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.
Speaking of Islam Slimani ... Jose Mourinho has reiterated that Tottenham will not make any knee-jerk signings this January.
Spurs are desperate for a replacement for Harry Kane, who could miss the rest of the season with a hamstring injury, having been left without a recognised striker on their books.
They have been linked with plenty of names so far this month, with Paris St Germain's Edinson Cavani the latest, but any target has to meet certain criteria.
Mourinho has made it clear that Tottenham's world will not end at the end of this season and says new signings must be part of the club's long-term vision.
"To do something, you have to do something that is good for our future too, not just good for tomorrow," said Mourinho ahead of Wednesday's home clash with Norwich.
"Something that is good for the future too and of course the club is very aware of it and the club is very committed of course but we want to do something that is right by every point of view.
"So I don't speak about other players from other clubs, about things that can happen or not happen because that's not me and that's not the way Tottenham operate too.
"But we are trying to see if any good opportunities arise."
Leeds United have a plan to replace Eddie Nketiah, according to The Mirror.
The newspaper this morning reports that Leeds are hopeful of signing Middlesbrough's Britt Assombalonga.
The Daily Mail claim that Bournemouth's poor form could spur them into action this month.
Their top transfer target? Lyon forward Bertrand Traore - formerly of Chelsea - who would set them back a cool £35m.
Steve Bruce hopes to sign Valentino Lazaro for Newcastle, with the 23-year-old available after Inter Milan's moves for Victor Moses and Ashley Young.
Lazaro has failed to make an impression under Antonio Conte since a £19m move from Hertha Berlin in the summer.
“It’s fairly common knowledge now. That his agent was at the St James’ Park during the weekend,” Bruce said. “We hope that we can develop it.
“Unfortunately, when it gets out like it does it adds to the competition and we’ll see. We’ll see what the next 24 to 48 hours will bring.”
Liverpool are reportedly in a battle with Paris Saint-Germain for Nice wonderkid Pedro Brazao.
That's according to the Daily Star, who also claim the 17-year-old winger has attracted the attention of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Sporting Lisbon.
Brazao has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign this season and is a star of Portugal's Under-19 team.
And the Star claim that Liverpool have already been in contact with the player's management agency ahead of a possible bid.
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was quizzed about the January window in his press conference yesterday.
And Solskjaer suggested he may look to the transfer market to cover for Marcus Rashford's absence.
He said: "That is the million dollar question for us because Marcus has been fantastic. Someone's got to step up.
"If we find something in the transfer market that might be one solution, but the best solution is the players stepping up and taking their chance."
West Brom are poised to make an £8m offer for Dinamo Zagreb winger Mislav Orsic.
That's according to The Telegraph who say the Championship leaders want to sign him and one other player this window.
Manchester United are growing increasingly fearful that they could lose 20-year-old prospect Tahith Chong on a free transfer this summer.
Chong is soon to be out of contract and has held talks with Inter Milan, according to the Daily Mail.
Barcelona and Juventus are also reportedly interested in the player.
There are mounting rumours that Gareth Bale could return to Tottenham Hotspur on loan this month.
Numerous newspapers have this morning reported that bookies have suspended the betting on Bale leaving Real for Spurs.
The Independent meanwhile understands that Bale would be open to moving back to north London - although any deal seeing him return to Spurs would be incredibly difficult to finance.
Spurs would need Real Madrid to finance well over half of the Welshman's wages ... with Bale currently earning around three times that of Harry Kane, Tottenham's best-paid player.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments