Transfer news LIVE: Everton sack Frank Lampard, Chelsea want Fernandez and Kane could stay at Tottenham
Everton have also rejected a bid from Al Nassr for goalkeeper Asmir Begovic whilst pressure mounts on boss Frank Lampard
Chelsea’s spending spree looks set to continue after the club has reignited interest in Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez. The Blues targeted the 21-year-old right at the start of the January transfer window but talks between them and Benfica broke down as despite Cheslea believing they had agreed an appropriate fee. A bid of £112million was reportedly accepted by Benfica and personal terms agreed with Fernandez before the Portuguese club decided not to sell. Now the Blues look set to re-open talks and get a deal over the line before the deadline.
Elsewhere, Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Tottenham’s Harry Kane with the Athletic reporting that the 29-year-old striker is open to extending his career at Tottenham and will enter talks with the club this month over a contract extension. The England captain’s current deal runs out in the summer of 2024 with United reportedly hoping to bring him to Old Trafford this coming summer.
Also in the news, Everton have rejected a bid from Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr who made a move for back-up goalkeeper Asmir Begovic. Thomas Frank has shut down any talk of Brentford goalkeeper David Raya possibly leaving and Hakim Ziyech is being eyed by Jose Mourinho’s Roma.
Follow all the latest January transfer rumours and confirmed news below:
Thiago focused on immediate improvements as Liverpool battle ‘psychological’ hangover
Thiago Alcantara believes Liverpool are suffering a psychological hangover from last season and the disappointment of missing out on the quadruple after coming so close to a historic achievement.
Liverpool won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup only to see their hopes of lifting the Premier League title dashed on the final day of the domestic campaign and then lose the Champions League final to Real Madrid.
The Spain midfielder feels the huge effort Liverpool put into a 63-game campaign is taking its toll on them, but that the crushing blow was having to deal with their frustration as he said they need to be tougher now.
Thiago aims for immediate improvements as Liverpool battle ‘psychological’ hangover
Liverpool haven’t won in the last three Premier League games and are well outside the race for the Champions League places
Benfica hold firm on Fernandez stance
Benfica are holding firm on their stance to not let Enzo Fernandez leave for less than his £106m release clause, according to The Guardian.
Chelsea are expected to return with a fresh bid for the Argentina midfielder before the transfer window shuts later this month.
The Blues also remain interested in Moises Caicedo, though a bid for the Ecuadorian has been knocked back by Brighton.
Raya not for sale says Frank
Brentford manager Thomas Frank says goalkeeper David Raya is not for sale and doesn’t expect him to leave the club.
The Spanish international has been linked with a move to Manchester United and Tottenham but Frank is confident of keeping the goalkeeper at the club.
“All my players, I would like to hold onto them forever,” said the Bees boss.
“David is one of the best goalkeepers in the league. He’s in good form, he has everything a goalkeeper needs to have. He’s ours for the next one-and-a-half years and the good thing is we have decided not to do anything for one-and-a-half years.
“They [interested clubs] will need to pay a lot of money.”
Harry Kane open to extend stay at Tottenham
The Athletic are reporting that Tottenham striker Harry Kane is open to signing a new contract with the club dealing a blow to Manchester United’s pursuit of the 29-year-old.
The England captain’s current deal at Spurs lasts until the summer of 2024, but Kane will apparantly enter talks with Spurs at the end of January transfer window.
After selling Cristiano Ronaldo and bringing Wout Weghorst in on a short term loan Man Utd are in the market for a top quality striker with Kane at the top of their list.
They were thinking of moving for him this summer but the Athletic’s report adds that Kane’s priority is to stay and succeed with Spurs.
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville suggested that “Kane would be a great signing but getting him out of Tottenham is not going to be easy.”
Former Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness agreed with Neville, indicating that the Bundesliga giants could not afford Tottenham’s £130m asking price for Harry Kane.
Everton owner Farhad Moshiri criticised by former players with club in relegation zone
Former Everton striker Kevin Campbell has called out the “foolishness” of club owner Farhad Moshiri after he distanced himself from a decision on the future of manager Frank Lampard.
The 2-0 defeat at fellow strugglers West Ham was a ninth loss in 12 Premier League matches, from which the Toffees have taken just five points, and left them second-bottom in the table.
Moshiri, attending his first match in 15 months, was asked after the game at the London Stadium whether it was time for Lampard to be sacked after almost a year at the club.
Everton owner Moshiri criticised by former players with club in drop zone
The Toffees are second-bottom in the Premier League.
Sanson heading out on loan
Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Sanson is poised to sign for Ligue 1 side Strasbourg on loan for the rest of the season.
The deal would take Sanson back to France until the summer but does not include an option to buy the 28-year-old midfielder.
Villa signed Sanson from Marseille halfway through the 2020/21 season and the former France under-21 international has made 21 Premier League appearances for the club.
What’s going on with Wolves?
Wolves remain in talks over a deal for Flamengo midfielder Joao Gomes but finally tied down a deal for summer target Craig Dawson at the weekend.
Gomes wants to sign for Wolves despite strong interest from Lyon and the midlands side had an offer accepted for £14.9m (€17m) that Flamengo then reneged upon when Lyon bid £16.2m (€18.5m).
Wolves have a valuation for Gomes that they plan to stick to, however, meaning Flamengo may be left with no choice but to sell to the Midlands club if Gomes refuses to move elsewhere.
Wolves have also added Mario Lemina, Pablo Sarabia and striker Matheus Cunha to the squad this month.
McKennie on Arsenal radar
It really feels as though Arsenal are ramping up their January transfer business in order to bring in players that can drive them towards the Premier League title.
With Manchester City being a powerhouse and Liverpool falling off their usual standards Arsenal may not have a better chance at winning the league and they’ll need squad depth to do so.
Juventus’ Weston McKennie is next on their agenda, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Italian side are open to selling the midfielder with a reported £17.5million fee up-front, plus bonuses, apparantly enough to secure a deal.
Borussia Dortmund, Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Fulham are also said to be keen on the American.
Jesse Marsch defends not playing Georginio Rutter as Brentford frustrate Leeds
Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch defended his decision to keep club record signing Georginio Rutter on the bench in his side’s 0-0 home draw against Brentford.
Rutter, signed last week for £36million from Hoffenheim, was an unused substitute in Sunday’s frustrating Premier League stalemate.
A disjointed match was crying out for Rutter to make himself an instant Elland Road hero, but Marsch resisted the temptation to turn to the France Under-21 striker.
Jesse Marsch defends not playing Georginio Rutter as Brentford frustrate Leeds
The club’s record signing was left on the bench.
Newcastle eye up McTominay
Newcastle are reportedly keen to bring Scott McTominay to St. James’ Park and have held talks with Manchester United who are unwilling to sell the midfielder.
The Athletic say Newcastle admire McTominay and may make a move for him in the future as United will not sanction his departure this month.
The 26-year-old is contracted at Old Trafford until June 2025 but may be allowed to leave sooned if Erik ten Hag can find a stronger replacement in the middle of the pitch.
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