The transfer window for Europe’s biggest clubs is open again. Transfer Talk has been scouring the world’s media and setting our correspondents loose to see who could be heading to/out of your club this month.
TOP STORY: United’s Fellaini to join Arsenal legend
Thierry Henry has enquired about taking Belgium midfielder Marouane Fellaini on loan until the end of the season, according the the Express.
Monaco are struggling at the bottom of the table and appointed Henry in October in an attempt to turn their season around, and the former Arsenal and Barcelona player is using his reputation to attract players to the club.
It’s no surprise that Henry is going for the likes of Fellaini, as well as being linked to his compatriot Michy Batshuayi, as he was assistant manager at Belgium before moving into the world of club management, and knows these players well.
From what we’ve seen in the Premier League, Fellaini would be up for the fight, but it remains to be seen whether United will let him go.
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12.22 GMT: ICYMI — Wayne Rooney has told ESPN who he thinks should be taking the Manchester United job on a permanent basis.
11:45 GMT: Manchester United’s forwards have been revitalised since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has taken over, and that could spell good news for the future of Anthony Martial.
Sky Sports report that the France international is close to agreeing a new five-year contract at Old Trafford. Quite a turnaround for the 23-year-old, whose days looked numbered under previous boss Jose Mourinho.
10.50 GMT: Watford have made an offer for Korean defender Kim Min-Jae, the chairman of South Korean champions Jeonbuk Motors has confirmed.
The highly-rated centre-back, who missed the 2018 World Cup through injury, has already scored two goals at the Asian Cup to help South Korea win their group.
“It’s true that Watford have made an offer,” Baek Sung-Kwon said. “I can’t reveal too much about the negotiations but… we will respect the player’s wishes.”
According to local reports, Jeonbuk have also received an offer from Chinese club Beijing Guoan of around $6m for the 22-year-old who has made 15 appearances for the Taeguk Warriors.
10.15 GMT: Chelsea’s pursuit of Gonzalo Higuain continues. On Friday, Maurizio Sarri said Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia is “working very hard” to conclude a deal to sign the striker.
While the Blues could not sign the 31-year-old — currently on loan at AC Milan from Juventus — in time for Saturday’s clash at Arsenal, the Argentina international could arrive in time for the Carabao Cup semifinal second leg against Tottenham.
When asked to clarify if Higuain would be eligible to play having not been registered as a Chelsea player for the first leg — a 1-0 win for Spurs — an EFL spokesman told ESPN FC: “As long as he was registered by 12 noon the day before the game he would be eligible to play.”
10.00 GMT: And there it is! Liverpool have announced that Alexander-Arnold has signed his new deal. Sources have told ESPN FC that the contract runs until 2024.
09.05 GMT: Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to become the next player to commit his future to Liverpool by signing a new long-term contract, a source has told ESPN FC.
The source said the club and Alexander-Arnold’s representatives are at an advanced stage in discussions about a new deal to reflect the 20-year-old’s rapid development.
Alexander-Arnold has established himself as Liverpool’s first-choice right-back and earned five caps for England.
In recent months, Premier League leaders Liverpool have managed to tie down the long-term futures of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Joe Gomez, Andrew Robertson and captain Jordan Henderson.
PAPER TALK (Danny Lee, Football Whispers)
West Ham and Spurs want Dzeko
Mauricio Pochettino and Manuel Pellegrini are both in the market for a striker for different reasons, and a report in Italian outlet Repubblica says that both are considering Edin Dzeko.
The former Manchester City striker is still among the best out-and-out No. 9s on the continent, and at age 32, Roma might be willing to sell.
Spurs are looking for cover for the inured Harry Kane, and Son Heung-min who is on international duty, while West Ham are making plans in case Marko Arnautovic leaves for China, as he is expected to do this month.
Pellegrini managed Dzeko at City, so a move the the London stadium could be preferred, but Champions League football at Tottenham might also be attractive.
Liverpool make bid for Portuguese star
Jurgen Klopp’s side have been quiet in the transfer window so far, but reports in Portugal say that they have made an under-the-radar bid for Benfica’s Joao Felix.
Correio da Manha reported that the bid was in the region of £61m, and was rejected by the Portuguese club.
The 19-year-old has a release clause of over £100 million and it’s unlikely Liverpool will meet that, but just because a bid has been rejected doesn’t mean there won’t be a follow up.
Liverpool are four points ahead of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League, and may believe that they’ll need something extra to pip them to the title, though they are keeping their cards close to their chest in the transfer market, at least in terms on incomings.
Football Whispers’ transfer algorithm gives the likelihood of rumours happening a score out of 5.
Leandro Paredes to PSG – 4.1
Paris Saint-Germain have joined the race to sign Chelsea’s midfield target from Zenit St. Petersburg according to Gianluca Di Marzio. The French champions have submitted a bid of £30m, but the Russian side have valued the player at £36m.
Gary Cahill to Fulham – 4.0
Claudio Ranieri has admitted he wants to bring the Chelsea centre-back to the club, commenting that: “Gary is a very important player and for us it would be fantastic. I don’t know if he wants to come and fight with us.”
Nicolo Barella to Inter – 4.0
The Cagliari midfielder was another one of the players on Chelsea’s shortlist, but Calciomercato are reporting that he is going to Inter for a fee which could reach £45m with add-ons.
Ashley Cole to Derby – 2.5
The 38-year-old former England international is a free agent after leaving Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy at the end of last season, and he could be interested in a reunion with former teammate Frank Lampard at Derby County, per the Guardian.
Abdoulaye Doucoure to PSG – 2.3
Javi Gracia told reporters that he will be able to replace the French midfielder should he leave this summer, and rumours that the player will join PSG this month have intensified as a result.