Thursday’s transfer news: Man Utd’s Bruno Fernandes deal collapses, Liverpool continue talks for Pedro Brazao as Tottenham turn to £40m Willian Jose
All of the latest transfer news, gossip and done deals from Thursday 23 January
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Welcome to our live coverage of today’s latest transfer news, gossip and done deals as we bring you the very latest rumours from the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and more.
The biggest transfer story of the window has, of course, been Manchester United’s interest in Sporting Lisbon skipper Bruno Fernandes. After weeks of little movement we are expecting that story to progress significantly in the next 48 hours, as United move to bolster their injury-hit squad. One of Wednesday’s most intriguing rumours was that Daniel Levy has contacted Real Madrid about potentially bringing Gareth Bale back to the club on loan. The Welshman would be open to the move and Real are desperate for him to leave the club – but will Spurs be able to afford his staggering wages, even if partially subsidised by the Spanish giants?
Meanwhile, Liverpool have been fairly active this month and could move for a third younger player while also continuing to monitor Timo Werner, who appears increasingly open to a move to Anfield. And Chelsea are also chasing a new striker and expect the Premier League rivals to clash over the next few days as they pursue similar transfer targets. So stick with us and follow all of the latest transfer news, gossip and done deals live below.
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United and Chelsea have both been linked with Dinamo and Spain star Dani Olmo. There could also be some big moves across Europe. Real Madrid have been linked with a £68m move for Timo Werner, as well as Flamengo wonder kid Reinier, while Arsenal have turned their eyes to RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano as a long-term target.
More Bruno Fernandes news now with breaking reports in Portugal suggesting Manchester United have upped their offer for the 25-year-old midfielder.
A Bola say the offer is €55million up front with another €10m in add-ons.
Talks between parties had stalled over the weekend, but Marcus Rashford's recent injury has forced United's hand.
The ball is now back in Sporting's court.
A done deal from Germany where Bayern Munich have got themselves a new toy to play with.
They have confirmed the loan signing of Alvaro Odriozola from Real Madrid for the remainder of the season.
Because Joshua Kimmich and Benjamin Pavard weren't good enough right-back options, it seems.
A picture of Alvaro Odriozola in his new kit... The full-back could be a very useful signing for Bayern, who have struggled at the back this season.
Aston Villa CEO Christian Purslow has been speaking about the club's appointment of former England international Eni Aluko as Sporting Director for women's football [see 9.59am].
Purslow, said: “Eni enjoyed a fabulous playing career and took her first steps in the game in this city, the city where she grew up.
“She is an inspiration and inspiring role model to young girls and women in Birmingham and will help Aston Villa to be an exemplar of women’s and girl’s football in the region.”
Dani Ceballos appears to have hinted his time at Arsenal could be coming to an end.
The Spanish international joined from Real Madrid in the summer but after injuries has struggled to force his way into new manager Mikel Arteta's plans.
And now it seems he could be about to leave.
Replying to Hector Bellerin on Instagram following the draw with Chelsea last night he wrote: "I’ll miss those goals with the left foot bro! You deserve all the good that happens to you."
To Edinson Cavani who appears to have taken his next step towards an exit from Paris Saint-Germain.
The Uruguayan international has been left out of the squad to face Reims in the Coupe de la Ligue this evening.
Could a move finally be edging closer?
Chelsea and Atletico Madrid lead the race to sign the 32-year-old.
Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti wants striker Moise Kean to improve technically and tactically but believes the teenager is heading in the right direction.
The 19-year-old scored his first goal for the club on his 22nd appearance since a £27.5million move from Juventus in a 71-minute display Goodison Park had been waiting for.
It was ultimately not enough for victory as Newcastle scored twice in added time to snatch a 2-2 draw but there was promise in his performance.
"It was good for him, for his confidence, for a striker to score goal it was important," said Ancelotti. "He played really well, worked hard, pressed forwards, what I asked, he did. It was important for the team.
"This goal can give him more confidence in what he is doing, he is doing well.
"He has to improve; he is young and has to improve technically and tactically but he is in the right way."
Jose Mourinho has reiterated that Tottenham will not make any knee-jerk signings this January.
Spurs are desperate for a replacement for Harry Kane, who could miss the rest of the season with a hamstring injury, having been left without a recognised striker on their books.
They have been linked with plenty of names so far this month, with Paris Saint Germain's Edinson Cavani the latest, but any target has to meet certain criteria.
Mourinho has made it clear that Tottenham's world will not end at the end of this season and says new signings must be part of the club's long-term vision.
"To do something, you have to do something that is good for our future too, not just good for tomorrow," said Mourinho ahead of Wednesday's home clash with Norwich.
"Something that is good for the future too and of course the club is very aware of it and the club is very committed of course but we want to do something that is right by every point of view.
"So I don't speak about other players from other clubs, about things that can happen or not happen because that's not me and that's not the way Tottenham operate too. But we are trying to see if any good opportunities arise."
Back to Edinson Cavani or more specifically his father Luis, who has been talking about his son's preference of next destination this month.
"He wants to join another club in Europe," he said. "That would please me that he plays here (at Atletico), yes.
"(Diego) Simeone wants him now (in January). The head coach of Paris Saint-Germain (Thomas Tuchel) has also said he needs him to help compete in the Champions League.
"But PSG do not want him to go to Atletico Madrid if he finds an agreement. I think there is a strong chance he will go to Atletico, the option to join the club (Atletico) always remains in June.
"There are lots of other clubs but when you give your word to a team, you respect it. If tomorrow, if he is available and Atletico still want him, I think he will sign.
"He is a player who needs time to play and today, he only plays four or six minutes per game. PSG are treating him unfairly."
The point at Everton last night gave Newcastle manager Steve Bruce a lift as he tries to cope with an injury-ravaged squad with nine senior players absent.
Nabil Bentaleb's loan from Schalke eases the situation and Bruce is optimistic some other players could be back for the FA Cup tie with Oxford.
"We hope we have two, three of four back for Saturday but I've never known anything like it," he said.
"Andy (Carroll), (DeAndre) Yedlin could be back. (Allan) Saint-Maximin, Bentaleb."
On his new signing the Magpies boss added: "He was someone who we identified and he is good player.
"He's played at a high level with Spurs, got a big money move to Schalke and has played 90 to 100 times at the top end of the Bundesliga. He's a good acquisition for us."
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