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.
The Sun are reporting that Tottenham Hotspur have today bid for Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare - despite the 20-year-old midfielder insisting he did not want to quit his club this month.
The France U21 international has also been linked with Premier League sides Manchester United and Chelsea.
“Yes, of course [I would like to leave],” he told L’Equipe. “I have already discussed with the coach. I told him very clearly. I have a very clear idea of where I want to go in my career.
Soumare, who has made 18 Ligue 1 appearances and six in the Champions League this season, continued: “I want to do a full season here, yes. I feel good, my team-mates are helping me. I know where I am today and that suits me.
“It is not time to leave – I don’t want to leave with regrets.”
Aston Villa boss Dean Smith last night admitted he wants to sign one more striker in the January window, having already secured the services of Mbwana Samatta from Genk.
"We want another, and we’re looking for another," he said. "Keinan Davis has just started back in training. Hopefully Samatta will start training for us as soon as possible once he gets his visa sorted."
Some more news from Sky in Italy on Christian Eriksen's impending departure: his agent, Martin Schoots, is set to meet Daniel Levy after Tottenham's game against Norwich tonight to finally attempt to sort an early agreement with Inter Milan.
Jose Mourinho said yesterday that he had no update to make on Eriksen, although Inter Milan's chief executive said that he was "confident" a deal could be agreed this month.
Ivan Perisic has spoken about how much he is enjoying life on loan at Bayern Munich, potentially suggesting he could remain at the club even after his Inter Milan loan comes to an end.
“So far everything is going well in Munich, both from a personal and sporting point of view. I just go step by step, day by day,” he told German newspaper Abendzeitung.
“We will see what happens. 30 years old is not old! I am fine. My plan is to play for at least another seven or eight years.”
Lyon forward Moussa Dembele has downplayed suggestions he could leave the club this window.
He told reporters after Lyon's game against Lille last night: "I am a Lyon player and I will remain so until the end of the season.
"I do not think that there will be a departure this winter. Lots of things are being said but it's up to me to ignore that and remain concentrated on the pitch."
Edinson Cavani has been linked to every superclub under the sun this transfer window and his father, Luis, has addressed speculation he could join Atletico Madrid this window.
"He wants to join another club in Europe. 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 always remains in June. There are lots of other clubs but when you give your word to a team, you respect it.
"If tomorrow, he if is available and Atletico still want him, I think he will sign."
The Telegraph believe that Newcastle United are interested in signing Tottenham left-back Danny Rose on loan.
The former England international has fallen out of favour with Jose Mourinho after a reported 'bust-up' between the pair earlier this month.
Frank Lampard has reiterated that Chelsea are more likely to look at loan deals than permanent transfers this month, as he plots his long-term strategy at the club.
"I know and I feel where we need strengthening," said Lampard.
"It's not going to be just January, this is more of a short-term window for us.
"This season has given us some answers on the pitch in where we need to improve. But that's not so much for this window."
David Beckham has his eyes on a big marquee signing ahead of Inter Miami's debut season in MLS.
It is understood David Silva is set to join when his Manchester City contract expires in the summer.
But there's news this morning that Becks wants City teammate Sergio Aguero to come with him.
That's according to The Sun. File under: we'll believe it when we see it.
Leeds' long and winding search for a new No 9 has apparently taken them to Middlesbrough's Britt Assombalonga.
Eddie Nketiah's loan period was cut short earlier this month with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta keen to take a look at him leaving Marcelo Bielsa short of options up top.
The Mirror say that Bielsa is keen on Assombalonga who could be allowed to move on, for the right price.
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