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Friday 3 January 2020 15:59
The January transfer window is here with Liverpool storming towards the Premier League title.
But there is intrigue with Chelsea, Manchester United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and even Arsenal battling for that final place inside the top four behind Leicester and Manchester City.
All of those sides will be in the market looking for that edge in the second half of the season and we’ll keep you up to date with the latest rumours and done deals across the continent.
Chambers on season-ending injury
Devastated to end 2019 like this! If there’s one message I’d like to get across it’s that I’m DETERMINED to come back stronger than I’ve ever been before!
I would like to say a massive thank you for all the messages and support I’ve been given over the last couple of days
Rodgers on potential Leicester sales
“Nobody will leave here that we don’t want to go,” he said. “I think we’ve had a couple of enquiries in terms of loans and for some of our younger players.
“But the players that are always talked about and mentioned, there will be nobody going.”
Sancho, Pogba, Martinez and the 40 players who could move in the January transfer window
Zidane on Pogba interest
“I will not say anything about him,” Zidane is quoted as saying in Marca.
“Paul is a player from another team and he is also a little injured at the moment and I hope he will play again soon. I think about the players I have.”
Could Spurs dip into market with Kane sidelined?
Jose Mourinho fears that Tottenham are set to lose Harry Kane “for some period” after the forward sustained a hamstring injury in the recent defeat by Southampton.
Kane limped off at St Mary’s just seconds after having a goal disallowed for offside late in the second half.
The striker has since undergone scans to determine the severity of the injury, though Mourinho has admitted he is expecting “bad news”.
“I don’t know yet, I think maybe later today we have news,” Mourinho said in his press conference on Friday.
“I think we’re going to lose him for some period…I’m totally convinced of that…
Morris insists Giroud will only leave if it ‘benefits’ Blues
Olivier Giroud will only leave Chelsea this month “for the benefit of the club”, Jody Morris has insisted.
Assistant coach Morris hailed France striker Giroud’s professionalism amid playing second-fiddle behind in-form England hitman Tammy Abraham at Chelsea this term.
Giroud has already admitted he may have to seek a move for more regular football, but Morris suggested Chelsea can ill afford to lose players without suitable replacements.
Napoli eye Vertonghen swoop
Napoli are keen to sign Jan Vertonghen from Tottenham.
The Belgian could be the ideal candidate to replace Kalidou Koulibaly, who appears set to leave the club this summer.
And Sky Sports report that the 32-year-old could join Napoli on a free transfer this summer, despite being open to a new deal to follow compatriot Toby Alderweireld in committing his future to Jose Mourinho’s side.
Boro sign Nmecha
Middlesbrough have signed Manchester City striker Lukas Nmecha on loan until the end of the season.
The 21-year-old joins Patrick Roberts in linking up with Jonathan Woodgate’s side from City.
“We’re delighted to bring Lukas to the club. He is a terrific young player who has the benefit of a year’s experience of Championship football,” said Woodgate.
“He is another young, hungry player of real quality and it’s great that we’ve been able to get him.
“In Lukas and Patrick we have signed two very good players, and we’ve been able to bring them in early in the transfer window which is a real bonus.”
Laporte steps up comeback
Manchester City have been given a boost after Aymeric Laporte revealed he has received the “best news of 2020” in his rehabilitation.
The French defender’s progress may give City reason to resist dipping into the transfer market.
Giroud will leave on Chelsea’s terms
Olivier Giroud will only leave Chelsea this month if it doesn’t leave the club short, according to assistant manager Jody Morris.
“He still plays for Chelsea. It has to be for the benefit of the club. We can’t just let him walk out of the club and make us short. Of course, you think of the player as well.”
Arsenal keen on Boateng
The Gunners could buy Bayern defender Jerome Boateng for £12.8m.
Mikel Arteta is searching for a new centre-back after Calum Chambers suffered a season-ending knee injury.
Sky Sports.
Premier League trio target Simakan
Southampton, Watford and Crystal Palace are all targeting Strasbourg full-back Mohamed Simakan, according to The Guardian.
The 19-year-old is reportedly valued at €25m, with Palace in particular looking to secure the services of a new right-back since failing to sign Reece James from Chelsea in the summer.
Napoli target Celta star
Napoli are in talks to sign Celta Vigo’s Stanislav Lobotka.
Gazzetta dello Sport and Sky Sport Italia report that terms are agreed with the player, but the La Liga club want €22-23m, while the Serie A club are only willing to pay €17-18m for the 25-year-old ball-playing midfielder.
Rodwell signs for Blades
Jack Rodwell has signed for Sheffield United until the end of the season.
Manager Chris Wilder said the 28-year-old’s versatility was attractive.
“Jack has been with us for a couple of weeks or so now and he’s been excellent around the place,” Wilder said.
“He offers us versatility and experience in a number of key positions and adds further depth to the group which is important at this stage of the season.”
Real target Reinier Jesus set for big move
Flamengo wonderkid Reinier Jesus is on the radar of Real Madrid.
And Jorge Jesus appears to have suggested the 17-year-old sensation could move on soon, with the Bernabeu a likely landing spot.
Jesus stated: “[Reinier Jesus] will be sold to a big European club for many millions”
Lille respond to Real Madrid speculation
Lille boss Christophe Galtier insists he is ignoring speculation linking three of his players with a move to Real Madrid.
Reports in Spain have suggested Real Madrid are following Gabriel Magalhaes, Boubakary Soumare and Victor Osimhen, but Galtier remains focused on football.
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Cavani moves closer to Atletico
Marca.
The Uruguayan wants to move this January, with his contract expiring this summer.
Cavani, 32, will need to compromise on his wages to fit under the wage cap at the Wanda Metropolitano, but his desire to work with Diego Simeone should see a deal completed this month.
Arsenal and Spurs to battle it out for Everton star
Arsenal are keeping tabs on Everton youngster Jonjo Kenny, following an impressive spell on loan at Schalke.
Express, with the 22-year-old right-back scoring once and assisting twice from 17 Bundesliga appearances this season.
Real Madrid eye Lille trio
Lille trio Gabriel Magalhaes, Boubakary Soumare and Victor Osimhen are on the radar of Real Madrid.
Zinedine Zidane could add the centre-back, centre midfielder and striker, report Marca, as they continue to rebuild the squad at the Bernabeu.
Galaxy sign former Liverpool defender Insua
The LA Galaxy have signed former Liverpool left-back Emiliano Insua from Stuttgart.
The Argentine will take up an international spot, with Galaxy general manager Dennis te Kloese praising his latest signing.
“Emiliano is an experienced defender who has played for decorated clubs throughout the world,” Te Kloese said.
“We think he will boost our team on the defensive side and will add a veteran presence to our club. We are glad to add Emiliano to our team and are excited that he will represent the LA Galaxy.”
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