Transfer news LIVE: Newcastle bid £33.5m for Guimaraes, Spurs ‘in Luis Diaz talks’, Chelsea ‘negotiating Dembele deal’
THE January transfer window is in full swing, and deals are being completed all across Europe!
Tottenham are reportedly in talks with Porto to sign highly rated winger Luis Diaz.
Meanwhile Chelsea are said to be in negotiations to bring Barcelona's Ousmane Dembele to West London.
And captain Cesar Azpilicueta could be on his out of Stamford Bridge.
When does the 2022 January transfer window close?
The transfer window opened on January 1, and closes on the 31st at 11pm.
Clubs will be able to sign and sell players during that time, with the Premier League's winter break due to take place while the final week of the window is going on.
Get all the latest transfer news, gossip and updates here...
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Arsenal boost in David transfer
Arsenal have received a boost in their pursuit of Lyon's Jonathan David as he is set to leave in the summer.
That is according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
He said: "Jonathan David will be one of the big names on the market… in the summer.
"He’s not leaving Lille in January, the plan is to complete the season in Ligue 1.
"Arsenal have been mentioned among clubs interested in him - but there’s nothing advanced yet. Open and long race."
Hazard receives interest from Newcastle and Everton
Eden Hazard could be close to ending his Real Madrid hell, with the club reportedly willing to 'listen to offers' for the 31-year-old this month.
Hazard has endured a miserable time at Real Madrid since joining from Chelsea in July 2019 for a reported £130million.
And Real Madrid are happy to let Hazard leave the club in January, according to Spanish outlet AS.
Although they state a move this month is 'not easy' due to his high wage demands.
The Belgium international currently takes home £9.2m-per-year, which works out at over £175,000-a-week.
A firm offer is yet to be tabled, although there is alleged interest from the Premier League in the form of Newcastle and Everton.
Martial set for Juventus loan
Wantaway Manchester United star Anthony Martial has reportedly agreed to join Serie A giants Juventus.
The Frenchman has fallen out of favour at Old Trafford and was outed by interim boss Ralf Rangnick for allegedly asking to not be included in United's matchday squad to face Aston Villa.
Martial, however, denies Rangnick's claim. He said on Instagram: "I will never refuse to play a match for Man United.
"I've been here for seven years and I never disrespected and will never disrespect the club and the fans."
And according to journalist Rudy Galetti, an exit for Martial could be edging closer with the 26-year-old happy to move to Juve.
The Italian side would like to take Martial on an initial loan for the remainder of the season.
Chelsea leapfrog Man Utd in Tchouameni race
Chelsea have received a boost in their pursuit of £50million-rated Aurelien Tchouameni as Manchester United reportedly pull out of the race.
The Monaco star is the centre of plenty of transfer interest from some of Europe's top clubs.
But according to , the Red Devils have given up on the 21-year-old.
Instead, they are prioritising other central midfielders such as RB Leipzig's Amadou Haidara and Denis Zakaria of Borussia Monchengladbach.
Tchouameni, also wanted by Barcelona, was named Ligue 1 young player of the year for 2020-21.
Pereira set for Man Utd return?
Manchester United have left the door open for an Andreas Pereira return after reportedly rejecting a bid from loan club Flamengo.
The Brazilian played 24 times for the Brazilian outfit, scoring five and assisting one.
But Pereira made a costly error in the final of the Copa Libertadores, slipping in extra-time to allow Deyverson to run through on goal and score the winner.
Despite the Steven Gerrard-like slip, Flamengo would like to take Pereira off united's hands permanently.
And an offer of £8million was proposed to the Premier League side.
But according to journalist Rudy Galetti, the offer was turned down opening the door for a potential return.
Arsenal boost in Arthur pursuit
Arsenal have received a boost in their pursuit of Juventus star Arthur Melo.
The Gunners are looking to finalise a loan deal for the former Barcelona star until the end of the season.
Mikel Arteta wants reinforcements in midfield due to the club’s Covid problems and Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey being on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Now Get French Football have claimed Juventus have opened talks over bringing in a replacement for Arthur.
They report that the Serie A club are in negotiations with Ligue 1 side Lyon over the possibility of signing Bruno Guimaraes.
FIFA Men's Player of the Year voting
Robert Lewandowski scooper the FIFA Men's Player of the Year award last night.
But there were a number of eyebrow-raising votes from football's biggest names.
Most notably was Lionel Messi's top three - which included PSG teammate Neymar and no Lewandowski.
Worst XI January transfers
January transfers are a risky old game. Many managers feel pressured into a panic buy or two to ease their relegation battle, make one last push for a European spot or simply cover an injury crisis.
History tells us splashing the big bucks in the winter month is a gamble. For every incredible buy like Luis Suarez, there’s a mega-money flop like Fernando Torres.
For every world-beating Virgil van Dijk there’s a blunder buy like Alexis Sanchez.
Whether they admit it or not, every boss is tempted to splash the cash and bring in a new face or two.
But our worst XI of Premier League January buys will be more than enough to convince them to hide their cheque-book until July 1…
Arsenal vs Liverpool under threat?
Arsenal are sweating over Thursday’s Carabao Cup semi-final clash with Liverpool going ahead and will decide tomorrow whether to request a postponement.
Manager Mikel Arteta is counting his walking wounded to see if he can scrape a team together after Sunday’s scheduled game at Spurs was called off.
The Gunners are desperate to play on Thursday night but will not gamble on the fitness of a number of borderline players.
They were without 14 players at the weekend due to a combination of Covid, injuries, international call-ups and suspension.
And despite Tottenham’s suggestions to the contrary, they were not even close to being able to meet the Premier League requirements of 13 outfield players plus a goalkeeper.
Now they will assess the recovery of a number of key players during their next two training sessions before calculating if they will have enough bodies to go ahead with the second leg of Thursday’s semi-final.
Wright punches poster of Keane
Ian Wright and Roy Keane are loved by fans for their on-screen antics together as pundits, combined with their insightful knowledge of the game.
And Arsenal legend Wright had a hilarious message for Keane during a recent tour of Old Trafford that shows their relationship goes further than just for TV.
While walking around the bowels of Manchester United's home, Wright posted a video to Instagram of him walking past various sections commemorating some of the club's greatest ever players.
As he walked past posters of the likes of Bobby Charlton and Tommy Taylor, Wright spotted one of former skipper Keane.
The ex-Gunners man pointed to one of Keane's old shirts on display, before pointing at the poster of the man himself and turning to the camera with a cheeky look on his face.
Then he jokingly gave the poster of Keane a punch to the mouth, before continuing on his way.
Vlahovic 'relaxed' despite Arsenal links
Dusan Vlahovic remains relaxed despite links with a move away from Fiorentina, according to manager Vincenzo Italiano.
The Serbian, who has scored 20 goals in 23 games so far this season, has been heavily linked with a transfer to Arsenal in both the January and summer windows.
But Italiano remains confident his head has not been turned by the talks.
"At the moment we enjoy Dusan here at Fiorentina, he's with us,” he said via after Fiorentina’s 6-0 win over Genoa.
“I don't know about the future. He scored a great goal today. I see him very motivated, he's relaxed".
Arsenal hit with Costa blow
Arsenal have suffered a transfer blow with claims Diego Costa wants to reunite with ex-Chelsea pal Willian at Corinthians.
The striker, 33, is available on a free transfer after terminating his contract with the Atletico Mineiro.
After his departure was confirmed, Costa wrote an emotional goodbye on Instagram to the Brazilian side's supporters.
The Spanish international striker has held informal talks with several clubs - including the Gunners.
However, the Evening Standard claims that Mikel Arteta’s team are unlikely to sign him.
That is due to the fact that Costa is keen on a move to Corinthians and the opportunity to play alongside former Chelsea team-mate Willian.
Man Utd and Newcastle after Haidara
Manchester United are reportedly in competition with Newcastle in the race to prise midfielder Amadou Haidara away from RB Leipzig this month.
However it has been claimed that both clubs face a struggle in landing the 23-year-old in January.
SunSport exclusively revealed in December how Ralf Rangnick was eyeing up a reunion with the Mali international, who he signed for Leipzig from Red Bull Salzburg.
And it was recently reported how the Magpies joined the Red Devils in their pursuit of the two-time Austrian Bundesliga champion.
It was said how Eddie Howe’s side are willing to make him their highest paid player on around £160,000-a-week.
But in a blow for both clubs, SPORT1 reporter Patrick Berger has declared that a summer transfer is more likely as Leipzig are reluctant to sell him.
TOFF LUCK
Roberto Martinez faces a collision course with Belgium to seal an Everton comeback.
The Spaniard was the No 1 choice of Toffees majority owner Farhad Moshiri to replace axed Rafa Benitez.
Wayne Rooney and current assistant Duncan Ferguson are also on Moshiri’s shortlist.
But SunSport understands Everton’s approach for ex-boss Martinez has been blocked by the Belgian FA.
It is believed Martinez wants to stay in charge of the Red Devils for the World Cup finals, which kick off on November 21.
Fifpro World XI
A 3-3-4 formation isn't often seen in football.
But this was the line-up for the Fifpro World XI last night.
The most notable absence from the team was Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah - who was omitted despite being nominated for the Best Men's Player award.
Man Utd eye Milinkovic-Savic
Manchester United are reportedly in pole position to sign £67million-rated Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
But they may be dealt a major blow because the Lazio midfielder would rather join Real Madrid.
According to Il Messaggero, the Serie A side know they need to sell this summer in order to bring new players in.
And their star midfielder could be used to raise funds as fans were warned to enjoy him while he is still at the Stadio Olimpico.
Milinkovic-Savic, 26, has been a long-term target for plenty of clubs around Europe with United particularly keen for many years.
He joined Lazio from Genk in 2015 and has racked up 54 goals in 270 appearances for the club.
Very good morning football fans
Jermain Defoe is ‘seriously considering’ a return to his former club and League One promotion-chasing Sunderland, it has been reported by inews.
The 39-year-old former England striker has bagged lots of goals at all his clubs throughout his career, and is a free agent again after a successful spell with Scottish giants Rangers.
Black Cats boss Lee Johnson says that if the deal is right they would take him back at Sunderland, where he scored 37 goals in 93 appearances.
Meanwhile, Newcastle have reportedly bid £25million for Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata, who has scored 65 goals in just 118 Serie A games.
Transfer guru Duncan Castles says Atalanta are willing to sell but value their Columbian star at closer to £38m.
The Magpies and Manchester United are leading the chase for RB Leipzig midfielder Amadou Haidara, according to reports.
But SPORT1 reporter Patrick Berger says a summer transfer is more likely than a January switch as Leipzig are reluctant to sell him.
And Arsenal’s forgotten man Pablo Mari might finally get some first-team action again as Udinese close in on a loan deal for the centre-half.
The 28-year-old has not played a league for the Gunners in nearly five months.
The Spaniard is expected to travel to Italy this week to tie up a temporary switch to Udinese, who are currently 14th in Serie A.
Mejbri set for first-team
Manchester United prodigy Hannibal Mejbri is reportedly being lined up for a first-team role by caretaker boss Ralf Rangnick.
The midfielder, 18, has been approached by several Championship outfits including Reading over a loan deal according to Goal.
Ronaldo gets two Fifa awards
Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo has been named in Fifa's Best XI of the year and picked up a special achievement gong.
The Portugal superstar said: "It's a special award from FIFA. I also have to thank my family… Soon I will be a father again. I am proud."
United linked with midfielder Haidara
Manchester United and Newcastle are leading the chase for RB Leipzig midfielder Amadou Haidara, according to reports.
But SPORT1 reporter Patrick Berger says a summer transfer is more likely than a January switch as Leipzig are reluctant to sell him.
Newcastle 'make £25m Zapata bid'
Newcastle have reportedly bid £25million for Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata.
Colombian star Zapata has scored 65 goals in just 118 Serie A games.
Transfer guru Duncan Castles says Atalanta are willing to sell but value their star a closer to £38m.
Prem duo get Zakaria update
Arsenal and Manchester United have been given some good news after Borussia Monchengladbach sporting director Max Eberl admitted Denis Zakaria could leave.
The Swiss midfielder, 25, has been linked with both of the Premier League giants.
Eberi, who was also fielding questions about Borussia defender Matthias Ginter, told Kicker: “I cannot rule out that both will leave the club in winter.”
Coventry sign Swansea defender Bidwell
Coventry have signed Jake Bidwell from Swansea.
The left-back, 28, was due to be out of contract in the summer and has arrived at the Sky Blues as a free transfer.
Keeper Bain extends Celtic deal
Goalkeeper Scott Bain has extended his deal with Scottish giants Celtic until 2024.
The 30-year-old, who is understudy to Joe Hart, had a deal that was set to expire in the summer of 2023.
He told the Hoops website: "It is a privilege to be part of this great club and I am so pleased to extend my future at Celtic."
Five stars Toon should sign
We all know they are good for the money - but who should Newcastle try to sign this month to fire their Premier League survival bid?
SunSport has considered that question carefully and come up with a five-man short-list.
We reckon Eddie Howe should be asking the club's deep-pocketed Saudi owners to go for Sevilla centre-back Diego Carlos, Lille defender Sven Botman, Paris Saint-Germain keeper Keylor Navas, Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey, and Atalanta wideman Robin Gosens.
What do you make of that quintet, Magpies fans?