Transfer news LIVE! Barcelona want Vlahovic; Mbappe update; Luis Suarez, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham latest
Transfer news LIVE!
Barcelona are preparing to rival Arsenal for Dusan Vlahovic. The £50million Fiorentina striker is a long-term target for the Gunners but reports suggest the Catalans are interested in him as an alternative to Erling Haaland.
Haaland is a popular player in this month’s market and also has admirers at Real Madrid, who are plotting a move for Kylian Mbappe.
However, the striker is said to be in talks with Paris Saint-Germain over a contract extension. A huge double-bid for both Haaland and Mbappe is purportedly on the cards at the Bernabeu.
Over at Chelsea, a bid for Frenkie de Jong is reportedly underway with the Barcelona midfielder rated at £50million by his club. Also on the Blues’ radar are Layvin Kurzawa, Ivan Perisic and Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni.
Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn has emerged as a target for Manchester United, with the centre of the park key to their hopes amid interest in Declan Rice, Amadou Haidara, Jude Bellingham, Denis Zakaria, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
Premier League clubs are certainly busy in planning their next move with Adama Traore on Tottenham’s agenda and Everton’s next manager the priority at Goodison Park - with Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard linked.
Overseas, Luis Suarez is said to be nearing a move away from Atletico Madrid with Inter Miami one club monitoring the veteran’s situation.
Follow all the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip with Standard Sport’s LIVE blog below!
Transfer news and rumours
Barcelona consider Vlahovic bid
Mbappe’s PSG contract talks latest
Chelsea bid for Barcelona’s De Jong
Man United unsure over Pogba future
Tottenham still pushing for Traore deal
Arsenal waiting on Arthur Melo
Kolasinac leaves Gunners for Marseille
Inter Miami an option for Suarez
Diego Carlos asks for Toon move
22:26 , Marc Mayo
Newcastle and Diego Carlos are pushing Sevilla hard to do a deal before deadline day, according to Sky Sports.
The report adds that Duvan Zapata of Atalanta and Darwin Nunez of Benfica are also targets.
However, neither striker is currently near to joining the Magpies.
Frank responds to Eriksen talk
22:06 , Marc Mayo
Thomas Frank has responded to reports linking Christian Eriksen with a move to Brentford, following his cardiac arrest at Euro 2020.
He stated: “He needs to find a club. I love to speak about players in house. I don’t think I should discuss that - maybe I should discuss [Lionel] Messi and [Cristiano] Ronaldo?
“If we were linked with Christian 10 or even five years ago, fans would say are you crazy. But we are in the best league in the world, the club is progressing. It’s positive. But, let’s speak about reality.”
Muani set for Frankfurt
21:34 , Marc Mayo
Movement in Germany as Eintracht Frankfurt agree a deal for French striker Randal Kolo Muani.
The 23-year-old is set to leave Nantes, according to Bild, after the Bundesliga side beat rival interest from AC Milan and Newcastle.
Martial prefers move abroad
20:57 , Marc Mayo
Anthony Martial sees his future away from England, if he is allowed to leave Manchester United.
The Guardian detail the striker’s preference to reinvigorate his career, having turned down loan moves to Newcastle and Tottenham.
United want his entire wages of over £200,000-a-week paid to permit a loan exit, plus a fee.
Juventus are the remaining frontrunners to do a deal, ahead of Barcelona and Sevilla.
Moyes gives West Ham update
20:31 , Marc Mayo
David Moyes has admitted that the January transfer window is proving a bit “tougher” than in other years.
West Ham are chasing a new centre-back amid injuries to Kurt Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna, plus a potential reinforcement in attack.
He said: “We're asking about players and other clubs that are trying to get them are asking about players and it is taking a bit of time for things, the domino effect to really happen.
“We've made some offers behind the scenes for players, we've tried to look at situations so it's not as if we're not doing it at the moment. You just need to look around football and see that there's not a lot of deals happening at the moment.
“The general feeling is that it is a bit tougher for whatever reason that may be. I'm hopeful we can pull something off.”
Gladbach wait for Zakaria bids
19:57 , Marc Mayo
Manchester United target Denis Zakaria is set to leave Borussia Monchengladbach this summer after sporting director Max Eberl outlined big changes ahead at the German club.
“There's nothing on my desk,” Eberl told Kicker. “It's not surprising that there is speculation about both of them [Zakaria and Ginter] and especially Denis, but it's no longer our topic.
“They both still have a half year of contract. But we have also said again and again that if something comes up that we have to deal with for financial reasons. I cannot rule out that both will leave the club in winter - or one.
“There will be changes in the summer. We've worked with one squad for almost three years now.”
Done deal!
19:35 , Marc Mayo
A new signing incoming at Arsenal’s women’s team.
Brazil international defender Rafaelle Souza joins from Palmeiras.
🇧🇷 The wait is finally over…
Bem-vinda, @Rafaelleleone 👋 pic.twitter.com/0cEICiejwB— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) January 18, 2022
Mourinho staying put
19:10 , Marc Mayo
Sky Sports now reporting that Jose Mourinho is committed to Roma and will not leave for Everton.
Thus ending the shortest-lived transfer rumour to ever grace the land...
🚨 UPDATE: Jose Mourinho is committed to the job he has begun at Roma and will not consider any offer from Everton at the moment. pic.twitter.com/EQhFkWz04W
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 18, 2022
Mourinho a Toffees target
18:59 , Marc Mayo
Jose Mourinho has emerged as a shock contender to replace Rafa Benitez at Everton.
According to Sky Sports, there has not been an official approach to Roma at this stage but the Toffees are fans of the Portuguese coach.
Vitor Pereira is also on the club’s radar, along with Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney.
Marseille seal Kolasinac signature
18:39 , Marc Mayo
Sead Kolasinac has signed on the dotted line for Marseille after his Arsenal contract was terminated.
The Bosnian’s deal in the south of France runs to 2023.
ALLEZ l‘OM #DroitAuBut pic.twitter.com/7JLjfp7n5T
— Sead Kolašinac (@seadk6) January 18, 2022
Miami calling for Suarez?
18:18 , Marc Mayo
Luis Suarez could be about to move to MLS with David Beckham’s Inter Miami reportedly opening up a spot for his arrival.
The striker has admitted that he does not want to move back to South America to finish his playing career, due to the huge expectations fans would have of him.
But a sojourn to the States is very much on his radar and Blaise Matuidi’s exit, as reported by The Sun, has opened up the Miami possibility.
Done deal!
18:03 , Marc Mayo
Roma goalkeeper Robin Olsen has joined Aston Villa on loan until the end of the season.
Välkommen, Robin Olsen!
🇸🇪 pic.twitter.com/k0CKZNGtsF— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 18, 2022
Conte: January deals not straightforward
17:57 , Marc Mayo
Antonio Conte has admitted it will not be “easy” to improve his Tottenham squad this month.
“We know that only after the international break, the injured players are ready to come back,” said the Italian. “It's not easy to come back from this period when you have many injuries in your squad. We'll see if anything comes from this period in the transfer market.
“It is more simple when you start the season to buy important players. In January it is not easy, but at the same time we know very well that if there is the opportunity... we need to do something.”
Done deal!
17:29 , Marc Mayo
Sead Kolasinac has completed his permanent departure from Arsenal.
After mutually agreeing to terminate his contract, the Bosnian has joined Ligue 1 side Marseille.
Thank you and good luck, Sead 👊
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 18, 2022
Breaking news
17:28 , Marc Mayo
Duncan Ferguson is back in temporary charge of Everton following Rafa Benitez’s sacking.
🔵 | Duncan Ferguson has been appointed as caretaker manager for our upcoming games.
He will be supported by John Ebbrell and Leighton Baines, along with Goalkeeping Coach Alan Kelly.— Everton (@Everton) January 18, 2022
Barcelona sent Dembele warning
17:19 , Marc Mayo
Moussa Sissoko, Dembele’s agent, has delivered a clear warning to Barcelona ahead of those fresh talks…
“We are not here to feed debates on social networks,” he told RMC Sport. “But the truth must be told. Yes, we have big demands, but we have already shown that Ousmane's career options were not dictated to by money - otherwise he would not be here.
“So, if Barcelona had wanted to negotiate, they could have tried to sit down at the table with us. Except there is no discussion and only threats to take him out the team. And that is prohibited. We will assert Ousmane’s rights if necessary.
“We don't know what we are going to do, nothing has been done. But the club bosses are only losing Ousmane. From the beginning we’ve shown that we want to talk.”
Xavi holds Dembele talks
17:03 , Marc Mayo
Ousmane Dembele is happy at Barcelona and wants to renew his contract.
That is according to Spanish outlet Sport, who detail talks between the winger and coach Xavi today.
Talks between the club and Dembele’s agent are expected to continue this week ahead of his contract expiring in the summer.
Newcastle are reportedly interested in the Frenchman.
Covid hits Emerson talks
16:40 , Marc Mayo
Some disruption in Chelsea’s attempt to recall Emerson Palmieri from his loan spell at Lyon - the Italian has tested positive for Covid-19.
He confirmed on social media: “Hi everyone, just wanted to come here to say that I tested positive for Covid on Friday, and I truly feel fine and the rest of the family do too.
“Many thanks for all your caring messages. I hope to be back as soon as possible.”
The Blues were hoping to persuade Lyon to relinquish the left-back, allowing him to cover for the injured Ben Chilwell.
Kolasinac arrives for permanent move
16:26 , Marc Mayo
French outlet La Provence report on Sead Kolasinac arriving in Marseille to complete his switch from Arsenal.
The left-back has been used sparingly by Mikel Arteta this season and will be the fourth player to leave the club, following loan moves for Folarin Balogun, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and, imminently, Pablo Mari.
It is claimed that Kolasinac’s switch is a permanent one following the termination of his Gunners deal.
Olsen set for Villa
16:11 , Marc Mayo
Aston Villa are on the verge of signing Robin Olsen, according to multiple reports.
The Swedish goalkeeper is on loan at Sheffield United from Roma but has not played since mid-November, when he lost his place in the Blades XI.
Steven Gerrard’s side have already landed Lucas Digne and Philippe Coutinho this month, with Jed Steer their reserve keeper on the weekend.
PSG optimistic over Mbappe renewal
16:00 , Marc Mayo
PSG are growing increasingly confident that they can secure Kylian Mbappe on a new, short-term contract.
Meetings between the striker’s family and the club have been described as “positive” amid interest from Real Madrid.
Mbappe’s contract expires in June but ESPN state that Mbappe’s relationship with Neymar and Lionel Messi will prove key to their negotiation strategy.
Furthermore, the potential arrival of Zinedine Zidane as coach to replace Mauricio Pochettino in the summer could also convince the Frenchman.
Barcelona consider Vlahovic bid
15:47 , Marc Mayo
Barcelona coach Xavi is considering a move for Arsenal target Dusan Vlahovic.
Sport name the Fiorentina star as one of the Catalan club’s alternative targets to Erling Haaland.
Xavi is said to be a fan of Vlahovic but there are doubts at the Camp Nou whether he can perform in LaLiga.
Lucas Boye of Elche and Real Sociedad’s Alexander Isak are named as other options.
Done deal!
15:28 , Marc Mayo
West Ham have sent Irish midfielder Conor Coventry out on loan to MK Dons.
The 21-year-old spent time with Championship side Peterborough earlier this campaign before this jump down to League One.
We can confirm that Conor Coventry has joined Milton Keynes Dons on loan until the end of the 2021/22 season.
Good luck, @conorcoventry!— West Ham United (@WestHam) January 18, 2022
No Chelsea talks over Perisic or Kurzawa
14:52 , George Flood
Sorry to any Chelsea fans holding out hope over potential deals for Ivan Perisic and Layvin Kurzawa.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed there are no talks involving the club and either of those aforementioned players.
Indeed, he claims there is “no chance” Croatian forward Perisic will leave Inter Milan this month, with the Serie A giants still trying to secure a contract extension.
If they don’t, he will walk away for free over the summer.
Rangnick unsure over Pogba contract talks
13:45 , George Flood
However, Rangnick was unable to give an update on any talks regarding Paul Pogba, who is out of contract at Manchester United in the summer.
“I don’t know,” the German said. “I cannot answer because it’s not me dealing with this. I’m not negotiating about future contracts with players.
“But what you could see from his very first day in training yesterday is that he’s present - he’s physically present, he’s mentally present.
“What I saw in training yesterday was very promising for the future and I’m very much looking forward to having him available in two weeks’ time after the international break. I think he will be a serious candidate also for the first 11.”
Martial matter ‘resolved after talks’, says Rangnick
13:33 , George Flood
Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick says he considers the recent matter involving Anthony Martial to be resolved after talks between the pair last weekend.
Rangnick only named eight substitutes - including two goalkeepers - for Saturday’s 2-2 Premier League draw at Aston Villa after insisting that Martial did not want to be included in the squad.
However, the wantaway French forward quickly hit back at those claims, insisting in an Instagram post that he would “never refuse to play a match for Man United” or “disrespect the club and the fans”.
Martial is reportedly looking to leave Old Trafford this month in search of a fresh start and more regular playing opportunities, with a whole host of clubs linked with his signature including Barcelona, Juventus and Sevilla.
Tottenham and Newcastle have also reportedly seen approaches for the 26-year-old dismissed.
Addressing the Martial saga during a press conference held before Wednesday’s rearranged trip to Brentford, United interim coach Rangnick insisted it had been resolved - though it is unclear at this stage if the player will return to his squad tomorrow night.
“I mean, I’m here now for six weeks,” Rangnick said.
“All the things that needed to be said, I said after the press conference.
“I had a conversation with him on Sunday, a personal conversation with him about what happened and how I saw the whole situation. The matter is now resolved.
“He didn’t train yesterday and the day before yesterday. He will probably train today and after training I will then take the decision if he is nominated or not (for the squad). Let’s see what will happen there.”
Everton to interview Lampard and Rooney
12:58 , George Flood
Another update on the Everton managerial front.
The Telegraph now report that both Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney will be interviewed for the vacant role at Goodison Park.
While Lampard has been out of work since being sacked by Chelsea 12 months ago, Rooney is currently being lauded for working miracles at Derby.
The England icon has somehow managed to lift the crisis-stricken Rams off the foot of the Championship and to within eight points of safety despite a mammoth 21-point deduction and significant issues off the field.
Hazard rejects Newcastle move
12:24 , George Flood
In case you missed this yesterday, Newcastle have apparently been trying to seal a sensational return to the Premier League for Eden Hazard.
Various reports suggest the Belgian is fed up with his spell at Los Blancos, who could be willing to offload him for a cut-price fee.
Spanish outlet El Nacional claim that Newcastle saw an offer for Hazard accepted, only for the player to quickly dismiss a potential move to St James’ Park.
Tottenham join Arsenal in Spence race
12:00 , George Flood
Arsenal and Tottenham weren’t able to go head to head on the pitch on Sunday, but could the north London rivals clash in the transfer market instead?
Sky Sports report that Spurs have joined the race to sign Djed Spence, the impressive full-back shining on loan at Nottingham Forest from Middlesbrough.
It is said that Tottenham have been tracking the 21-year-old for some time and could make a move this month before loaning him back to Forest for the remainder of the campaign.
Arsenal are also said to be keen on Spence.
Tottenham still pushing for Adama Traore signing
11:25 , George Flood
Speaking of Mr Romano, Fabrizio has also issued a Tottenham update this morning.
He says that Spurs are still pushing to sign Adama Traore as they look to fulfil Antonio Conte’s request for a new winger.
However, Wolves boss Bruno Lage apparently wants to keep the Spaniard until the end of the season, when he will surely be sold with his contract expiring in 2023.
Romano adds that Tottenham are still trying to offload the likes of record signing Tanguy Ndombele, Matt Doherty, Steven Bergwijn and Dele Alli.
Arsenal still waiting on Arthur Melo deal
11:22 , George Flood
Arsenal are still waiting to discover if they will be able to sign Arthur Melo from Juventus.
The Gunners are keen to take the Brazilian on loan for the rest of the season, covering his full salary as they bid to ease their midfield crisis.
However, it has long been said that Juventus will not sanction Arthur’s exit until they can source an adequate replacement.
That is still the case as of Tuesday morning, reports transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano.
Romano adds that Juventus have interest in Manchester United target Denis Zakaria, but have not yet approached Borussia Monchengladbach over the Swiss international.
Full story: Markanday leaves Spurs for Blackburn promotion push
11:07 , George Flood
Here’s the full story on Dilan Markanday’s Tottenham exit from James Robson....
Tottenham starlet Dilan Markanday has joined Blackburn Rovers on a permanent transfer.
The 20-year-old winger has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with the promotion-chasing Championship club.
Markanday impressed for Spurs at youth level and made his first-team debut in the Europa Conference League this season, coming off the bench in the 1-0 defeat to Vitesse Arnhem in October.
He scored 12 goals in 14 Premier League 2 appearances this term but showed little sign of making a serious impression on the first team.
Markanday - the first British Asian player to represent Tottenham at senior level - was also out of contract in the summer and Spurs wanted him to sign an extension before potentially heading out on loan.
Click here to read the full article
Mari close to exit but Arsenal squad boosted
10:58 , George Flood
Arsenal defender Pablo Mari is close to joining Udinese on loan, reports Simon Collings.
The Spaniard has not played for the club since September and is keen for more minutes.
Mari’s departure decreases Arsenal’s squad size, but their numbers have also been boosted after midfielder Miguel Azeez and striker Tyreece John-Jules returned from their loan spells at Portsmouth and Blackpool respectively.
Under Premier League postponement regulations, the pair would qualify as “appropriately experienced under-21 players” after featuring for EFL clubs during the current campaign.
Lampard in contention for Everton job
10:37 , George Flood
Frank Lampard is considered an alternative option if Everton cannot prise Roberto Martinez away from Belgium, writes James Robson.
Martinez is the overwhelming first choice to succeed Rafael Benitez, who was sacked on Sunday after a miserable six months in the job.
But the Belgian FA are fighting to hold onto the Spaniard, who has led them to the top of the FIFA world rankings in his five-and-a-half years in charge.
Martinez is believed to be interested in a return to Everton, despite being sacked by them in 2016. But the Merseysiders are also considering other options, with Lampard among the names in contention.
Click here to read the full story
DONE DEAL! Blackburn sign Markanday
10:17 , George Flood
Blackburn have now completed the permanent signing of Dilan Markanday from Tottenham.
The 20-year-old winger has penned a long-term contract at Ewood Park after undergoing his medical yesterday.
Spurs have received an initial fee of around £500,000 for Markanday, the first British Asian to play for the club, but the deal could rise to £1m with add-ons.
Tottenham - who wanted Markanday to sign a new contract before heading out on loan - are also believed to retain a significant sell-on clause.
✍️ #Rovers are delighted to announce the signing of highly-rated Tottenham Hotspur youngster Dilan Markanday on a long-term deal.#WelcomeDilan 🔵⚪️
— Blackburn Rovers (@Rovers) January 18, 2022
Messi will NOT make shock Barcelona return
10:09 , George Flood
Lionel Messi will not make a sensational return to Barcelona, according to reports.
There had been suggestions that the Argentine superstar and his family are not adapting to life in France and want to head back to Spain.
However, rather unsurprisingly, The Sun say that there is absolutely no chance of Messi rejoining Barcelona, despite claims that former team-mates Xavi - now Blaugrana boss - and Dani Alves are trying their best to recruit him back.
Newcastle table Zapata offer
10:04 , George Flood
Another day, another truckload of Newcastle transfer rumours.
It appears that Eddie Howe is targeting more firepower after completing a deal for Chris Wood from Burnley last week and then promptly playing out a last-gasp draw with relegation rivals Watford.
The Daily Record reports that Newcastle have now offered more than £25m to sign Atalanta and Colombia striker Duvan Zapata.
However, while Zapata - under contract in Serie A until 2023 - wants to move to Tyneside, it seems that the two clubs are around £20m apart in terms of their respective valuations.
Arsenal target Vlahovic ‘relaxed’ over future
09:59 , George Flood
Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Italiano says Dusan Vlahovic is “motivated” and “relaxed”, amid interest from Arsenal.
The Gunners are tracking the striker, who took his tally of Serie A goals for the season to 17 on Monday night by scoring against Genoa.
Fiorentina ran out 6-0 winners and could have won by more, but Vlahovic missed a penalty during the first half.
Arsenal are big fans of the 21-year-old, who is valued at around £60m, but Italiano insists his star striker won’t get distracted by the transfer talk.
“At the moment we enjoy Dusan here at Fiorentina, he’s with us - I don’t know about the future,” he said. “He scored a great goal today. I see him very motivated, he’s relaxed.”
Vlahovic missed his penalty by attempting a ‘Panenka’ and afterwards he apologised to the fans and his team-mates.
“He felt like taking the penalty,” Italiano added. “He is a sensitive guy, he apologised to the fans and then came to talk to me.
“He will understand that certain things are best avoided. But he will recover soon, he is someone who always gives his soul and there is a mistake every now and then.”
Lucas Torreira, who is currently on loan at Fiorentina from Arsenal, also scored on Monday night and has been linked as a makeweight in a deal for Vlahovic.
“When he arrived [in the summer] he was short on fitness,” said Italiano. “He is doing everything right. Now he begins to read the scoring situations as well.”
Traore pushed closer to Tottenham move?
09:55 , George Flood
Is Adama Traore’s exit from Wolves now imminent?
Tottenham have once again been strongly linked with the Spain winger, with Antonio Conte seeking to turn him into a wing-back as he did with Victor Moses at Chelsea.
The Daily Star now report that Traore could leave Wolves in the next 24 hours after the club wrapped up a £2.9m deal for Estoril winger Chiquinho on Monday.
Wolves value Traore - who is out of contract next summer and will not pen fresh terms - at around the £25m mark and apparently won’t entertain Tottenham’s preference for a loan until the end of the season.
Man United target McGinn swoop
09:50 , George Flood
Manchester United have been linked with a whole host of midfielders just in the last couple of days.
The strongest of those reports seems to come from The Telegraph, who claim that John McGinn is now on the transfer radar at Old Trafford.
The Aston Villa star has been shortlisted as a potential summer signing, when United should have a new permanent manager at the helm.
However, McGinn is under contract at Villa Park until 2025 and it will likely take a sizeable bid to get Steven Gerrard and Co to part with one of their biggest assets.
Chelsea learn De Jong price after bid
09:42 , George Flood
Good morning and welcome back to Standard Sport’s rolling LIVE coverage of a busy January transfer window!
We start today’s initial round-up with Chelsea, who are apparently stepping up their interest in Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
Spanish outlet El Nacional reports that the Blues tabled a £33million offer for the Dutch international, only to be quoted a price of £50m.
£41m could be a realistic figure to get a deal done, apparently, with Barcelona considering a sale.