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Transfer news LIVE! Lionel Messi to Barcelona ruled out; Real Madrid eye Haaland and Mbappe; latest gossip

Transfer news LIVE! Lionel Messi to Barcelona ruled out; Real Madrid eye Haaland and Mbappe; latest gossip

Transfer news - LIVE!

Lionel Messi’s shock return to Barcelona has been ruled out following reports that the Paris Saint-Germain star and his family were unhappy with life in France.

The LaLiga giants are once again key market players and must compete with Real Madrid in the summer. Los Blancos are preparing a huge double swoop for Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, according to reports in Spain.

One player determined to be part of the fun next season is Eden Hazard, who is said to have rejected the offer of a move to Newcastle.

The Magpies are desperate to bolster their squad amid a relegation battle with Diego Carlos of Sevilla and Atalanta’s Duvan Zapata also linked.

Over at Manchester United, John McGinn is named as a key target for Ralf Rangnick’s side. The likes of Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham have also popped up in reports of where the Red Devils are considering splashing the cash.

A new midfielder may be key if Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes go, with the Frenchman out of contract in the summer and his teammate rumoured to be shelving talks over a new deal at Old Trafford.

Juventus playmaker Arthur Melo has emerged as a target for Arsenal, with the Italians also near to letting Paulo Dybala move on.

Dusan Vlahovic considers to be a big priority for the Gunners as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his frontline.

At Chelsea, the left-back spot is the top of their wish list and Paris Saint-Germain’s Layvin Kurzawa is the latest to be tipped for that role. And Christian Eriksen could be set for a sensational return to the Premier League with Brentford.

Follow today’s latest transfer news, rumours and gossip with Standard Sport’s LIVE blog below!

Latest transfer news and rumours

  • Lionel Messi not keen on Barcelona reunion

  • Man United target McGinn swoop

  • Brentford offer Eriksen six-month deal

  • Real Madrid set for Mbappe AND Haaland bids

  • Eden Hazard rejects Newcastle switch

  • Arsenal make £50m Vlahovic bid

  • Man United eye Bellingham, Rice and Haidara

  • Emerson asks for Chelsea return

Kurzawa unlikely to join Chelsea

22:14 , Marc Mayo

Thomas Tuchel is NOT keen on a deal to bring in Layvin Kurzawa.

Chelsea are after a left-back this month to cover for Ben Chilwell and it had been suggested that the Paris Saint-Germain defender was on the Blues’ radar.

However, Goal claim that Tuchel - a former PSG coach - is not a huge fan of Kurzawa’s.

Emerson Palmieri’s loan recall from Lyon is another option, although the French club are reluctant to let the Italian go.

 (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
(Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Bayern defender set for pastures new

21:45 , Marc Mayo

Bayern Munich right-back Bouna Sarr has caught the attention of Roma and Genoa.

Currently out at the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal, the defender is reportedly set to leave Bayern.

And Foot Mercato report on the Italian duo as interested in his services, along with Lille and Bordeaux.

Muamba: Eriksen return must be done safely

21:28 , Marc Mayo

Christian Eriksen’s return to football should be welcomed but must not take too many risks.

That is the view of former Bolton player Fabrice Muamba, who was forced to quit the game after also suffering a cardiac arrest during a match.

Writing in The Times amid reports of Eriksen’s potential move to Brentford, he stated: “I am sure Christian will have talked it through with his family and I am guessing he wants to come back simply to enjoy the game.

“I can’t imagine he needs the money. It would be amazing to see him return and show us again what a great footballer he is but, above all, I am sure you can understand why I just want him to be safe and healthy.”

 (Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Ima)
(Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Ima)

Benzema not keen on Haaland arrival

21:15 , Marc Mayo

Erling Haaland signing for Real Madrid will lead to Karim Benzema asking to leave, according to El Nacional.

The Norwegian is strongly tipped to be leaving Borussia Dortmund in the summer, with Real one team keen on his services.

But veteran striker Benzema is said to have told the club that he wants out if Haaland is signed to compete for his spot in the side.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Messi going nowhere

20:57 , Marc Mayo

Claims that Lionel Messi is ready to quit PSG are wide of the mark, according to a report from The Sun.

Spanish outlet El Nacional had described the Argentine as considering his future with his partner, Antonella Roccuzzo, said to be unhappy in Paris.

But Messi is now reportedly determined to see out his contract in France, which expires in 2023.

 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)

Madrid eye mega double swoop

20:38 , Marc Mayo

Real Madrid want to sign BOTH Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland in the summer.

According to Marca, a package worth a whopping £292million is being put together by the Spanish giants as they look to bolster their frontline.

The hefty sum is designed to cover wages, transfer fees and agent costs - with Mbappe’s contract at Paris Saint-Germain expiring in June.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

20:28 , Marc Mayo

Adana Demirspor president Murat Sancak has assured fans that he will not sell Mario Balotelli this month.

He admitted that the striker’s release clause is below the £8million mark but added that he will demand even more than that as he and the Italian are like “brothers”.

Balotelli, linked with Newcastle, has scored eight goals for the Turkish team since arriving in July.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Marseille handed transfer ban

20:06 , Marc Mayo

Marseille have been handed a one-year transfer ban by Fifa for their involvement in a long-running transfer dispute over Senegal international Pape Gueye with Watford, the Premier League club said on Monday.

Gueye had been in the Senegal line-up to take on Guinea in an Africa Cup of Nations Group B match in Bafoussam on Friday, but was taken off the team sheet after being suspended by FIFA.

According to French sports daily L'Equipe, Gueye's suspension was the latest twist in a saga that started two years ago when the French-born midfielder signed a pre-contract at Watford ahead of the end of his deal at Ligue 2 club Le Havre.

The newspaper said that soon afterwards Gueye changed his agent, who recommended he pull out of the deal. Instead, he signed a four-year contract at Marseille in July 2020.

It said Watford filed a complaint to FIFA's Dispute Resolution Chamber, last February. The club added that Gueye was restricted from competing in official matches for four months, pending a decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

 (Icon Sport via Getty Images)
(Icon Sport via Getty Images)

Done deal!

19:52 , Marc Mayo

Wolves have snapped up winger Chiquinho from Estoril on a four-year deal.

The 21-year-old cost £3million and said: “I’m very excited, but I feel a lot of pressure because it’s a big team, it’s a big club, but it is more important that I come here and do my best.

“It’s a big stadium and I feel a lot of fears because it’s a big team, but I will do my best for the club and enjoy playing here.”

Reds tipped for Ward-Prowse

19:27 , Marc Mayo

BBC pundit Garth Crooks has told Liverpool to go and sign James Ward-Prowse.

The England midfielder is on stunning form for Southampton and ex-Tottenham star Crooks reckons he would fit Jurgen Klopp’s side perfectly.

“The free-kick scored by Southampton's James Ward-Prowse against Wolves was outstanding,” he wrote for the BBC. “How long are Liverpool going to wait to buy Ward-Prowse?

“They allowed Georginio Wijnaldum to leave on a free transfer and are struggling in that midfield department. Ward-Prowse would fit like a glove."

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

Toon want another striker

18:49 , Marc Mayo

Newcastle are seeking a £25million deal for Duvan Zapata, according to reports.

The Atalanta striker is said by transfer journalist Duncan Castles to fancy a move to Tyneside.

And the Serie A club are even tipped to be ready to sell - at the right price.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Dybala set for Juve exit

18:19 , Marc Mayo

Sky Sport Italia report on Juventus withdrawing their contract offer for Paulo Dybala.

The Argentine refused to celebrate his goal against Udinese and it has been claimed that Juve’s original offer has been cut for a lower pay packet due to cash problems in Turin.

Therefore, Dybala could walk for free in the summer when his deal expires.

 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)

Neves told to save himself from Man United

17:58 , Marc Mayo

Ruben Neves has been urged not to join Manchester United by former Red Devils star Paul Parker - for “his sanity”.

“If I'm Ruben Neves, and after Ruben Neves destroyed Manchester United with his compatriot and teammate [Joao] Moutinho, I wouldn’t want to leave Wolves and play with the players in this Manchester United midfield,” he told indiabetting.

“The likes of Fred and [Scott] McTominay, everyone talks about them working hard. They do because they have to, because they’re always chasing all the time. That's the way it is.

“Does he want to do that? That's not his game, his game is with the ball in his feet and seeing movement early.

“So I would say yes to Ruben Neves coming to Manchester United, but for someone of his ability and his sanity, I think common sense will prevail at the moment and he stays where he is.”

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Arsenal keeper moves on

17:36 , Marc Mayo

Deyan Iliev has left Arsenal by mutual consent.

The goalkeeper, 26, was on loan at SKF Sered and will also depart the Slovenian side having been on the Gunners books since 2012.

Everton update

17:18 , Marc Mayo

More exits at Everton.

Rafa Benitez’s backroom assistants Francisco de Miguel Moreno, Antonio Gomez, Jamie Harley and Cristian Fernandez have now been confirmed as leaving following the manager’s sacking.

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

Emerson seeks Chelsea recall

16:59 , Marc Mayo

Lyon have so far refused Chelsea’s requests to recall Emerson Palmieri from his loan at the Ligue 1 club.

But French outlet RMC now claim the Italian wants a return to West London, potentially pushing Lyon into doing a deal.

Chelsea are in need of reinforcements following Ben Chilwell’s long-term knee injury.

 (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
(Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Brentford keeper departs

16:47 , Marc Mayo

Brentford goalkeeper Patrik Gunnarsson has left on a permanent transfer to Viking.

The Norwegian side welcomed the shot-stopper on loan earlier in the campaign after he made a total of one appearance for the Bees.

Arsenal recall Azeez from Portsmouth loan

16:28 , George Flood

Arsenal have recalled midfielder Miguel Azeez from his loan spell with Portsmouth.

The England Under-20 international made 10 appearances after arriving at Fratton Park back in August.

Pompey boss Danny Cowley said: “We’ve got a brilliant relationship with Arsenal and have been in regular contact with them throughout the loan.

“He leaves here a better player and hopefully a better person. We’ve been impressed with his focus and commitment to improve.

“There are some areas of his game that are beyond this level and other areas that he needs to keep working at, as with any young player.

“I’m as excited as everyone else to see how he progresses and we wish him nothing but success moving forward.”

Spurs youth heads to third-tier

16:24 , Marc Mayo

Tottenham youngster Kion Etete has signed for Cheltenham Town for the remainder of the season.

The striker played in League Two for Northampton during the first half of the campaign and now moves up to a stint in League One.

Elsewhere, Spurs have confirmed the mutual contract cancellation of young midfielder Rafferty Pedder.

New home for Ibe

16:08 , Marc Mayo

Former Liverpool and Bournemouth winger Jordon Ibe has penned a three-and-a-half-year deal with Turkish club Adanaspor.

The 26-year-old most recently appeared for Derby, which he left in the summer.

Newcastle transfer blow

15:52 , Jonathan Gorrie

Newcastle United target Samuel Umtiti is set for surgery which, surely, rules out any prospect of a January move away from Barcelona.

Everton yet to make Rooney contact

15:43 , Jonathan Gorrie

The idea of Wayne Rooney making an emotional return to Everton has been talked up following Rafa Benitez’s sacking at Goodison Park.

Doing wonders at Derby as they look to achieve the impossible and somehow avoid relegation, it’s a reasonably natural link.

Still, Football Insider claim the Rams are yet to have been contacted.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Eden Hazard rejects Newcastle move

15:18 , George Flood

Plenty of Eden Hazard rumours flying around today, with suggestions the Belgian wants to quit Real Madrid and could leave for as little as £28m.

Hazard has been linked with the likes of Juventus and Lille over recent months, while there have been some claims that Chelsea could be interested in a reunion.

However, Spanish publication Nacional say that it is Newcastle who saw a bid accepted, only for the player to reject a move to Tyneside.

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

Man United target McGinn swoop

15:10 , George Flood

John McGinn is the latest name on Manchester United’s transfer radar.

The Telegraph is reporting this afternoon that United have shortlisted the Scottish international as a potential summer signing.

Technical director Darren Fletcher is said to be a big fan of compatriot McGinn, who has impressed in the heart of Villa’s midfield for several years now.

However, he is under contract until 2025 and Villa would likely demand a sizeable fee for one of their key assets.

 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)

Kurzawa might not fit at Chelsea

13:52 , Jonathan Gorrie

While the link between Laywin Kurzawa and Chelsea does make sense after their recent spate of injuries, Thomas Tuchel’s previous relationship with the player at PSG might make any deal difficult to do.

Arsenal recall midfielder

13:36 , Jonathan Gorrie

Arsenal have recalled midfielder Miguel Azeez from his loan spell with Portsmouth, writes Simon Collings. The England under-20 international made 10 appearances after arriving at Fratton Park back in August. Pompey boss Danny Cowley said: “We’ve got a brilliant relationship with Arsenal and have been in regular contact with them throughout the loan.“He leaves here a better player and hopefully a better person. We’ve been impressed with his focus and commitment to improve.“There are some areas of his game that are beyond this level and other areas that he needs to keep working at, as with any young player.“I’m as excited as everyone else to see how he progresses and we wish him nothing but success moving forward.”

Aubameyang returns

13:28 , Jonathan Gorrie

Tottenham and Newcastle snubbed by Martial

13:07 , Jonathan Gorrie

With Anthony Martial reportedly looking for a way out at Manchester United, both Newcastle United and Tottenham are thought to have approached him over a potential move.

Still, as per Fabrizio Romano, both Premier League clubs have been snubbed. Barcelona, Sevilla and Juventus, though, could be options for the Frenchman.

 (AP)
(AP)

Roberto Firmino offered to Barcelona

12:37 , George Flood

Could we see the famous Liverpool front three start to break up?

While much of the focus is, naturally, on the future of Mohamed Salah, interesting news in regard to Roberto Firmino has emerged.

According to El Nacional, the Brazilian has been offered to Barcelona in a cut-price deal as Liverpool look to refresh their attacking line.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

More on Christian Eriksen

12:13 , Jonathan Gorrie

Early talks have been opened between Brentford and Christian Eriksen over what would be an emotional return to the Premier League, writes Standard Sport’s Jack Rosser.

The former Tottenham man has not played since suffering a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020 but has spoken of his desire to play for his country again.

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

Andreas Christensen won’t consider Premier League switch

11:58 , Jonathan Gorrie

While it’s tough to consider this as a boost for Chelsea, Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Andreas Christensen will not consider a move to another Premier League club should he leave Stamford Bridge.

Out of contract at the end of the season, the Dane is thought to have been approached by teams in England though they have fallen on deaf ears given he wants to respect his current employers.

Still, both Bayern Munich and Barcelona are believed to be leading the race thus far.

 (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
(Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal update - Arthur Melo, Diego Costa and Aubameyang

11:39 , George Flood

The latest on Arsenal now from Standard Sport’s Simon Collings...

Arsenal are waiting on Juventus to give Arthur Melo the green light to join them on loan as they look to bolster their midfield options.

The Gunners are also after a striker this month and have been linked with former Chelsea striker Diego Costa, but a move for the 33-year-old seems unlikely given his age.

It is thought Costa, who is a free agent after leaving Brazilian club Atletico Mineiro, would be keen on a move to Corinthians and the chance to play with his former Chelsea team-mate, Willian.

Fiorentina’s Dusan Vlahovic has emerged as Arsenal’s top striker target, but a move for the 21-year-old is not close as the transfer window enters its final two weeks.

The Serbian has 18 months to run on his current contract and, given he will not sign an extension, several of Europe’s top clubs are tracking him.

A possible loan move for Arthur remains on the cards, but Juventus are unwilling to let the Brazilian leave right now.

The club are reluctant to be left short in the midfield area and Aaron Ramsey is more likely to leave at this moment in time. Arthur is thought to be keen on a move to Arsenal and the chance to play in England.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are in contact with Gabon over the health of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after he missed last week’s game with Ghana due to “cardiac lesions”.

The forward is understood to be feeling fine, but Arsenal are monitoring his situation closely.

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

Brentford offer Eriksen six-month deal

11:17 , George Flood

Big news concerning Christian Eriksen.

The Athletic have just reported that Brentford are offering the Danish playmaker a six-month contract to return to the Premier League.

Ex-Tottenham star Eriksen is attempting to rebuild his career after suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch in a match against Finland at Euro 2020 last summer.

The 29-year-old recently left Inter Milan due to Serie A rules over implantable cardioverter defibrillators, though wants to continue playing and is targeting a place in Denmark’s squad for the World Cup in Qatar later this year.

Eriksen has been training with Danish club Odense Boldklub of late.

Christian Eriksen File Photo (PA Wire)
Christian Eriksen File Photo (PA Wire)

Spurs’ Markanday undergoing Blackburn medical

11:11 , George Flood

Dilan Markanday’s move from Tottenham to Blackburn is almost complete.

Sky Sports report that the 20-year-old winger is undergoing a medical with the high-flying Championship club this morning.

Standard Sport’s Dan Kilpatrick stated last week that the two clubs were discussing a deal worth an initial £500,000 that could rise to £1m with add-ons.

Tottenham had hoped that Markanday - the first British Asian to play for Spurs’ first team - would agree an extension to a contract that expires in the summer and head out on loan.

Spurs will also retain a significant sell-on clause.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Chelsea to make Broja decision this week

11:00 , George Flood

Chelsea will inform Southampton this week as to whether or not they are willing to sell striker Armando Broja in January, writes Jack Rosser.

The Albania international has shone on loan with the Saints this season, scoring five goals on his way to becoming Ralph Hasenhuttl‘s preferred striker above Che Adams and Adam Armstrong.

Southampton agreed a loan deal with Chelsea in the summer that did not include an option to buy at the end of the season, but talks have now been held over the potential of a permanent transfer.

A number of clubs in the Premier League and across Europe have been asked to be kept informed of the situation, meaning Southampton are keen to explore the possibility of striking a deal this month in order to ward off any interest in the summer should Broja continue his fine form.

The Saints are waiting to hear whether Chelsea, who spent a club record £97.5million on Romelu Lukaku in the summer and also have Timo Werner and Kai Havertz as options up front, would be open to a sale and will learn their decision in the coming days.

Click here to read the full article

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Udinese seal Pablo Mari loan deal

10:29 , George Flood

Arsenal look set to ruffle more feathers after their successful request to have yesterday’s north London derby postponed.

Part of the argument against that being allowed was the fact that the Gunners have loaned out both Ainsley Maitland-Niles (Roma) and Folarin Balogun (Middlesbrough) of late, depleting their own numbers by choice.

Now Fabrizio Romano reports that a deal taking Arsenal defender Pablo Mari to Udinese has been agreed.

The Spaniard will head to Serie A until June, with no option to make the deal permanent.

 (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
(Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Juventus want Partey included in Arthur deal

10:21 , George Flood

Arthur Melo to Arsenal is beginning to look like a real non-starter.

The Gunners are keen on a loan move for the Brazilian and have offered to cover his full salary for the remainder of the season as they look to solve their midfield crisis.

It had previously been said that Juventus would be willing to move Arthur on, once they have sourced a replacement.

However, Sky Sports in Italy now claim that the Serie A giants would demand Thomas Partey as part of any deal for the former Barcelona man.

Surely not!

 (Manchester City FC via Getty Ima)
(Manchester City FC via Getty Ima)

Man United eye Bellingham, Rice and Haidara

09:59 , George Flood

For all the talk of Denis Zakaria, there are three other midfielders currently catching Manchester United’s eye.

Per The Athletic, Borussia Dortmund and England star Jude Bellingham is believed to be the Red Devils’ top target ahead of a busy summer window.

However, they are also keen on West Ham talisman Declan Rice, while Ralf Rangnick would also reportedly back a deal for RB Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara.

Crucially, it is now being said that United are no longer pursuing Zakaria...

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Liverpool to launch £58m Luis Diaz bid?

09:32 , George Flood

Liverpool have once again been linked with a big-money move for Luis Diaz.

Reports constantly mentioning the FC Porto winger in connection with a switch to Anfield have been refuted this month.

However, Portuguese outlet A Bola insist that Liverpool could launch a bid worth £58m before the transfer deadline on January 31.

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

Bruno Fernandes shelves Man United contract talks

09:26 , George Flood

All may not be well with Bruno Fernandes at Manchester United.

The Athletic are reporting today that the Portuguese midfielder has now shelved talks over a new contract at Old Trafford.

Fernandes is said to have rejected an initial extension offer during the autumn as he seeks parity with United’s top earners and will suspend further negotiations until May.

United are reported to be relaxed over the situation, with Fernandes under contract until 2025 with the option for a further 12 months.

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

Crystal Palace reconsider Mateta stance after improvement

09:16 , George Flood

Staying with Crystal Palace for a moment, Standard Sport’s Jack Rosser suggests a U-turn could be in the offing over Jean-Philippe Mateta...

Crystal Palace are reconsidering the decision to let Jean-Philippe Mateta leave the club this month.

There is interest from France, the 24-year-old’s home country, in a loan deal until the end of the season, but a recent upturn in form may see him stay in south London.

Mateta has two goals in his last four games in all competitions and was turned to by Patrick Vieira ahead of Christian Benteke during Friday night’s 1-1 draw with Brighton, playing a role in Conor Gallagher’s fine effort.

Following that meeting with their rivals, Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish met with Mateta at the Amex to congratulate him on recent performances in a show of faith from the club.

Mateta is on loan from German side Mainz, with the two clubs in talks over whether the striker will make a permanent switch to Palace.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Benteke not interested in Burnley move

09:01 , George Flood

Christian Benteke has no intention of leaving Crystal Palace this month amid interest from Premier League strugglers Burnley, writes Jack Rosser.

The Belgian striker penned a new two-year deal at Selhurst Park last season but faces stiff competition for his place, with Odsonne Edouard having been signed over the summer and Jean-Philippe Mateta given another chance.

Furthermore, Patrick Vieira remains keen to add further competition to the forward line this month with Arsenal's Eddie Nketiah a target.

Benteke has started 11 Premier League games so far this season, scoring four goals and laying on an assist. Edouard has five League goals and three assists while Mateta has one goal.

Burnley manager Sean Dyche is looking to bring a new striker to Turf Moor after the sale of Chris Wood to relegation rivals Newcastle.

Burnley are bottom of the Premier League table and have won just one League game all season, a 3-1 victory over Brentford in October.

Benteke has been linked but the former Aston Villa man has little interest in a move to Turf Moor.

 (Action Images via Reuters)
(Action Images via Reuters)

Martinez in frame for Everton return

08:46 , George Flood

Alongside transfers, much of the attention this week will inevitably be focused on Everton’s managerial search.

The Toffees finally parted ways with Rafael Benitez after only six months on Sunday following a wretched run of form that culminated with a 2-1 loss at lowly Norwich.

Duncan Ferguson looks set to take the caretaker reins once again, potentially alongside fellow Goodison Park stalwart Leighton Baines, with the likes of Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, Rudi Garcia and Graham Potter believed to be potential long-term targets.

However, a return to Merseyside for Belgium coach Roberto Martinez seems most likely at this stage, with Everton wasting little time in trying to get him back.

According to The Telegraph, the club have already approached the Belgian FA over Martinez, who spent three years in charge at Everton before being sacked in 2016.

 (AP)
(AP)

Van de Beek rejects Newcastle loan switch

08:41 , George Flood

Speaking of Manchester United midfielders, Donny van de Beek’s future has been subject to much scrutiny of late.

Newcastle have been eager to offer the Dutch international an escape route from his miserable spell at Old Trafford as they hope to make the necessary signings to help them escape the looming threat of relegation.

However, The Telegraph now report that Van de Beek has rejected a potential loan move to Tyneside due to Newcastle’s lowly position in the Premier League table.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Man United get Zakaria boost

08:35 , George Flood

Manchester United have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Denis Zakaria.

The Swiss international midfielder is known to be a target of Ralf Rangnick, who is eager to bolster his underperforming squad at Old Trafford.

According to German publication Kicker, Borussia Monchengladbach would be willing to consider offers for Zakaria this month.

The 25-year-old is out of contract in the Bundesliga this summer.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Arsenal eyeing Spence swoop

08:27 , George Flood

Dusan Vlahovic isn’t the only target in Arsenal’s sights as Mikel Arteta seeks to bolster his depleted ranks this month.

The Mirror report that the Gunners are plotting a potential January swoop for Djed Spence, the flying right-back currently on loan at Nottingham Forest from Middlesbrough.

Spence recently starred against Arsenal in the FA Cup third round, delivering a superb display as Arteta’s side fell 1-0 at the City Ground.

Southampton, Roma and Inter Milan are also said to be monitoring Spence, but Arsenal could move first in a bid to strengthen their right-back options behind summer signing Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Cedric Soares has failed to impress and Hector Bellerin looks likely to depart this summer after a loan spell at Real Betis.

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

Chelsea target PSG’s Kurzawa

08:23 , George Flood

There’s a new(ish) name on the Chelsea transfer radar.

Thomas Tuchel is known to be on the lookout for new full/wing-backs this month with Ben Chilwell lost for the season and Reece James also currently out injured.

Chelsea are believed to be interested in Layvin Kurzawa, but transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano reports that there have been no serious or advanced talks over a potential January deal just yet.

However, he adds that the French international left-back does have a chance to move to the Premier League this month...

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal table Vlahovic offer

08:18 , George Flood

Arsenal have now made their move for Dusan Vlahovic, reports suggest.

The prolific Serbian marksman has emerged as the Gunners’ No1 transfer target this month as they look to bolster their attack with former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang exiled by Mikel Arteta.

However, they have struggled to agree a deal with Fiorentina, with the player also seemingly undecided over his next move.

According to Corriere Della Sera, Arsenal have now lodged an official offer for Vlahovic worth £50m and includes Lucas Torreira, who is currently on a season-long loan at Fiorentina.

Will that be enough to get a transfer over the line? It seems unlikely, but you never know...

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Real Madrid plot huge Haaland move

08:10 , George Flood

Good morning and welcome back to Standard Sport’s rolling LIVE coverage of the January transfer window.

Things are really heating up now past the midway point of the month and we start today with the latest on the Erling Haaland front.

According to The Mirror, Real Madrid are plotting a mammoth deal worth a whopping £292million to bring the Borussia Dortmund goal machine to Spain this summer, where they hope to partner him with Kylian Mbappe - soon to be out of contract at Paris Saint-Germain - in a star-studded frontline.

Per Marca, that total package includes a £63m transfer fee plus a hugely lucrative six-year contract and a massive signing-on fee plus commission for super-agent Mino Raiola.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)