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Man Utd plan £130m double transfer, Sadio Mane to leave Liverpool, Chelsea submit £34m bid
All the latest transfer rumours and gossip coming out of Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Liverpool: Pundit discusses possible Mane to Madrid transfer
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Friday, January 3
- Manchester United want Aston Villa key man Jack Grealish and Leicester playmaker James Maddison
- Ed Woodward and Co. have made the English pair their top targets during the January transfer window
- Arsenal transfer target Thomas Lemar’s agent Jorge Mendes will speak to clubs in England
- Chelsea have failed with their opening offer for Lyon forward Moussa Dembele
Zidane on Pogba
Zinedine Zidane has refused to rule out a move for Manchester United ace Paul Pogba.
He said: "I'm not going to answer. I'm not going to say anything.
"Paul is another team's player. The important thing for him, because he's injured, is to come back and play soon and I wish him the best."
Reports have suggested the France international could quit Old Trafford in January.
Tottenham control over Mauricio Pochettino
Manchester United will have to speak to Daniel Levy if they want to hold talks with Mauricio Pochettino about becoming their next manager.
The Mirror report that Tottenham are being briefed whenever any contact is made regarding Pochettino’s future, as stipulated in the terms of his severance package.
United have looked at appointing Pochettino in the past and might return to the idea if they opt to dispense with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
An appointment would not be without it’s problems, though, as Tottenham still have the power to potentially block a deal.
Man Utd chase Celtic star Odsonne Edouard
Manchester United have set their sights on Odsonne Edouard as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer seeks to add a central striker to his attacking ranks.
The Daily Mail report the Celtic forward has emerged as an option in the wake of United missing out on a deal for Erling Braut Haaland.
Edouard has enjoyed a goal-laden spell in Glasgow and his form has earned him international recognition with the France Under-21s side.
United would be expecting the hitman to step up to the plate if he swaps Celtic Park for Old Trafford, with Solskjaer in need of a goalscorer.
Everton offer rejected
Everton have seen a £500,000 bid for Carlisle prospect Jarrad Branthwaite knocked back as a queue of Premier League clubs form to sign the defender.
The 17-year-old has emerged as one of League Two’s brightest prospects and is expected to make the step up sooner rather than later having already established himself at senior level.
The Daily Mail report Everton have seen their advances rebuffed by Carlisle, who are holding out for a bigger fee to part with his services.
Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Watford are all said to have eyes on Branthwaite too, with an offer of £500,000 plus substantial add-ons proving too little to sign him so far.
Real Madrid and Barcelona want Liverpool transfer target
Real Madrid aren’t just interested in Liverpool star Sadio Mane - it turns out they’re keen on Reds transfer target Victor Osimhen too.
Express Sport reported last weekend that Jurgen Klopp has identified the Lille forward as a prime potential signing for the January window.
However, it seems the Liverpool boss might have to fight off Real if he’s to get his man, with Marca reporting the La Liga giants are pondering a deal.
It’s claimed Barcelona are also looking at Osimhen, who’s impressed for Lille in Ligue 1 and the Champions League this season.
Sadio Mane to Real Madrid is 'possible'
Sadio Mane may be enjoying the best spell of his career at Liverpool and on the verge of winning the Premier League, but Steve Nicol wouldn't put it past the winger to join Real Madrid in the near future.
"When it comes to Real Madrid, anything's possible," he said on ESPN FC.
"Players when they're linked with Real Madrid, their eyes light up.
"The question is - what's this guy all about?"
Man Utd miss out on another transfer target as Juventus sign Dejan Kulusevski
Juventus have signed Dejan Kulusevski from Atalanta in a deal worth €35million (£29.7m).
Manchester United had been scouting the 19-year-old, who is on a season-long loan to Serie A side Parma and had even spoken to the player’s agent.
However, it was Juventus who ultimately secured his signature on a four-and-half year contract.
As part of the agreement he will return to Parma for the remainder of the season, where he has scored four goals and created seven assists in just 19 appearances in all competitions.
£150m Paul Pogba
Manchester United have slapped a £150million asking price on the head of Paul Pogba but are ready to cash-in this month if Real Madrid or Juventus come knocking.
The Red Devils are concerned that in the wake of Mino Raiola’s recent comments the World Cup winner could become disruptive for the club.
The Daily Star claim the feeling at the Red Devils is that Pogba has decided he will leave the club in the summer whatever happens in the January transfer window.
United chiefs believe it may make more sense to cut ties with the Frenchman now to stop any possibility of the relationship becoming toxic between the player and staff.
Pogba has 18 months left on his £15m-a-year contract but has no plans on signing a new deal at Old Trafford.
Adrien Rabiot to Everton
Everton are readying an offer to sign out-of-favour Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot in the January transfer window.
The former Paris Saint-Germain star has struggled for game time this season, and could be leaving Turin after just six months in Serie A.
Rabiot is also on Arsenal’s radar, as Mikel Arteta aims to stamp his authority on the Gunners’ squad.
But, Everton appear to be ahead of Arsenal in the race to sign Rabiot, as they prepare a £21m (€25m) offer for the Frenchman, according to Sport Mediaset.
Michy Batshuayi latest
Chelsea are reluctant to loan Michy Batshuayi to Aston Villa.
The relegation-threatened side are desperate to bolster their attacking options with Wesley sidelined for nine months with a anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Goal claim Dean Smith’s side made an official enquiry to sign the Belgian international for the remainder of the season.
However, Frank Lampard is reportedly hesitant to approve the deal because it would leave him with Tammy Abraham and want-away Olivier Giroud as his only striking options.
Juventus want Paul Pogba
Juventus are eager to sign Manchester United star Paul Pogba.
Pogba, 26, has continually been linked with a move away from Old Trafford having publicly revealed his desire to move elsewhere before the summer transfer window.
And four years after leaving Turin in a £89.3million deal - Maurizio Sarri’s side want him back.
Italian publication Calciomercato claim Juventus are monitoring his situation in Manchester and are ready to ‘strongly push’ for his signature.
Ricardo Pereira to Barcelona?
Ricardo Pereira has been offered to Barcelona.
That’s according to Spanish publication Sport, who claim Leicester star Pereira could replace Nelson Semedo at the Nou Camp.
It’s thought the Catalan giants would be happy to offload their Portugal international with Manchester United sniffing around.
And super-agent Jorge Mendes has suggested they replace Semedo with another of his clients.
Chelsea alternatives
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is eyeing Leon Bailey, Samuel Chukwueze and Fyodor Chalov as well as Jadon Sancho and Wilfried Zaha in the January transfer window, reports have claimed.
The Blues legend has already drawn up transfer plans for his side as they prepare for their first window since their ban was lifted following a successful appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Now according to the Telegraph, Lampard has assessed a number of options when it comes to bolstering his attack.
It’s clear that both Sancho and Zaha are his top two targets, but both of those are going to cost premium figures.
Chelsea are not the only club interested in Sancho either, with Manchester United, Liverpool, Barcelona and Manchester City also monitoring his situation at Borussia Dortmund.
Danny Ings to Tottenham
Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho should go all out to sign Southampton striker Danny Ings in the current transfer window, claims former Arsenal hero Paul Merson.
“I’m thinking if I was Tottenham I’d be going for Ings in this window,” Merson said on Sky Sports’ Soccer Special. “He plays the Tottenham way, he’s got a great brain, he’s clever, he comes off people.
“They’re looking like they might lose Eriksen, it doesn’t look like he’s going to sign, so try and have a little bit of cover. He’s a proper footballer, everything he did today was just proper.
“Everything he did, I think he ticks the boxes for Tottenham, I really do. It’s not just the goals, I just think it’s his all-round game, he’s a proper footballer.”
Wanted: Nathan Ake
Bournemouth centre-back Nathan Ake is a wanted man.
The Telegraph claim both Arsenal and Chelsea are interested in signing the 24-year-old Cherries defender, who is currently sidelined through injury.
Chelsea hold the advantage thanks to an agreement included in the transfer when selling him to Bournemouth in 2017.
The Blues have first refusal to sign the Holland international for £40million, but Mikel Arteta is eager to bring him to the Emirates Stadium.
The new Arsenal manager is in the market for a defender after Calum Chambers underwent surgery after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament.
Sean Longstaff and Emre Can
Manchester United are targeting Sean Longstaff and Emre Can in the January transfer window, reports claim as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to bolster his midfield options after revealing Paul Pogba requires surgery.
The Frenchman was again absent from the United squad as they lost 2-0 at Arsenal, a performance which suggested they are in need of reinforcements this winter.
And now according to ESPN, both Longstaff and Can are the two targets now that the window has reopened.
Longstaff was one of the club’s major targets last summer, but he decided to stay at Newcastle after Manchester United were not willing to meet the Magpies’ £50million valuation.
Meanwhile Can is seeking a way out of Juventus due to a lack of game time under Maurizio Sarri.
Conor Gallagher eyed
Two Championship clubs are looking to sign Chelsea starlet Conor Gallagher.
The Daily Mail claim West Brom and Swansea want the talented midfielder, who is currently on loan at Charlton.
Gallagher, 19, is expected to cut short his season-long loan at Charlton despite missing just one Championship fixture this season.
Premier League club Burnley are also thought to be interested in the England Under-21 international.
Michy Batshuayi to Aston Villa
Aston Villa want to sign Michy Batshuayi for the remainder of the season.
Batshuayi, who has already enjoyed loan spells with Borussia Dortmund and Crystal Palace, hasn’t started a Premier League fixture under Frank Lampard this season.
Dean Smith’s side are reported to have already made an enquiry for the Belgian forward after Wesley was ruled out until the end of the season with an ACL injury.
French outlet Foot Mercato claim that although Villa need a quick solution - they would also want the option to purchase the player at the end of the season.
Moussa Dembele statement
Lyon have released a statement in response to reports that Chelsea have submitted a £34million bid for Moussa Dembele.
The Frenchman is the subject of interest from Frank Lampard and Manchester United after continuing his impressive goalscoring form from Fulham and Celtic in Ligue 1.
The statement read: “Olympique Lyonnais has taken note of certain information relayed by the media suggesting that Moussa Dembele could interest other clubs during this transfer window.
“OL would like to reaffirm its wish, as in the summer of 2019, to keep Moussa Dembele. The club has full confidence in Moussa and counts in particular on him to build a successful team for the seasons to come.”
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Man Utd transfer news LIVE: Bruno Fernandes agreed to talks, Ed Woodward NOT involved
Wanted: Dani Olmo
Chelsea are planning a move for Dinamo Zagreb starlet Dani Olmo.
That’s according to Spanish publication Sport, who claim Frank Lampard wants to bring the £30million-rated winger to Stamford Bridge in January.
Olmo, 21, has made it clear that he’s ready for a new chapter after five years and four domestic titles with the Croatian champions.
Barcelona are leading the chase to bring Olmo back to the Nou Camp and have reportedly initiated contact with the player’s representatives - but Chelsea could still hijack the deal.
Nelson Semedo offered
Jorge Mendes wants Manchester United to sign Barcelona star Nelson Semedo, according to reports.
Mendes enjoys a good relationship with United, having brokered several transfer deals for the club over the years.
And, now, Catalan newspaper Sport say Mendes wants United to take Semedo off Barcelona’s hands.
It’s claimed the Red Devils have initiated contact with Barcelona over a transfer and they’re a club with the ‘suitable characteristics’ to close a deal.
Wanted: Jack Grealish and James Maddison
Manchester United are looking to sign Aston Villa star Jack Grealish and Leicester playmaker James Maddison.
That’s according to The Independent, who claim Ed Woodward and Co. have made the English pair their top targets during the January transfer window.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is desperate to bolster his midfield ranks with Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay sidelined for the foreseeable future.
It’s claimed Maddison would cost somewhere in the region of £80million while in-form Villa star Grealish could set United back £50m.
Thomas Lemar to Arsenal
Arsenal transfer target Thomas Lemar’s agent Jorge Mendes will speak to clubs in England about a possible deal for the Atletico Madrid star, reports say.
The Gunners have long admired Lemar, with interest dating back to Arsene Wenger’s time at the Emirates helm.
Now, Marca claim Lemar will be offered to sides in the Premier League by agent Mendes.
It’s claimed he has sat down for talks with Atletico over his client’s future at the Wanda Metropolitano.
And, while the La Liga giants believe it will be difficult to offload the forward, Mendes will try anyway.
Moussa Dembele offer
Chelsea have failed with their opening offer for Lyon forward Moussa Dembele.
Frank Lampard has a £150million kitty at his disposal in the January transfer window and is eager to sign a forward to ease the burned on Tammy Abraham.
But FootMercato claim their initial £34m offering for Dembele has been rejected.
The report says Lyon chiefs have no intention of selling the former Fulham and Celtic striker, who has three years remaining on his contract.
Gedson Fernandes latest
Manchester United transfer target Gedson Fernandes will be allowed to leave Benfica during the January window, according to reports.
The Red Devils’ midfield looks short at present with Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay currently sidelined.
Sky Sports claim the Red Devils may be in with a shot of landing their transfer target this month.
They say the Portuguese club want to loan Fernandes out for 18 months with an option to buy and they also report that the 20-year-old’s representatives have been in England to discuss a potential move.
Dani Olmo interest
Dinamo Zagreb star Dani Olmo is delighted to hear that Barcelona are trying to secure his signature.
Olmo, 21, left Barcelona’s youth academy to join the Croatian champions in 2014 and has since proven worthy of the Spanish national team when earning his first cap.
“I am happy that the rumours have become a concrete proposal and that Barcelona are thinking of the possibility of returning home. I spent six years at La Masia and I was taught values for life,” Olmo told L’Esportui.
“I don’t know if I will leave in January, It’s a matter of my representatives. But, if there is an understanding between the clubs, I think the best thing for everyone is to leave Zagreb now.
“Dinamo would get a good transfer and I would play in one of the biggest teams in the world, in one of the five best leagues. The biggest encouragement I can have is to train and learn with Messi.”