Manchester are ready to table a huge offer to try and land a Real Madrid Star, while Arsenal have lined-up a Barcelona ace to replace Mesut Ozil, according to Thursday’s papers.
Man Utd Table Huge Offer For Real Star
Manchester United have reportedly tabled a huge offer to try and sign Real Madrid star Marco Asensio this month.
Jose Mourinho is desperate to strengthen his United squad before the end of the month, as the Red Devils look to claw back the growing gap to Manchester rivals City.
Reports coming out of Spain suggest that Asensio is one of Mourinho’s top targets, despite the Spain star being contracted at Real until 2023 and having a crazy £443million release clause.
The report goes on to state that United’s offer is “massive”, even though the 21-year-old has been mostly used from the bench for Real this season.
It is said that both Real boss Zinedine Zidane and president Florentino Perez are willing to cash in on the attacking Midfielder and that Mourinho believes he can make Asensio one of the world’s best players if he moves to Old Trafford.
In 26 appearances for Real this season, Asensio has scored 7 goals and provided 3 assists, while he has started only one Champions League game and has 9 La Liga starts.
Arsenal Enter Rafinha Race
One of the negatives from the Carabao Cup semifinal first-leg goalless draw between Arsenal and Chelsea at Stamford Bridge -- besides the utterly boring nature of the match -- on Wednesday night was Jack Wilshere's injury.
Although it's not thought to be serious at first glance, Wenger must consider entering the market for cover and Barcelona Star Rafinha could be an attractive option.
Sport claims the Gunners have approached the player with a view to moving this month amidst the arrival of Philippe Coutinho and the subsequent lack of opportunities the Brazilian will now likely have under Ernesto Valverde.
Celta Vigo and Inter Milan are also keen on the Rafinha, who is valued at an affordable €20m by the Blaugrana.
Wenger Looks To Malcom As Alexis Replacement
Alexis Sanchez was left on the bench for the first leg against Chelsea, further suggesting he is edging towards the exit. And despite Arsene Wenger's protests to the contrary over his wantaway Chile star, he may already be looking for his replacement, according to the Mirror.
The Gunners have initiated talks with Bordeaux over Brazilian forward Malcom, who will cost around £45 million.
Tottenham and Manchester United have also been monitoring the 20-year-old after hitting seven goals in Ligue 1 this term.
Arsenal know that their fans will demand immediate reinforcements if they do salvage the little value left in Sanchez by selling to Manchester City, meaning another forward could be brought in.
Boca Juniors' Cristian Pavon, likely available at around £30m, is another target as Wenger looks to overhaul his attack in light of his talisman imminently on his way out.
Liverpool Hold Secret Talks With Target As Move To Former Club Is Vetoed
Liverpool have emerged as favourites to sign Dani Ceballos after reports in Spain deemed it not possible to make a return to his former club Real Betis.
It was suggested earlier this week that Ceballos is desperate to leave Real Madrid this month after he struggled to make an impact since his €18million switch from Betis over the summer.
The player is tipped as one of the next big things in Spanish football but the move has failed to live up to expectations with the central midfielder consigned to just two appearances in La Liga for Zinedine Zidane’s side.
While Liverpool have been touted as a potential destination, his former club Betis had also stated their intentions to move for the player this month.
Liverpool Learn Keita Premium As Leipzig Soften Stance On January Move
Liverpool have been handed fresh hope Naby Keita could arrive at Anfield this month after RB Leipzig appeared to soften their stance over the early release of the midfielder.
The Reds have already agreed a deal in excess of £50million to sign the Guinea midfielder on July 1, with the deal set to see the Reds pay a transfer premium in addition to his release clause, dependent on how Leipzig fare this season.
But after the departure of Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona, Jurgen Klopp is eager to reinforce his squad.
Now Liverpool have reportedly been given encouragement they can bring Keita’s move forward, provided they pay RB Leipzig a premium of at least £13million, the Liverpool Echo reports.
This appears to be backed up by reports in the German media, with Bild going as far to say as the two clubs have been in talks over an early deal with the Bundesliga side completely softening their stance.
The report states Leipzig would allow Keita to leave this month for a fee of between €15m and €20m (£13m-£17.5m).
It’s claimed Leipzig’s change of heart comes after being told they need to generate extra revenue in order to not fall foul of UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules.
Man City Continue Evans Talks
Manchester City are continuing talks with West Brom over the signing of Jonny Evans, according to the Telegraph, with the Northern Ireland international set to decide on his future.
The Baggies centre-back could cost around £21m -- a similar fee to the one that the Blues bid last summer due to the 30-year-old's contract now just 18 months from expiring.
Pep Guardiola is the main attraction for Evans, who would prefer to stay in the northwest rather than head south to Arsenal, who are also keen.
Alan Pardew hopes a decision will be made over Evans' future one way or the other soon as he is conscious of the time constraints to reinvest the money in order to beat the drop.
Others
Tottenham are ready to offer Dele Alli a new-and-improved contract to ward off interest from Manchester City and Real Madrid, claims the Telegraph.
The England star has four years to run on a £60,000-per-week deal, yet Spurs know that is well below his market value and are now ready offer new terms at £100,000-per-week.
Juventus and Sampdoria have held a meeting over transfers with Uruguayan midfielder Lucas Torreira and Belgian star Dennis Praet top of the list for the Old Lady, according to Sky Sport's Gianluca Di Marzio.
Juve would reportedly prefer Praet and could make a move this month, while the Blucerchiati could take back Rolando Mandragora or Alberto Cerri on loan as part of the deal.
Inter Milan are close to signing former Chelsea midfielder Ramires from Jiangsu Suning with Tuttosport quoting the Brazilian as saying: "I want Inter."
Olivier Giroud is to stay at Arsenal and fight for his place as he targets a World Cup role with France (The Sun)
Tottenham have started new contract talks with Dele Alli amid transfer links with European giants including Real Madrid and PSG (Daily Mirror)
West Ham have been told that they will have to pay £15m for Bournemouth and Republic of Ireland midfielder Harry Arter (Daily Mirror)
Liverpool want to reward striker Roberto Firmino with a new contract keeping him at Anfield for the rest of his career (Daily Telegraph)
Arsenal want Barcelona star Rafinha to replace contract rebel Mesut Ozil (Daily Star)
Jonny Evans is weighing up his options after Manchester City and Arsenal contacted West Brom over a deal (Daily Express)
Brendan Rodgers is in no hurry to smash the Celtic’s transfer record to sign on-loan striker Odsonne Edouard from PSG (Daily Express)
Quique Sanchez Flores has emerged as a contender to become Stoke manager as the club continue to consider an approach for Martin O’Neill (Daily Telegraph)
Manchester United will have to pay up to £27m to sign 22-year-old Belgian midfielder Leander Dendoncker from Anderlecht in January (Manchester Evening News)
Everton have joined the race to sign Arsenal forward Theo Walcott (Liverpool Echo)
Roy Hodgson says Crystal Palace’s injury crisis will speed up their search for new signings this month (Daily Telegraph)
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