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Transfer news: Man Utd on verge of huge breakthrough as Chelsea take aim at £84m star

Express Sport keeps you up to date with all the latest January transfer news.

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Ruben Amorim Jamie Gittens

Express Sport keeps you up to date with all the latest January transfer news (Image: Getty)

Manchester United are still waiting for the sale which could act as the trigger point for a frenzy of January transfer activity at Old Trafford. And they could soon get it, with Antony, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho among those heavily linked elsewhere.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has admitted his side will take action in the market if the right opportunity presents itself, while Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou is desperate for further reinforcements after welcoming Antonin Kinsky earlier in the window.

Clubs throughout the Premier League and beyond now have less than two weeks left to get their squads in perfect working order before pushing on until the end of the season.

Follow Express Sport's live transfer updates below...

Transfer blog continues

For all the latest transfer news on Wednesday, January 22, check out our new live blog with updates on Marcus Rashford and Dusan Vlahovic's proposed move to Chelsea.

Nottingham Forest eye Matheus Cunha

Nottingham Forest are eyeing an audacious January swoop for Wolves forward Matheus Cunha to boost their push for Champions League football.

According to Mail Sport, Forest have put Cunha to the top of their transfer wishlist before the February 3 deadline.

There is said to be heavyweight Premier League competition for the 25-year-old, but the City Ground outfit are planning to sign a striker.

Wolves forward Matheus Cunha.

Wolves forward Matheus Cunha. (Image: Getty)

Patrick Dorgu to Man Utd update

Lecce president Sticchi Damiani has publicly nudged Manchester United to increase their offer for Patrick Dorgu after meeting club figures in Italy today.

United's director of football negotiations, Matt Hargreaves, was filmed leaving the meeting.

"The meeting went well. It was a cordial meeting. For us, it is a satisfaction to sit at the table with Manchester United and talk about a player who comes from our spring," Damiani explained.

"It means that it is a remarkable growth path for the club and that we are very happy about.

"We explained to Manchester that our will at the moment is to try to keep our staff unchanged, retaining all the big ones, especially Dorgu.

"We tried to make it clear that for us it is an important appointment with the storai this year. We could reach the third historic salvation.

"Despite being flattered by Manchester's offer, for us, the priority is the sporting result, which is fundamental."

DONE DEAL! Southampton sign Albert Grønbæk

Southampton have announced the signing of Rennes attacking midfielder Albert Grønbæk on loan until the end of the season.

The 23-year-old, who has six caps for Denmark, said: “I’m just so excited. It’s a big club and I think the playing style is suiting me very well, so I’m just very pleased to be here.

“The facilities are very good, and the stadium looks incredible. It’s even bigger and better when you come in person, so I’m just so excited to play there. I’m proud to be here.”

Man Utd draw-up four-man striker shortlist

Manchester United will target a new striker if Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho or Kobbie Mainoo leave this month.

According to Mail Sport, the Red Devils have identified four targets to pursue should they offload one of the trio.

Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo, Wolves' Matheus Cunha, Ipswich Town's Liam Delap and Lille's Jonathan David are on the club's radar.

United's current priority is to seal a deal for Lecce left-wing-back Patrick Dorgu.

Al-Hilal courting Mohamed Salah

Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal are circling Mohamed Salah ahead of his Liverpool contract expiry at the end of the season.

According to Sky Germany, Al-Hilal are seriously interested in the 32-year-old and are ready to act if he decides to leave Anfield.

The report adds that Paris Saint-Germain, however, are not in the frame to pursue Salah.

Man Utd face new blow in Antony talks

Antony's Man Utd exit has reportedly hit a stumbling block.

The Red Devils are keen to offload the £86m winger this month.

Real Betis are reportedly keen on a loan deal.

However, the Independent reports that there is some distance between the two clubs over how much of Antony's salary will be paid by the Spanish club.

The Brazilian is reported to be earning £200,000 per week at Old Trafford.

United are keen to offload as much of Antony's salary as possible to meet profit and sustainability rules.

Trimming their wage bill will help the Red Devils sign players who better fit Ruben Amorim's system.

Newcastle eye Jonathan David

Newcastle have reportedly entered the race to sign Jonathan David.

The Chronicle reports that a high-ranking Magpies official watched Lille's 2-1 victory over Nice at the weekend, in which the forward grabbed an assist.

David has been one of Europe's most consistently prolific scorers over the past few seasons. The Canada international has also attracted interest from Tottenham and Arsenal.

The 25-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season.

Lille OSC v OGC Nice - Ligue 1 McDonald's

Newcastle have reportedly watched Jonathan David (Image: Getty)

Aston Villa 'frustrated' over Jhon Duran bid

Aston Villa are frustrated that news of them rejecting a bid for Jhon Duran leaked ahead of the crunch Champions League clash with Monaco.

West Ham are reported to have made a £57m offer for the 21-year-old.

Villa swiftly turned down the proposal for the forward, who has scored a goal, on average, every 82 minutes this season.

READ MORE HERE

Newcastle United FC v Aston Villa FC - Premier League

Aston Villa rejected a £57m bid for Jhon Duran (Image: Getty)

Mason Greenwood switches international allegiance

Mason Greenwood has switched his international allegiance to Jamaica.

The former Man Utd forward, who now plays for Marseille, made one appearance for England in 2020.

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Who do you want your club to sign?

Premier League are rushing ahead with their plans for the final fortnight of the January transfer window.

Man Utd, Arsenal, Man City and Chelsea are all expected to be busy.

Let us know in the comments who you want your club to sign.

DONE DEAL: Man City confirm Vitor Reis signing

Man City have confirmed the signing of teenage defender Vitor Reis.

The centre-back, 19, has signed for the reigning Premier League champions from Palmeiras in a £29m deal.

Chelsea 'contact Jhon Duran's agent'

Chelsea have contacted the agent of Aston Villa star Jhon Duran, according to Blues journalist Simon Phillips.

The Stamford Bridge outfit are reportedly weighing up whether to rival West Ham in a bid for the forward.

Duran attracted interest from both clubs last summer but remained at Villa.

The 21-year-old has scored seven goals in only 602 minutes of Premier League football this season.

Nottingham Forest launch shock Yoan Wissa bid

Nottingham Forest have reportedly launched a shock £22m bid for Yoane Wissa.

The forward has been in excellent form for Brentford this season, forming a formidable partnership with Bryan Mbeumo in the aftermath of Ivan Toney's departure.

According to The Athletic, Brentford are expected to reject Forest's approach.

The fee is nowhere near their valuation of the 28-year-old.

Forest reportedly retain their interest and it remains to be seen what the Premier League high-flyers do not.

Southampton FC v Brentford FC - Premier League

Brentford have reportedly received a bid for Yoane Wissa (Image: Getty)

Man Utd and Arsenal target criticised by own boss

Matheus Cunha's body language during Wolves' defeat by Chelsea has been criticised by boss Vitor Pereira.

Wolves fell to a 3-1 loss at Stamford Bridge on Monday night, with Cunha struggling.

The forward has been linked with Man Utd and Arsenal.

But Pereira said: “I had this conversation in the dressing room. He can be frustrated because he wants to win, but everybody in the team wants to win.

“I don’t like this body language. I want someone as a captain trying to help the team – running, suffering, fighting together. This is something I can understand. Next time, I will not understand.”

Arsenal backed to land Victor Osimhen

Former Arsenal star Perry Groves says the Gunners should sign Victor Osimhen in a ‘heartbeat’.

Mikel Arteta is desperate for a prolific centre-forward. However, Groves does not think top target Alexander Isak is attainable.

“In a heartbeat,” the former midfielder told talkSPORT about Arsenal potentially signing Osimhen.

“You ain’t gonna get Isak because Newcastle, even though they had a bad result on the weekend, they’re still looking to see if they can get into the Champions League, so they’re not going to get Isak.

“So, if it means you pay over the odds or if you take a player on loan, any centre-forward at the top level, Coisty (fellow pundit Ally McCoist), you’d be licking your lips thinking, ‘I tell you what, I could make a massive difference to that Arsenal side.'”

Osimhen has spent the first half of the season on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, scoring 11 goals in 14 appearances in the Turkish top-flight.

Marcus Rashford makes Man Utd decision

Marcus Rashford is reportedly willing to play for Man Utd until his exit is sealed.

According to The Sun, the forward is ready and willing to feature in the crunch Europa League clash with Rangers this week.

Rashford has not made the matchday squad for eight of United's past nine games. Ruben Amorim claimed after the 3-1 defeat by Brighton that it is the 27-year-old's "choice" not to play.

But it is reported that the England international has been conducting extra sessions to win the trust of his manager.

The report claims that Monaco are the latest club to enter the race for Rashford. The Ligue 1 outfit can reportedly fund a mega-money loan deal.

United want £40m for a permanent transfer, while Rashford's reported £315,000 per-week salary remains a stumbling block for any exit.

READ MORE HERE

Manchester United FC v Newcastle United FC - Premier League

Marcus Rashford reportedly wants to play for Man Utd (Image: Getty)

Chelsea rival Arsenal for Dusan Vlahovic

Chelsea will offer Renato Veiga to Juventus in a bid to beat Arsenal to Dusan Vlahovic, according to The Times.

Arsenal have long been linked with the Serbian striker having rivalled Juve to a deal for the then-Fiorentina star in January 2022.

The Gunners' need for a prolific striker has reportedly seen them shortlist Vlahovic and the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak.

But it is claimed that Chelsea also want Vlahovic and are prepared to offer defender Veiga as bait in an attempt to persuade Juve into accepting a January move.

Vlahovic, 24, returned from injury to face AC Milan in Serie A at the weekend.

Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson has not scored in his last six Premier League appearances.

Tottenham accelerate Liam Delap plan

Tottenham plan to accelerate a move for Ipswich hotshot Liam Delap, according to reports.

Delap has impressed for relegation-threatened Ipswich. His eight Premier League goals have helped to keep his side afloat.

Spurs have struggled for depth in forward areas this season and lost Dominic Solanke to another injury over the weekend.

According to TeamTalk, the north Londoners could bring forward a summer pursuit of Delap to January.

However, Daniel Levy is not prepared to overpay for the 21-year-old. Ipswich will only accept a monumental fee to sell this month, but are resigned to losing the England U21 international in the summer.

Ipswich Town FC v Manchester City FC - Premier League

Tottenham reportedly want to sign Liam Delap (Image: Getty)

Man Utd deal faces hijack

Man Utd's move for Patrick Dorgu faces late pressure from Napoli, according to reports.

United are keen to add players who fit Ruben Amorim's 3-4-2-1 formation.

Dorgu is a specialist left-wing-back, a position that no fit United player can play naturally.

The Red Devils are said to have been in talks over the Lecce starlet for some time, but they could face late pressure to complete a deal.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Napoli remain interested in signing the Denmark international.

The Naples outfit are reported to have contacted their Serie A rivals over a potential agreement.

Harvey Elliott fighting for Liverpool stay

Liverpool attacker Harvey Elliott has dismissed transfer speculation by insisting he wants to fight for his place in Arne Slot's plans.

The 21-year-old has made just 11 appearances this season, falling down Slot's pecking order due to injury problems.

But he made a positive impact off the bench to help Liverpool beat Brentford 2-0 with two stoppage-time goals on Saturday.

And Elliott has made it clear that his priority is to become a success at Anfield.

"Liverpool is my club. Liverpool is my team. I want to fight for my place, fight for my position in the team," Elliott said.

"It's down to me to put in the effort, the hard work, the desire, to make that achievement. I am not going to give up. I am going to keep fighting."

Alejandro Garnacho agents at Chelsea

Alejandro Garnacho's agents are at Stamford Bridge to watch Chelsea vs Wolves.

The Manchester United winger has been linked with a potential January switch to Chelsea as well as Napoli.

And both Carlos Cambeiro and Quique De Lucas Alejandro Garnacho's Lead3rs agency dropped a teasing post on social media tonight.

Miguel Almiron set to leave Newcastle

Atalanta are closing in on a deal to secure Miguel Almiron's return to the club.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle United are set to sanction a £10m transfer.

Newcastle signed Almiron for a club-record £20m fee in 2019, but the Paraguayan forward has fallen out of favour.

Miguel Almiron is set to leave Newcastle.

Miguel Almiron is set to leave Newcastle. (Image: Getty)

DONE DEAL! Man City sign Abdukodir Khusanov

Manchester City have announced the signing of Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov.

The 20-year-old has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract and has expressed his delight about the move.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester City, a club that I have enjoyed watching for a long time,” Khusanov said.

“This squad is full of the best players in the world, and I can’t wait to meet them and play alongside them.

“And of course Pep Guardiola is one of the greatest coaches ever and I am so excited to learn from him and improve my game even more.

“This is a very proud moment for me and my family to be joining a great club like Manchester City and I’m more than ready for this challenge.”

Marcus Rashford wants to play

Marcus Rashford reportedly still wants to play for Manchester United, despite speculation surrounding his future.

Mail Sport claim that Rashford has been doing extra training during his nine-game absence to try and regain Ruben Amorim's faith.

The 27-year-old is said to have been working with a private fitness coach and is available to face Rangers in Thursday's Europa League clash.

The report adds that Rashford has no issue with Amorim and is ready to be called upon when needed.

West Ham make Jhon Duran bid

West Ham United have launched a move for Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran!

According to The Athletic, West Ham have submitted a bid worth £57million including add-ons for the 21-year-old striker.

However, Villa are expected to reject the proposal - like they did when the Hammers tried to sign Duran in the summer.

Duran recently signed a new contract at Villa Park until 2030 amid significant interest.

Aston Villa transfer bid rejected

Sevilla have rejected Aston Villa's latest bid for defender Loic Bade, according to Foot Mercato.

Villa are on the hunt for a new centre-back, with Diego Carlos on his way to Fenerbahce.

And Bade has emerged as Unai Emery's top target.

A total package worth £21million has reportedly been turned down by Sevilla, who are holding out for more than £25m.

Real Madrid CF v Sevilla FC - La Liga EA Sports

Loic Bade is Aston Villa's top target to replace Diego Carlos (Image: Getty)

Orient explore Owen Dale switch

Leyton Orient are exploring a January deal for Owen Dale.

Express Sport understands the 26-year-old wants to leave Oxford United on a permanent transfer before the window shuts.

And Orient are showing interest.

Dale's injury had complicated negotiations between Oxford and the Os, but he is now back in training, which should help speed the process along.

The winger has only started four Championship games this season and is keen to find regular football elsewhere.

Chelsea strike £13m transfer deal

Chelsea have reached an agreement to sign teenage defender Mamadou Sarr from sister club Strasbourg, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The 19-year-old has been a regular fixture in Ligue 1 since breaking into the side this season. A centre-back of that age playing regularly in a top European league was always likely to attract attention in the summer transfer window.

So Blues boss Enzo Maresca has opted to beat his rivals to the punch and tie up a deal for Sarr now, which will see the youngster loaned back to Strasbourg for the remainder of the season before joining up with his new team-mates.

The total package will reportedly cost Chelsea just shy of £13million.

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Man City to make two transfer announcements

As well as Abdukodir Khusanov, Manchester City are poised to announce the arrival of Vitor Reis later this week.

Both young centre-backs have completed their medicals and signed their contracts, according to Fabrizio Romano.

City are set to pay Palmeiras just shy of £30million for Reis, who will join immediately despite being only 19.

Diego Carlos agrees Aston Villa exit

Diego Carlos will fly to Istanbul this evening to complete his move to Fenerbahce from Aston Villa, according to Fabrizio Romano.

A deal has been agreed between the two clubs and Carlos is set to bank Villa a fee in excess of £8.5million.

Unai Emeri wants Sevilla star Loic Bade to replace him before the winter window slams shut.

Aston Villa FC v Brighton & Hove Albion FC - Premier League

Diego Carlos (left) is heading to Fenerbahce on a permanent deal (Image: Getty)

Man Utd in Patrick Dorgu talks

Manchester United are in talks with Lecce over a possible deal for their left wing-back, Patrick Dorgu, according to The Athletic.

Dorgu, 20, has scored three Serie A goals this season.

And Ruben Amorim needs a prospect of his calibre to fill the vanacy in his 3-4-3 system.

Diogo Dalot has been filling in on his weaker side up until this point, while Tyrell Malacia is expected to leave Old Trafford on loan.

AC Milan eye Man Utd and Chelsea stars

AC Milan have earmarked Chelsea star Joao Felix and the Manchester United duo of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee as three attacking targets this January, according to ESPN.

The Rossoneri were initially hot on Marcus Rashford's heels but they are now going after two other United forwards.

Each of the three would be loan moves if anything materialises over the next two weeks.

Milan are expecting to raise cash through the sale of Fikayo Tomori.

Khusanov completes medical

Abdukodir Khusanov has completed his medical and everything is in place for him to be announced as a new Manchester City player, according to Fabrizio Romano.

A £33.5million agreement has been in place between Lens and City for nearly two weeks.

And Pep Guardiola is now set to welcome the Uzbekistan international, who will bolster the reigning Premier League champions' defensive ranks.

Ligue 1 FranceRC Lens v Olympique Lyon

Abdukodir Khusanov has completed his Man City medical (Image: Getty)

Marcus Rashford announcement planned

Marcus Rashford to Borussia Dortmund is gathering pace and the German giants reportedly want to announce him as a new signing by Thursday this week.

Following interest from AC Milan and Juventus, Dortmund are now believed to be leading the race for Rashford's signature. And according to Bild, they want to announce his arrival by Thursday this week so that he could feature against Werder Bremen on Saturday.

BVB are not known for splashing the cash but they are set to fork out just shy of £6million for Rashford's wages between now and the end of the campaign. And that could rise to more than £7m if they keep him on for the Club World Cup in June and July.

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Chelsea take aim at £84m star

Chelsea have made contact with Borussia Dortmund to gather information on Jamie Gittens, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Liverpool and Manchester United are also believed to be keen on the 20-year-old winger.

But they risk being beaten to the punch if an opportunity to pounce pops up this winter.

Dortmund reportedly value Gittens - an England U21 international - at £84million.

Man Utd on verge of major breakthrough

Manchester United are desperate to make a sale or shed some weight from their wage bill before going after new signings in January.

And they may finally be about to get what they want.

Big-money flop Antony has now agreed 'every detail' of a loan move to Real Betis until the end of the season, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The two clubs are set to meet this week in order to thrash out the final details of what would be United's first deal of the winter.

The Red Devils will likely have to shell out a portion of Antony's £200,000-a-week wages, but his exit should still give them some of the manoeuvrability they badly need.

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United - Carabao Cup Quarter Final

Antony is on the verge of a loan move to Real Betis (Image: Getty)

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