Transfer news LIVE: Man United target January move for Ruben Neves as Aston Villa eye Philippe Coutinho

January transfer rumours are cranking up as Premier League clubs complete the first of their signings during the window.

Brighton completed the capture of Kacper Kozlowski to boost their future propsects, while Everton added Vitaliy Mykolenko to their squad too. However, that signing may come as a precursor to the departure of Lucas Digne, who is tipped to move on this month - though they also have Nathan Patterson in from Rangers to bolster their ranks.

The anticipated big spend from Newcastle United has not yet emerged, though they appear close to signing Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid as they look to save themselves from relegation. Southampton could also be tempted to spend after a majority takeover was completed, while Juventus have suggested Aaron Ramsey will be leaving this month. There are also several Premier League clubs reportedly hoping to land Philippe Coutinho this month, with Barcelona needing to sell players after adding Ferran Torres to the club - and not being able to register him yet until reductions to the salary bill are made.

Follow all the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip from the Premier League and around Europe:

Transfer news and rumours

• Manchester United target January move for Ruben Neves

• Lazio open Divock Origi talks with Liverpool

• Everton and Newcastle chase midfielder Guimaraes

• Arsenal and Spurs to battle for £50m Lamptey

Danny Rose can leave and won’t play for Watford again

19:00 , Karl Matchett

Danny Rose’s stay at Watford so far has been pretty dreadful. His fitness level was clearly way down when he started the season, having barely played previously, and he struggled to cope with top-flight attackers as a result.

Now Claudio Ranieri has decided he won’t be playing for Watford again, Sky report, with the left-back available for an immediate transfer.

The Hornets are also closing in on a deal for Udinese defender Samir, with the Brazilian centre-back set to join on a three-year contract.

18:40 , Karl Matchett

Divock Origi’s agent has been approached by three clubs from Serie A over a possible summer move from Liverpool, Sky Sports report.

The Belgian forward would fetch £10m this window, but the claim suggests he may prefer to wait until summer and move on a free transfer instead, with his preference being to remain in the Premier League.

His contract would be extended by a year if he hits an unspecified number of league starts this term, but he hasn’t yet started any at all for Jurgen Klopp, despite two goals off the bench in a total of just 19 minutes of league action.

Conte wants to sign and convert Adama Traore

18:20 , Karl Matchett

Antonio Conte had “grand plans” for Adama Traore and wants to make the Wolves forward a wing-back, according to a report in the Athletic.

The Spain international has been in and out of the team this season at Molineux and, again, has taken a battering in some quarters due to his lack of goals and assists.

Spurs want him this month and are considering a part-exchange offer, potentially including a return to his former club for Matt Doherty, who is well out of favour with Conte.

£20m is estimated to be enough to get the transfer done, with 18 months left on Adam’s deal.

Liverpool ‘keeper Karius to miss out on January exit

18:00 , Karl Matchett

Remember Loris Karius? He hasn’t played a game anywhere in almost a year, but he’s still with Liverpool.

His contract ends in the summer and he’s available for a move now, but after his wage requests appeared to derail a move to Basel in the summer he’s again now opting against a switch due to having to take a financial hit to do so.

This time it reportedly relates to the Reds opting against paying up his contract if he leaves now rather than at the end of the season, with Karius not keen on missing out of that final five months or so. Greuther Furth had been keen to sign him, but the Bundesliga club cannot pay the required compensation themselves either to get the deal over the line, say Kicker.

Brentford turned down after Championship attacker bid

17:45 , Karl Matchett

Brentford are looking to build on an excellent first half of the season in the Premier League and their transfer window attentions are on Nottingham Forest’s Brennan Johnson.

However, Football League World say their bid of £12m has not been enough for the Championship side to part ways with their prized attacker, with Leeds also keen to make a move.

It is thought Forest want to increase their income to around £15m for the 20-year-old, who has 18 months left on his contract.

He has scored five goals in 25 Championship matches this term.

Leeds rule out selling Raphinha

17:30 , Karl Matchett

Leeds United have made a firm decision to not let key winger Raphinha leave the club this window, report the Mirror.

The Brazilian is much admired and has been linked with the likes of Bayern Munich and Liverpool, but instead Victor Orta intends to hold a “second round” of talks with his agent over extending his contract at Elland Road.

Raphinha still has three years left to run on his current deal even after this term, so there is no rush with the deal from either party.

Adam Forshaw is also in line for a new contract after impressing in midfield since his return from a long-term injury lay-off.

Arsenal told to look elsewhere - Vlahovic not interested

17:15 , Karl Matchett

Bad news for Arsenal if reports out of Italy are correct.

The Gunners have been eyeing up Fiorentina’s Dusan Vlahovic as an ideal addition to their front line and were reported to have made a bid of around £46 million plus midfielder Lucas Torreira.

That might have been enough to tempt La Viola, but it isn’t for the forward himself.

Vlahovic and his agents are telling Arsenal to look elsewhere as he wants a more “ambitious” club and project, reports Di Marzio, and calls from the club were not returned.

The forward himself has said he wants to help Fiorentina into Europe before considering a move away.

Pep Guardiola among 21 at Man City to test positive for Covid

17:00 , Karl Matchett

Pep Guardiola tests positive for Covid amid major outbreak at Man City

Manager Pep Guardiola has tested positive for Covid as part of a major outbreak at Manchester City.

The club have confirmed 21 members of the first-team bubble have tested positive, including the manager and assistant manager Juanma Lillo. Both are now isolating.

City take on Swindon Town in the third round of the FA Cup on Friday, where Rodolfo Borrell will now lead the team out.

Full details here:

Pep Guardiola tests positive for Covid amid major outbreak at Man City

Arsenal midfielder off to Serie A

16:40 , Karl Matchett

Arsenal’s versatile performer Ainsley Maitland-Niles should be in Rome today to complete a loan move, reports the Athletic.

Jose Mourinho is keen to add him to the squad at Roma, with Maitland-Niles utterly unable to land a regular spot with the Gunners this season.

Roma want a permanent option for the summer, but in the short term this move is all-but-sealed with a medical, personal terms and work permit already sorted.

Newcastle reject bid for Longstaff

16:20 , Karl Matchett

Everton have seen an offer for Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff rejected by the St. James’ Park club.

90 mins report that he has not made a big impression on Eddie Howe and as he’s out of contract at the end of the season, a move is possible - but they have turned down the opening bid as they wait to see who they can lure in during the January window.

Their “stance could change later in the window” if Howe lands his targets, however.

Man United youngster swaps loan deals

16:01 , Karl Matchett

Man United news snippet: they have recalled Ethan Laird from his loan spell at Swansea...and sent him straight back out to Bournemouth.

The 20-year-old full-back is there until the end of the season.

Newcastle will raise bid for Diego Carlos

16:00 , Karl Matchett

Having reportedly seen a £25m bid for Sevilla centre-back Diego Carlos rejected, Newcastle are set to go back with another offer worth far more.

The Express claim a £40m bid is incoming from the St. James’ Park club, hoping to rebuild the back line to the extent it saves them from the drop this season.

With Sevilla fighting for the title in LaLiga however, it would be a huge surprise if the Brazilian opted to switch leagues mid-season and give up a shot at winning the Europa League title, too.

Spurs and Arsenal keen on £50m Lamptey

15:45 , Karl Matchett

A north London battle is brewing, as Mikel Arteta and Antonio Conte both hope to lure Brighton wing-back Tariq Lamptey in a £50 million deal.

That’s the report claimed by the Express, with Lamptey unquestionably impressing since joining the Seagulls from Chelsea in 2020. They’ll make a huge profit from that signing, which was for around £3m, despite the defender spending a long period out injured.

While it can be argued that he fits the profile Spurs might need - Conte plays wing-backs, Matt Doherty is out of favour and Emerson Royal hasn’t been an immediate success - there’s rather less of a case to make for Arsenal being keen.

They signed Takehiro Tomiyasu in the summer and he has excelled at right-back in a four-man line, being one of the Gunners’ most consistent performers as they find consistency.

Conte yet to speak to Spurs over January transfer plans

15:30 , Karl Matchett

Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte is waiting for a meeting with the club over transfer plans this month.

Conte intends to speak to chairman Daniel Levy and managing director of football Fabio Paratici about how his squad can be improved during the January transfer window, which opened on Saturday.

The Italian wanted extra time to evaluate his players and he is now ready to report back on those he wants to move forward with.

“My expectation is to speak with my club and then to tell them my opinions,” he said ahead of his first return to Chelsea in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.

“This is only my expectation and then the club knows after I speak to the club, they will make the decisions they want to make. I repeat I’m a manager and I’m in a position where I have to make evaluations.”

More detail:

Antonio Conte yet to speak to Tottenham about January transfer plans

Wolves and Chelsea right-backs as Trippier replacement?

15:15 , Karl Matchett

We already know Kieran Trippier’s move to Newcastle seems fairly well advanced, but his replacement is not yet clear at the Wanda Metropolitano.

According to Marca, Atleti are looking to England not just for a sale but for their next signing too: Chelsea’s versatile skipper Cesar Azpilicueta, or Wolves’ rampaging wing-back Nelson Semedo.

The former is out of contract in the summer and has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona so far, though there’s always the possibility of extending at Stamford Bridge too.

Semedo, a former Barcelona player himself, would be the more costly option but the report suggests Atleti wanted him three years ago and are keen to realise their old “dream”.

No Morata move to Barcelona

15:00 , Karl Matchett

Alvaro Morata has been linked with an end to his Juventus spell, which could spark a striker merry-go-round. Barcelona reportedly wanted him, with Juve in turn going for - among some linked - Divock Origi or Anthony Martial.

But Max Allegri has been clear: he’s happy with Morata and he wants him to stay.

“I’ve spoken to him and I’ve told him he’s not going, to ignore the rumours,” Allegri told journalists.

Both Origi and Martial are out of favour at their respective clubs, but they won’t seemingly be headed to Turin - at least as Morata replacements.

Hammers make move for Brazilian striker

14:45 , Karl Matchett

Brazilian striker Gabriel Barbosa didn’t make too many headlines when he came to Europe with Inter MIlan, but he has again thrived back in his home country, earning a spot with the national team and winning major trophies.

Now West Ham want to sign him on a year-long loan, reports Spanish outlet Sport, with a £5m loan bid already made - but his club Flamengo are holding firm over a €33m (£27.6m) release clause.

The 25-year-old has also been linked with Newcastle, but the Hammers seem to have made the first move.

Newcastle close on Kieran Trippier deal to kickstart January rebuild

14:30 , Jack Rathborn

Newcastle are hopeful of completing a deal for England defender Kieran Trippier as they prepare to launch their January rescue mission in earnest.

It is understood ongoing discussions between the Magpies, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), and Atletico Madrid are progressing in encouraging fashion, and reports from Spain on Tuesday suggested the full-back did not train with his teammates.

Trippier played the full 90 minutes in Atletico’s 2-0 La Liga victory over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday and pointedly took his time after the final whistle to applaud fans who watched him help the club claim its first league title in seven years years last season.

However, sources on Tyneside were insisting on Tuesday afternoon that he was not in Newcastle amid speculation that his arrival was imminent.

Lazio open Divock Origi talks with Liverpool

14:15 , Jack Rathborn

Divock Origi could be on his way to Lazio after the Italian club’s sporting director Igli Tare opened talks with the Reds, report Lazio News24.

The Belgian forward could move this month with the 26-year-old set to become a free agent this summer.

However, Origi has proven himself to be a key player in the closing stages of games, which may give Jurgen Klopp reason to resist boosting his funds ahead of a long season with every squad stretched by injuries and Covid.

Manchester United target January move for Ruben Neves

14:00 , Jack Rathborn

Manchester United are keen to make a January move for Wolves’ Ruben Neves.

The Sun claim that the Portuguese midfielder is a priority for this month to boost Ralf Rangnick’s side.

Neves played a key role in Bruno Lage’s side’s win at Old Trafford this week, providing Rangnick with a close-up of the potential upgrade to his midfield.

£50m star Dusan Vlahovic rejects Arsenal’s offer

13:40 , Karl Matchett

Bad news for Arsenal if reports out of Italy are correct.

The Gunners have been eyeing up Fiorentina’s Dusan Vlahovic as an ideal addition to their front line and were reported to have made a bid of around £46 million plus midfielder Lucas Torreira.

That might have been enough to tempt La Viola, but it isn’t for the forward himself.

Vlahovic and his agents are telling Arsenal to look elsewhere as he wants a more “ambitious” club and project, reports Di Marzio, and calls from the club were not returned.

The forward himself has said he wants to help Fiorentina into Europe before considering a move away.

Pep Guardiola tests positive for Covid amid major outbreak at Man City

13:20 , Karl Matchett

Manager Pep Guardiola has tested positive for Covid as part of a major outbreak at Manchester City.

The club have confirmed 21 members of the first-team bubble have tested positive, including the manager and assistant manager Juanma Lillo. Both are now isolating.

City take on Swindon Town in the third round of the FA Cup on Friday.

The club confirmed the news with a statement on Thursday.

“Pep Guardiola will miss tomorrow evening’s FA Cup trip to Swindon Town after testing positive for Covid-19,” it read. “The City manager recorded a positive test on Tuesday along with assistant Juanma Lillo. Both are now isolating, along with a number of other positive cases within the City first team bubble.”

Full report on the 21 people at Man City now isolating:

Pep Guardiola tests positive for Covid amid major outbreak at Man City

Maitland-Niles heading to Roma on loan

13:00 , Karl Matchett

Arsenal’s versatile performer Ainsley Maitland-Niles will fly to Rome today to complete a loan move, reports the Athletic.

Jose Mourinho is keen to add him to the squad at Roma, with Maitland-Niles utterly unable to land a regular spot with the Gunners this season.

Roma want a permanent option for the summer, but in the short term this move is all-but-sealed with a medical, personal terms and work permit already sorted.

Everton bid for Longstaff rejected

12:50 , Karl Matchett

Everton have seen an offer for Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff rejected by the St. James’ Park club.

90 mins report that he has not made a big impression on Eddie Howe and as he’s out of contract at the end of the season, a move is possible - but they have turned down the opening bid as they wait to see who they can lure in during the January window.

Their “stance could change later in the window” if Howe lands his targets, however.

Norwich send out Mumba on loan

12:48 , Karl Matchett

Norwich have sent youngster Bali Mumba out on loan after just three appearances in the first half of the season. Plenty of fans expect him to step up if and when Max Aarons is sold, so some serious game time with the Posh could come in handy for his chances next year.

Newcastle to raise bid for Sevilla defender Diego Carlos

12:30 , Karl Matchett

Having reportedly seen a £25m bid for Sevilla centre-back Diego Carlos rejected, Newcastle are set to go back with another offer worth far more.

The Express claim a £40m bid is incoming from the St. James’ Park club, hoping to rebuild the back line to the extent it saves them from the drop this season.

With Sevilla fighting for the title in LaLiga however, it would be a huge surprise if the Brazilian opted to switch leagues mid-season and give up a shot at winning the Europa League title, too.

Ed Woodward leaves Man United

12:15 , Karl Matchett

Manchester United have confirmed the departure of Ed Woodward as of 1 February, with Richard Arnold stepping up from Group Managing Director to fill the void as Chief Executive Officer at the club on the same date.

Joel Glazer thanked Woodward for his service during 16 years with United and said fans should look forward to “a new phase in the club’s evolution, with ambitious plans for investment in Old Trafford”.

Arsenal and Tottenham fight for £50m Tariq Lamptey

12:02 , Karl Matchett

A north London battle is brewing, as Mikel Arteta and Antonio Conte both hope to lure Brighton wing-back Tariq Lamptey in a £50 million deal.

That’s the report claimed by the Express, with Lamptey unquestionably impressing since joining the Seagulls from Chelsea in 2020. They’ll make a huge profit from that signing, which was for around £3m, despite the defender spending a long period out injured.

While it can be argued that he fits the profile Spurs might need - Conte plays wing-backs, Matt Doherty is out of favour and Emerson Royal hasn’t been an immediate success - there’s rather less of a case to make for Arsenal being keen.

They signed Takehiro Tomiyasu in the summer and he has excelled at right-back in a four-man line, being one of the Gunners’ most consistent performers s they find consistency.

West Ham want double defensive reinforcement

11:40 , Karl Matchett

Lucas Digne isn’t only wanted by Chelsea, it seems.

Reports are fairly widespread suggesting West Ham are keen on him as an alternative to Aaron Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku, though it would be a huge move from the Hammers if they were to seal that deal.

Elsewhere, Foot Mercato are reporting that they want to take Malang Sarr on loan from Chelsea for the second half ofthe season, boosting David Moyes’ centre-back options amid a spate of injuries at the London Stadium in that position.

They face competition from Strasbourg, Watford and Torino, continues the report.

Digne wanted by Chelsea

11:28 , Karl Matchett

Everton left-back Lucas Digne does appear to be on the move this month, if a suitable bid is found.

Catalan outlet El Nacional say the former Barcelona man is headed to Chelsea rather than Newcastle, as he doesn’t want a relegation battle and Thomas Tuchel needs players in that role after injuries to Chilwell and, on the other side of the pitch, Reece James.

However, a large part of this particular report centres around former Barca president Bartomeu and his decision to sell Digne and keep Junior Firpo instead, who has turned out to be less impressive and consistent than the Everton man, they say.

One to watch for now.

Liverpool linked again with Luis Diaz

11:14 , Karl Matchett

There is no clear indication from Jurgen Klopp that the Reds will spend this month, and he has already said they won’t buy just to cover for AFCON absences.

But players who are already on Liverpool’s radar for the long haul could be brought in, of course, and they have been widely and constantly linked with Porto wide man Luis Diaz.

Telemundo reporter Andres Cantor tweeted to “watch out” for Liverpool and the Colombian international, with ongoing reports over the past month from Portugues and Spanish media that he’s one Michael Edwards has his eye on.

Thomas Tuchel shows class as improvisation gives Chelsea life after week of turmoil

11:00 , Karl Matchett

Chelsea may well need to look to the transfer market after injuries to Ben Chilwell and Reece James, among others, but Thomas Tuchel looked to within his squad to solve issues against Spurs.

Vithushan Ehantharajah details how the Blues’ boss overcame the Romelu Lukaku sideshow to find creative ways to implement his style and system in the first leg of the Carabao Cup last night.

Several fringe performers came in to shine in the 2-0 win, including Saul and Malang Sarr, so perhaps they will firm up Tuchel’s mind that reinforcements aren’t needed after all.

Thomas Tuchel shows class as improvisation gives Chelsea life after week of turmoil

Conte yet to speak to Tottenham about January transfer plans

10:45 , Karl Matchett

Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte is waiting for a meeting with the club over transfer plans this month.

Conte intends to speak to chairman Daniel Levy and managing director of football Fabio Paratici about how his squad can be improved during the January transfer window, which opened on Saturday.

The Italian wanted extra time to evaluate his players and he is now ready to report back on those he wants to move forward with.

“My expectation is to speak with my club and then to tell them my opinions,” he said ahead of his first return to Chelsea in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.

“This is only my expectation and then the club knows after I speak to the club, they will make the decisions they want to make. I repeat I’m a manager and I’m in a position where I have to make evaluations.”

Full report:

Antonio Conte yet to speak to Tottenham about January transfer plans

Latest Premier League transfer rumours

10:30 , Karl Matchett

Those are the ones which are done and sealed - but those which are still in motion is a much more extensive list.

Among either the most advanced or well-reported and likely to happen seem to be the following:

• Ben Brereton Diaz is wanted by several teams in the top flight, heading up a list of potential Championship players who could step up

• Steven Gerrard has reportedly phoned Philippe Coutinho, hoping to convince his former Liverpool team-mate to join him at Aston Villa

• Kieran Trippier is said to be “close” to a move to Newcastle but reports stating he was in the city on Wednesday appeared to be wide of the mark

Premier League done deals in January so far

10:15 , Karl Matchett

There haven’t been lots yet, but certainly a few mid-table sides have got themselves in gear quickly to make moves - particularly ones for the future.

• Everton sign Ukraine left back Vitaliy Mykolenko at start of January window and add Nathan Patterson transfer from Rangers

• Wolves sign Japan international Hayao Kawabe in their first January move

• Brighton sign Poland international Kacper Kozlowski, with the 18-year-old heading straight out on loan

• ...and the Seagulls offload Jurgen Locadia, who completes permanent switch to Bochum

Sean Dyche to miss Burnley vs Huddersfield after positive Covid test

10:00 , Karl Matchett

Not a transfer rumour, but an important news update for Burnley and their fans.

Clarets boss Sean Dyche will miss his side’s FA Cup tie against Huddersfield on Saturday after testing positive for coronavirus.

Burnley, who play the Sky Bet Championship Terriers in the third round at Turf Moor in a lunchtime kick-off, said on Twitter that Dyche was in isolation.

The Premier League club said: “Burnley Football Club can confirm manager Sean Dyche will miss this weekend’s FA Cup third-round tie at home to Huddersfield, after testing positive for Covid-19 on Tuesday. Sean will now follow the mandatory self-isolation protocols.”

More here:

Sean Dyche to miss Burnley cup clash after positive Covid test

Nottingham Forest set to sign Canadian international Laryea

09:54 , Karl Matchett

Nottingham Forest have looked to MLS for their latest recruit, it seems, with Toronto FC’s Richie Laryea set for a 3.5-year deal.

Matthew Scianitti from TSN reports that Laryea, a former Orlando City player, has turned down an extension from Toronto which would have made him the league’s highest-paid full-back to make the move.

After a medical today, the 22-cap Canadian should seal his move shortly.

Atletico Madrid target Premier League pair to replace Trippier

09:30 , Karl Matchett

We already know Kieran Trippier’s move to Newcastle seems fairly well advanced, but his replacement is not yet clear at the Wanda Metropolitano.

According to Marca, Atleti are looking to England not just for a sale but for their next signing too: Chelsea’s versatile skipper Cesar Azpilicueta, or Wolves’ rampaging wing-back Nelson Semedo.

The former is out of contract in the summer and has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona so far, though there’s always the possibility of extending at Stamford Bridge too.

Semedo, a former Barcelona player himself, would be the more costly option but the report suggests Atleti wanted him three years ago and are keen to realise their old “dream”.

Morata won’t be leaving Juventus, says Allegri

09:16 , Karl Matchett

Alvaro Morata has been linked with an end to his Juventus spell, which could spark a striker merry-go-round. Barcelona reportedly wanted him, with Juve in turn going for - among some linked - Divock Origi or Anthony Martial.

But Max Allegri has been clear: he’s happy with Morata and he wants him to stay.

“I’ve spoken to him and I’ve told him he’s not going, to ignore the rumours,” Allegri told journalists.

Both Origi and Martial are out of favour at their respective clubs, but they won’t seemingly be headed to Turin - at least as Morata replacements.

West Ham make loan offer for Gabigol

09:05 , Karl Matchett

Brazilian striker Gabriel Barbosa didn’t make too many headlines when he came to Europe with Inter MIlan, but he has again thrived back in his home country, earning a spot with the national team and winning major trophies.

Now West Ham want to sign him on a year-long loan, reports Spanish outlet Sport, with a £5m loan bid already made - but his club Flamengo are holding firm over a €33m (£27.6m) release clause.

The 25-year-old has also been linked with Newcastle, but the Hammers seem to have made the first move.

Everton and Newcastle chase Bruno Guimaraes

08:51 , Karl Matchett

Everton have already added two full-backs to the squad this month; now Rafa Benitez is turning his attention to midfield.

Lyon’s Bruno Guimaraes is the target, with the Brazilian having been part of the Olympic gold-winning squad in Tokyo last summer.

They are not the only team keen on signing him though. Newcastle will rival them for his signature, reports the Evening Standard, while the Express say Arsenal are also in the hunt.

Lyon have struggled this season and sit 11th in the table, with Guimaraes one of their most regular and reliable starters.

Bayern Munich target one France international to replace another

08:43 , Karl Matchett

Kingsley Coman has been rumoured to be wanting to depart Bayern Munich for some time and L’Equipe believe this may be the year he does so.

It’s more likely at the end of the campaign, though, and the Bavarian giants are already setting their sights on Ousmane Dembele to replace him.

Coman has previously been linked with Chelsea and Liverpool, among other sides, while Dembele is out of contract at the Camp Nou in summer and has had horrendous injury problems during his time in Spain.

He scored in the Copa del Rey last night to help Barcelona come from behind and win.

Liverpool defensive duo set to attract interest

08:31 , Karl Matchett

Liverpool have already turned down one bid for Nathaniel Phillips, while Neco Williams is keen to leave in search of more regular action.

That’s the word from Sky Sports, who say an unnamed Premier League club offered £7m for the centre-back - with the Reds keen to bring in around double that amount if they let him go. Phillips starred in the San Siro against AC Milan this term but has found game time extremely hard to come by despite signing a new deal in the summer.

Williams is a Wales regular and, with their World Cup play-off on the horizon, reportedly wants to protect that role he has and will move on if necessary.

There is no confirmation of whether it would be a loan or a sale if he was to depart.

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard uses personal links to Coutinho

08:18 , Karl Matchett

Steven Gerrard has been in touch personally with Philippe Coutinho to try and convince the Brazilian to join Aston Villa, reports Spanish media El Partidazo.

The two played together at Liverpool but matters haven’t gone well for Coutinho since he left, with even his Champions League win with Bayern Munich coming as a bit-part on-loan player.

Barcelona desperately need to offload some players this window so they can register any new signings, which includes Ferran Torres who has joined from Manchester City.

Coutinho, now 30, is reportedly wanted by at least half a dozen sides, several of them in the Premier League.

Newcastle close on Kieran Trippier deal to kickstart January rebuild

08:10 , Jack Rathborn

Newcastle are hopeful of completing a deal for England defender Kieran Trippier as they prepare to launch their January rescue mission in earnest.

It is understood ongoing discussions between the Magpies, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), and Atletico Madrid are progressing in encouraging fashion, and reports from Spain on Tuesday suggested the full-back did not train with his teammates.

Trippier played the full 90 minutes in Atletico’s 2-0 La Liga victory over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday and pointedly took his time after the final whistle to applaud fans who watched him help the club claim its first league title in seven years years last season.

However, sources on Tyneside were insisting on Tuesday afternoon that he was not in Newcastle amid speculation that his arrival was imminent.

Lazio open Divock Origi talks with Liverpool

07:55 , Jack Rathborn

Divock Origi could be on his way to Lazio after the Italian club’s sporting director Igli Tare opened talks with the Reds, report Lazio News24.

The Belgian forward could move this month with the 26-year-old set to become a free agent this summer.

However, Origi has proven himself to be a key player in the closing stages of games, which may give Jurgen Klopp reason to resist boosting his funds ahead of a long season with every squad stretched by injuries and Covid.

Manchester United target January move for Ruben Neves

07:45 , Jack Rathborn

Manchester United are keen to make a January move for Wolves’ Ruben Neves.

The Sun claim that the Portuguese midfielder is a priority for this month to boost Ralf Rangnick’s side.

Neves played a key role in Bruno Lage’s side’s win at Old Trafford this week, providing Rangnick with a close-up of the potential upgrade to his midfield.