool Echo, it is now the Reds that are winning the race to secure the centre-back’s services.
They claim that the Merseyside outfit are in talks to bring the player to Anfield.
Liverpool scouts have been impressed by Bajcetic, who has featured twice for Celta’s B team this season after being promoted to the squad.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are however in a race against time to sign the teenager as they need to wrap up a deal before the UK leaves the EU on January 1.
Clubs will be unable to sign overseas players under the age of 18 under the new post-Brexit transfer rules.
- Craig Mahood
BIG NEWS ON CAICEDO
Moises Caicedo is ‘leaving for England’ after a deal has been struck with his club.
Independiente del Valle general manager Santiago Morales confirmed talks have been had and a deal for the player is close.
And it looks as though Manchester United have beaten Chelsea to the youngster’s signature.
The 19-year-old looks set to complete the move to the Red Devils, according to Diario Extra.
General manager Morales said: “There is a lot of interest from European teams.
“We’re in conversation with a team. We won’t have him for 2021.”
A medical is now expected.
- Craig Mahood
NO GO FOR SHKO
Barcelona have categorically rejected the notion they are making a move for Shkodran Mustafi, reports say.
Mustafi’s agent said earlier in the week he was at the Catalan club for the Arsenal defender, ahead of a potential move.
But Barca have rejected the claims and say they are not looking to bring them German in.
Mundo Deportivo say the meeting with Mustafi’s agent Emre Ozturk was ‘just out of courtesy’.
- Craig Mahood
ROON THE CORNER
Ex-Middlesbrough midfielder Martin de Roon is a target for both Tottenham and Manchester City, reports claim.
90min say the Atlanta player would be a target for Spurs in January, with City looking to construct a deal at the end of the season.
Mourinho previously called the midfielder ‘phenomenal’ when United played Middlesbrough three years ago.
De Roon himself is believed to feel like he has ‘unfinished business’ in English football.
- Craig Mahood
ITALIAN JOB
Inter Milan are the latest club linked with a move for Chelsea outcast Marcos Alonso.
Earlier today, reports emerged linking the left-back with a return to his homeland with Atletico Madrid.
Now Inter Milan are eyeing a move for Alonso in the January window, according to Sky Sport Italia.
The outlet say Alonso’s previous relationship with current Inter boss Antonio Conte is a key feature in the move.
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