(AFP via Getty Images)
Transfer news – LIVE!
Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly began considering a move away from Manchester United after a frustrating first season back at Old Trafford.
The Portuguese superstar returned to the club in the summer but has been blamed, fairly or otherwise, for much of the club’s woe under both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick. It’s also claimed Paul Pogba, who is out of contract in the summer, has been offered a huge deal by United.
Lionel Messi is pondering his future at Paris Saint-Germain and could leave in the summer, according to reports in Spain, while Man City have reportedly made Erling Haaland their top target.
Elsewhere, Chelsea have a job on in persuading Cesar Azpilicueta and Antonio Rudiger to stay ahead of their contracts expiring. The Blues have received a boost in their bid to sign Lucas Digne though, with Rafa Benitez confirming the left-back wants to leave Everton.
One defender on the move is Kieran Trippier, who has signed for Newcastle from Atletico Madrid, with the club also linked with a move for Anthony Martial.
Across the Premier League in Liverpool, the Reds are said to have rejected a £7million opening gambit for defender Nat Phillips. West Ham, who have extended Michail Antonio’s contract, have been rumoured to want the centre-back.
Former Anfield hero Philippe Coutinho’s future is now sorted with a loan move to Aston Villa agreed, which includes an option of a £33m permanent move from Barcelona.
Arsenal continue to be active in the market and Fiorentina have issued an update on Dusan Vlahovic’s future amid interest from the Gunners, Tottenham, Real Madrid and Juventus.
Follow all of the latest transfer news with Standard Sport’s LIVE blog.
Latest transfer news and rumours
Ronaldo considers Man Utd exit
Messi tipped to leave PSG
Man City make Haaland top target
Pogba offered huge new contract
Coutinho agrees to join Aston Villa
Newcastle sign Trippier
Digne tells Everton he wants to leave
Arsenal target Vlahovic latest
Story continues
Rose likely to leave Watford
13:15 , Matt Verri
Watford boss Claudio Ranieri has confirmed that former Tottenham defender Danny Rose could leave the club this month.
Rose only joined the Hornets in the summer, arriving on a free transfer after his contract with Spurs expired.
The left-back signed a two-year deal then, but he could already be on the move now the transfer window is open again. Ranieri has confirmed Watford are ready to let Rose depart if they can find a new club for the 31-year-old.
“I don’t know [why it hasn’t worked for Rose at Watford],” Ranieri.
“I prefer other kind of players. He’s a good man, good player, but I decide it’s much better to change something.”
More on that story right here.
(Getty Images)
Benitez confirms Digne wants to leave
12:56 , Matt Verri
It comes as no real surprise, but Rafa Benitez has confirmed Lucas Digne wants to leave Everton this month.
The left-back reportedly fell out with Benitez last month, and Everton have since signed Vitaliy Mykolenko as an apparent replacement.
However, the Toffees boss said that any rumoured interest from any clubs is irrelevant until an offer is received.
“I had a couple of conversations with him,” Benitez said.
“I have no explanation [for why he wants to leave]. If someone is happy or not happy, you are paid big money and have to perform.
“Modern football, maybe the stats and the priorities have changed and maybe people think about themselves before the team. Do we want to grow and improve or just to manage the egos?
“I’d like to sign Haaland and Mbappe but you need a commitment. You can make an enquiry but you need a commitment. People can talk and talk.”
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Suarez turns down Juventus
12:43 , Matt Verri
Luis Suarez’s contact at Atletico Madrid expires at the end of the season, with the 34-year-old’s future uncertain.
Corriere dello Sport claim that Juventus have approached the striker to sign him in the summer, but Suarez has reportedly turned them down. The Italian club are looking to replace Alvaro Morata, who will return to Atletico at the end of his loan spell.
A move to the MLS looks likely for Suarez, who has revealed in the past his desire to one day play in the US.
(AFP via Getty Images)
Eddie Howe on signing a striker
12:25 , Matt Verri
Here’s what the Newcastle boss had to say on Wilson’s injury, and what it could mean for the club’s transfer business this month.
“We don’t have a clear diagnosis at the moment,” Howe said.
“Callum will have another scan very shortly to try to determine exactly how long he will be out – there’s still a little bit of grey over the length of time.
“Those results will possibly impact what we do, but it’s all dependant, of course, on who’s available and who we can recruit because it’s probably the toughest position at any time of the year to recruit in.
“The quality of players in that position really is very short on the ground.”
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Newcastle consider Martial loan
12:17 , Matt Verri
Callum Wilson’s injury is a major concern for Newcastle, with the severity expected to be revealed next week.
There are fears he could be out for much of the season, which would force Newcastle to make a signing in January and that could well be Anthony Martial.
According to The Times, a loan move could be made for the Frenchman, who has made it clear he wants to leave Man United.
His wages of close to £200,000-a-week will likely put off many clubs, but Newcastle would be able to cover them.
(Manchester United via Getty Images)
Smith unsure if Norwich can keep Cantwell
12:02 , Matt Verri
Norwich boss Dean Smith cannot guarantee Todd Cantwell’s future at Carrow Road following talk of interest from Tottenham and Newcastle.
The midfielder is reportedly available for a January transfer if an interested club can meet his £15million valuation.
“He is contention to play on Sunday, but I don’t deal with the speculation, Stuart [Webber, Norwich sporting director] does, so I don’t know is the honest answer,” Smith said.
“Hopefully he will be here still and playing well, because that is what we want from him. We know what we can do at this level and are working hard to get him back to that.”
Click here for more on that story.
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Villa have option to buy Coutinho
11:52 , Matt Verri
Philippe Coutinho has joined Aston Villa for the rest of the season, but his time at Villa Park may well extend beyond that.
BBC Sport’s Phil McNulty reports that the club have the option to make the deal a permanent one for £33m in the summer, but there is no obligation to do so.
Coutinho has five months to prove he’s worth that fee…
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Vieira coy on Ramsey and Nketiah links
11:44 , Matt Verri
Aaron Ramsey and Eddie Nketiah have both been linked with moves away this month.
Ramsey looks certain to leave Juventus, while Nketiah is out of contract at Arsenal in the summer. Crystal Palace are rumoured to be interested in the pair, and boss Patrick Vieira had this to say.
“When you look at [Ramsey’s] pedigree and experience, I think he would improve a lot of teams in the Premier League,” Vieira said.
“I like the player, like a lot of players. He’s a terrific player and I think he can do well for teams in the Premier League.”
On Nketiah, Vieira added: “He’s just the same as Aaron, I think those players, with what you can hear, it looks like Aaron wants to come back to the Premier League.
“There’s not much to say about those players but for us, what is really important is really concentrating and focusing on the players we have.”
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Chelsea keen to tie down defensive duo
11:34 , Matt Verri
Chelsea have stepped up attempts to secure the futures of out-of-contract players Antonio Rudiger and Cesar Azpilicueta.
Fresh talks have been held with both defenders, who are now free to negotiate with interested clubs from abroad.
After successfully tying down Thiago Silva to a new one-year deal this week, the European champions want to end the uncertainty over their other key players who can walk away for nothing at the end of the season.
More on Chelsea’s contract discussions right here.
(Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Antonio earns West Ham extension
11:24 , Matt Verri
Michail Antonio has been rewarded for his fine form at West Ham this season with a new contract extension.
The 31-year-old has signed on for another two years with the Hammers, taking his time at the club up to 2025.
Antonio, who has scored nine goals in all competitions so far this term, signed a new deal in November 2020 and West Ham have now taken up the option of an extra year that was included in that agreement while adding another 12 months on top.
Click here for the rest of the story on that.
(Getty Images)
11:13 , Matt Verri
Paul Pogba’s contract at Man United runs out at the end of the season, meaning he is able to speak to clubs across Europe this month and potentially sign a pre-contract agreement.
The Sun claim that in a bid to stop that happening, United have offered the Frenchman a huge £500,000-a-week deal and hope that will persuade Pogba to stay.
The 28-year-old could demand a big signing-on fee elsewhere should he hold out for a free transfer. Big decisions for Pogba to make in the months ahead…
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City make Haaland top priority
11:02 , Matt Verri
It’s a transfer story that will run and run until Erling Haaland’s future is decided.
The Borussia Dortmund striker is a player every club in the world would love to have, and the Athletic report that Man City have made Haaland their top target as they look to sign a striker.
It’s claimed the club will holds talks with Haaland and his team in the coming weeks, and are ready to fight Europe’s elite to secure his signature.
Watch this space…
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Spurs plot fresh Traore approach
10:53 , Matt Verri
Tottenham are believed to be planning a new bid for Wolves winger Adama Traore.
The north London club are prioritising a right wing-back in the January window, and they see Traore as a potential option.
According to the Athletic, Matt Doherty could make a return to Wolves as part of the deal.
Traore has just 18 months left on his current contract and there are no signs of a new deal being agreed, so Wolves may decide to cash in on him while they can.
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Middlesbrough confident of landing Balogun
10:41 , Matt Verri
Middlesbrough are confident they will win the race for Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun.
A number of Championship clubs, and some sides from abroad, have expressed an interest in signing Balogun on loan and Arsenal have agreed to let him leave.
The 20-year-old is assessing his options, but Middlesbrough are confident they are in pole position after making a pitch, with Chris Wilder known to be a big fan.
You can read the full story on that here.
(AFP via Getty Images)
Liverpool eye Diaz move
10:34 , Matt Verri
Jurgen Klopp is slightly short in attacking areas, with Sadio Mane and Mo Salah at the Africa Cup of Nations this month, but Luis Diaz could ease his woes.
The 24-year-old has played against Liverpool for Porto in the Champions League this season, and clearly impressed Klopp as The Sun report that a £60m move could be in the offing.
Diaz already has 12 goals and three assists in the league for Porto this season, so would certainly bring some firepower to Liverpool in the absence of their two stars up front.
(AFP via Getty Images)
Caballero extends Saints spell
10:24 , Matt Verri
The veteran goalkeeper joined Southampton in December on a one-month deal, after injuries to Alex McCarthy and Fraser Forster, but Willy Caballero will now stay at the club until the end of the season.
The 40-year-old played two Premier League matches for the Saint last mont – a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal and a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace.
Leicester eye Belgian starlet
10:07 , Marc Mayo
Belgian youngster Charles De Ketelaere is interesting Leicester, amid admiring glances from Real Madrid and PSG.
The Club Brugge winger is valued at £37.5million, according to RTL, with an initial fee of £29m plus bonuses also an option.
The Foxes are reportedly in a strong position to seal the summer deal despite their big-name competitors.
(Getty Images)
What next for Bale?
10:02 , Marc Mayo
Gareth Bale will consider quitting football when his Real Madrid contract expires in the summer.
The Welsh winger has barely featured for Los Blancos since returning from a loan spell at Tottenham and looks set for pastures new this year.
However, only a 2022 World Cup spot is said to motivate Bale, so say The Athletic, and a failure to reach the tournament will lead to him thinking of hanging up his boots.
Should he stay in the game, money and glory will not be too high up his priority list with staying fit for Wales duty his main consideration when picking a new team.
(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
United edge away from Alvarez
09:57 , Marc Mayo
Julian Alvarez is not a target for Manchester United, according to MEN.
The River Plate star has been touted for a move to Europe with his release clause set at just £17million after a fine spell of form in Argentina.
But the Red Devils are said to be focusing their efforts elsewhere with a summer move for a central midfielder further up their agenda.
(Getty Images)
Coutinho terms agreed
09:45 , Marc Mayo
Aston Villa will sign Philippe Coutinho on loan until the end of the season once a medical and work permit are sorted.
The club even say they have agreed a fee for a permanent transfer in the summer…
Coutinho will travel to Birmingham over the weekend to sign on the dotted line.
(AFP via Getty Images)
Done deal!
09:35 , Marc Mayo
And there it is! Philippe Coutinho agrees to join Aston Villa.
Reports suggest Coutinho picks Villa
09:29 , Marc Mayo
Aston Villa have COMPLETED the deal to sign Philippe Coutinho.
According to the Mail, Steven Gerrard has convinced the Barcelona man to move to the Midlands on a loan deal to the end of the season. Over at Sky Sports, they say the deal is close.
Villa are said to be confident that Coutinho can hit the ground running and be an instant success back in the Premier League.
(Getty Images)
Trippier delighted with Toon switch
09:19 , Marc Mayo
Kieran Trippier has expressed his joy at returning to the Premier League with Newcastle.
The right-back has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal after costing the Toon £12million, in their first move since being taken over by a wealthy Saudi-led consortium.
He said: « I’m delighted to be joining this fantastic club. I really enjoyed my time in Madrid, but when I became aware of interest from Newcastle United, and having worked with Eddie Howe before, I knew this was where I wanted to be.
« I’m aware there is a lot of work ahead of us but I know the demands of Premier League well and I know what an amazing club this is with very talented players. I can’t wait to get started and I’m excited to step out at St. James’ Park as a Newcastle player. »
Manager Eddie Howe said: « I am really pleased to welcome Kieran to Newcastle United. I have long admired his abilities and have followed his career, so when the opportunity arose to secure him, we didn’t hesitate.
« A lot of hard work has gone into planning for the January transfer window long before the month began, which is clear in how quickly we have been able to complete this move. I would like to thank everyone involved, particularly our owners, and I’m very much looking forward to working with Kieran again on the training pitch. »
Done deal!
09:13 , Marc Mayo
Newcastle have completed the signing of Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid.
Coutinho down to two options
08:59 , Marc Mayo
Philippe Coutinho has narrowed his Barcelona exit options to just two clubs.
Aston Villa, Arsenal, Everton and Newcastle are all said to be keen on the attacking midfielder with as many as six teams reportedly in the mix.
But Sky Sports now claim that only two teams are being considered for the move.
Barcelona want to sell or loan out Coutinho this month to cut his wage bill off their books.
(AP)
Karius in Anfield purgatory
08:40 , Marc Mayo
Loris Karius is stuck at Liverpool despite interest from Greuther Furth.
The German team want to sign the goalkeeper, who hasn’t played for the Reds competitively since the 2018 Champions League final.
Out of contract in the summer, Liverpool are said by Kicker to be demanding a transfer fee for his exit with prospective buyers unable to afford that and his £65,000-a-week wages.
((Simon Hofmann/Bongarts/Getty Images))
Rudiger in no rush
08:28 , Marc Mayo
Antonio Rudiger will not rush into signing a pre-contract agreement with a new club.
Chelsea are yet to secure the defender’s future, with his current deal up in June, and admiring glances have reportedly arrived via Barcelona, Juventus and PSG.
But Sky Sports report on the German being well aware of the interest and wanting to take his time in deciding his next step.
It is also noted that Rudiger is aware of potential Premier League interest if he becomes a free agent.
(Getty Images)
Italiano looks ahead to rest of window
08:19 , Marc Mayo
Fiorentina are hoping to shut up shop and keep Dusan Vlahovic through the rest of the January window.
With Jonathan Ikone signed and Krzysztof Piatek on the way, coach Vincenzo Italiano has referred to sporting director Daniele Prade in stating whether the club will do any more business this month.
“If Prade says so, you have to believe him,” said Italiano. “Let’s see what will happen between now and the end of the window.”
(Getty Images)
08:09 , Marc Mayo
Cesar Azpilicueta has refused to guarantee that he will sign a new Chelsea contract – but insists he remains fully committed to the Blues cause.
With his deal expiring in June, the Spaniard has attracted interest from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
“As I always said, I feel I have the trust and confidence of the club and now I am focused on every game,” said Azpilicueta.
“They are very tough games, and I am enjoying the moment. Eventually the moment will come, but I am fully focused on hopefully getting as many trophies as we can and then we will see.
“I cannot say anything more than that I am really committed and have a lot of things ahead in the coming months and hopefully we can have a very good season.”
(Getty Images)
Bid rebuffed for Phillips
07:59 , Marc Mayo
Liverpool have turned down a £7million bid for defender Nat Phillips.
According to the Mail, the unnamed club have been told to stump up £15m for the Reds reserve, who has been interesting West Ham of late.
It has also been claimed that Italian clubs are tracking Phillips.
(Getty Images)
Coutinho enters the housing market
07:49 , Marc Mayo
Aston Villa target Philippe Coutinho is hunting for houses in the West Midlands.
Spanish outlet La Porteria de Beteve claim the Brazilian has begun looking for where to live in England after he completes an imminent loan exit from Barcelona.
The LaLiga giants want the midfielder to leave to allow them to register Ferran Torres and make a big saving on his wages.
And Coutinho is said to have contacted former teammates and Brazilian Premier League players to determine where is best to settle down during his stay.
(Getty Images)
Messi to leave PSG?
07:44 , Marc Mayo
Spanish journalist and former player Lobo Carrasco has told TV show El Chiringuito that Lionel Messi could leave Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.
The Barcelona legend and former Spain international reckons his Blaugrana alumnus will push for an exit if his club fail to win the Champions League.
It is also claimed that Messi is struggling with life in Paris.
The Argentine signed for the Ligue 1 leaders after his shock departure from the Camp Nou as a free agent.
(AFP via Getty Images)
Ronaldo considers Man Utd future
07:38 , Marc Mayo
Cristiano Ronaldo will ask to leave Manchester United if he is not satisfied with their next managerial appointment.
According to the Star, interim boss Ralf Rangnick is someone the veteran striker does NOT want to see given the reins full-time.
They quote a source near the player who says he “thought it would be better than this” when re-signing from Juventus in the summer.
New executive vice-chairman Richard Arnold is set to make the final call on United’s next manager with Mauricio Pochettino, Erik ten Hag and Brendan Rodgers linked.
(AFP via Getty Images)
Good morning!
07:33 , Marc Mayo
Welcome to a potentially huge day in the transfer market!
We have lots of managers talking to the media today, plus updates on Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Philippe Coutinho and more…