Thursday’s transfer news: Man Utd’s Bruno Fernandes deal collapses, Liverpool continue talks for Pedro Brazao as Tottenham turn to £40m Willian Jose
All of the latest transfer news, gossip and done deals from Thursday 23 January
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Welcome to our live coverage of today’s latest transfer news, gossip and done deals as we bring you the very latest rumours from the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and more.
The biggest transfer story of the window has, of course, been Manchester United’s interest in Sporting Lisbon skipper Bruno Fernandes. After weeks of little movement we are expecting that story to progress significantly in the next 48 hours, as United move to bolster their injury-hit squad. One of Wednesday’s most intriguing rumours was that Daniel Levy has contacted Real Madrid about potentially bringing Gareth Bale back to the club on loan. The Welshman would be open to the move and Real are desperate for him to leave the club – but will Spurs be able to afford his staggering wages, even if partially subsidised by the Spanish giants?
Meanwhile, Liverpool have been fairly active this month and could move for a third younger player while also continuing to monitor Timo Werner, who appears increasingly open to a move to Anfield. And Chelsea are also chasing a new striker and expect the Premier League rivals to clash over the next few days as they pursue similar transfer targets. So stick with us and follow all of the latest transfer news, gossip and done deals live below.
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United and Chelsea have both been linked with Dinamo and Spain star Dani Olmo. There could also be some big moves across Europe. Real Madrid have been linked with a £68m move for Timo Werner, as well as Flamengo wonder kid Reinier, while Arsenal have turned their eyes to RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano as a long-term target.
Leicester City are ready to spend £15m on Southampton defender Jannik Vestergaard.
That's according to The Sun, who report that Leicester are close to a deal for the 27-year-old.
Brendan Rodgers has been after a new defender all season, with Wes Morgan struggling for fitness and Filip Benkovic close to leaving the club on loan.
Most newspapers this morning have reported that Spurs have turned to Willian Jose in their hunt for a new striker, but Turkish newspaper Aksam has thrown another name into the hat.
They say that the club are scouting Fenerbache striker Vedat Muriqi, who is valued at £20m.
The Kosovo international is enjoying a prolific season and has scored 11 goals in 17 games for the Turkish Super Lig side.
Shakhtar Dontetsk centre-back Mykola Matviyenko has opened the door to a move to Arsenal.
The defender has previously been linked with a move to Manchester City but Arsenal scouts are believed to have watched him this month.
And the player's agent has said that he has already held meetings with the north London club.
Matviyenko's agent Yuriy Danchenko told Ukrainian media: "My colleagues and I have been constantly in contact with representatives of the Arsenal, and have meetings.
"We hope that these negotiations will succeed."
Arsenal could turn to Matviyenko after Lyon appeared close to sealing a deal for Bruno Guimaraes, a previous target for the Gunners.
L'Equipe are reporting that Lyon are close to securing a £21m move for the Athletico Paranaense defender.
Leeds United are preparing for a double exit this month.
Guille Amor and Rafa MujIca are set to imminently depart Elland Road this month, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.
The two Spaniards both arrived from Barcelona’s academy as development signings but have failed to break into the Leeds first-team.
Chelsea are considering selling Kepa and replacing him with ... Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope.
That's according to 90Min who say the Blues are seriously considering selling the 25-year-old this summer, even though they are painfully aware they are unlikely to recoup a significant portion of the £71.6m they shelled out on him.
Wolves transfer target Nelson Oliveira has told current club AEK Athens that he wants to move to the Premier League.
The 28-year-old previously played for Nottingham Forrest, Norwich and Reading and has enjoyed a prolific campaign in Greece, scoring 9 goals in just 15 league appearances this season.
Arsenal, Liverpool and West Ham are all considering a move for Bournemouth winger Ryan Fraser.
The Daily Mirror are claiming that West Ham are the only club to express a concrete interest in the 25-year-old Scotland international, but that Arsenal and Liverpool are closely monitoring the situation.
Fraser is out of contract in the summer and is yet to agree a new deal with the Cherries.
Speaking of Bournemouth: Middlesbrough, Stoke City and Derby are all competing to sign Jack Simpson on loan.
The 23-year-old defender has made just six appearances this season and Eddie Howe is ready to allow him to temporarily leave to increase his playing time.
Some big news on the Bruno Fernandes move to Manchester United: super-agent Jorge Mendes, who has numerous Portuguese contacts, has admitted the deal is currently in the balance.
“I don’t know [if the transfer will go through],” said Mendes. “If he doesn’t leave now, he will leave for sure in the summer because Sporting have already spoken with other clubs.
“Something will happen but I am not sure if now or at the end of the season.”
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