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.
TOP STORY: Pogba will not be leaving in January
Paul Pogba’s stock might have dropped among fans this season after a turbulent few months, but that hasn’t stopped United’s hierarchy from making it clear they have no desire to sell their charismatic midfielder in January, reports The Telegraph.
The France international had been keen to depart Old Trafford while Jose Mourinho remained in charge after several high-profile fallouts — one of which saw the ex-Reds manager describe Pogba as “a virus” in front of teammates.
But The Telegraph reports that Ed Woodward deems the 25-year-old to be integral to the club’s plans on and off the pitch — a sentiment that won’t have been diminished by Pogba’s two outings since Mourinho was sacked — meaning he has no intention of allowing him to leave.
Juventus, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with bids for Pogba in recent weeks, but it appears United are keen to shut down talk of a potential move.
City set to miss out on major target
They might have given up their lead at the top of the Premier League, but Manchester City will not try to sign anyone in January, according to The Guardian’s back page, despite Barcelona seemingly stealing a march in the race for one of their main transfer targets.
One of Europe’s brightest prospects, Frenkie de Jong, is said to have agreed to personal terms with Barcelona over a five-year contract.
Barca’s technical director and ex-France international Eric Abidal reportedly held talks with the midfielder’s representatives in recent weeks and appears to have made a breakthrough, despite interest from Bayern Munich and PSG, among others.
The deal isn’t complete, though, as Ajax are still holding out for around £61 million, while Barca hope to pay less for the talented 21-year-old.
Spurs fear Real — not United — approach for Poch the most
With Mourinho departing Old Trafford, talk of an approach for Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has only intensified in the last week, but it is in fact Real Madrid who Spurs fear might tempt their beloved boss away, reports The Telegraph.
Several publications have stated that United’s hierarchy are prepared to pay a world record compensation fee to try to secure Poch’s services.
But The Telegraph claims sources close to Tottenham believe Real are a bigger threat to keeping hold of the 46-year-old, should they decide against retaining Santiago Solari as boss.
If he stays, Pochettino might have the services of Toby Alderweireld for at least a year longer, though after Tottenham decided to extend his contract for a further year, despite a clause which allows him to leave for £25m in the summer until 14 days before the transfer deadline.
Real finally land City midfielder
It has been one of the longest running transfer sagas in recent months, but it seems like Real Madrid have finally agreed to a fee with Manchester City for Brahim Diaz, according to Marca.
Diaz made it clear he wanted to join the Spanish giants some time ago, but City held on to the slim hope they could persuade him to stay, with his contract due to expire next summer.
However, the Spanish publication’s back page on Friday states the 19-year-old will be returning home to Spain five years after he left Malaga.
The deal is said to be worth £13.6m plus add-ons, and the talented midfielder has agreed to a six-year deal. Real hope to unveil the new signing to fans and the media next week.
Ranieri wants to swap fans-favourite Cairney
Claudio Ranieri is remembered fondly by most in England after his successful spells with Chelsea and Leicester City, but he will not endear himself to the Fulham faithful with news he plans to swap their captain and fans-favourite Tom Cairney for someone who isn’t a regular at fellow relegation rivals Newcastle United.
Cairney might have iconic status at Fulham after being integral to their promotion charge in recent seasons, but The Sun claims new boss Ranieri wants to swap him for Newcastle’s Jonjo Shelvey.
The ex-Liverpool man is no longer guaranteed a starting place under Rafa Benitez, who appears to favour Ki Sung-Yueng, and it is a similar story for Cairney in West London.
Ranieri is keen to sign a defensive midfielder after switching to 5-4-1, whereas the talented Cairney is better in a more advanced role. Like Newcastle, West Ham are also long-time admirers of the 27-year-old and might reignite their interest in January.
Football Whispers’ transfer algorithm gives the likelihood of rumours happening a score out of five,
Robinho to Istanbul Basaksehir — 4.9
Turkish league leaders Istanbul Basaksehir have confirmed they have agreed to terms with Super Lig rivals Sivasspor over the transfer of former Brazil star and ex-Manchester City flop Robinho. The details about the deal have yet to be released, but he will be reunited with former City teammate Emmanuel Adebayor.
Aaron Ramsey to PSG — 4.0
Ramsey is set to depart Arsenal next summer, when his current deal expires, after 10 years at the club. However, PSG are hoping to sign the midfielder even earlier in January, after holding talks with the player. Juventus, Barcelona and a host of other clubs are also chasing the 28-year-old.
Adrien Rabiot to Barcelona — 4.0
Barca announced the loan arrival of Jeison Murillo from Valencia on Thursday, but that didn’t stop technical director Eric Abidal being asked about PSG’s Adrien Rabiot at the unveiling. Abidal refused to discuss the move, adding fuel to the fire that the La Liga side hope to land the 23-year-old star on a free next summer when his contract expires or potentially in January, with Diario AS claiming they are considering an earlier £4.5m move.
Isco to Chelsea — 3.0
Real Madrid’s desire to land Eden Hazard has seen them offer not only Mateo Kovacic but also Isco in exchange, according to several reports. The 26-year-old is regarded as one of Europe’s best, but he has fallen out of favour under new Madrid boss Santiago Solari.
Timothy Castagne to Celtic — 2.6
Brendan Rodgers has made Atalanta’s Timothy Castagne his No. 1 target in January, according to the Daily Record. The 23-year-old became a Belgium international this year, and it is believed he would cost around £6m.