Transfer news LIVE: Premier League clubs battle for Philippe Coutinho, Newcastle close in on Kieran Trippier
Follow all the latest transfer news and updates from the Premier League and beyond
The January transfer window is open and rumours are swirling around the Premier League and across Europe.
Philippe Coutinho is set to decide between five Premier League clubs battling for his signature as the Brazil star nears an exit from Barcelona and a return to the Premier League. The 29-year-old has struggled since making the move to the Camp Nou and is said to favour a return to England, where he spent five years at Liverpool. Aston Villa are said to be one of those sides involved in the race for the midfielder, according to the Mail, with Arsenal, Tottenham, Newcastle and Everton also linked.
Newcastle appear to be closing in on their first signing of the window after reportedly agreeing a fee with Atletico Madrid for England international right-back Kieran Trippier. The former Tottenham full-back, who joined the Spanish club in 2019, has been keen to move back to England ever since coming close to joining Manchester United last summer. The BBC report that Newcastle have had a bid of £12 million, plus add-ons, accepted for the 31-year-old in what would be club’s first signing under their new owners.
Elsewhere, Arsenal have reportedly made their first move for in-demand Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic, according to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport. They say the Gunners have made an opening offer of £58.5m for the 21-year-old, in a deal that would see midfielder Lucas Torreira join the Serie A club on a permanent basis. Arsenal will also listen to offers for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang during the window, according to Sky Sports, and it could be that Vlahovic replaces the former captain at the club this January.
Follow all the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip from the Premier League and around Europe:
From Conte to Tuchel, Romelu Lukaku shows how role of Chelsea manager has evolved
Antonio Conte provides update on Harry Kane’s Tottenham future: ‘He’s totally involved in this project now’
Newcastle close on Kieran Trippier deal to kickstart January rebuild
Real Madrid tipped to pair Erling Haaland with Kylian Mbappe
Gunners eye Lamptey
Mikel Arteta could look to Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey as he continues to reshape Arsenal’s squad.
The 21-year-old former Chelsea man has impressed since leaving Stamford Bridge for the south coast and has apparently now caught the eye of Arteta.
The Gunners signed Takehiro Tomiyasu in that position in the summer but could be keen on more depth with Lamptey perhaps seen as a more attack-minded option on the right side of defence.
Arsenal did business with Brighton for England international Ben White in the summer.
Chelsea search for left-back
Chelsea could be in the market for a new left-back in January with the news that England international Ben Chilwell is likely out for the rest of the season.
Marcos Alonso is next man up but AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez is the latest to be linked if the Blues do look to the transfer market.
The Serie A giants are reticent to lose the Frenchman, however, according to Tuttosport, which could see Chelsea look elsewhere.
Everton’s Lucas Digne is another target.
The Frenchman has been in and out of the side at Goodison Park this season under boss Rafa Benitez.
Tottenham track Franck Kessie
Tottenham are apparently leading the race for AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie.
New boss Antonio Conte is keen to put his own stamp on the Spurs squad with the Ivorian midfielder apparently a top target.
The Express report that Spurs have held talks with the 25-year-old’s camp with his contract in Italy set to expire in the summer.
Arsenal and Manchester United have also been linked.
Bernardo Silva content at Man City despite pushing for move last summer
Bernardo Silva is in no rush to leave Manchester City.
The Portuguese international was keen to leave the Premier League champions in the summer with Barcelona one of a number of clubs said to be interested.
But having regained his place in the side with a sparkling run of form he says he’s very happy where he is.
"I think that at the moment the English teams are the strongest in the world," he said. "Therefore it is always good to be where the best football is played."
Ralf Rangnick outlines Man United’s January transfer plans
Ralf Rangnick has said Manchester United will only hit the January transfer market if the club can identify a signing that would “increase the quality” of the squad.
Improving United’s midfield has reportedly emerged as a key priority for the interim manager, with Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham and Kalvin Phillips all linked.
“The transfer window in the winter only makes sense if they increase the quality,” Rangnick said after United’s 3-1 win over Burnley on Thursday.
“So far we have not spoken about that. My focus is on the current players, we have enough players so there is no lack of numbers.”
Liverpool track Bukayo Saka as future signing
Liverpool have apparently shortlisted Bukayo Saka as a possible future signing.
The Arsenal and England winger has been in fine form this season and has reportedly caught the eye of Jurgen Klopp who could see the 20-year-old as a future replacement for the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
However, having only recently signed a new contract the Gunners are likely to be hugely reticent to let him go and would surely ask an extremely high fee if they did.
Ralf Rangnick to block Dean Henderson exit at Man United
Ralf Rangnick has apparently told Dean Henderson that he won’t be allowed to leave Manchester United in January.
The England international is behind David De Gea in the goalkeeping pecking order at Old Trafford and is keen for more football.
A loan move has been mooted but the Daily Mail claim interim boss Rangnick wants to keep three keepers in his squad and won’t sanction a temporary exit.
Chelsea prepare defensive reinforcements in January
Chelsea’s defensive injury crisis could spark them into action in the transfer market in January.
The Express claim Wolfsburg’s Maxence Lacroix and Fenerbahce’s Attila Szalai are both being considered with a host of first-team regulars currently sidelined.
Jules Kounde was close to a move from Sevilla in the summer and is another option should Thomas Tuchel opt to strengthen.
Derek McInnes agrees deal as new Kilmarnock manager
Derek McInnes has agreed a deal to become the new Kilmarnock manager, signing an 18-month contract..
The 50-year-old returns to the game after leaving Aberdeen last March following an eight-year spell in charge.
McInnes replaces Tommy Wright, who was sacked last month with the club’s promotion bid taking a hit after four defeats in five.
Davy Propper retires from football aged 30
Former Brighton midfielder Davy Propper has announced his retirement from football.
Propper, who won 19 caps for the Netherlands, left the Seagulls last summer to re-join PSV Eindhoven after four years on the south coast, claims the coronavirus pandemic and a “hectic football schedule” motivated him to make the decision.
“When I was abroad, I gradually lost the love for the game,” said Propper, who had 18 months left on his PSV contract. “It was difficult for me to observe the discipline needed to perform at my best and have my life ruled by a hectic football schedule. And the coronavirus crisis and the lack of visits from relatives and friends haven’t done me any good, either.
“I’m grateful the club (PSV) has made me feel welcome. I had hoped to rediscover the joy in playing football but it was not to be as I don’t feel comfortable in the world of football. I don’t want to be part of it any longer. I made the final decision to call time on my playing career before Christmas and it feels like a relief. That’s why I know I’ve made the right choice.”
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