Transfer news round-up: Maurizio Sarri scolds Bayern Munich over Callum Hudson-Odoi as Cesc Fabregas’ Monaco move is confirmed
Read all of Friday's transfer news plus gossip, rumours and done deals
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Your support makes all the difference.The Premier League‘s January transfer window is well underway with Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea all set to be busy.
It was the Blues whose transfer dealings stole the headlines on Friday as Cesc Fabregas’ long-awaited move to Monaco was finally completed. The Spanish midfielder, who made 501 appearances in England football winning two Premier League titles and two FA Cups, joins Thierry Henry’s struggling French side on a three-and-a-half year contract.
However, before the move was confirmed, it was Maurizio Sarri who stole the limelight after the Chelsea manager took aim at Bayern Munich over their approach for 18-year-old Callum Hudson-Odoi. Sarri claimed the German champions have shown no respect for Chelsea after Munich’s sporting director, Hasan Salihamidzic, stated publicly that he “really wants to sign” the English starlet.
Read about all of Friday’s news, views, rumours, gossip and done deals below.
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Good morning and welcome to today's Independent transfer live blog.
The January window is upon us with the Premier League’s biggest clubs set to spend, spend, spend as the sales re-open.
We'll bring you all the latest news plus all the done deals and the juiciest gossip throughout the day right here so don't touch that dial.
Without further ado, off we go.
Let's start at Chelsea where their search for a striker could finally be over.
The Telegraph report that AC Milan's Gonzalo Higuain is set to join on loan until the end of the season with the option of making the move permanent in the summer.
With the Argentine currently on loan at the San Siro parent club Juventus would have to rubber stamp the switch, however, and are more keen on a permanent sale.
We'll keep across this one throughout the day.
More from Chelsea where the club are said to have rejected an approach from Barcelona this month.
The Catalan giants are long-term admirers of the Brazilian and - according to the Telegraph - have asked about a swap deal with fellow countryman Malcom heading the other way.
That was met with a firm no, it is reported.
Jadon Sancho has no interest in a return to the Premier League and is loving life in Germany.
The former Manchester City youngster and England international has been linked with a move back - but he's more than happy where he is.
Asked by reporters if he plans to stay in the Bundesliga, Sancho said: "I will. I just want to play football and I'm getting that opportunity here. I'm happy right now."
Liverpool are keen on signing Trabzonspor midfielder Abdulkadir Omur this month.
That's according to the Sun who say the 19-year-old has caught the eye of Jurgen Klopp.
Newcastle are also said to be keen.
Manchester United have made a new centre-back their No 1 target this month.
New boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will meet with executive vice chairman Ed Woodward this week to discuss plans.
And The Sun report that Roma's Kostas Manolas is one being considered.
The Greek international defender has a £32m buyout clause.
To Arsenal where the Gunners are looking for reinforcements this month.
One of Unai Emery's top targets remains Barcelona's Denis Suarez with the midfielder surplus to requirements this month.
However, the Mirror report Barca are playing hardball over a potential loan deal with the option of making the move permanent in the summer.
It is suggested they want to sell the 25-year-old rather than loan him this month.
Some breaking news from the Championship now.
Aitor Karanka has left Nottingham Forest with immediate effect.
Rather than being sacked, however, the Spaniard has chosen to opt out of his contract at the City Ground.
Tottenham's Mousa Dembele is being linked with a move away this month, and Beijing Guoan are the latest club to show their interest in the Belgian.
Dembele has returned to training following an ankle ligament injury, but the midfielder's contract runs out in the summer.
And at 31, Dembele believes he is now struggling with the physical demands of the Premier League, which has ignited interest from the Far East according to the Daily Mail.
West Ham forward Marko Arnautovic is ready for a new challenge and wants the club to accept the £35m offer from a Chinese club, says his agent.
Danijel Arnautovic, the West Ham player’s brother and agent, believes the Premier League club have been presented with a ‘fantastic offer’ by an unnamed Chinese side and says the 29-year-old wants to leave.
In a statement, Danijel said: “It is his (Arnautovic's) great desire that West Ham accept the offer from China." However, determined to keep their talisman, a West Ham United spokesperson said: “Marko has a contract and we fully expect him to honour it. He is not for sale.”
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