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.
Pochettino keen on United job
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is keen on becoming Jose Mourinho’s permanent successor at Manchester United, according to The Times.
Although Pochettino remained coy on rumours linking him with the job during a press conference on Tuesday, the report states that United have identified the Argentine as the ideal candidate to take the club forward in the long-term having earned a reputation as one of the game’s most astute tacticians during his four-and-a-half years at Spurs.
Former United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is expected to be announced as interim boss until the end of the season but the north London club are braced for an approach for Pochettino, who views the Old Trafford role as “too good to turn down.”
Napoli rejected United’s world record Koulibaly bid
United failed in a £95 million bid for Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly, according to the Italian club’s chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis.
The 27-year-old has in recent months emerged as a key target for the Red Devils, who are prioritising defensive reinforcements after conceding 29 goals in 17 Premier League games.
“[Jose] Mourinho wanted him, we rejected [the bid],” De Laurentiis said via Goal. “But now it’s impossible that he leaves Napoli.”
Had the bid been accepted, the Senegal international would have become the most expensive defender in history, his fee comfortably surpassing the £75m Liverpool paid Southampton for Virgil van Dijk.
Pepe a target for Wolves
Wolves are set to make a surprise move for veteran defender Pepe in the January transfer window, according to Portuguese outlet Record.
The 35-year-old is a free agent after leaving Besiktas and could become the latest Portuguese player in Nuno Espirito Santo’s ranks. Wolves are hoping their close ties with Pepe’s agent Jorge Mendes will smooth negotiations as the club aim to build on an impressive start to life back in the Premier League.
Pepe was also apparently targeted by Mourinho before the latter left United, having previously played under the coach at Real Madrid.
Southampton keen on Fulham stopper as McCarthy replacement
Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli is being tracked by Southampton, according to the Daily Mail.
The Saints, who are looking to rebuild under new manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, are braced for the departure of Alex McCarthy amid interest from several Premier League clubs and have identified Bettinelli as a potential replacement.
The 26-year-old was the Cottagers’ first-choice keeper last season but has recently lost his place to Sergio Rico, who joined on loan from Sevilla in the summer.
Everton looking to offload Niasse
Everton are prepared to sell striker Oumar Niasse in January, as per the Liverpool Echo. The 28-year-old has fallen out of favour under Marco Silva, who has not named him in a Premier League matchday squad since September.
The Senegal international is behind Richarlison, Cenk Tosun and Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the pecking order at Goodison Park and the club will listen to offers during the winter window.
Cardiff are said to be interested in the forward, who joined the Toffees from Lokomotiv Moscow in 2016.
Football Whispers’ transfer algorithm gives the likelihood of rumours happening a score out of five.
Callum Wilson to Chelsea — 3.3
Blues assistant manager Gianfranco Zola has confirmed the Bournemouth forward is one of several players the club are looking at as Maurizio Sarri aims to bolster his striking options in January.”Certainly [he] is doing well for his club and is of interest not only of us but for many,” Zola said ahead of Chelsea’s Carabao Cup quarterfinal clash with Bournemouth on Wednesday night. The 26-year-old has impressed for the Cherries this season, with eight goals and five assists in 16 league games.
Adrien Rabiot to Barcelona — 3.7
The long-running saga surrounding the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder is edging towards its conclusion. According to reports in France, Barcelona have agreed terms with 23-year-old but question marks remain over whether Rabiot will move in January or next summer when his contract at the Parc des Princes expires.
Ozan Kabak to Manchester United — 2.0
The Galatasaray defender has emerged as a Manchester United target. The 18-year-old has impressed for the Istanbul club despite having only made his debut earlier this year. The centre-back has a £6.7m release clause in his contract and has also attracted interest from Manchester City, Inter and Roma.
Isco to Manchester City — 1.8
The Premier League champions are weighing up a big-money move for the Spanish playmaker, who is struggling for starts under new Real Madrid boss Santiago Solari. Pep Guardiola is a long-time admirer of the 26-year-old and, although Isco has a £630m release clause, Real president Florentino Perez is reportedly willing to listen to offers.
Mario Balotelli to Fiorentina — 1.2
Fiorentina are interested in bringing the striker back to Serie A. Balotelli is currently at Nice but is out of contract in the summer and, having recently struggled to replicate the form which made him a hit during his first two years in France, may be tempted by a return to his homeland.