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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
John Brewin (earlier) and Daniel Harris (later)

January transfer window 2024: Wharton set to complete £22m Palace move – as it happened

Gio Reyna Forest
Adam Wharton
Blackburn midfielder Adam Wharton is at Crystal Palace for a medical before completing a £22m transfer. Photograph: Craig Galloway/ProSports/REX/Shutterstock

Righto, that is us – thanks all for your company and comments. Join us again tomorrow for the staggering denouement!

Here’s today’s Football Daily.

Decent trainer game from the youngster, in fairness.

“Is it that he’s named after Giovanni van Bronkhorst?” asks Alex Guilford. “He and Gio’s papa, Claudio Reyna, were bezzies at Rangers...”

Near enough! The question was who is the only player to face the man he was named after?

“Fair point,” returns Justin Madson, “bullying may have been a bit of an overstatement. There was a ton of pressure from many avenues on Chelsea and how they were going to handle Mount. Moving on from 250k a week for a player with diminishing returns in his last season with Chelsea who has been restricted to four appearances all season would seem to be a good piece of business in light of the injury list at Chelsea. It also was a homegrown player whose sale helped FFP issues. With how Gallagher has been playing, have to say I am glad we kept him and sold Mount. Granted, I may eat my words once he is healthy, and it wouldn’t be the first time a player who didn’t work out so well at Chelsea found his footing elsewhere. Also, as sad as I am to say it, I believe your assessment of Chelsea’s chances today are completely accurate.”

I’m not sure about Gallagher, but the fee for Mount was a goodun as you say – though i’d excuse him the final season drop-off given the mess around him. As for tonight, having watched a decade of post-Fergie Man Unite, I’m very familiar with matches that are close until they aren’t, and that’d be my guess for what happens at Anfield.

This is nicely done.

I’d be surprised if Chelsea let Broja leave, given how Pochettino was talking about him recently. They need goals, don’t have many reliable sources of them, and he looks to be growing in confidence.

There are so many triumphs in Beckham’s career that his MLS stint isn’t often considered, but he went there and, unlike some others, imposed himself.

“Is the trivia question,” wonders Eddie Eyers of Gio Reyna. “Which footballer is the offspring of two full internationals?”

It wasn’t the one in my mind, but it’s still good.

I’m surprised he’s not gone out on loan – he may still – because it does seem obvious Ten Hag doesn’t really rate him. He’s looked quite dangerous when he’s come on, without scoring or assisting, and his manager’s reticence to use him is telling.

Spurs v Brentford should also be decent. Those two met on the opening weekend, drawing 2-2, and though Not Insubstantial Ange’s men have improved a lot since then, I fancy brentford to ask questions of their defence and high line, especially away from home.

Liverpool tonight will be a good barometer for Chelsea. I strong fancy them to make it difficult for a bit, then lose by a couple of goals.

“Chelsea have been only lacking a consistent goalscorer,” writes Justin Madson. The midfield is coming together, the defensive line has done relatively well despite constantly having three+ starters injured, and the attacking players are making opportunities – there is just nobody to bundle home. Being unable to score goals can land a lot of unfair scrutiny on other parts of the field. Also, clearly an excellent piece of business to not be bullied by Mount into a big(ger) contract for a player whose impact has been dwindling since before he left Chelsea.”

I’m not sure Mount was trying to bully them, he asked for what he asked for and might’ve left even if he’d got it. I’m also not sure whether that’s excellent business or not because he’s been injured pretty much ever since, but agree Chelsea would be better with a reliable striker. Problem being, those aren’t easy to come by.

Jessie Fleming leaving Chelsea for Portland Thorns

Yeah, they do such a good job of keeping it to themselves…

Malapropism latest: Dan Aziz, fighting Josh Buatsi on Saturday, just advised Sky that he loves his cats, they keep him nice and surreal.

Keep track of all official goings-on here:

And here:

This lad was meant to be brilliant, and though I don’t think he is where it was hoped he’d be by now, he is the answer to one of my favourite football trivia questions. Anyone care to hazard a guess what that is?

A signing from the last transfer window, Mason Mount, won’t be fit enough to play tomorrow night, but he’s “on the grass,” the latest synonym for proximity to “getting minutes”. I don’t think he was the kind of player United needed – a physical ball-carrier able to take possession off the defence and pass was the thing – I can’t understand why some are writing him off as failure given how much of the season he’s spent injured.

Blackburn to sign Duncan McGuire from Orlando City

Blackburn are set to sign Duncan McGuire from Orlando City. He was the breakout US player in the league last season.

Why, it’s almost as if Jürgen Klopp knows what he’s doing. It’s an unfortunate reality for Liverpool that whoever replaces him, however good they are, won’t be as good as he is.

Wolves in talks to sign Corinthians striker Yuri Alberto

Wolves are in talks to sign the Corinthians striker Yuri Alberto, as Gary O’Neil attempts to bolster his attack before the deadline. Wolves cut their cloth significantly in the summer and, mindful of profit and sustainability rules, are thought to be weighing up a loan deal for the Brazilian. The 22-year-old made his Brazil debut last year.

“What’s your take on why clubs wait till the last couple of days of the window before taking action?” asks Richard Hirst. “Taking Fulham as an example, we have known since the summer window that we have not adequately replaced Mitrovic, and that we were likely to lose Bassey and Iwobi to Afcon for a lengthy period. If we had acted earlier we could have had players in for the crucial January period during which we have gone out of two cups and slid gently down the league. It doesn’t seem to make sense.”

Panic would be one, having to sell before buying another, hoping vendors get desperate a third.

I mentioned the Premier League games tonight and we’ve got two more tomorrow, West Ham v Bournemouth and Wolves v Man United. I’ll be at Molineux so, a question: is that the worst away end in the country? Openish, down the side– the whole side – and shallow.

Or maybe he just likes Tasty Jerk too much.

Forest want to sign Sam Johnstone from Crystal Palace – I’m not surprised, I’m afraid, because Matt Turner keeps costing them. Johnstone, though, has seen Dean Henderson close up, so naturally wants to stay and fight for his place.

Watching footage of Erik ten Hag talking about Marcus Rashford for the 69,034th time, these few months feel important for both those men. If United don’t improve over the next few months – a lot – they’ll be seeking a new manager, while this also feels like Rashford’s last chance to prove he’s reliable enough to be a starter in a serious team.

Hope he’s collecting points for petrol.

Morgan Rogers, the Boro midfielder and forward, is having a medical at Villa. He scored recently against Chelsea, and a very nice finish it was too.

Chelsea, then – they seem to be improving don’t they? It was inevitable, given how any good players they have and the good manager they have, though I wonder if the quality is there for a title challenge at any point in the next few seasons. I’m interested to see how their midfield develops, but it’s quite something how much they’re lacking given the money spaffed.

At 19, he’s got plenty of time to improve, but given the competition for places in the Chelsea midfield – Moisés Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer are locks really – it makes sense he go elsewhere to develop.

We are, of course, in the middle of a midweek suite of Premier League games. Tonight we’ve got:

Man City v Burnley

Spurs v Brentford

Liverpool v Chelses

And we’ll have MBM coverage of the latter.

In the WSL, Man City are hoping to nab Laura Blindkilde Brown from Villa, as a replacement for the ACLed Jill Roord – the price is expected to be £200,000.

Gary O’Neil reckons Wolves are getting Noha Lemina, brother of Mario, from Sampdoria. He doesn’t think it’s a signing for now, though who knows, if it goes well he may be “in and around” the squad before the end of the season. Manly, though, they think he can develop, alongside his brethren, into a good player.

Andoni Iraola doesn’t think Dominic Solanke will leave Bournemouth this month, which makes some sense. I can’t lie, I’m wondering if now is the peak of his value and who would be so convinced this is a new level rather than a streak, but the Cherries are too close to the relegation zone to countenance a transfer.

Sky reckon Luton are interested in signing Tyrhys Dolan from Blackburn, which I hope happens so I can desecrate his quite brilliantly spelled name with MBM typos.

I know it’s been around a while, but I’ve spent some time over the last few nights watching The Gold on iPlayer. It’s not about wolves, of course, because if it was it’d be called “The Old Gold”, but it is really enjoyable – Hugh Bonneville is fantastic.

Someone please confirm his dressing-room nickname is Chaka.

Odysseas Vlachodimos, Forest third keeper

Can’t lie, I’m a Tease Me man, but out of respect to my wife I’ve gone with Murder She Wrote.

OH WOW! Michael Dawson, on SSN, just referred to “the people in and around Marcus Rashford”. This is the best deadline day ever!

Adam Wharton to be unveiled as a Crystal Palace player

Adam Wharton is set to be unveiled as a Crystal Palace player in the coming hours to complete a very successful 24 hours for the south Londoners. Having confirmed the signing of Colombia right-back Daniel Muñoz on Tuesday before seeing off Sheffield United, the Blackburn midfielder has been completing the last part of his medical today ahead of his £22m move to Selhurst Park. It’s understood that he will go straight into Roy Hodgson’s squad rather than be loaned back to Blackburn as the Championship side had initially hoped. “The club is working very hard to seal the deal with Blackburn Rovers for Adam Wharton,” said Hodgson on Tuesday night.

Palace saw an approach for versatile West Ham defender Ben Johnson turned down earlier this week and rejected a £10m bid from Nottingham Forest for England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, who has lost his place to Dean Henderson. Jean-Philippe Mateta has also attracted attention from Real Betis and Bayer Leverkusen but is unlikely to be allowed to leave after impressing against Sheffield United.

Jesse Lingard, recently upbraided on Instagram by Paul Scholes, will not, according to Sky, be moving to Al-Shabab.

Mahmoud Dahoud likely to join Stuttgart on loan from Brighton

Brighton are expected to allow Mahmoud Dahoud to join Bundesliga high-flyers Stuttgart on loan after the Germany international has fallen down the pecking order under Roberto De Zerbi. Dahoud joined on a free transfer in the summer but has not made a Premier League appearance since the start of December. Stuttgart, who look set to hold on to top scorer Serhou Guirassy this month despite widespread interest in the Guinea striker, are in talks about a loan until the end of the season with an option to buy. They are also believed to be interested in taking up an €12m option to sign Deniz Undaz on a permanent basis after the striker’s successful loan spell in Germany that has yielded nine Bundesliga goals so far.

There’s not much I’d not do to wear la viola. Why didn’t more clubs pick purple?

Batistuta in purple

Yes, OK and very nice, but can we please talk about Hannibal’s coat?

On Hannibal the player, I’m not sure about him. I doubt he’s a top-echelon-of-the-Premier-League talent, but he’s got a chance of making it somewhere just below – if he broadens his focus to incorporate quality amid the aggression.

Afternoon listening:

“Seems a pity Carlos Alcaraz has given up his burgeoning tennis career to join Juventus,” chortles Jeff. “Still, swings and roundabouts, eh.”

It surely can’t just be me who thinks of this sticker every time they watch Ben Shelton. And while we’re here, what a kit this was.

Gary Shelton, who played for Sheff Weds in the mid-80s

A player I never fully got, he’ll be devo’d to learn, but respect to how much he loves football given he’s making this move.

Thanks John and hi everyone – before we dig into the football, let’s start with some self-care. Dope Ceasar is a ridiculously brilliant DJ, technically clean and innovative, but what’s especially great is how she puts her own stamp on bangers, keeping what makes them them but with a fresh new sound. Get her in your ears forthwith.

Updated

That’s me done on the blog for today. Not long until it all slams shut but before that, here’s Daniel Harris.

Carlos Alcaraz, a highly talented player, is being loaned by Southampton to Juventus for what seems a high loan fee. He cost £12m from River Plate this time last year.

A reminder to keep up with the latest moves from window here.

More from Manchester United and Erik Ten Hag.

Dean Holden to be Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq assistant

Steven Gerrard has a new assistant in the shape of the former Bristol City and Charlton manager Dean Holden. Gerrard had been searching for a No 2 after Ian Foster left to take the top job at Plymouth Argyle and Holden, who also worked as an assistant to Michael O’Neill at Stoke City, held productive talks with Al-Ettifaq before agreeing a move to the Saudi Pro League. Al-Ettifaq are winless in nine matches in all competitions.

Aston Villa in for a goalkeeper

Unai Emery intimated Aston Villa’s business would stop at signing his No 1 January target Morgan Rogers but he is also set to add a goalkeeper to his ranks. The Australia goalkeeper Joe Gauci is set to sign as backup to Emiliano Martínez, who was excellent in defeat against Newcastle. The 23-year-old, who will sign from Adelaide United, has been capped twice by his country. Youngster Filip Marschall headed out on loan to MK Dons earlier this month, leaving Robin Olsen as the only backup to Martinez. A £15m deal for Rogers, meanwhile, is being rubber-stamped as we speak, with the Middlesbrough forward undergoing a medical today.

Erik Ten Hag on Belfast-bothering PSG target Marcus Rashford – though a few, rightfully, have doubts on that one.

So, he has taken responsibility and for the rest it’s an internal matter - case closed.

Benrahma to stay at West Ham?

West Ham’s hopes of moving Said Benrahma to Lyon remain in the balance. A loan with an obligation to buy has been agreed but the winger is undecided on the transfer.

News from Scotland:

Women's Super League deadline day latest

A couple of stories, via the BBC’s Emma Sanders:

  • West Ham are chasing Swedish striker Evelyn Ijeh but reports suggests she is close to joining AC Milan.

  • Chelsea forward Jessie Fleming to join NSWL team Portland Thorns.

  • Manchester City goalie Ellie Roebuck linked with Barcelona

That’s Arsenal’s previous Gabriel we’re talking about here.

Kev McCready is lying on his bed, thoughts running through my his head: “Certainly, it’s a ‘Strong’ idea, but not outside of ‘Knutsford City Limits’. If it goes through, there’ll be ‘No Regrets’, but I ‘Feel’ it’ll never happen this side of the ‘Millennium.’”

Two Premier League players heading to Lyon

Robbie Williams puns welcome by the way….

More on the Port Vale news. A club statement to reveal that there will be no such thing as everything changes.

We are aware of the ‘exclusive’ news that has appeared in several national news outlets overnight and want to clarify the following:

Robbie Williams has not made a bid to purchase Port Vale Football Club and there have been no conversations regarding that happening.

Robbie and his team attended the match this past weekend, where he became Club President and officially opened the suite that is now named after him.

There are a number of positive club projects that both Carol and Robbie are exploring with the intention of anything delivered being in the best interests of Port Vale Football Club.

As owners of the club, the Shanahan family remain fully committed to Port Vale FC.

Looks like Nottingham Forest are taking the Viv Nicholson approach to transfers and impending profit and sustainability hearings.

The Rumour Mill is here

Rashford and PSG do rather seem to suit each other, don’t they?

Transfer of assets news? Jonathan Wilkes as sporting director, please.

Per PA Media

Port Vale have denied reports that pop star Robbie Williams is preparing a takeover of the club. The former Take That star, 49, was said to want to buy the Sky Bet League One side he has supported since he was a child. But Vale say there have been “no conversations regarding that happening”.

Robbie Williams at The Vale at the weekend.
Robbie Williams at The Vale at the weekend. Photograph: Gareth Copley/Getty Images

Updated

Säid Benrahma to Lyon is edging closer

There’s a few Hammers fans who will be delighted by this, others less so.

On a broader transfer note, Jürgen Klopp had this to say about Liverpool’s squad when he is no longer around.

“Just to shut the story down, I will say yes [Van Dijk will stay],” he said. “It’s just because somebody asked Virgil and we have made it a case. Virg is a grown man with a family, four kids. He will decide about his future, nothing to do with me or whatever. He loves this club and is so happy to be here. But when the contract is ­ending you start thinking. That’s all.

“Virg didn’t go out and say: ‘By the way, what I want to say is …’ It is always about the questions and we always need to answer these kind of things. This club is stable, 100%, and everything will be fine, I am 100% sure, and the rest we have to get through this. All ­people, I would recommend to stay calm in this department, massively.”

A couple of transfer lines from Tuesday

Reyna set for Forest move

Am told that Sevilla’s move for Gio Reyna has broken down. The Dortmund winger is expected to fly to England to complete loan to Nottingham Forest today.

Reyna would join Matt Turner, his USMNT colleague, at Forest.
Reyna would join Matt Turner, his USMNT colleague, at Forest. Photograph: Hendrik Deckers/Borussia Dortmund/Getty Images

Updated

Preamble

The ticker ticks on until 11pm on Thursday night but still the wheels turn slowly, if with a little more zip. So, what’s in store today? It’s beginning to feel like loans are the answer to a few clubs’ issues, so expect to see plenty of that in the next 36 hours or so. In the meantime, we’re open for business here, keeping you in touch through the day.

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