The transfer windows in Europe’s top leagues are closed, but it’s never too late to look forward to January! Click here to view the latest transfers, and keep up to date with the newest gossip below.
All the major completed transfers | European transfer review
TOP STORY: United ward off suitors for Pogba, Lingard, Greenwood
With David De Gea and Victor Lindelof both earning new contracts this week, it would see that Manchester United are intent on ensuring their squad are kept together rather than torn apart. And the Evening Standard reports that Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and 17-year-old Mason Greenwood could be next in line, with the Red Devils seeking to tie them to long-term deals rather than lose them for nothing.
Pogba spent all summer seeming to agitate for a move to Real Madrid or Juventus, and with his existing deal expiring in 2021, United now find themselves in a position in which they need to sign him to a new contract, sell him next summer, or risk losing him on a free transfer in less than two years. Lingard’s contract exists on the same timeline.
Greenwood signed his first professional contract in October, but United are moving fast in order to ensure that he isn’t snapped up by another of Europe’s top clubs.
Dybala’s Juve future looks in doubt
The future destination of Paulo Dybala has been the source of speculation throughout the summer, and new Juventus boss Maurizio Sarri is doing little to convince anyone he will be in Turin beyond the January transfer window.
The Argentinian wizard was linked with a move to the Premier League — and pretty much anywhere else in Europe — during the transfer window, but has played only 14 minutes for the Bianconeri so far this season, which hardly suggests he is part of Juve’s long-term plans.
“Let’s see, at this moment my feelings are that the team is not yet ready for a full rotation,” Sarri said in an interview with Sky Italia. “You have to be careful because the players must be put in a position to do well and not in difficulty.”
Dybala has made it clear that he wants to prove himself to Sarri but, with opportunities limited, the chances of him doing that appear remote. And that could see the Premier League’s big fish circling back to him when the transfer window opens again in the new year.
Chelsea ready to reward Abraham, Tomori
Frank Lampard’s faith in youth could see Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori commit their long-term futures to the club after the pair’s stunning start to the season.
The Guardian reports that both players are in talks with the club over new five-year deals following the reversal of Chelsea’s longtime protocol of bringing in expensive overseas talent, in no small part thanks to the transfer ban slapped on the club.
Both Tomori and Abraham — that latter of which has now scored seven Premier League goals this season — have proved themselves more than capable in the top flight, and their performances are set to be rewarded, provided that the players and club can come to a suitable agreement.
Abraham, in particular, has been little short of sensational so far this season, as the West London side look to put a positive spin on their transfer embargo. Getting both players on long-term deals will be further evidence of the club’s desire to promote from within and will be welcomed by supporters who are loving the opportunities being handed to the club’s young stars under Lampard.
Tap-ins
– QPR are taking a look at Austrian goalkeeper Heinz Lindner, according to the Mail, after new Hoops boss Mark Warburton invited him over from Vienna to train with the Championship side. The 29-year-old made more than 200 appearances for Austria Vienna.