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.
This isn't strictly transfer related but is well worth paying attention to.
Our Chief Football Reporter has written a special feature on the impending administrative battle that is poised to decide the future of football.
Victor Moses has arrived for a medical at Inter Milan.
The Chelsea wing-back will move to the San Siro with Sky Sport Italia claiming an agreement has been made between the clubs.
His loan to Fenerbahce has been cut short after just six appearances in the Super Lig this season, including one goal.
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has just suggested he could look to bring in cover for Rashford on loan, while a potential deal for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes continues to stall.
The Norwegian, however, was unwilling to discuss recruitment.
He said: "We're always looking at improving the squad and seeing if there's anything out there but nothing I can talk about now."
Steve Bruce hopes to sign Valentino Lazaro for Newcastle, with the 23-year-old available after Inter Milan's moves for Victor Moses and Ashley Young.
Lazaro has failed to make an impression under Antonio Conte since a £19m move from Hertha Berlin in the summer.
“It’s fairly common knowledge now. That his agent was at the St James’ Park during the weekend,” Bruce said. “We hope that we can develop it.
“Unfortunately, when it gets out like it does it adds to the competition and we’ll see. We’ll see what the next 24 to 48 hours will bring.”
Dean Smith on new Aston Villa striker Mbwana Samatta:
I'm really pleased we have managed to bring Mbwana to the club.
He has scored goals throughout his career and I'm looking forward to working with him.
Spanish daily Marca have this morning reported that right-back Alvaro Odriozola could leave the club on loan.
Real signed the 24-year-old from Real Sociedad for £30m in the summer of 2018 but he has failed to usurp Dani Carvajal in Real's starting XI.
The Spanish club are now willing to allow him to leave on loan - and there's no shortage of interest.
Sevilla and Athletic Bilbao are reportedly leading the chase, while Bayern Munich and Tottenham are also interested.
Wilfried Zaha is willing to stay at Crystal Palace until the end of the season, according to the Mail.
Chelsea and Spurs have been linked but have walked away from negotiations for now after Palace refused to budge on their £80m valuation.
The 27-year-old has three years left on his contract from this summer, meaning the Eagles have total control over his future.
Paulo Dybala is looking to persuade Paul Pogba to rejoin Juventus.
The Manchester United midfielder is currently out through injury but has agitated for a move in the last year.
Corriere dello Sport report that Dybala is pushing to link up with the Frenchman once again.
Kylian Mbappe has praised Liverpool for their dominant run.
The PSG forward is full of admiration for the Reds and their relentless streak.
"What Liverpool do in this moment is amazing. They lost zero games, that's not easy," Mbappe said.
"They play and they win, they win, they win. They are like a machine!"
Steven Gerrard admits he has let Queen of the South down by recalling Robbie McCrorie, but insists his difficult decision could help make the young goalkeeper an Ibrox star of the future.
The 21-year-old is currently on loan in Dumfries but is now poised to join Livingston for the remainder of the season.
He could even make his debut for Gary Holt's side at home to St Johnstone on Wednesday night after joining up with his new Lions team-mates for Tuesday's final training session.
Both Hearts and Hibernian were interested in the Scotland Under-21 international but it is Livi who have won the race.
The decision will come as bitter blow to Doonhamers, who have come to rely on McCrorie during the first half of the season.
He was supposed to spend the entire campaign on loan at Palmerston, but the Dumfries outfit now face a scramble to find a replacement.
However, while Gerrard regrets letting Queens down, he insists making the Livingston move is the right thing for McCrorie if he is to stand the best possible chance of fulfilling his dream of one day replacing Allan McGregor in the Rangers line-up.
He said: "There is also something bubbling away with young Robbie McCrorie. There's an opportunity for him to play in the Premiership.
"It's a situation where we don't really want to do what we have to do but we have to do it for the sake of the boy.
"It will be brilliant for his development to play in the Premiership.
"We really respect the job Queens have done and it's not something we wanted to do by taking a keeper off someone.
"But when the kids gets the opportunity to play a league above, to better himself and the chance to play in the Premiership then it gives him a better chance of coming back here and playing for Rangers.
"For the kid it's a no-brainer. Slightly awkward for us as we don't want to let anyone down.
"Queen of the South probably thought they would have Robbie for the full year but we have to forget about that and think what's best for the kid himself. It's too good an opportunity to turn down.
"I rate him very highly. If Robbie keeps developing at the speed he is then I've got no doubt he can come back here and effect the two main positions here for the goalkeeping position."
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