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: Pogba does United U-turn
Paul Pogba has seemingly had a big U-turn and has gone from wanting to leave Old Trafford to now being keen to sign a new contract, according to The Sun.
Pogba looked destined to leave the Red Devils while Jose Mourinho was in charge after being frozen out and struggling for form. But the France star has found a new lease of life under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and has scored five goals and set up another four in the six league games since Mourinho’s departure.
And The Sun carries quotes from a source who claims the 25-year-old’s outspoken agent, Mino Raiola, is keen to bury the hatchet after his own relationship with United was damaged and extend Pogba’s contract beyond its current 2020 expiry date … while giving the midfielder a pay rise of course.
And is Hazard set to stay too?
Another player who has opened the door on remaining with his current employers after being heavily linked with a move away is Eden Hazard, and The Daily Star’s back page on Tuesday claims he may have also done a U-turn and now wants to stay with Chelsea.
Hazard made no secret of the fact he wanted to leave Stamford Bridge in favour of Real Madrid in the summer, but ultimately the move didn’t come around.
In an interview with France Football just released Hazard hinted once more that he is keen on a move to the reigning Champions League holders, but it is the comments that followed which The Daily Star back page has focussed on.
Hazard went on to explain that he may not yet leave the Blues and there are things which make him want to stay, among them sharing the same footballing ideas with manager Maurizio Sarri.
The Belgium international added that his love for his idol Zinedine Zidane would also not be enough to tempt him into moving to Manchester United should the legend end up becoming Red Devils manager.
Arnautovic told he is staying put … for now
Marko Arnautovic could not have made his position much clearer when it came to what he wanted from the January transfer window, but West Ham are hoping their offer of allowing him to leave in the summer will be enough to persuade their star man to remain for now, reports the Evening Standard.
Arnautovic’s brother and agent Danijel took to national radio earlier this month to state the forward wanted to leave the Hammers after a £35 million offer from an unnamed Chinese Super League club, believed to be Shanghai SIPG.
With the salary offered believed to be in the region of £300,000 it is understandable why the 29-year-old would want to leave and land the life-changing offer.
But the Austria international is integral to West Ham, with eight goals in 18 games in all competitions this season, and the club’s hierarchy are hoping by offering a way out in the summer, it will be enough to persuade the former Stoke man to stay for the time being.
PSG set to land Everton star
He may not carry the same glamour as the likes of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, but it appears that Idrissa Gueye is the next star on Paris Saint-Germain’s radar and L’Équipe claims the French side are confident of landing the Everton midfielder.
Ligue 1’s dominant force had an opening offer of around £22m rejected, according to the French publication, but they also claim the Toffees have lowered their initial asking price, meaning PSG are now hopeful of securing the services of the 29-year-old.
Gueye has impressed for Everton since his arrival from Aston Villa in 2016, but the former Lille midfielder could be set for a return back to France if L’Équipe is to be believed.
Football Whispers‘ transfer algorithm gives the likelihood of rumours happening a score out of five.
Alvaro Morata to Atletico Madrid – 4.7
It seems everything has all been agreed for Morata to return to Spain with a loan move to Atleti. The only thing delaying the 26-year-old’s departure is Gonzalo Higuain‘s loan switch to Chelsea, which in turn is being held up by Genoa’s Krzysztof Piatek‘s permanent transfer to AC Milan.
Mario Balotelli to Marseille – 4.5
The controversial striker wants away from Nice and fellow Ligue 1 side Marseille are providing that new home. The 28-year-old is also wanted by West Ham and Sassuolo, if reports are to be believed, but a switch to Marseille appears imminent.
Adrien Rabiot to Barcelona – 4.0
This isn’t a new whisper but is back in the news because the National Professional Footballers’ Union (UNFP) of France has called on PSG to allow Rabiot to train with the first team again, claiming the club’s treatment is illegal and borders on “harassment.” The 23-year-old is out of contract in the summer and the midfielder made it clear he wants to leave, so the increased pressure on PSG may force their hand into an early sale.
Eder Militao to Real Madrid – 3.9
Spanish outlet Diario AS claims Real have finalised a deal for Porto defender Militao to join them in the summer. It is claimed Real Madrid will pay the 21-year-old’s €50m release clause now because it rises to €75m in July.
Carlos Vela to Barcelona – 3.5
One of the more unexpected rumours of the window is ex-Arsenal flop Carlos Vela being a target for Barcelona. The Mexico international has been a star at LAFC since his move last year and is a loan target for Barca until the end of the season.