The transfer window for Europe’s biggest clubs might be closed, but they are still working tirelessly behind the scenes to line up the arrival of their next star. Transfer Talk has been scouring the world’s media to see who could be heading to your club when Jan. 1 arrives.
Solskjaer to be given £50m for January transfers
Manchester United interim boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be handed a £50m transfer war chest in January, according to the Mirror. United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is prepared to sanction the capture of a top central defender and will also look to add a more attack-minded player.
Tottenham centre-back Toby Alderweireld, Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly and Eder Militao of Porto are the three defenders mentioned in the report.
The club are also weighing up a move for Juventus winger Douglas Costa, who has fallen out of favour at the Italian champions.
Speaking of splashing cash, the Telegraph claims United want Mauricio Pochettino as their next manager “at any price,” even if it means paying Tottenham a whopping £42 million compensation fee.
United regard Pochettino as the ideal candidate to replace Jose Mourinho full-time but know prising the Argentine away from Spurs represents a significant challenge. The 46-year-old penned a new five-year deal at the end of last season, which does not contain a release clause.
Chelsea and Spurs lead Hummels chase
Chelsea and Tottenham are the front-runners in the race to sign Mats Hummels, who wants to leave Bayern Munich.
According to Bild, the 30-year-old’s agent, Marc Kosicke, travelled to London recently to work on a possible move to the Premier League.
Hummels has won two Bundesliga titles since moving from rivals Borussia Dortmund in 2016. Although a January move was touted, Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge confirmed Wednesday night that the Germany international would stay at the club until at least the end of the season.
Pep wants Lyon starlet as Fernandinho successor
Pep Guardiola views Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar as the ideal long-term replacement for Fernandinho, as per the Sun.
The Manchester City boss is said to have been impressed by the 20-year-old’s two performances against his side in the Champions League this season.
Aouar, who is contracted to Lyon until 2023, is valued at approximately £50m.
Atleti deny Hernandez-to-Bayern story…
Atletico Madrid have rubbished reports linking Lucas Hernandez with a £76.6m move to Bayern Munich.
Marca claims the French World Cup winner, who penned a new contract with Atleti in the summer, will sign a four-year deal with the Bundesliga champions to become the club’s record transfer, smashing the £38m they paid Lyon for Corentin Tolisso in 2017.
Atleti were quick to deny Marca’s report, however, releasing a statement late on Wednesday night in which they said Hernandez wishes to remain at the club.
… while De Jong targeted by Germans
Meanwhile, the Daily Mail says Bayern will rival Manchester City for Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who is valued at £70m by the Dutch side. The 21-year-old, a star pupil from the Eredivisie club’s revered talent factory, has also attracted interest from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
Football Whispers’ transfer algorithm gives the likelihood of rumours happening a score out of five.
Gabigol to West Ham: 3.3
The Hammers have stepped up their interest in the Brazilian, currently on loan at Santos from Inter. Manuel Pellegrini is expected to bolster his striking options in January and will push to sign the 22-year-old. Gabigol has impressed in Brazil after having struggled to make an impression at the San Siro. The Nerazzurri are open to selling but will demand close to £25m.
Isco to Chelsea: 2.9
Linked with a move to Manchester City this week, Isco is also attracting interest from Chelsea, who have reportedly moved ahead of their rivals in the race for the 26-year-old’s signature. The Blues are willing to pay £70m for the Real Madrid playmaker and offer him a contract worth around £250,000 a week. Maurizio Sarri believes Isco would fit his system at Stamford Bridge and has the potential to forge a fruitful partnership with Eden Hazard.
Tammy Abraham to Newcastle: 1.3
The in-form striker has been linked with a move to St James’ Park. Abraham, on loan at Aston Villa from Chelsea, has scored 12 goals in 16 Championship appearances this season and can count Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez as a longtime admirer. Crystal Palace are also interested in the England under-21 international.
Lorenzo Insigne to Liverpool: 1.4
The Premier League leaders are weighing up a big-money move for the Napoli forward as Jurgen Klopp aims to strengthen his squad and deliver the club’s first league title in 29 years. The 27-year-old, a product of the Italian side’s youth academy, has scored 10 goals in all competitions this season and netted the winner in Napoli’s Champions League win over the Reds in October.
Matthijs de Ligt to Juventus: 1.7
Juventus appear to have stolen a march on Europe’s top clubs in the race to sign De Ligt. Juve chairman Andrea Agnelli has opened talks with Ajax chief executive Edwin van der Sar over a move for the 19-year-old Golden Boy winner, who is one of European football’s most sought-after prospects after a string of impressive displays for Ajax and the Netherlands.