With the winter window opening soon, the rumour mill is beginning to gather pace. Who will be moving where come January? Transfer Talk has the latest.
TOP STORY: Chelsea ready to sign Pulisic but will wait for him
United States star Christian Pulisic could sign for Chelsea in January — but he wouldn’t arrive in London until the summer, according to the Mirror. The Blues “are ready to do a £70 million deal” for the Borussia Dortmund midfielder and prepared to wait for him to join if it means they can wrap up the signing quickly.
Earlier this month, reports said Pulisic — also linked with Liverpool and Tottenham — had told Dortmund teammates his future was in England, but BVB have said the 20-year-old will not leave before the end of the season.
Pulisic is under contract until 2020, but the Mirror says the Bundesliga leaders “have held talks with Chelsea, who are leading the chase.” The Londoners see him as a potential replacement for Eden Hazard, who continues to be linked with Real Madrid, and there is “growing confidence” that he will be on his way to Stamford Bridge.
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08.42 GMT: Ashley Cole is one of eight players released by the LA Galaxy. Anyone want a 37-year-old defender with plenty of Premier League experience?
08.30 GMT: Galatasaray could be set to add not one but two Liverpool strikers, with loan moves for Dominic Solanke and Divock Origi in the offing, according to the Mirror. Citing reports in Turkey, it says talks have begun over a temporary switch for Solanke — also wanted by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard at Rangers — with Belgium international Origi also targeted.
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United Arnautovic move ‘depends on Mourinho future’
More on Manchester United’s links with West Ham United forward Marko Arnautovic, with the Telegraph saying that, although interest has been expressed, nothing will happen in January.
United will “continue to monitor Arnautovic for the rest of this season,” but whether they opt to make a move looks likely to depend on whether manager Jose Mourinho stays.
The Telegraph adds that United would be reluctant to pay a significant fee for the 29-year-old Austria international, who has more than three years left on his contract. West Ham “are aware of the interest in Arnautovic and that intermediaries are sounding out clubs.”
Hammers to bide time on Rice contract talks
West Ham are happy to leave it until the end of the season before re-starting contract talks with Declan Rice, according to the Guardian.
Rice has yet to agree a new deal and is reportedly interesting both Tottenham and Chelsea, with his existing terms into their final 12 months. But the Guardian says the Hammers are relaxed over the future of the 19-year-old, who can play in midfield or defence, and “do not anticipate losing him for nothing next summer.” They have an option to extend Rice’s contract until 2021 and feel they “are in a position of strength.”
Meanwhile, West Ham will consider offers for Reece Oxford, with reports suggesting the defender has failed to impress manager Manuel Pellegrini.
U.S. keeper Steffen in talks over City move
Goalkeeper Zack Steffen is in negotiations about a move to Manchester City, multiple sources have told ESPN FC, with the fee expected to be between $7 million and $10m.
The 23-year-old, who plays for Columbus Crew and won the 2018 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award, has made six appearances for the U.S. and seen his stock grow over the past two seasons. He would need to acquire a work permit and would be likely to require a special exemption because he has not played enough competitive international fixtures.
The Athletic first reported news of the talks after the Sun had revealed City’s interest in the keeper, who began his professional career with Freiberg in 2015, over the weekend.
Everton in for Ndombele?
Everton are interested in £40m-rated Lyon midfielder Tanguy Ndombele as they look to bolster their squad for the second half of the season, the Liverpool Echo reports.
Scouts have watched Ndombele in recent weeks, but the Echo warns that Everton “would face competition from a host of top European clubs should they make a move,” with Manchester City among those keen.
Emiliano Sala to West Ham – 3.4
Having scored as many league goals this season as PSG star Kylian Mbappe (12), Nantes striker Sala is a reported target for Leicester City and West Ham United and the 28-year-old would cost around £25m, according to the Daily Mail.
Eliaquim Mangala to Inter – 3.2
Mangala is still a Manchester City player, but maybe not for much longer as reports in Italy state Inter are interested in the France centre-back ,who has spent much of the season injured.
David De Gea to Paris Saint-Germain – 2.8
This one has been gathering pace since the Daily Mail reported the story days ago. Can Manchester United make a last ditch save to secure their keeper’s future with his contract due to expire in the summer? The club have the option to trigger an additional year but beyond that, he would be a free man.
Declan Rice to Manchester United – 2.6
There are a couple of rumoured incomings for Man United, though, with the Metro spotting the club’s scouts at West Ham watching Declan Rice, who could provide them with a long-term solution in defence or midfield.
Cengiz Under to Manchester United – 2.6
“We haven’t decided anything for Cengiz Under yet,” Roma sporting director Monchi told Sky Italia. Which has been translated as “he’s going to Man United (or Arsenal),” and the rumour seems to have legs, according to media outlet Turkish Football.