-
Nick JuddTransfer writer
The 2022 winter window is open as of Jan. 1 and there’s plenty of gossip swirling about who’s moving where. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings and goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Gallagher linked with PSG
Crystal Palace‘s loan star Conor Gallagher has appeared as a surprise target for Paris Saint-Germain, according to the Sun.
The French champions are reportedly willing to part with £50 million in order to land Gallagher, who has scored six goals and registered three assists this season while on loan at Selhurst Park from Chelsea.
PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino is said to be a big fan of the in-form midfielder and he thinks Chelsea would be willing to let the 21-year-old leave west London for the right price. PSG are keen to secure the move in January, but are also willing to wait until the summer.
Chelsea have seen their squad depleted by injury and COVID-19, but are reportedly unable to recall Gallagher as a result of him having already played a specified number of games as part of his loan deal at Palace.
Blues boss Thomas Tuchel is keen to refresh the side’s midfield and, though he’s unable to recall Gallagher, is reportedly considering letting Ross Barkley, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Hakim Ziyech all leave in order to bring in new faces and reignite their title bid in 2022.
– FC 100: Messi, Lewandowski are No. 1s; Premier League dominant
– Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only)
– Don’t have ESPN? Get instant access
PAPER GOSSIP
– Barcelona are hoping to sign Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata in the summer, according to Fabrizio Romano. Morata is currently on loan at Juventus, who have an option to keep the Spanish striker for €40m at the end of the current season, but the Italians have ruled out a permanent move at that figure. Sources have told ESPN that Barca boss Xavi Hernandez considers Morata his top target in January.
– Internazionale have shortlisted Sassuolo striker Gianluca Scamacca as a potential target in the summer, according to Calciomercato. However, Juventus and AC Milan are also interested, and the Bianconeri could look to make a move in January to steal a march on their rivals. Sassuolo would rather keep the striker until the end of the season, but they could be willing to part with the 23-year-old if Juve meet their €35-€40m valuation. Sassuolo are also at risk of losing Davide Frattesi for around €30m, with the same three clubs all said to be interested.
– Newcastle United are looking to increase their chances of Premier League survival by offering Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang the chance to leave Arsenal in January, according to the Daily Mirror. The Magpies have sounded out the Gunners about taking the 32-year-old striker on loan for the rest of the season with an option to make it permanent in the summer. Aubameyang’s days appear to be numbered in North London after having been dropped and stripped of the captaincy by boss Mikel Arteta. The Gabon star is now on duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, but could return as the Newcastle’s first marquee signing of their new ownership.
– Manchester United and Liverpool are both looking to sign Leeds United homegrown starlet, Charlie Cresswell, according to the Sun. The centre-back made his top-flight debut in September and his performances have seen him land on the radar of some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs. The 19-year-old is a Leeds supporter, but he could be tempted to leave at the end of the season if the Whites are unable to stay in the top flight. The teenager has featured four times this season.
– Everton, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa are all monitoring Burnley star Dwight McNeil, according to the Sun. The Clarets are demanding £40m for the winger as they look to stave off bids for their other top stars, namely offers from Newcastle United for James Tarkowski and Ben Mee. Everton would need to raise funds in order to bid for the 22-year-old, while Palace would only be in a position to submit an offer if they were to lose Wilfried Zaha. Villa would also need to shift some of their squad members in order to do business with the Turf Moor club.
– Watford appear to be backing boss Claudio Ranieri despite a run of six games without a win, and the club have agreed deals to sign left-back Hassane Kamara from Nice and defensive midfielder Edo Kayembe from Belgian side KAS Eupen. That is according to the Athletic, which also believes Watford are eyeing a move for Besiktas‘ Domagoj Vida, and other incomings in the next few weeks.