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.
Chelsea ready to sign Pulisic but will wait for him to join
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 soon be on his way to Stamford Bridge.
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, the report says, “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.
Advanced talks between City, U.S. keeper Steffen
Goalkeeper Zack Steffen is in negotiations to be transferred to Manchester City, multiple sources have confirmed to ESPN FC, with the fee expected to be between $7 million to $10 million.
The 23-year-old, who plays for Major League Soccer side Columbus Crew and won the 2018 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award, has made six appearances for the U.S. and has seen his stock grow over the past two seasons.
Steffen would still need to acquire a work permit and would likely need to receive a special exemption since he hasn’t played enough competitive international fixtures with the U.S. team. He does previous playing experience in Europe, having begun his professional career with German side Freiberg in 2015.
The Athletic first reported the news of the advanced talks and monetary figures, after the Sun had initially reported City’s interest in Steffen over the weekend.
Tap-ins
– 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.
– Everton are interested in £40 million-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.