THE January window is HERE and moves are happening around the UK and Europe.
Despite the coronavirus crisis, clubs are still managing to drop big money on signings.
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Stay up to date with the latest transfer news here…
- Marc Mayo
HE'S OUR MAN
Arsenal and Chelsea have entered the race for Bursaspor wonderkid Ali Akman.
The 18-year-old has nine goals already this season with bids rejected from RB Salzburg and Galatasaray.
According to the Mail, a bid lower than £3million may nab the striker's services.
Akman's contract expires in six months with clubs across Europe ready to battle for his services.
- Marc Mayo
CONTENT
Manchester United are unlikely to make any new additions to their squad this month, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed.
The Red Devils made five signings last summer, with most of their new arrivals being snapped up on transfer deadline day.
He said: "I think the signings we made in the summer strengthened the squad really well.
"Good signings, good characters, good players. January is always difficult but if something comes up you think is a long-term target anyway that's another scenario.
"But not many teams would like to lose their players in January, so it's unlikely something will happen on the inside.
"There might be two or three going out because, one, they deserve to play football, for their own good and for their own careers."
- Joshua Jones
GOOD MORNING FOOTY FANS
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is toying with the idea of bringing Avram Grant back to the club in some capacity, according to TEAMtalk.
Grant is believed to be close with Abramovich and he could be brought in to help boss Lampard due to his wealth of football knowledge.
Chelsea target Gianluigi Donnarumma is set to pen a new deal at AC Milan, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.
AC Milan sport director Frederic Massara told DAZN: “We’re confident to reach an agreement with Donnarumma and Calhanoglu in order to extend their contracts in the next weeks.”
Arsenal are ready to ditch calamity goalkeeper Alex Runarsson after just four months at the Emirates if they can sign a replacement during the January transfer.
But renewed efforts to lure David Raya from Brentford are unlikely to succeed after the Spaniard signed a new Bees contract in October.
Icelandic international Runarsson has failed to impress as back-up to Bernd Leno since his £1million move from Rennes in September.
Arsenal are reportedly ready to test Norwich’s resolve of Emiliano Buendia by making an official offer for the playmaker.
It was claimed last month that the Gunners were weighing up a move for the 24-year-old, with Reiss Nelson and Joe Willock to be potentially included in any deal.
Buendia has caught the eye of Mikel Arteta following his dazzling displays this season, with the Arsenal gaffer desperate to add creativity to his side.
Fenerbahce president Ali Koc has revealed the club are ‘closer’ than ever to completing the signing of Arsenal outcast Mesut Ozil.
Responding to the recent speculation, Fenerbahce president Koc told Turkish outlet TRT Spor: “Ozil would be a dream for us at Fenerbahce.
“The club knows what the coach wants and our transfer policy is guided by that.
“There hasn’t been an official announcement. What I can say is we are closer than before.”
- Joshua Mbu
ASK MESUT
Mesut Ozil has revealed which two countries he would like to play in before retiring.
Ozil was linked with MLS side DC United, but more recently Fenerbahce has jumped to the front of the queue with club president Ali Koc revealing the club are ‘closer’ than ever to completing the signing of Arsenal outcast Mesut Ozil.
Responding to the recent speculation, Fenerbahce president Koc told Turkish outlet TRT Spor: “Ozil would be a dream for us at Fenerbahce.
“The club knows what the coach wants and our transfer policy is guided by that.
“There hasn’t been an official announcement. What I can say is we are closer than before.”
- Joshua Mbu
AL BE SEEING YOU
Arsenal are ready to ditch calamity goalkeeper Alex Runarsson after just four months at the Emirates if they can sign a replacement during the January transfer.
But renewed efforts to lure David Raya from Brentford are unlikely to succeed after the Spaniard signed a new Bees contract in October.
Icelandic international Runarsson has failed to impress as back-up to Bernd Leno since his £1million move from Rennes in September.
He was originally signed to be Arsenal’s third choice keeper but those plans changed when Emiliano Martinez was sold to Aston Villa for £20million.
But Runarsson has struggled to step up in the Europa League and had an absolute nightmare when Arsenal lost 4-1 to Manchester City in last month’s Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
Now manager Mikel Arteta is prepared to let him go out on loan to a Championship team to gain more experience of English football.
- Joshua Mbu
AV THAT
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is toying with the idea of bringing Avram Grant back to the club in some capacity, according to TEAMtalk.
The 65-year-old is believed to be talking to a number of clubs in the Middle East.
Grant managed Chelsea back in 2007/08 when they finished runners-up in the Premier League, League Cup and the Champions League.
The former Blues boss also had his say over the weekend on the current Frank Lampard debate.
In an Instagram post, Grant said: “What I can say to Frank and the others at the club is be patient, and more than this do whatever is necessary to do that for sure.
“Two things – never lose it even when things are going well, don’t lose your fighting spirit at the highest level.
“And second, don’t lose what you have here [points at head], you need to think right and look for solutions.
“If you do that then everything will be okay because the quality is there and there is a potential like there was, during my time [at Chelsea].”
Grant is believed to be close with Abramovich and he could be brought in to help boss Lampard due to his wealth of football knowledge.
- Joshua Mbu
DON NO GO
Chelsea target Gianluigi Donnarumma is set to pen a new deal at AC Milan, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.
AC Milan sport director Frederic Massara told DAZN: “We’re confident to reach an agreement with Donnarumma and Calhanoglu in order to extend their contracts in the next weeks”
The 21-year-old has made 226 appearances at Milan, with his debut coming at the tender age of 16.
The Blues may have to look elsewhere.
- Joshua Mbu
BISHOP SIGNS
Man United goalkeeper Nathan Bishop has signed a new deal until 2023, the deal also includes an option to extend a further year.
The 21-year-old joined United las January from Southend and is yet to make a first-team appearance.
He is likely to head out on loan to help with his developement.
- Joshua Mbu
ON THE MOVE
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea will have to wait until the summer to land RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano.
The Frenchman is regarded as one of the best young defenders in the world and has attracted interest from the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool.
RB Leipzig are not open to selling one of their prized assets in the January Transfer window.
The player has a release clause of £37million.
- Joshua Mbu
MUY BIEN
Arsenal are reportedly ready to test Norwich's resolve of Emiliano Buendia by making an official offer for the playmaker.
It was claimed last month that the Gunners were weighing up a move for the 24-year-old, with Reiss Nelson and Joe Willock to be potentially included in any deal.
Buendia has caught the eye of Mikel Arteta following his dazzling displays in this season, with the Arsenal gaffer desperate to add creativity to his side.
No other player in Europe has created more chances than the Argentina youth international this season.
The ex-Getafe ace has carved out 62 opportunities for the Championship-topping Canaries.
And Buendia put the North Londoners on red alert when he recently revealed it is his 'dream' to return to the Premier League.
- Joshua Mbu
NAPOLI EYE TIERNEY
Napoli are eying a move for long-term target Kieran Tierney, according to The Telegraph.
The report states that Napoli were interested in signing the Scotland international when it became clear he was going to leave Celtic at the start of last season.
Arsenal beat the Italian side to the 23-year-olds signature, but Napoli haven’t given up hope.
Napoli could look at Chelsea’s Emerson as a short-term fix before making a move
- Joshua Mbu
‘DREAM’
Fenerbahce president Ali Koc has revealed the club are ‘closer’ than ever to completing the signing of Arsenal outcast Mesut Ozil.
Responding to the recent speculation, Fenerbahce president Koc told Turkish outlet TRT Spor: “Ozil would be a dream for us at Fenerbahce.
“The club knows what the coach wants and our transfer policy is guided by that.
“There hasn’t been an official announcement. What I can say is we are closer than before.”
- Joshua Mbu
TIM TO GO
Manchester United defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah is set to join Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, according to reports.
According to the Manchester Evening Standard, the 23-year-old is set to join Leverkusen for just £1.5million after rejecting United's contract offer earlier this season.
Leverkusen currently sit third in the Bundesliga and a permanent move could be good for Fosu-Mensah, who has made just 30 appearances in six years.
The report also states that Fosu-Mensah was being tracked by former club Ajax and German side Hertha Berlin last season, but United triggered a one-year extension.
Fosu-Mensah's preferred destination is believed to be Ajax but the move is unlikely to happen.
- Joshua Mbu
BAK OUT
Tiemoue Bakayoko could finally be on his way out of Chelsea, according to reports.
The 26-year-old had an awful one-season spell at the club before being sent out on loan to the likes of AC Milan, former club Monaco, and now Napoli.
Bakayoko’s agent has spoken about the possibility at staying at Napoli.
As reported by Simone Guadagno, Bakayoko’s agent said: “Redemption at Napoli?
“Too soon to talk about it, there are still so many things to see.
“Neither the club nor the player spoke to each other. Staying in Naples would be a good chance.
“We will see at the end of the season. However, Napoli has priority over his future for June.”
- Joshua Mbu
DAK THAT
West Ham are interested in signing lighting quick RB Salzburg forward Patson Daka.
According to Journalist Ekrem Konur, the Hammers want Daka to replace Sebastien Haller who left for Ajax three days ago.
And negotiations are underway.
Konur said: "West Ham United wants to replace Sebastien Haller with Patson Daka from Salzburg. Negotiations started with Salzburg."
Daka has scored 49 times and provided 20 assists in 100 games for Salzburg.
- Richard Forrester
JOIN THE CREWE
Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray has made a £500,000 bid for Crewe left back Harry Pickering.
Mowbray hopes to tie up the deal today as the offer is close to the fixed price in Pickering’s deal with Alex.
Rovers wanted a full-time left back for some time. They took Barry Douglas on loan from Leeds in the last window.
- Richard Forrester
COME TO PAPA
Genoa have confirmed their interest in Arsenal outcast Sokratis Papastathopoulos and hope to have signed him within the 'next few days'.
The Greek defender, 32, was axed from the Gunners' Premier League and Europa League squads last summer.
Having failed to play this season, Sokratis is now expected to leave the Emirates this month.
And Genoa's chief executive Alessandro Zarbano has hinted at a move in the coming days.
Zarbano revealed: "Sokratis is an option, really good player.
"We still don't know if he'll arrive in the next few days."
- Richard Forrester
LYON'S DEN
Leicester flop Islam Slimani looks set to leave the club permanently.
The Algerian forward, 32, will have a medical at Lyon tomorrow with the French club in the market to replace Moussa Dembele.
Dembele is on the brink of joining Atletico Madrid.
Slimani joined Leicester in 2016 but has failed to impress and has since had loan stints at Newcastle, Fenerbahce and Monaco.
But now he is set to be handed a fresh start in his career, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
- Richard Forrester
THE FUTURE'S BRIGHT
Brighton are closing in on their first signing of the window, according to reports.
Duncan Castles claims boss Graham Potter has made a move for midfielder Moises Caicedo who will then spend the rest of the season on loan.
The 19-year-old Ecuadorian, who plays for Independiente del Valle, will cost the club around £4.5million.
Brighton have beaten Newcastle to his signature while Manchester United has also previously been linked.
- Richard Forrester
MOUSS TRAP
Atletico Madrid are on the brink of signing Lyon's Moussa Dembele.
The Frenchman was on David Moyes' wishlist as the Scot looks to replace Sebastien Haller.
But Dembele, who was formely of Fulham and Celtic, has snubbed a move to East London.
Reports claim Dembele will sign for Atletico on a six-month loan with the option to sign permanently for £30m in the summer.
- Richard Forrester
RED TAPE
Manchester United have not opened talks to land Boubakay Soumare and Max Aarons.
But the Red Devils have been scouting the duo as they eye new additions.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano poured cold water on United's transfer plans by writing: "To be clear about Manchester United plans: Boubakary Soumaré and Max Aarons have been ‘scouted’, they’re appreciated but no talks have been opened to sign them in January.
"Lille ask €35m to sell Soumaré and Man Utd never made inquiry/planned to sign him right now."
- Richard Forrester
KICK UP A FOS
Bayer Leverkusen are on the brink of signing Manchester United defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah.
The 23-year-old has only made one Premier League appearance this season.
According to Fabrizio Romano, there are ‘positive feelings’ to conclude the deal soon although some issues still need to be ironed out.
Fosu-Mensah joined United in 2016 from Ajax and endured loan spells at Crystal Palace and Fulham.
- Richard Forrester
CLEM IN TIME
Exclusive by Alan Nixon: Sam Allardyce wants French midfield star Clement Grenier to join West Brom’s survival fight.
Allardyce is keen on his bosses financing a move for Grenier who can leave Rennes for nothing now rather than at the end of his contract in the summer.
Grenier scored for Rennes at the weekend and has a top Cv. He is a smooth passer who would give Albion extra in that department.
Allardyce will need to persuade Grenier to come on a salary that fits the West Brom budget and the player will also need guarantees that his money is not cut if they are relegated.
Baggies officials are trying to sort out the figures as Allardyce has told them he wants the player as part of a major overhaul.
Allardyce thinks the current squad needs massive injections of extra quality but he will have to sell to buy in other positions
- Richard Forrester
BUENOS DIAS
Arsenal are preparing to make a move for Norwich playmaker Emi Buendia, according to reports.
Transfer guru Fabizio Romano claims the Gunners have already been in contact with the Championship club over his signature.
Norwich value the Argentinean at a whiopping £40million.
It is claimed Arsenal will need to fight off competition from Valencia for his signature.
- Richard Forrester
BACK POCHET?
Mauricio Pochettino is lining up a stunning move for Paul Pogba, according to reports.
The new PSG boss is ready to launch a raid on the Premier League and land star-studded names.
Pogba has made it no secret of his desire to leave Old Trafford in the near future.
And reports in the Daily Star claim Pochettino is eager to offer him an escape route in the summer.
Pogba will have just a year left on his contract at the Red Devils at the end of the season.
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