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
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.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.
Please allow a moment for the live blog to load.
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.
Could West Ham re-sign Dimitri Payet?
French newspaper L'Equipe claim they are interested in reuniting with the 32-year-old .
However, Sky Sports say there is yet to be any contact between the clubs.
Tottenham will be hoping for good news on Harry Winks' ankle injury after boss Jose Mourinho said the midfielder would be out for "weeks not months".
The Spurs midfielder hobbled off during the second half of his side's 2-1 win over Norwich following a challenge from Todd Cantwell and he will be fully assessed once the problem has settled down.
Mourinho was initially too worried to ask his medical staff the severity of the injury immediately after the game, but offered a positive update when he left the stadium.
He said: "It is not a crazy one - hopefully weeks and not months."
He had earlier said in his press conference: "I prefer not to know before I come in here so I come with a normal face.
"I don't want to come in here with a very upset face, so I'm even afraid to ask, but when I leave here I have to ask."
Midfielder Eboue Kouassi has left Celtic for RC Genk.
He'll spend the rest of the season on loan in Belgium.
The 22-year-old has spent three years in Scotland after joining from Krasnodar in the January of 2017.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer finds himself under huge pressure at Manchester United after the home defeat to Burnley on Wednesday night.
So who will United turn to as their next manager if they do pull the trigger?
Here we take a look at their options:
Rangers defender Jon Flanagan insists he is ready to fight for his Ibrox future after receiving a pep talk from boss Steven Gerrard.
The former Liverpool full-back has entered the final six months of his Gers deal and but would love to extend his stay in Glasgow.
Flanagan was back in the Light Blues' starting line-up for Wednesday's 1-0 win over St Mirren as James Tavernier recovers from appendix surgery but it was just his eighth game so far.
"It felt good to be back in the team - good to be back starting a game and great to be back on the pitch," he said. "It's not been difficult to keep myself motivated. Definitely not. You always have to be ready. Things can happen and you see the freak accident with James.
"We have a big squad and everyone is waiting in the wings just in case. Is it a big six months with my contract situation? Definitely. The manager just tells me to go and do what I do every time I play, so I am giving 100 per cent whenever I get on the pitch.
"I would love to be here beyond the summer. It's a great club with great fans. Everything about it great, so I would love to be here."
Arsenal are set to triple Gabriel Martinelli's wages after the 18-year-old's spectacular start at Arsenal.
The Brazilian, who was originally placed in the U23s squad after signing from Ituano for £6.3m in the summer, has scored 10 goals in 21 appearances for Arsenal this season.
Arsenal are reportedly keen to ward off the interest of Real Madrid, according to the Daily Mail, with Martinelli valued at around £50m by the Spanish giants.
Martinelli's current contract doesn't expire until 2024, however, Arsenal now intend to raise his salary to £30,000-per-week after his brilliant solo goal against Chelsea.
Sevilla are the latest club to be linked with Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos.
That's according to Sky Sports.
The La Liga side are on the lookout for a new striker following Javier Hernandez's departure to LA Galaxy yesterday.
Inter Milan are also keen as Antonio Conte looks to add a 65th player to his squad this month.
Bournemouth are looking for reinforcements this month as they bid to get themselves out of trouble.
Borussia Dortmund's Jacob Bruun Larsen is a target but Sky Sports report that the Danish international is not keen on a loan switch.
Lyon's former Chelsea forward Bertrand Traore is another option being considered by Eddie Howe.
RB Leipzig appear to have won the race for Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Dani Olmo.
Spanish newspaper AS say that the Bundesliga leaders will pay €30m up front add-ons that could see a deal reach as much as €45m.
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid were also interested but the Germans apparently have their man.
Will Chelsea sign a striker this month?
PSG's Edinson Cavani has been heavily linked with a switch but with nothing yet moving on that one the Blues could be looking elsewhere.
Reports in France suggest that they could make one last swing for Moussa Dembele before the deadline.
Lyon aren't exactly the easiest team to negotiate with at the best of times so we'll see how this last-minute strategy goes.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments