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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Michael Jones

Transfer news LIVE: Lopetegui to be sacked by West Ham, Vlahovic to Man Utd, Arsenal latest

Clubs across the continent are in the market for January transfer deals as they look to strengthen their squads for the second half of the 2024/25 season with titles, European football and survival all on the line.

Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City are all rumoured to be circling new arrivals as they battle it out in the Premier League while the window could see some big exits confirmed with Trent Alexander-Arnold negotiating a possible free transfer to Real Madrid and Manchester United open to selling Marcus Rashford. Joshua Zirkzee could also be leaving and Juventus have reportedly offered Arsenal target Dusan Vlahovic to United for the striker in a swap deal.

One of the more intriguing sagas is the fate of Dani Olmo who could be left in limbo is Barcelona fail in their attempts to re-register him. The Spanish giants are battling LaLiga over finanical issues which could mean Olmo needs to find a new club and there are plenty of teams, Arsenal and Chelsea included, monitoring the situation.

And across the rest of the English top-flight, clubs are sticking to PSR regulations and tight budgets as they look to find cut-price deals to bolster their squads.

Follow all the latest transfer news, rumours and deals below:

January transfer window - live updates

  • The winter transfer window begins on 1 January and finishes at the end of the month
  • Julen Lopetegui leaving West Ham?
  • Trent Alexander-Arnold offered bumper deal to stay at Liverpool
  • The 26-year-old accused of being ‘distracted’ amid Real Madrid links
  • Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic linked with Arsenal
  • Vlahovic also offered to Man Utd in suprise Zirkzee swap deal
  • Joshua Zirkzee and Antony wanted on loan by European clubs as Man Utd look to rebuild
  • AC Milan considering a move for Marcus Rashford, who has rejected three offers from Saudi Arabia
  • Barcelona could make shock move for Son Heung Min

New transfer interest emerges for Marcus Rashford as Italian club want loan deal

20:01 , Mike Jones

AC Milan are interested in taking Marcus Rashford on loan as they look to offer him a route out of Manchester United.

The Serie A club’s interest is not advanced at this stage but United are aware that Rashford is wanted at San Siro.

The 27-year-old said last month he was “ready for a new challenge” after spending his entire career at Old Trafford and falling out of favour under new head coach Ruben Amorim.

New transfer interest emerges for Marcus Rashford as Italian club want loan deal

Marcus Rashford rejects Saudi Arabia move amid speculation over Manchester United exit

20:00 , Mike Jones

Marcus Rashford has rejected three offers from the Saudi Pro League worth up to £35m a year, as he insists on only going to a competitive club and league if he is to leave Manchester United.

The Old Trafford hierarchy are willing to listen to offers for the 27-year-old in the January transfer window, with the forward himself publicly stating he is now open to a new challenge. That has come amid new manager Ruben Amorim leaving him out of the matchday squad for a series of games, as he begins plans to overhaul the team.

Marcus Rashford rejects Saudi Arabia move amid speculation over Man Utd exit

Arsenal have bid rejected for Brazilian striker

19:45 , Mike Jones

Arsenal’s search for a striker has led them to South America, where they have reportedly had an opening bid rejected for Botafogo star Igor Jesus.

The Gunners have been linked with the likes of Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko but with that calibre of player unlikely to be available until the summer, they’re aiming for a cheaper stop-gap solution.

Brazilian outlet RTI Esporte are reporting that Botafogo have rejected an opening offer from the gunners for Jesus, although the amount is unknown, and that although the 23-year-old has an £83m release clause in his contract, a £16.6m bid may be enough to sign him.

Ruben Amorim responds to Joshua Zirkzee speculation

19:30 , Mike Jones

Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim has responded to speculation that Joshau Zirkzee may leave Old Trafford in the January transfer window.

Zirkzee only joined from Bologna in the summer but The Sun reported earlier this week that Juventus are keen to bring the struggling striker to Turin on loan. He is still highly regarded in Italy after impressing for Bologna last season.

And after United’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool, Amorim didn’t completely dismiss the idea of Zirkzee leaving.

Ruben Amorim: “I want to keep Josh Zirkzee because he gives everything. He’s trying in training but we don’t know, the window is open… we will see what happens.”

The irreversible effect of football in 2024 and why ‘cold, hard money’ doesn’t always win

19:15 , Mike Jones

By the last few weeks of 2024, there were senior figures in football complaining that they were “spent”. That’s not simply players who went the distance in competitions like Euro 2024, either. You only have to look at Pep Guardiola right now. It’s a feeling shared by many officials. The sport has become non-stop, in terms of pure news and content as much as the continuous calendar. That is one legacy of 2024 for the game, in how “Forever Football” was finalised, but it says much that it won’t even be the biggest consequence of the year. So much more could yet change.

It is almost fitting, given such constant noise and place-setting, that the year built up to two developments in the space of mere days that will completely reshape the game’s future. On Thursday 5 December, the Premier League hearing on the Manchester City case concluded. On Wednesday 11 December, Fifa awarded the 2030 and 2034 World Cups to Morocco-Portugal-Spain and Saudi Arabia, respectively, by “acclamation”.

The irreversible effect of football in 2024 and why ‘cold, hard money’ didn’t win

AC Milan show interest in Marcus Rashford

19:00 , Mike Jones

As the Marcus Rashford saga rumbles on, a new club have emerged as a suitor for the Manchester United forward – AC Milan.

Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport are reporting that there could be several obstacles in a potential move but an agreement is not impossible and that a loan is more likely, given the Englishman’s salary.

Rashford has already rejected three offers from the Saudi Pro League worth up to £35m a year, as he insists on only going to a competitive club and league if he is to leave Manchester United. The Old Trafford hierarchy are willing to listen to offers for the 27-year-old and the forward himself has publicly stated he is now open to a new challenge.

Newcastle tracking City and Southampton youngsters

18:45 , Mike Jones

The Guardian has reported that Newcastle are tracking moves for highly rated youngsters Tyler Dibling and James McAtee, who play for Southampton and Manchester City respectively.

McAtee reportedly has a price tag of around £25m, and he is said to be looking for more first-team opportunities despite featuring for City in recent weeks.

Dibling, who is also attracting interest from Manchester United, would supposedly be available for around £21m.

Barcelona to make shock Son Heung Min move?

18:30 , Mike Jones

Tottenham star Son Heung Min could be on the move to Barcelona, with the Spanish side set to make a shock bid to bring the South Korean to Catalonia on a free transfer in the summer.

That’s according to The Sun, via Spanish outlet El Nacional, as Barca’s financial situation means they’re having to target free agents, of which the Spurs captain is one. Bayern Munich pair Joshua Kimmich and Leroy Sane, plus Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah are also supposedly being targeted by Hansi Flick’s outfit.

Guehi attracting attention

18:15 , Mike Jones

There are several rumours circulating around Marc Guehi, who attracted plenty of interest from Newcastle in the summer. Reports suggest that both Chelsea and Liverpool hold an interest in the England centre-back, with both clubs experiencing injury problems in that position.

The 24-year-old would be available for around £75m, according to Football Transfers.

Osimhen keen on United?

18:00 , Mike Jones

One of the biggest rumours to come in recent days surrounds Victor Osimhen, who is being linked with a move to Manchester United.

There are several ‘parts’ to the rumour, with some outlets suggesting that the Nigerian could move as part of a swap deal involving Marcus Rashford, though other reports say that United will aim to trigger the release clause, which is around £70m.

Tottenham sign highly-rated goalkeeper as Guglielmo Vicario cover

17:45 , Mike Jones

In case you missed it over the weekend, Tottenham announced the arrival of Czech goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, who offers added depth after Guglielmo Vicario’s injury.

The 21-year-old, who has already earned admiration around a lot of Europe despite just breaking into the Slavia Prague team this season, is expected to cost £12.5m with add-ons.

Third-choice goalkeeper Brandon Austin made his competitive debut for Spurs against Newcastle yesterday at the age of 25.

Forget Real Madrid – Trent Alexander-Arnold should be going to Tranmere Rovers

17:30 , Mike Jones

However, Alexander-Arnold has been roundly criticised for his poor performance in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Sunday.

Sky Sports pundits Roy Keane and Jamie Carragher laid in to the right-back as he was repeatedly caught out defensively.

“We talk about how brilliant Trent is going forward, but Trent’s defending today, my goodness, it’s like schoolboy stuff,” said Keane. “There’s talk about him going to Real Madrid – the way he’s defending he’s going to Tranmere Rovers after this. He’s got to do better defensively, he has to do better.”

Meanwhile, Carragher said on commentary: “I said I expected a big performance from Trent Alexander-Arnold today after all the talk of going to Real Madrid this week. He better hope Real Madrid aren’t watching this.”

Alexander-Arnold offered bumper deal to stay

17:15 , Mike Jones

The 26-year-old continues to be linked with a move to Real Madrid, and he has just six months remaining on his contract now.

The latest rumour surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future is a positive one for Liverpool fans, with the Daily Mirrorreporting that the club have offered the England international a five-year contract worth £78m (and £300,000 per week) to stay at Anfield.

West Ham have got worse since David Moyes left – they are the Premier League’s great underachievers

17:00 , Mike Jones

As West Ham were defeated, they got a glimpse of what they have lost. David Moyes was at the Etihad Stadium, the scene of his last game as their manager. West Ham were beaten then, just as they were in Julen Lopetegui’s latest match in charge. There are ways of comparing the Spaniard’s tenure unflatteringly with the Scot’s but a record against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City is not one of them.

Lopetegui was entitled to feel a 4-1 scoreline was harsh but another number, and another reference to West Ham’s past, reflected poorly on him. His win percentage as their manager has now dropped below Avram Grant’s. And if the Israeli’s statistics were padded by some cup wins, his lone season in charge brought relegation. Lopetegui’s debut campaign will not, reducing the need to parachute Moyes in as a firefighter for the third time, but his has been an expensive brand of regression.

West Ham, the Premier League’s great underachievers, are worse than under David Moyes

Veiga wanted by Italian clubs

16:45 , Mike Jones

Chelsea star Renato Veiga is being watched by a number of clubs for a possible January move.

The Portuguese defender has been brilliant in Chelsea’s Conference League campaign but has had no opportunities to shine in the Premier League under Enzo Maresca.

German club Stuttgart are interested in bringing him in this month but they face competition from Napoli and Juventus from Serie A.

Antony receiving interest

16:29 , Mike Jones

Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth says that there are a few clubs interested in signing Manchester United’s Antony. At this stage most of the interest comes in terms of a loan move but United are willing to consider them.

Antony joined from Ajax in the summer of 2022 for £82m and has not started a Premier League game this season.

‘Buisness taking over football’ says Howe

16:14 , Mike Jones

Newcastle United were one of many clubs affected by profit and sustainability rules and in order to comply with the guidelines they have been forced to part ways with players who would otherwise have remained at the club: Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh being two of the obvious ones.

Because of this speculation continues to grow around Newcastle’s bets players with Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes both repeatedly linked with moves away from the club.

Newcastle are in a better financial position but manager Eddie Howe admitted they are still in a place were business decisions may outweight footballing ones.

Speaking about those earlier player says, Howe said: “That was very much the business taking over the football, and I think we’re still in that position to a degree.”

Julen Lopetegui leaving West Ham?

16:09 , Mike Jones

This one has yet to be officially confirmed but talkSPORT have reported that West Ham are set to depart with their manager Julen Lopetegui.

The Hammers were beaten 4-1 by Manchester City at the weekend and at 14th in the table with fears they could be drawn into a relegation battle.

Lopetegui was brought in as a replacement for David Moyes with the aim of bringing a more exciting brand of football to the London Stadium but instead the club have seen performances get worse.

talkSPORT also say that the Irons are preparing to make Graham Potter, the former Chelsea and Brighton manager, the new boss to replace Lopetegui.

Joshua Zirkzee and Antony wanted on loan by European clubs as Man Utd look to rebuild

16:02 , Mike Jones

Manchester United forwards Joshua Zirkzee and Antony are attracting interest from European clubs who want to take them on loan.

But United are keen to keep Zirkzee, who is a target for Juventus, despite a traumatic time for the summer signing when supporters first cheered his substitution and then booed the Dutchman as he went off in last Monday’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle. However, Zirkzee’s name was sung by supporters in Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Liverpool, when he came off the bench.

United see Zirkzee as an important member of their squad, though the 23-year-old has only scored four goals in 27 appearances since his £36.5m move from Bologna.

Joshua Zirkzee and Antony wanted on loan by European clubs as Man Utd look to rebuild

United have sights on Mendes

15:59 , Mike Jones

Manchester United are keeping tabs on PSG’s Nuno Mendes ahead of a potential summer move. Mendes has entered the final 18 months of his contract and talks over a new contract with the French side have stalled0

United are looking to bolster their left-back options and Mendes could fit the bill. The club recently agreed a deal for Paraguayan defender Diego Leon who turns 18 in April.

It is thought the player will arrive in Manchester soon for a medical.

Trent Alexander-Arnold not affected by Real Madrid approach

15:43 , Mike Jones

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk does not believe Real Madrid’s interest in Trent Alexander-Arnold has impacted the full-back’s performance.

The England international was at fault for Manchester United’s opener in the 2-2 draw at Anfield and was generally poor throughout, falling well below the high standards he has set himself.

At the start of the week Real, with whom Alexander-Arnold has been strongly linked with his contract expiring in the summer, made an approach about the possibility of signing the 26-year-old in the current transfer window.

Trent Alexander-Arnold not affected by Real Madrid approach – Virgil van Dijk

Van Dijk offers contract update

15:28 , Mike Jones

Virgil van Dijk revealed that he is no closer to signing a new Liverpool deal after the team’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Sunday.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “I don’t think so, but I am calm about it, like I said months ago.

“We’ll see what happens in the future and at this point I have got absolutely no update. It’s all about at the moment focusing, for me and the team, on Spurs [on Wednesday night]. It will be a tough game again, but a good [Carabao Cup] semi-final.”

Ipswich sign Godfrey on loan

15:13 , Mike Jones

Another signing to announce as Ipswich have agreed a loan deal for Atalanta defender Ben Godfrey. The deal for the ex-Everton man and two-cap England international was announced yesterday in the wake of the draw with Fulham.

“It’s been an exciting couple of days and I’m just delighted to have signed and can’t wait to meet the lads and get started,” Godfrey told the Ipswich website.

“I have really enjoyed speaking to the manager (Kieran McKenna) and to have the opportunity to work under him now is something I’m very excited about. I’ve watched a lot of the games from the first half of the season and you can tell from those that the group is a tight one, full of players giving everything to achieve their goals.

“I’ve not played as much as I would have liked so far this season, but I feel ready to contribute and am looking forward to getting out there.”

The tactical tweaks Ruben Amorim used to revive Manchester United at Anfield

14:58 , Mike Jones

For large parts of his Manchester United career, Bruno Fernandes has appeared the answer. Now he posed the question. “If we show this today at Anfield against Liverpool, that is first in the league and has been probably the outstanding team in in the Premier League this season, why we can’t do this every week?”

To draw 2-2 at Anfield represented a shift in mood and immediate improvement, but also a cause for frustration. Ruben Amorim raised the issue of their three home defeats: to Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and Newcastle, too, not Liverpool. “Some of the games we suffer two goals without doing nothing,” he said.

But then the side he had warned were at risk of relegation instead held the champions elect. If inconsistency appeared a step forward for United, when the alternative was being consistently bad, it isn’t Amorim’s objective.

The tactical tweaks Ruben Amorim used to revive Man Utd at Anfield

Bruno Fernandes on Man Utd’s result at Liverpool

14:40 , Mike Jones

Manchester United drew 2-2 with Liverpool on Sunday afternoon in a much-improved display that does not reflect their recent struggles in the Premier League.

Captain Bruno Fernandes spoke to Sky Sports after last night’s match.

“I’m pretty upset. If we show this level at Liverpool, first in the league, why can’t we do this everywhere? It frustrates me,” he said.

“Also, finally I did a proper performance. We said we need much more from ourselves to get more from this season. Being 2-1 [down] then scoring, it is good to get a point but we need more.”

AC Milan to pounce on Olmo situation

14:23 , Mike Jones

Italian giants AC Milan hope to pounce on the Dani Olmo situation at Barcelona.

The Spanish midfielder finds himself in deep water after Barcelona chiefs failed to seal his registration with La Liga. The Spanish giants are going through their options to keep him but may need to offload the player if they can’t register him with the Spanish footballing authorities.

According to SPORT, the Italian side are willing to offer him a six-month loan move to the San Siro after which time he would return to Barcelona.

It is a deal which could suit all parties though their are Premier League clubs also monitoring the situation and could yet throw spanners in the works.

Guardiola wants Grealish improvement

14:06 , Mike Jones

Pep Guardiola explained why he decided to start Savinho ahead of Jack Grealish in Manchester City’s 4-1 victory over West Ham at the weekend.

He said: “Savinho is in better shape and everything than Jack, and that’s why I played Savinho.”

The 29-year-old Grealish has yet to score in 19 appearances this season and is rumoured to be one of the options City are prepared to sell on if they receive a suitable offer.

Arne Slot reveals surprise Liverpool benefit from Trent Alexander-Arnold transfer saga

13:52 , Mike Jones

Arne Slot has claimed that the saga about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future is helpful to him as it prevents his Liverpool players from being overloaded with praise that could make them complacent.

Real Madrid made an initial approach for the right-back this week, which Liverpool rebuffed before the Champions League holders could even make a bid.

But Alexander-Arnold, along with Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, is out of contract in the summer and could leave Anfield on a free transfer. The 26-year-old has been able to discuss a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs since New Year’s Day and Real have made no secret of their interest in him.

Arne Slot reveals surprise Liverpool benefit from Trent Alexander-Arnold saga

Carragher explains where Liverpool need to strengthen

13:36 , Mike Jones

Jamie Carragher says Liverpool need to sign a new left-back if they are to go into the market during the January transfer window.

“Liverpool need to sign a full-back. I think they need a left back,” Carragher said on Sky Sports. “Trent Alexander-Arnold was really poor. He will be a lot better than that and Conor Bradley is fantastic.

“I just think Andy Robertson, who is an absolute legend, is just hanging on in every game. I don’t think Kostas Tsimikas is quite of the standard to come in and replace him.

“I think if Liverpool could get a left back in January, I think that’d put Liverpool in a really strong position to win the league.”

Casadei on verge of Chelsea exit

13:22 , Mike Jones

Cesare Casadei looks set to leave Chelsea after he agreed a permanent transfer to Torino, according to The Sun.

The 21-year-old midfielder was signed in 2022 from Inter Milan in a deal worth £12.6m but was sent out on loan moves to Reading and Leicester before being recalled to the Blues squad in January last year.

Transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, says a deal between the two clubs is being negotiated in the region of £10m with a buy back option included for the Blues.

(Getty Images)

Kabore heading out on loan

13:07 , Mike Jones

Manchester City’s Issa Kabore will be heading to Werder Bremen on loan for the rest of the season after being recalled from Benfica.

The right-back has spent time at Mechelen, Troyes, Marseille, Luton Town and most recently Benfica with Werder Bremen being the sixth loan for the 23-year-old.

Kabore is a Burkina Faso international with 45 caps and two goals.

Besiktas target Chris Wood

12:51 , Mike Jones

Chris Wood has scored 11 goals in the Premier League this and is garnering interest from other clubs.

According to Fotomac, Turkish giants Besiktas are eyeing a move for the forward in the hopes of bringing him in as a partner for striker Ciro Immobile.

Nottingham Forest are, understandibly, not keen on selling during this window as they hope to maintain their great form and keep themselves in the top four.

Eddie Howe hits back at critics of Newcastle’s approach: ‘We are here to win’

12:36 , Mike Jones

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe does not care what people outside of the city think of his team as he plots another assault on Carabao Cup glory.

The Magpies have climbed to fifth in the Premier League after a run of five successive victories, two of them at Manchester United and Tottenham, to rekindle memories of their surge into the Champions League places two seasons ago.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta and then Liverpool counterpart Jurgen Klopp were angered by Newcastle’s approach during that campaign, prompting Howe to say: “We are not here to be popular and to get other teams to like us. We are here to compete.”

Eddie Howe hits back at critics of Newcastle’s approach: ‘We are here to win’

Everton’s new owners assessing Sean Dyche’s future

12:21 , Mike Jones

Sky Sports News reports that Everton‘s new owners, The Friedkin Group, have been assessing the club’s direction and the future of manager Sean Dyche.

The Toffees sit just one point above the relegation zone having won one of their last 11 games following a defeat to Bournemouth at the weekend.

The new ownership group is planning to see out the season and conduct a full review and evaluation of the club. However, there are immediate concerns over the team’s performance and discussions are underway on how to proceed to guarantee that Everton avoid the drop.

Cunha to extend time with Wolves

12:06 , Mike Jones

The Telegraph are reporting that striker Matheus Cunha is in advanced talks over a new contract at Wolves.

They say that the forward is on the verge of signing a new deal, with the club in ‘advanced talks’ to keep the Brazilian at Molineux. Furthermore there will reportedly be a release clause built into the contract to allow Cunha to leave if the midlands club are relegated from the English top flight.

Wolves spent £44m to sign Cunha from Atletico Madrid in 2023 and would want to sell him for a profit if they cannot secure his services long-term.

Chiesa confirms January window plans

11:51 , Mike Jones

Liverpool’s Federico Chiesa has been linked with a move away from Anfield this month with a return to Italy being the most likely destination for the winger who has struggled for game time with the Premier League leaders.

However the player’s agent, LIAN Sports director Fali Ramadani, insists the 27-year-old has no intention of leaving Liverpool.

Speaking to 365Scores, Ramadani explained: “Napoli did not negotiate a contract with Chiesa from Liverpool in the winter period, and the club has no intention of dispensing with the player,

“The player is continuing with Liverpool and is seeking the opportunity to participate in the coming period. This is what I can confirm now.”

Victor Osimhen set to stay at Galatasaray

11:35 , Luke Baker

Victor Osimhen is a name linked with a move to the Premier League every transfer transfer window but according to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Galatasaray are currently 100 per cent convinced he won’t be leaving the club this January.

Plettenberg also says that there are no negotiations taking place with other teams despite Osimhen’s 13 goals and five assists this season.

Juve offer surprise swap deal to Man Utd

11:34 , Mike Jones

Juventus have offered to swap Dusan Vlahovic for Joshua Zirkzee as part of a January transfer move according to talkSPORT.

Zirkee has only scored three Premier League goals since his arrival at Old Trafford and is in the firing line as one of the squad players underforming.

The Dutchman signed for £36.5m in the summer but could make an early exit if a swap deal for Vlahovic can be arranged. Vlahovic has just 18 months left on his Juve contract in Turin and the Italian giants hope to benefit from his exit.

The Serbia international is the club’s top scorer this season with 12 goals in all competitions and has the ability to lead the line for United.

Arsenal have bid rejected for Brazilian striker

11:15 , Luke Baker

Arsenal’s search for a striker has led them to South America, where they have reportedly had an opening bid rejected for Botafogo star Igor Jesus.

The Gunners have been linked with the likes of Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko but with that calibre of player unlikely to be available until the summer, they’re aiming for a cheaper stop-gap solution.

Brazilian outlet RTI Esporte are reporting that Botafogo have rejected an opening offer from the gunners for Jesus, although the amount is unknown, and that although the 23-year-old has an £83m release clause in his contract, a £16.6m bid may be enough to sign him.

Marcus Rashford, Martin Zubimendi and six more players who could be on the move this January

11:01 , Luke Baker

The winter transfer window is open with clubs across Europe looking for value in a difficult market this month.

Injury crises, title challenges and relegation battles will force plenty of clubs into the market in early 2025, with plenty of eyes on the Premier League as clubs such as Arsenal and Manchester City look primed to make signings.

Some high-profile players could be leaving England too this winter, with Marcus Rashford and Trent Alexander-Arnold being tipped to negotiate moves away from their clubs.

And across the continent, plenty of Europe’s in-form players are also being linked with moves, from Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi to Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres.

But who are the major players being tipped for moves, and where could they end up?

Rashford, Zubimendi and six other players who could be on the move this January

Ruben Amorim responds to Joshua Zirkzee speculation

10:45 , Luke Baker

Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim has responded to speculation that Joshau Zirkzee may leave Old Trafford in the January transfer window.

Zirkzee only joined from Bologna in the summer but The Sun reported earlier this week that Juventus are keen to bring the struggling striker to Turin on loan. He is still highly regarded in Italy after impressing for Bologna last season.

And after United’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool, Amorim didn’t completely dismiss the idea of Zirkzee leaving.

Ruben Amorim: “I want to keep Josh Zirkzee because he gives everything. He’s trying in training but we don’t know, the window is open… we will see what happens.”

(Action Images via Reuters)

Barcelona to make shock Son Heung Min move?

10:33 , Luke Baker

Tottenham star Son Heung Min could be on the move to Barcelona, with the Spanish side set to make a shock bid to bring the South Korean to Catalonia on a free transfer in the summer.

That’s according to The Sun, via Spanish outlet El Nacional, as Barca’s financial situation means they’re having to target free agents, of which the Spurs captain is one. Bayern Munich pair Joshua Kimmich and Leroy Sane, plus Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah are also supposedly being targeted by Hansi Flick’s outfit.

(AP)

Newcastle tracking City and Southampton youngsters

10:21 , Luke Baker

The Guardian has reported that Newcastle are tracking moves for highly rated youngsters Tyler Dibling and James McAtee, who play for Southampton and Manchester City respectively.

McAtee reportedly has a price tag of around £25m, and he is said to be looking for more first-team opportunities despite featuring for City in recent weeks.

Dibling, who is also attracting interest from Manchester United, would supposedly be available for around £21m.

AC Milan show interest in Marcus Rashford

10:13 , Luke Baker

As the Marcus Rashford saga rumbles on, a new club have emerged as a suitor for the Manchester United forward – AC Milan.

Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport are reporting that there could be several obstacles in a potential move but an agreement is not impossible and that a loan is more likely, given the Englishman’s salary.

(Getty Images)

Dusan Vlahovic linked with Arsenal

10:07 , Luke Baker

Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic is being linked with Arsenal, as the Serbian international is reportedly no closer to signing a new contract with the Turin club.

According to CaughtOffside , Juve are expected to set an asking price of around €65m, with Manchester United and PSG also monitoring the situation.

The 24-year-old Vlahovic has struggled for consistency at Juventus but has soon flashes of the promise that has made him a highly-touted prospect since his days at Fiorentina.

Arsenal round-up

09:50 , Chris Wilson

Transfer rumours surrounding the Gunners will only intensify after their draw to Brighton at the weekend, with Arteta’s side linked to a range of forwards so far this window.

Alexander Isak continues to be linked, though that increasingly looks like an impossible deal to pull off in January. Evan Ferguson is another striker who is linked, while Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb is reporting that the Gunners might look to Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui to solve their forward issues.

Meanwhile, Nico Williams has been touted as cover for the injured Bukayo Saka.

City on the lookout for signings

09:30 , Chris Wilson

Another side who are potentially interested in Guehi is Manchester City, who are widely tipped to spend big this month after a series of injury problems.

As well as Guehi, various reports have linked the club with moves for Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush, Bayern’s Jamal Musiala and Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz. The latter two would cost around £100m, with Marmoush reportedly available for around £50.

Guehi attracting attention

09:10 , Chris Wilson

There are several rumours circulating around Marc Guehi, who attracted plenty of interest from Newcastle in the summer. Reports suggest that both Chelsea and Liverpool hold an interest in the England centre-back, with both clubs experiencing injury problems in that position.

The 24-year-old would be available for around £75m, according to Football Transfers.

Osimhen keen on United?

08:50 , Chris Wilson

One of the biggest rumours to come in recent days surrounds Victor Osimhen, who is being linked with a move to Manchester United.

There are several ‘parts’ to the rumour, with some outlets suggesting that the Nigerian could move as part of a swap deal involving Marcus Rashford, though other reports say that United will aim to trigger the release clause, which is around £70m.

Marcus Rashford rejects Saudi Arabia move amid speculation over Manchester United exit

08:40 , Luke Baker

Marcus Rashford has rejected three offers from the Saudi Pro League worth up to £35m a year, as he insists on only going to a competitive club and league if he is to leave Manchester United.

The Old Trafford hierarchy are willing to listen to offers for the 27-year-old in the January transfer window, with the forward himself publicly stating he is now open to a new challenge. That has come amid new manager Ruben Amorim leaving him out of the matchday squad for a series of games, as he begins plans to overhaul the team.

Marcus Rashford rejects Saudi Arabia move amid speculation over Man Utd exit

Tottenham sign highly-rated goalkeeper as Guglielmo Vicario cover

08:29 , Luke Baker

In case you missed it over the weekend, Tottenham announced the arrival of Czech goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, who offers added depth after Guglielmo Vicario’s injury.

The 21-year-old, who has already earned admiration around a lot of Europe despite just breaking into the Slavia Prague team this season, is expected to cost £12.5m with add-ons.

Third-choice goalkeeper Brandon Austin made his competitive debut for Spurs against Newcastle yesterday at the age of 25.

(Getty Images)

Ipswich sign Godfrey on loan

08:20 , Luke Baker

Another signing to announce as Ipswich have agreed a loan deal for Atalanta defender Ben Godfrey. The deal for the ex-Everton man and two-cap England international was announced yesterday in the wake of the draw with Fulham.

“It’s been an exciting couple of days and I’m just delighted to have signed and can’t wait to meet the lads and get started,” Godfrey told the Ipswich website.

“I have really enjoyed speaking to the manager (Kieran McKenna) and to have the opportunity to work under him now is something I’m very excited about. I’ve watched a lot of the games from the first half of the season and you can tell from those that the group is a tight one, full of players giving everything to achieve their goals.

“I’ve not played as much as I would have liked so far this season, but I feel ready to contribute and am looking forward to getting out there.”

Is Alexander-Arnold ‘distracted’ by Real Madrid links? Slot says no

08:10 , Luke Baker

Liverpool boss Arne Slot was keen to defend Alexander-Arnold after he was exposed defensively against Man Utd. He acknowledges that people will think the England internaitonal has been distracted by links with a move to Real Madrid but disagrees with that notion.

The Dutchman said: “I think nine out of 10 people will tell you that it affected him. I’m (the) one of the 10 that tells you that I don’t think that affected him.

“What affected him is that he had to play against Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, two starters for Portugal, great, great players. “If these players set themselves to a game – and that is what United once in a while does – then it’s very difficult to play against them.

“I think that is more difficult for Trent to play against than the rumours that were there during the week. But that’s my opinion, and probably everybody’s going to tell you that it had to do with the rumours.”

Arne Slot gives verdict on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s performance against Man Utd

Forget Real Madrid – Trent Alexander-Arnold should be going to Tranmere Rovers

08:05 , Luke Baker

However, Alexander-Arnold has been roundly criticised for his poor performance in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Sunday.

Sky Sports pundits Roy Keane and Jamie Carragher laid in to the right-back as he was repeatedly caught out defensively.

“We talk about how brilliant Trent is going forward, but Trent’s defending today, my goodness, it’s like schoolboy stuff,” said Keane. “There’s talk about him going to Real Madrid – the way he’s defending he’s going to Tranmere Rovers after this. He’s got to do better defensively, he has to do better.”

Meanwhile, Carragher said on commentary: “I said I expected a big performance from Trent Alexander-Arnold today after all the talk of going to Real Madrid this week. He better hope Real Madrid aren’t watching this.”

Trent Alexander-Arnold had a tough afternoon defensively (Reuters)

Alexander-Arnold offered bumper deal to stay

08:00 , Luke Baker

The 26-year-old continues to be linked with a move to Real Madrid, and he has just six months remaining on his contract now.

The latest rumour surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future is a positive one for Liverpool fans, with the Daily Mirrorreporting that the club have offered the England international a five-year contract worth £78m (and £300,000 per week) to stay at Anfield. 

January transfer news LIVE

07:50 , Luke Baker

As ever, the first weekend of the January window has seen plenty of rumours begin to gather pace.

Nevertheless, the biggest news of the weekend was probably Tottenham’s signature of Antonin Kinsky as a stand-in for the injured Guglielmo Vicario.

The 21-year-old, who has already earned admiration around a lot of Europe despite just breaking into the Slavia Prague team this season, is expected to cost £12.5m with add-ons.

Tottenham sign highly rated goalkeeper as Guglielmo Vicario cover

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