Transfer news LIVE: Chelsea target Erling Haaland and David Alaba, Liverpool given Kylian Mbappe boost
All the latest rumours, gossip and done deals from the Premier League and around Europe as the transfer deadline looms
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Welcome along to live coverage of all Friday’s transfer news, rumours, gossip and done deals from around Europe as the deadline approaches. There have been some notable done deals so far, including Arsenal wrapping up a loan deal with Real Madrid for Norway midfielder Martin Odegaard. While the injury problems are piling up for Jurgen Klopp, who continues to discuss his club’s lack of business this month, with Joel Matip’s injury perhaps finally forcing a change of heart over whether to sign a short-term solution to their defensive crisis.
Tottenham, too, could look for options late in the window with the news Harry Kane is injured again with an ankle problem. While Manchester United could dip into the market to steady their title challenge, which took a hit with defeat to Sheffield United on Wednesday - Christoph Baumgartner is among the names linked to Old Trafford this month.
There will be exits at United too with fringe players likely to be pushed out the door, including Jesse Lingard, who will likely stay in the Premier League and has been linked to West Ham.
Elsewhere Tottenham have made contact with Angel di Maria about a possible move to the north London club, according to L’Equipe, as the 32-year-old’s contract runs out this summer. First, PSG want to bring Spurs midfielder Dele Alli the other way on loan until the rest of the season.
Reports in Germany say the new Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel already has already identified the RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano as his top target as he seeks to make an impact at Stamford Bridge. Frank Lampard’s sacking has meanwhile had the knock-on effect of leaving West Ham more confident than ever of keeping hold of Declan Rice. Follow all the latest news below.
‘WE CAN’T AFFORD TO LOSE ANYONE’
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers says that he won’t send players out on loan unless he can bring in a replacement.
Rodgers was asked about potentially loaning Hamza Choudhury to Newcastle and he said he’s spoken to Newcastle manager Steve Bruce about it:
VOKINS JOINS SUNDERLAND
Southampton have confirmed that defender Jake Vokins has signed for Sunderland on loan until the end of the season.
CHELSEA TARGET BUNDESLIGA DUO
Chelsea are interested in bringing two players from the Bundesliga to Stamford Bridge in the summer.
Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland is the first of their targets but the Blues face competition from Real Madrid who are the favourites for his signature.
Haaland has scored 37 goals in 37 appearances for Dortmund and the club are willing to let him go if offers come in above his £66 million release clause that activates in the summer of 2022.
In addition to Haaland, Chelsea are said to be monitoring Bayern Munich’s David Alaba.
The 28-year-old Alaba turned down an offer of a new Bayern contract and will leave the club as a free agent at the end of the season.
This has prompted interest from Manchester United, Liverpool, Real Madrid and PSG in addition to Chelsea.
Sky Sports News reporter Kaveh Solhekol said:
"On the centre-back situation at Chelsea, one player l would be watching closely is David Alaba. He will be leaving Bayern Munich in the summer. Lots of clubs want him on a free transfer.
"Manchester United, Real Madrid, Liverpool have all been mentioned but Chelsea are definitely in the mix. Some of the agents who were involved in bringing manager Thomas Tuchel to Stamford Bridge are also involved with Alaba.
"It would be a no-brainer for Chelsea to sign him, although reporters in Spain are convinced he is going to Real Madrid, and PSG have entered the race."
KLOPP TRYING TO SOLVE CENTRE-BACK PROBLEM
Liverpool step up efforts for ‘long-term’ solution to centre-back problem
New injuries to Joel Matip and Fabinho, in addition to the long-term absences of Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez, mean the Reds have no fit senior central defenders
BOURNEMOUTH ENTER RACE FOR GORDON
Bournemouth have entered the race of Championship teams wanting to sign Everton winger Anthony Gordon on loan.
Blackburn and Preston are also keen on signing the 19-year-old while Norwich and Brentford sent inquires about him earlier in the window.
Everton’s willingness to let the teenager leave may depend on other factors. Namely the future of midfielder Bernard.
The Brazilian has been the subject of interest from Dubai-based side Al Nasr, but Everton are yet to receive a formal offer for him.
If Bernard stays Everton will be happier letting Gordon go out on loan for more first-team games, with Bournemouth now among the top contenders.
ARSENAL DEALT AOUAR BLOW
Houssem Aouar was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal in the summer transfer window with the Gunners eventually signing Thomas Partey instead.
Mikel Arteta remained interested in Aouar though and hoped to bring him to the club this summer instead.
However, according to transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio Juventus are already in talks with Lyon to secure his signature.
It seems the Gunners will have to go up against the Serie A giants if they want to bring Aouar to the Emirates.
GUARDIOLA GIVES GARCIA UPDATE
Man City boss Pep Guardiola was asked about the possible transfer of centre-back Eric Garcia who has been linked with a move to Arsenal and a return to Barcelona but the City manager was not very forthcoming saying:
I don’t want to talk about this case. People talk a lot. He is our player.
"The transfer window finishes in a few days. We are fully committed to having him here because he is an exceptional player and guy."
Guardiola also said that two City players would miss the weekend’s game versus Sheffield United as Sergio Aguero is still self-isolating while defender Nathan Ake also remains out.
MORE FROM MOYES
David Moyes has been been speaking about his desire to bring another striker to West Ham after the sale of Sebastien Haller to Ajax.
At a press conference before this weekend’s Premier League fixtures Moyes spoke about the difficulty in finding another striker and added that Jesse Lingard would provide ‘attacking options’ to the side.
MOYES CONFIRMS LINGARD MEDICAL
Hammers boss David Moyes has confirmed that Jesse Lingard is completing a medical ahead of a loan move to West Ham saying: "He is here doing a medical, but I can't give you any more than that. Hopefully it will go through."
An official announcement over the move is expected at some point later today.
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