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
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.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.
WEST HAM AGREE TO SIGN LINGARD
West Ham United have agreed to sign Jesse Lingard on loan from Manchester United until the end of the season.
Lingard is on the periphery at Old Trafford having not featured at all in the Premier League this season and is looking for more game time.
Newcastle and West Brom were also interested in signing the 28-year-old who rejected their offers.
It is thought that the total cost of the deal is around £3 million with West Ham paying an initial £1.5 million loan fee then covering Lingard’s wages.
ROONEY CONFIRMS GORDON SET FOR LIVERPOOL
Liverpool are set to sign Derby starlet Kaide Gordon, with Wayne Rooney admitting the talented teenager’s exit now seems inevitable.
Rooney gave Gordon his debut for the Rams on 29 December and the 16-year-old is seen as one of England's most exciting academy players.
Liverpool are understood to be in talks to sign Gordon on a professional contract once he turns 17 in October and Rooney admitted a deal was likely.
Wayne Rooney confirms Kaide Gordon is set to sign for Liverpool
England U16 international made his debut for the Rams last month
TUCHEL: NO PLANS TO SIGN ANYBODY IN JANUARY
“No, [no gaps to fill] but it is hard for me to judge right now,” Tuchel said when asked about the need to sign anybody before the deadline.
“I am very happy with what I have seen so far. N'Golo Kante came back today so we have 22 players and the goalkeeper.”
CHELSEA WANT HAALAND AND ALABA
Thomas Tuchel may only have just arrived, but the Blues are keen to sign Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Braut Haaland and Bayern Munich’s David Alaba.
Haaland can be signed for his release clause of £66m, though Real Madrid are the front-runners, report Sky Sports.
While Alaba will be much cheaper, as the 28-year-old is available on a free transfer after rejecting a new contract, though a hefty signing on fee and wages will inevitably come for whoever signs the Austrian.
JORGINHO TO RENEW CHELSEA CONTRACT
Chelsea midfielder Jorginho could renew his contract with the club, in the aftermath of Frank Lampard’s sacking.
Jorginho had fallen down the pecking order under Lampard’s regime, and the Italian had been linked with a return to Serie A.
However Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb reports that new boss Thomas Tuchel wants to keep Jorginho, to such an extent that a contract extension could be on the cards.
It’s thought that Jorginho may extend his current deal to the summer of 2025.
Jorginho signed for Chelsea from Napoli in the summer of 2018.
MAN UTD LOOK TO TRIPPIER OR AARONS
Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing either Kieran Trippier or Max Aarons next season, as coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer seeks a back-up for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Any potential deal will hinge on whether Serie A giants Milan make Diogo Dalot's loan switch permanent at the end of the season.
Dalot joined the Rossoneri on a season-long loan deal, and has been utilised at both left and right-back.
According to Forbes, both Trippier and Aarons, of Atletico Madrid and Norwich respectively, are on the Solskjaer's radar.
TUCHEL AWARE OF CHELSEA SACKING HISTORY
New Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is aware of the club’s history of sacking managers.
Frank Lampard was sacked this week after only 18 months in charge of the club.
German coach Tuchel was signed as his replacement, but he is aware of the club’s history since Roman Abramovich took over in 2003.
Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the clash against Burnley, Tuchel remarked on whether he was scared to be sacked at some point: “Yes and no, but I'm absolutely grateful I can work on this level.
“If you sign for Chelsea you sign for the hunger of titles, you sign for being absolutely competitive in every competition you play. I'm totally aware of that.
“It is like you said, but it does not scare me, we have big ambitions and me myself I have the biggest ambitions.
“I'm very excited about the mixture of the team, I'm very excited about the structure of the club and the first days were amazing.
“And I'm absolutely aware that at some point everybody expects results, but, honestly, I'm doing that of myself.”
ARTETA TALKS OF CHANCE TO SIGN ODEGAARD PERMANENTLY
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has spoken about the opportunity to keep new signing Martin Odegaard permanently at the end of the season.
Odegaard arrived this week from Real Madrid on loan.
It’s believed that the deal is simply a loan, with no option to buy.
However that doesn’t remove the possibility of a deal taking place in the summer.
Arteta has commented on whether Odegaard could stay at Arsenal in the longer term.
“He certainly has all the qualities and characteristics that we are looking for for that position,” said the Spaniard during his press conference ahead of the game against Man Utd.
“Then it will be down to two things. First of all, how well he adapts here and how much of an impact he can have in our team.
"Secondly, what Real Madrid and the player think about it because he’s owned by Real Madrid and the player has a big say in that too.”
FORMER VILLA FORWARD THINKS INGS WOULD MAKE GREAT SPURS SIGNING
Former Aston Villa forward Gabby Agbonlahor believes Tottenham should sign Southampton striker Danny Ings.
Ings has been heavily-linked to the north London side over the last year, with Jose Mourinho supposedly an admirer of the 28-year-old striker.
Tottenham made an attempt to sign Ings in the last transfer window, before settling on Benfica’s Carlos Vinicius.
“I think it would be a great addition," Agbonlahor told Football Insider.
“[Harry] Kane could play as a number 10, behind Ings or vice-versa to be honest they can both play there.
“I just think it would take Spurs to the next level, they’re missing that extra striker with top, top quality.
“I do like Vinicius but I think if you get Danny Ings you’re making a statement and he could be the reason they go on and finish in the top four this season.”
EVERTON YET TO RECEIVE BERNARD BID
Everton are yet to receive a loan offer for winger Bernard.
The former Shakhtar Donetsk winger is thought to be surplus to requirements at Goodison Park.
It had been reported that both Italian side Roma and Dubai club Al-Nasr were interested in signing the 29-year-old.
The Mirror states however that Roma’s interest in the player has cooled, whilst Al-Nasr are yet to make any kind of offer.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments