Transfer news: Man Utd make Bruno Fernandes breakthrough but Arsenal and Liverpool suffer blows
Review all the day's transfer news, rumours and gossip
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.Review all the day's transfer news, rumous and gossip Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and across Europe.
Manchester United and Arsenal were both in the headlines this afternoon as they considered moves for Paris Saint-Germain’s soon-to-be departed striker Edinson Cavani. The Uruguayan is out of contract at the end of the season and available on a free transfer, and reports in his homeland suggest that offers have already been made from the two Premier League clubs along with Atletico Madrid. Chelsea meanwhile are on the hunt for a defender, with eyes on Issa Diop of West Ham and their former centre-back Nathan Ake at Bournemouth, with £40m bis prepared for both depending on who the club decide to focus on.
Tottenham Hotspur meanwhile are looking at Barcelona centre-back Samuel Umtiti despite long-term interest from Arsenal and United, with the France international facing a somewhat uncertain future as Barca are keen to move him on this season, while another star defender who appears to be on the market is Juventus’s Matthijs de Ligt, who despite only arriving in Italy at the start of the season is already being linked with a loan move back to Ajax after failing to settle in Turin. Follow all of the latest 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.
Manchester United have suffered something of a transfer blow this weekend, according to The Sun.
The club have been chasing Donny van de Been this window, but the newspaper claims the midfielder has decided to stay put at Ajax, for now.
The 22-year-old is also wanted by Real Madrid and, according to Marca, will wait for the Spanish club to bid for him in the summer.
"I'll definitely stay at Ajax until the end of the season, and may even continue to the next one," he told the Spanish newspaper.
Sporting Lisbon’s manager has admitted Bruno Fernandes could soon leave the club.
Speaking after a 3-1 win over Setubal, Silas said: “I can’t guarantee any of these things because I don’t know. Bruno is a huge player and all players like him have a lot of market. I don’t like to think about it, but I’ll be thinking of alternatives in case Bruno leaves.
“I hope it doesn’t happen, but we have to start thinking that”.
Eddie Howe has pledged to “reflect” on his position at Bournemouth after another heavy defeat this weekend.
He told the BBC: “Always. You're always looking at whether you're doing good enough and whether ultimately you're helping the team.
“That's something I'll have to reflect on.
“I felt the players were very keen to do well. There's no problem in terms of attitude or endeavour.”
Manchester United had scouts present at Lyon vs Bordeaux this weekend to watch Moussa Dembele in action, according to The Sun.
The striker has been persistently linked with a move to Chelsea.
Tottenham could make a late move for Bruno Fernandes, according to Football London.
The Sporting Lisbon midfielder is thought to be close to a move to Manchester United, but it has been reported that Spurs could hijack that deal, with an offer than involves Juan Foyth moving to Portugal on loan.
Where that would leave Tottenham's bid for Gedson Fernandes remains to be seen.
Alan Shearer has warned James Maddison against quitting Leicester City this month.
“I totally understand why, if it's true, Manchester United would want James Maddison because he's a very, very good player,” Shearer told Coral.
“But I would be amazed if Leicester were to let him go in this transfer window. The way things are going at Leicester, the way he's playing, what is at stake for Leicester… I cannot see them letting one of their top players go this January.
“If I was him, yes [I'd want to stay at Leicester] at this moment in time.
“When you look at the situation that Manchester United are in in terms of challenging for top four, how much they have to improve, the time that will take.
“I understand that they're a huge football club but, in terms of where James Maddison is at this moment in time, I think he's better off staying at Leicester certainly until the end of the season and then weigh things up again then.”
Some analysis from Miguel Delaney on Jose Mourinho's Tottenham and where they need to strengthen:
Sky Sports are reporting that Gedson Fernandes is expected at Tottenham's training ground this morning.
The 21-year-old will join Spurs on an 18 month loan with a £60m option to buy.
Barcelona are set to be busy this month but their business will likely start with sacking manager Ernesto Valverde.
Blaugrana legend Xavi is set to take his place. Yes, really.
Dermot Corrigan has the latest from Spain.
More on the Barcelona manager situation, which is getting....ugly.
Former Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta believes the Spanish champions are treating coach Ernesto Valverde unfairly.
Barca approached Iniesta's former team mate Xavi Hernandez to replace the under-pressure Valverde who they wanted to sack after defeat by Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final last week, reports in the Spanish media said.
Barcelona are top of La Liga and have lifted back-to-back league titles under the Spanish coach, but there are concerns over the team's levels of performance and style.
"What Barcelona are doing is a bit ugly. They have to have some respect for their current coach, the way things are done are what hurt the most," Vissel Kobe midfielder Iniesta told Onda Cero radio station on Monday.
"Valverde's situation is very weak right now. (Xavi) knows best if he's ready or not."
Reports in Spain suggest Al-Sadd coach Xavi, who played with Iniesta at Barca in their most successful era where they won four Champions League titles among numerous other trophies, will not accept the job until the end of the current campaign and that the club are looking for a short-term appointment.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments