Transfer news LIVE: Ronaldo ‘has options’, Man Utd could lose Mainoo and Arsenal want Williams
The transfer window is in full swing with sides at both ends of the Premier League table looking to strengthen as they battle for survival, European football and the title
Clubs across the continent are in the market for January transfer deals as they look to strengthen their squads for the second half of the 2024/25 season with titles, European football and survival all on the line.
Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City are all rumoured to be circling new arrivals as they battle it out in the Premier League while the window could see some big exits confirmed with Trent Alexander-Arnold negotiating a possible free transfer to Real Madrid and Manchester United open to selling Marcus Rashford. Randal Kolo Muani is said to be one option for United, who look likely to miss out on Viktor Gyokeres this month, while they also like PSG left-back Nuno Mendes but may shockingly lose Kobbie Mainoo as Chelsea circle.
One of the more intriguing sagas is the fate of Dani Olmo who could be left in limbo is Barcelona fail in their attempts to re-register him. The Spanish giants are battling LaLiga over finanical issues which could mean Olmo needs to find a new club and there are plenty of teams, Arsenal and Chelsea included, monitoring the situation.
And across the rest of the English top-flight, clubs are sticking to PSR regulations and tight budgets as they look to find cut-price deals to bolster their squads.
Follow all the latest transfer news, rumours and deals below:
Crystal Palace target Romain Esse
Crystal Palace are looking at a move for Millwall winger Romain Esse, who is performing well in the Championship this season.
The 19-year-old Esse has scored four times and assisted once in 24 starts, and Palace are now willing to take a risk on him says the South London Press.
Sporting director Dougie Freedman is believed to be an admirer of the youngster and wants to make him a top priority in Janaury.
Napoli to make Casadei bid
Chelsea midfielder Cesare Casadei could be set for the exit door with Napoli set to make a bid.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Serie A side want to sign the Italian on a permanent transfer but the Blues are requesting a sell-on clause to be included in any deal.
Casadei has made six appearances for Chelsea this season, none of which have come in the Premier League.
Marcus Rashford’s representatives in Italy to discuss AC Milan move
The latest in the Marcus Rashford saga – the forward’s brother and agent are in Italy today talking to AC Milan about a potential loan move. The Italian club are keen to understand the conditions for a deal that could be loan with an option to buy and they’ve made the England international their top target for this window.
Manchester United are aware that Rashford’s representatives are in Italy and are expecting a number of clubs to formally approach them about a deal.
Borussia Dortmund and Juventus are among the other interested clubs, with Rashford’s representatives expected to talk to them in the coming days. There are still no guarantees he’ll leave Old Trafford despite publicly saying he is “ready for a new challenge”.
Man City eye £50m Egypt forward as belated Julian Alvarez replacement
Manchester City want to sign Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush to bolster their forward line, although they believe it will be difficult to sign the Egypt international this month.
Marmoush has scored 18 goals and contributed 11 assists already this season but with Eintracht challenging for a Champions League place, City are conscious it could be hard to persuade the Bundesliga high-flyers to sell.
The 25-year-old, who might cost up to £50m, could be a belated replacement for Julian Alvarez, who was sold to Atletico Madrid in the summer for a fee that could rise to £82m.
Liverpool have also been said to be interested in Marmoush in recent weeks.
Man City eye £50m Egypt forward as belated Julian Alvarez replacement
City like Eintracht Frankfurt’s verstatile attacker Omar Marmoush, but believe he will be difficult to sign this month
Manchester United face stumbling blocks in chase of key transfer target Nuno Mendes
Manchester United need a sale in order to meet Paris Saint-Germain’s €60m valuation of Nuno Mendes, with Ruben Amorim and the new INEOS leadership keen to start a badly-desired overhaul.
The 22-year-old left-back has been targeted as a key first signing to give balance to the team, but the Old Trafford hierarchy are currently short on the salary offer as well as the transfer fee.
The situation reflects how difficult this crucial first window is for Amorim, with many at United openly talking about how much business needs to be done but how little money there is to spend amid Profit and Sustainability Rule restrictions. The club have essentially let it be known that they will listen to offers for almost any player, including popular homegrown talents such as Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho. Such reports have dominated the first few days of the window, only showing how stark the situation is.
Latest from Miguel Delaney:
Manchester United face stumbling blocks in chase of key transfer target Nuno Mendes
The PSG left-back is valued at €60m and United are restricted by Profit and Sustainability rules
Chelsea chasing Kobbie Mainoo
Chelsea are at the top of the list of clubs who want to sign Kobbie Mainoo should he depart Manchester United.
The Daily Mail are reporting that there is a stalemate in negotiations over a new deal between the midfielder and the Old Trafford hierarchy despite Mainoo having two-and-a-half years left on his current contract.
If United do sell the player it would be financially beneficial given any proceeds from a sale would go down as pure profit on the accounts.
The fans would not be pleased as Mainoo is a homegrown talent that broke into the first team under Erik ten Hag and has continued to impress.
Carney Chukwuemeka on Borussia Dortmund’s radar
Chelsea’s Carney Chukwuemeka is on the shortlist of Borussia Dortmund this January, according to Sky Sports Germany.
Dortmund are looking for a No 8 and the 21-year-old is struggling for playing time under Enzo Maresca. The Blues are open to loaning Chukwuemeka although his €40-45m release clause is way too high for Dortmund.
Man Utd exploring deal for Kolo Muani
With news that Viktor Gyokeres is unlikely to leave Sporting this month, Manchester United are exploring other striker options with Randal Kolo Muani apparently high on their list.
According to David Ornstein at The Athletic, United and Tottenham are actively exploring a deal to sign Kolo Muani on loan from PSG.
The France striker is also wanted by Juventus and Ornstein says they are the leading contenders to capture his signature, with the France striker short of game-time at PSG but regarded by his suitorsas one of the best versatile attackers currently on the market.
Kolo Muani, who moved to PSG from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023 for €90m and is under contract until 2028, has played just 14 times for the French side this season, providing two goals and an assist.
Igor Paixao chased by Arsenal and Liverpool
Feyenoord winger Igor Paixao is being chased by Arsenal and Liverpool, among other Premier League clubs.
According to CaughtOffside, Paixao has impressed scouts of both sides as well as the likes of Spurs, Aston Villa and West Ham. He could be available for around €30-35m.
No talks have taken place or offers made as of yet but Arsenal and Liverpool have received glowing reports from their scouts.
Martin Dubravka set for Saudi Arabia
Newcastle may be about to lose their back-up goalkeeper, with Martin Dubravka having an agreement in principle with Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab.
Dubravka just need the green light from the Magpies, according to Fabrizio Romano and he’ll be off to Saudi.
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