Transfer news LIVE: Newcastle bid £33.5m for Guimaraes, Spurs ‘in Luis Diaz talks’, Chelsea ‘negotiating Dembele deal’

Vlahovic advised to join Arsenal

Fiorentina ace Dusan Vlahovic has been advised to sign with Arsenal by his former sporting director at Partizan Ivica Iliev.

Iliev told the : “I hope, for the moment at a club where there is not too much competition, a club who will give him space – for example, I think Arsenal is one of these clubs.

“I am waiting for the moment he signs for a top, top club, for me it is normal that every top club in the world wants him, I think the whole of Europe wants him, now I hope that he will sign for the best club for his career.

“He needs to choose the best place for his career because he is still so young and has a lot of years in front of him to improve and become one of the biggest and best strikers in the world.”

Vlahovic has been linked with the Gunners, Tottenham, Manchester City and Juventus

Hazard-ous situation

Real Madrid ace Eden Hazard doesn't consider a return to Chelsea as an 'option'.

Hazard has been linked with a shock return to Stamford Bridge following various reports in Spain.

According to , however,  the forward 'prefers to wait' until the end of the season before deciding on his future.

The Belgium international doesn't have too many 'proposals' on the table either

Bissouma bid rejected

Brighton turned down a £30million offer for Yves Bissouma from an unnamed club.

Bissouma has impressed in the Premier League and has attracted interest from various teams, such as Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, Newcastle and Aston Villa.

But the Seagulls are proving to be tough negotiators as they turned down a hefty fee, according to French journalist Fabrice Hawkins.

Hawkins : “Yves #Bissouma , currently at the [AFCON], is the subject of several offers. Brighton have rebuffed a £30m offer. The Malian will not move this winter unless there is an exceptional offer. Aston Villa, Newcastle and Arsenal are interested”

Xhaka still eyeing move

Arsenal ace Granit Xhaka is still interested in a transfer to Roma, even though he has already signed a a new deal.

That is according to Corriere dello Sport, who report that he could still move to the Serie A.

The midfielder was close to a move to the Olimpico last summer but a deal never materialised.

The Switzerland international instead penned a new contract with the Gunners, despite Jose Mourinho’s interest

Newcastle approach Lingard

Newcastle have approached Manchester United for Jesse Lingard, who is out of contract in the summer.

That is according to , who report that Lingard has no intention to renew his deal and is interested to hear any offer from the Magpies, and could favour a permanent switch to St James' Park.

The versatile midfielder is also friends with Kieran Trippier, who joined the Toon from Atletico Madrid this month.

The England international is understood to be impressed by the Tyneside giants' ability to attract a player of Trippier's calibre

Dembele plot twist

Barcelona manager Xavi has admitted that Ousmane Dembele will be sold in the January transfer window unless he signs a new deal.

Dembele has been linked with Arsenal, Manchester United, Newcastle and Liverpool.

Xavi said: “The message is clear. Ousmane Dembele has to sign a new contract or we find a way to sell him in January. No other way.

“I also wonder about agent is talking the way he is and Dembele, on the other hand, telling me he wants to stay.

“I can’t understand”

Up for Cup

Arsenal’s Carabao Cup second leg against Liverpool is set to go ahead with five more Gunners players available.

There were doubts over Thursday night’s match at the Emirates going ahead with so many of the north Londoners’ aces out of action.

It is understood manager Mikel Arteta was missing 14 players through a combination of Covid-19, injury, international call-ups and suspension.

But according to the  Arteta has been boosted by some of those returning and ready for selection.

Martin Odegaard tested positive for coronavirus last week but has now completed his quarantine.

Bukayo Saka, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Calum Chambers and Cedric Soares have all shaken off their injuries

Juventus discuss Martial

Juventus CEO Maurizio Arrivabene has admitted that a deal involving Manchester United’s wantaway star Anthony Martial isn’t “feasible” in January.

Martial’s agent has expressed his client’s wish to leave United and Juve have been keeping tabs ever since.

Arrivabene said: “With the current conditions, it is not a feasible deal for us.

“Taking into account certain numbers, there are no advanced talks and we are not expecting any lowering of demands from Manchester United”

Aubameyang offered to Barcelona

Arsenal outcast Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been offered to Barcelona in the January transfer window.

That is according to Mundo Deportivo, who report that Barca have been offered an ‘endless’ list of players, including Aubameyang.

The likes of Edinson Cavani, Paulo Dybala and more have also been made available to the Blaugrana.

The Gabon international has flown back to London from the Africa Cup of Nations after being diagnosed with minor heart problems following a bout with COVID-19

Another Dembele U-turn

Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele has been linked with a move to Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle.

However, it seems like Dembele wants to stay at Barcelona after all despite all that interest.

That is according to Sport, who report that the centre-forward has performed a U-turn and wants to remain at the Nou Camp.

However, the France international is still out of contract this coming summer

Newcastle target Lingard

Newcastle want to sign Manchester United ace Jesse Lingard on loan until the end of the season.

That is according to , who report the Magpies have identified Lingard as a potential solution to help them during their relegation battle.

The Toon would also cover the entirety of the versatile forward's £100,000-a-week wages for the rest of his United contract.

Tottenham are also interested in signing the England international permanently in the summer but the Red Devils are unlikely to risk bolstering a rival that is above them in the Premier League with two games in hand.

West Ham have also been keeping tabs on the 29-year-old ace following his impressive loan stint last season

Ron his way out?

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo is set to leave in the summer if the club do not qualify for the Champions League.

SunSport understands that there have been talks this week between Ronaldo’s reps and Richard Arnold, who is set to become the club’s new chief executive at the start of next month.

The Ronaldo camp are concerned about the way the Red Devils are performing with the team currently standing in seventh place in the Premier League.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who is 37 next month, is determined to continue playing until he is 40 but wants to end his career as a winner and right now there is little chance of that happening at United

Arthur boost

Arsenal have received a transfer boost in their bid to sign Juventus ace Arthur.

That is according to  who claim that Juve have identified Borussia Monchengladbach star Denis Zakaria as a replacement.

That works as quite a transfer blow for Manchester United, who have also been linked with Zakaria.

The Bianconeri are not willing to let Arthur go unless they land a replacement

Ronaldo injury update

Manchester United are preparing for their Premier League match against Brentford on Wednesday without Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo was recently in Switzerland as he collected a special FIFA award for breaking the all-time international scoring record.

Anthony Elanga started in the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s place against Aston Villa and the youngster could get the nod one more time at Brentford.

The Portugal captain is dealing with a hip injury but United interim boss Ralf Rangnick doesn’t think it will keep him out beyond the midweek clash with Brentford

Vlahovic bid accepted

Fiorentina have accepted Arsenal's offer for Dusan Vlahovic but the player has his sights set elsewhere.

That is according to , who report that the Viola have agreed to a £66.6million bid from the Gunners.

But Vlahovic has already agreed to join Juventus in the summer of 2023.

The Serbia international is on high demand following some stunning displays in the Serie A

Christensen transfer interest

Chelsea star Andreas Christensen has reportedly been approached by other Premier League clubs but will reject them out of respect for the Blues.

Christensen is out of contract in June and looks increasingly likely to leave, despite the west Londoners' best efforts to keep him.

A host of clubs are interested in the defenderl, but Italian journalist  has offered an update on his future via Twitter.

Romano said that several Premier League clubs have approached the Denmark international regarding a summer move.

However, the centre-back wants to respect Chelsea so will not consider a proposal for any English clubs as Bayern Munich and Barcelona lead the chase for his signature

Haaland and Mbappe package

Real Madrid are preparing a £292million transfer package to sign both Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland from Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund respectively this summer.

That is according to , who report that Real are putting together the finances to fund the two moves in order to cover transfer fees, agents' costs and player wages.

Mbappe looks almost certain to make the switch to the Santiago Bernabeu when his PSG contract expires at the end of the season.

Los Blancos are also keeping tabs on Haaland but are set to face an intense battle for the Norway international

Don't want tchou

Chelsea have received a boost in their transfer pursuit of £50million-rated Monaco star Aurelien Tchouameni.

That is because Premier League rivals Manchester United have reportedly pulled out of the race, according to .

Instead, United are prioritising other central midfielders such as RB Leipzig's Amadou Haidara and Borussia Monchengladbach's Denis Zakaria.

Tchouameni has impressed in Ligue 1 and has been dubbed the next N'Golo Kante

Good morning to footy fans

Andreas Christensen has reportedly been approached by other Premier League clubs but will reject them out of respect for Chelsea.

The 25-year-old defender is out of contract in June and looks increasingly likely to leave, despite the Blues’ best efforts.

A host of clubs are interested in the Danish international, but Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has offered an update on his future via Twitter. He said that several Premier League clubs have approached Christensen regarding a summer move.

However, the centre-half wants to respect Chelsea so will not consider a proposal for any English clubs as Bayern Munich and Barcelona lead the chase for his signature.

Meanwhile, Newcastle have reportedly had a second bid for defender Diego Carlos rejected by Sevilla.

Sevilla initially turned down The Magpies’ first offer and weren’t swayed by Toon’s improved follow-up bid - said to be £25million.

And according to Goal, only a ‘great’ offer will tempt the LaLiga side to consider doing business with Eddie Howe’s side.

However, Sunderland are having better luck than their Tyneside neighbours in the transfer market as they managed to sign Stoke City’s experienced defender Danny Batth.

Batth’s recruitment comes just days after Black Cats boss Lee Johnson has revealed he is considering an ambitious move to bring Jermain Defoe back to the club.

And finally, Aston Villa have signed Robin Olsen on loan until the end of the season.

The 53-times capped Swedish international completed a loan move from Roma and revealed it was a no-brainer once a club with Villa’s ambition came calling.

Upon inking the deal, he beamed: “It was an easy choice from the very first call I had from my agent. I decided to do whatever I could to sign for Villa.

“When I woke up this morning and I knew I was signing for the club I was really happy.”

Toff choice to make

Wayne Rooney is edging closer to a sensational return to Everton as manager — but Jose Mourinho is also in the running.

Former England captain Rooney, 36, made his name as a young player at Goodison Park.

He and Mourinho are being seriously considered by Toffees owner Farhad Moshiri and chairman Bill Kenwright to replace axed Rafa Benitez.

Derby gaffer Rooney looks set to be interviewed by the pair and while Mourinho has indicated he is happy at current club Roma, a serious Everton offer could be too good to turn down.

Former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard — out of work since being sacked just under a year ago — is also in the frame.

Duncan Ferguson has been appointed as caretaker manager for a second time and will be in charge against Aston Villa.

Along with Rooney, Mourinho, Lampard and Ferguson, Brighton’s Graham Potter makes up Everton’s wishlist.

Light of Lampt

Tariq Lamptey showed off his electric pace as the Brighton ace left three Chelsea defenders for dead.

And Lamptey’s skills in Tuesday’s game against his old side prompted Chelsea fans to demand he be re-signed.

As Chelsea attacked the Brighton penalty area, Lamptey came zooming in to cleanly win the ball off Callum Hudson-Odoi.

He then found his exit blocked off by three Chelsea players.

But with a shrug of the shoulder and an electric burst of pace, Lamptey zipped through the trio to launch a counter attack.

The ace found a teammate as a three-on-three situation was created.

But Brighton could not make the most of their opportunity, quickly surrendering possession back to Chelsea.

However, Lamptey’s effort did not go unnoticed by Blues fans still unhappy at the decision to let him go.

Prem clubs miss AFCON stars

Prem stars Edouard Mendy and Sadio Mane extended their stay at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Chelsea and Liverpool will be without two of their key players for a while longer as Senegal booked a spot in the knockout rounds.

The duo both played the full 90 minutes as Senegal were held to a 0-0 draw by Malawi on Tuesday.

The result saw them secure top spot in Group B by just a single point.

And Senegal’s stars now await their fate in the next round.

Liverpool will also have to make do without Naby Keita.

His Guinea side finished second in the group despite losing 2-1 to Zimbabwe.

Benzema's 'saddened' by modern football

Karim Benzema has condemned modern football for its focus on statistics and the decline of fans' attention spans.

The 34-year-old is enjoying a fruitful season in front of goal with 24 goals in just 27 matches.

But it is the focus on his scoring efficiency that is troubling the Frenchman as he argues it is not necessarily a good barometer of how well he is playing.

In an interview with  Benzema said: "We don't consume football like we used to. We can't follow a game for 90 minutes. There are social networks.

"We don't have time to look at what a player does on the pitch, we just look at what he scored.

"And the next day we consider the latter as the It's happened to me.

"I don't play a good game, but I score a goal and I'm seen as the best.

"I don't like that kind of football, but in the future it will be more and more like that.

"Football has become a sport we only see statistics. I had to adapt."

Boro chief willing to negotiate with Derby

Middlesbrough owner Steve Gibson has ordered Derby County's administrators to 'make me an offer I can't refuse.'

Gibson confirmed he has put in a compensation claim for the Rams 'cheating' the Financial Fair Play rules - valued at a staggering £45million - which Boro claim cost them a play-off place.

This sum is putting off buyers who are needed to save Derby from being kicked out of the EFL next month if they fail to find the funds to finish the season.

Gibson's club put out a damning statement but left an olive branch as they offered to broker a peace deal for a 'realistic fee'.

Aston Villa sign Robin Olsen on loan

Robin Olsen admits working with his new Aston Villa teammate Emiliano Martinez can only make him a better goalkeeper.

Hopefully, one who is good enough to push the Argentine international to become Steven Gerrard's new No.1.

The 53-times capped Swedish international completed a loan move from Roma until the end of the season and revealed it was a no-brainer once a club with Villa's ambition came calling.

“It was an easy choice from the very first call I had from my agent,” revealed the 32-year-old, who has been on loan at Sheffield United and made seven Premier League appearances on loan at Everton last season.

"I decided to do whatever I could to sign for Villa.

"When I woke up this morning and I knew I was signing for the club I was really happy."