Transfer news LIVE: Chelsea target Erling Haaland and David Alaba, Liverpool given Kylian Mbappe boost
All the latest rumours, gossip and done deals from the Premier League and around Europe as the transfer deadline looms
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Welcome along to live coverage of all Friday’s transfer news, rumours, gossip and done deals from around Europe as the deadline approaches. There have been some notable done deals so far, including Arsenal wrapping up a loan deal with Real Madrid for Norway midfielder Martin Odegaard. While the injury problems are piling up for Jurgen Klopp, who continues to discuss his club’s lack of business this month, with Joel Matip’s injury perhaps finally forcing a change of heart over whether to sign a short-term solution to their defensive crisis.
Tottenham, too, could look for options late in the window with the news Harry Kane is injured again with an ankle problem. While Manchester United could dip into the market to steady their title challenge, which took a hit with defeat to Sheffield United on Wednesday - Christoph Baumgartner is among the names linked to Old Trafford this month.
There will be exits at United too with fringe players likely to be pushed out the door, including Jesse Lingard, who will likely stay in the Premier League and has been linked to West Ham.
Elsewhere Tottenham have made contact with Angel di Maria about a possible move to the north London club, according to L’Equipe, as the 32-year-old’s contract runs out this summer. First, PSG want to bring Spurs midfielder Dele Alli the other way on loan until the rest of the season.
Reports in Germany say the new Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel already has already identified the RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano as his top target as he seeks to make an impact at Stamford Bridge. Frank Lampard’s sacking has meanwhile had the knock-on effect of leaving West Ham more confident than ever of keeping hold of Declan Rice. Follow all the latest news below.
NO MORE SIGNINGS FOR VILLA
Aston Villa have made some good new signings bringing Emi Martinez and Ross Barkley into the club last summer and more recently Morgan Sanson in this window. They’ve helped Villa get to 10th in the table and they look in good form.
Manager Dean Smith is happy with where his side are at and he doesn’t expect any new incomings before the deadline. He said:
We’re not looking to bring anyone else in at the moment. We have a healthy squad, a healthy bench as well, so I am quite comfortable where we are at.
"We're closer to the top four than the bottom four. We’ve added quality and started the season well. We’re still disappointed with results that have gone against us."
HOPE FOR NEWCASTLE TAKEOVER
Newcastle takeover optimism grows with barriers to deal beginning to shift
A year on from initial talks the uneasy renewal of relationships in the Middle East may be a cause for positivity on Tyneside
BRUCE HINTS AT NEW SIGNINGS
Newcastle manager Steve Bruce has hinted at some possible new arrivals at St. James’ Park. He was asked whether Leicester City’s Hamza Choudhury was an option and Bruce said:
It’s somebody we’ve liked, it’s been reported, but, as I’ve said, I’m never going to speak about anybody else’s players. I think that would be wrong, but it’s somebody that we do like.
“Well, we’ve had to be patient. I’ve got one or two calls to make in the next 24 hours. We’re still hopeful we can get one or two over the line.”
TUCHEL RULES OUT LATE SIGNINGS
New Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has ruled out any late January signings saying he is happy with how the squad looks so far.
The Blues spent an elaborate £200 million last summer bringing in the likes of Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech but Tuchel isn’t expecting any more arrivals. He said:
No, but it is hard for me to judge right now. I am very happy with what I have seen so far. N'Golo Kante came back today so we have 22 players and the goalkeeper.”
EVERTON’S TOSUN IN DEMAND
Celta Vigo have entered the race to sign Everton striker Cenk Tosun on loan.
Former club Besiktas want to re-sign Tosun and have made him their number one transfer target, while CSKA Moscow are said to be interested in the 29-year-old Turkey international.
KOULIBALY KEEN ON UNITED TRANSFER
Kalidou Koulibaly is reportedly keen on joining Manchester United according to a report from Marca.
Koulibaly still has two-and-a-half years left to run on his contract with Napoli but has been generating interest from Premier League clubs including United and Liverpool.
However it seems unlikely that Manchester United would meet Napoli’s £100 million asking price for the 29-year-old centre-half.
Premier League champions Liverpool may be more willing due to their injury problems at the back.
Marca say that Koulibaly is eager to complete a move to Manchester United to hand Solskjaer a boost in the race to sign the Napoli defender.
The Senegal international has made 18 appearances for Napoli in the Serie A this season.
MBAPPE COMMITTED TO PSG
Highly rated Kylian Mbappe has been linked with a move away from PSG this summer despite having 18-months left on his contract.
Howver, PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino has played down the rumours saying Mbappe is happy at the French side:
Kylian Mbappe ‘fully committed’ to PSG, says Mauricio Pochettino
French forward only has 18 months remaining on his contract in Paris
PELLISTRI SET FOR LOAN MOVE
New Manchester United signing Facundo Pellistri could be set to move away from the club on a loan deal before Monday’s deadline day.
United are in tlaks with Spanish side Alaves to take the youngster on loan in order to further his senior development.
The 19-year-old has been given the green light to leave on loan with other clubs, such as Club Brugge, also interested according to Goal.
“There have been talks and quite a few clubs interested in Facundo to go out on loan and that’s maybe something we’ll let him do now.” said United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. "He’s had a few games in the reserves and we want him to have regular football at a high level."
CITY SET FOR FRIMPONG WINDFALL
Manchester City will get more than £3 million of Jeremie Frimpong’s transfer from Celtic to Bayer Leverkusen because of a 30 per cent sell-on clause.
The Dutch right-back moved for £11.5m earlier this week, having joined Celtic from City for £300,000 in 2019.
BOURNEMOUTH ANNOUNCE PEARSON
Bournemouth have signed Ben Pearson on a three-and-a-half-year deal from Preston North End for an undisclosed fee.
The 26-year-old began his career at Manchester United, becoming a regular for the under-21 side and featuring in the UEFA Youth League.
He enjoyed two successful loan spells at Barnsley before signing permanently for Preston in January 2016.
While at Deepdale, he made 165 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals.
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