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: United to target Oblak and Pickford
Manchester United have made Jan Oblak and Jordan Pickford their top two candidates to replace David De Gea, who is expected to join Paris Saint-Germain, according to the i.
The Spain international is said to be stalling on signing a contract extension with his deal set to expire at the end of the season. United are keen to trigger a 12-month option but, if De Gea wants away, they will pursue Atletico Madrid’s Oblak or Everton keeper Pickford.
United boss Jose Mourinho has claimed he wants De Gea, who has been at Old Trafford since 2011, to stay. But the Red Devils are exploring possible replacements for the 28-year-old. Neither Oblak nor Pickford would come cheap, though. The England No. 1 is under contract at Goodison Park until 2024 and the Toffees would expect a fee comfortably in excess of the £30 million they paid Sunderland in 2017.
Oblak, meanwhile, is one of the most highly regarded goalkeepers in the world. The Slovenian’s release clause is £87m. If United met that, it would surpass the record £71m Chelsea paid to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga from Athletic Bilbao.
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08.52 GMT: Argentina midfielder Giovanni Lo Celso says he would like to remain at Real Betis when his loan deal with parent club Paris Saint-Germain expires next summer. Lo Celso moved to Betis on a season-long loan in August with the Spanish club having an option to buy the 22-year-old.
“I’ve said many times that I’m very happy here and I’m enjoying the moment,” Lo Celso said as reported in Marca. “I have the support of my colleagues and that is important. I’ve been well looked after since I arrived here. I knew which team I was coming to and it’s a competitive side that wants to have a starring role. Betis was the right place for me to come. My only thought is continue playing here. I’m young and I still have a lot to learn.”
08.30 GMT: Atlanta United and Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron has been the subject of reported interest from Arsenal but the Daily Mail reckon that Newcastle are stepping their interest in the 24-year-old.
PAPER TALK (by Matt Gault, Football Whispers)
Sanchez wants United exit
According to the Mirror, Alexis Sanchez‘s relationship with Manchester United manager Mourinho is “at breaking point” after the Chilean was dropped for Tuesday night’s Champions League victory over Young Boys and the striker is said to be keen on a move away.
Sanchez has struggled since joining United from Arsenal in January and seems unhappy with his position at the club amid growing speculation linking the former Barca star with a switch just 12 months after his arrival.
The 29-year-old did not make the squad for Tuesday’s game and has started the last two Premier League games on the bench. Sanchez has found the net just once in 10 games this season and has lost his place to Anthony Martial on the left of United’s attack.
Silva wants Doucoure reunion
Everton boss Marco Silva is ready to raid his former club Watford once again, this time for midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure, according to the Mirror.
The powerful Frenchman was a star performer under Silva at Vicarage Road and has continued his fine form under Javi Gracia this season.
Having already captured Richarlison from Watford for a club record £40m in the summer, Silva may test the Hornets’ resolve once again as he looks to build a Toffees squad capable of pushing for Champions League qualification.
Hudson-Odoi may follow Sancho and Nelson to Germany
Bayern Munich are the front-runners to sign Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, according to the Sun.
The 18-year-old is hesitating over signing a contract extension with the Blues after being left frustrated at a lack of first-team opportunities under Sarri.
The Bundesliga champions are hoping to capitalise on the situation, and the success of Hudson-Odoi’s fellow English starlets Jadon Sancho and Reiss Nelson in Germany this season may make a switch to the Allianz Arena all the more alluring.
Bayern are in the market for a winger with Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery coming towards the end of their careers, and Hudson-Odoi, who has failed to make a Premier League match-day squad this season, would be an intriguing — and exciting — option for the Bavarians.
Cesc edging closer to Milan
Cesc Fabregas is set to join AC Milan from Chelsea in a £10m deal in January, as per the Sun.
The Spaniard does not currently feature in Sarri’s plans at Stamford Bridge and the Italian coach has greenlit the midfielder’s move to the San Siro.
Although Fabregas’ contract expires next summer, Milan boss Gennaro Gattuso is keen to seal his signature in January to bolster his injury-hit squad.
The possibility that transfer rumours happen is given a score out of five, based on Football Whispers’ transfer algorithm.
Ivan Perisic to Manchester United: 3.4
United have been handed a boost in their long-running pursuit of Inter winger Perisic after the Croatian revealed his desire to play in the Premier League. United have been strongly linked with the 29-year-old in the past and, although the Italian club value him at an eye-popping £40m, the Red Devils may revive their interest in January or next summer. “I have always said that [playing in the Premier League] is my dream,” Perisic said ahead of Inter’s Champions League defeat to Tottenham.
Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong to Barcelona: 3.1 and 2.8, respectively
The highly sought-after Dutch pair continue to be strongly linked with a move to the Catalan giants. However, Ajax will demand £124m for the pair, who are also interesting Juventus and Manchester City.
Ashley Cole to Aston Villa: 2.1
The veteran defender could make a return to English football with Villa following his release from LA Galaxy, as per the Sun. The move would see Cole, 37, reunite with his former Chelsea teammate John Terry, who is Dean Smith’s assistant manager at Villa Park.
Freddie Woodman to Arsenal: 2.1
The Gunners are one of several clubs eyeing a deal for Newcastle goalkeeper Woodman. According to The Mirror, Leeds and Celtic are also keeping close tabs on the 21-year-old, who is currently third-choice at the Magpies behind Martin Dubravka and Rob Elliot.
Dominic Solanke to Huddersfield: 1.9
Sky Sports are reporting that Huddersfield have joined the race for Liverpool striker Solanke. David Wagner is keen to bolster his strike force with the Terriers fighting to avoid the drop and Solanke, who hasn’t featured in the Reds first-team this season, has emerged as a key target.