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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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.
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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.
Inter Milan have signed Victor Moses on loan from Chelsea with an option to make the move permanent, the Serie A side said on Thursday of a deal that reunited the Nigeria winger with his former boss Antonio Conte.
The 29-year-old played for Conte when the Italian was Chelsea manager between 2016-18 and won the Premier League in 2016-17 and FA Cup a season later.
"Having the opportunity to work with the coach again is something I'm really happy about," Moses told the Inter website.
"I've spoken to him and he's already explained the club's project to me. I want to be part of it, I'm happy to be here."
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer conceded his squad is "stretched" and made his strongest appeal yet for new signings to help his team after a miserable 2-0 home defeat to Burnley in the Premier League on Wednesday.
"We are working to improve and get players in, and hopefully we can get something over the line. I think everybody can see these players are being stretched, they are stretched, and I've got absolutely no complaints on any of them because they give absolutely everything they've got," the United boss said.
Three key players - midfielders Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay and top scoring striker Marcus Rashford - are out with long-term injuries, and having off-loaded several players in the summer, the Norwegian's options are limited.
"We know we have to strengthen, and we took that decision that some of these players, we let them go, because we needed to start afresh with a clear sight on target in front of us and that means a certain type of player in the squad," he said.
"This is our second defeat at home and first since August. I thought we had turned that corner," Solskjaer added.
Hearts have agreed a fee with Atlanta United for the sale of winger Jake Mulraney.
The 23-year-old will join the Major League Soccer club when the American transfer window opens on 12 February.
Mulraney scored two goals in 52 appearances after joining Hearts from Inverness 18 months ago.
The signing was hailed by former Rangers defender Carlos Bocanegra, who is Atlanta's vice-president and technical director.
Bocanegra told his club's website: "We're excited to add another quality attacking player to our club in Jake.
"He's a direct player with a lot of pace who can play anywhere across the front three."
Hearts have continued their January clear-out by offloading Jake Mulraney and Craig Wighton.
Hearts agreed a fee with Atlanta United for the sale of winger Mulraney and loaned fellow forward Wighton to Arbroath.
Mulraney will join the Major League Soccer club when the American transfer window opens on 12 February.
Manchester United's deal for Bruno Fernandes has fallen through, according to reports.
Sporting proposed a deal which would see United pay €65m up front and a further €15m in add-ons.
But United were unwilling to meet that valuation of a player who was touted as a €45m prospect for Tottenham Hotspur last summer.
And now, according to The Sun, the two clubs have reached an impasse, with neither willing to budge on their demands.
It is claimed co-chairman Joel Glazer, who signs off on transfers, believes the structure of the deal that Sporting want is not right and that Fernandes is not worth the money.
As in every transfer window, a slew of Brazilian soccer talents are being linked with big-money moves to the top European leagues.
Here's a look at some of the young Brazilian players who could end up at a new club before the end of the January window:
Pedrinho
The 21-year-old Corinthians playmaker scored seven goals in 54 matches last year and is viewed as the most creative player in Brazil's Under-23 team at the ongoing Olympic qualifying tournament in Colombia.
Matheus Henrique
The 22-year-old Gremio midfielder has already caught the attention of Brazil coach Tite, who called him up for two friendlies in 2019. He is seen as a future replacement for Fernandinho in Brazil's national team, but his style is more similar to Barcelona's Arthur, with great passing skills and the ability to score from distance.
Antony
The 19-year-old Sao Paulo forward was the top scorer of Brazil's U23 team in 2019, netting five times in nine games. He is often compared to Tottenham's Lucas Moura. Germany's Red Bull Leipzig has already had a 20-million-euro offer rejected, while Manchester City is reportedly keen on him as well.
Bruno Guimaraes
The 22-year-old box-to-box midfielder helped Athletico Paranaense win its first Brazilian Cup title in 2019. Guimaraes is a skilled passer with pace and stamina similar to Liverpool's Fabinho. Lyon and Atletico Madrid are reportedly interested, and Brazilian media outlets say the French club offered 25 million euros for his transfer, but Athletico wants more.
Gabriel Veron
The 17-year-old right-winger was named best player at last year's U17 World Cup in Brazil, leading the host to the title. He has already scored two goals for Palmeiras as a professional. Veron will only be allowed to join a foreign club after he turns 18 in September. But teams could be tempted to strik a deal with the starlet right away.
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