Transfer news LIVE: Chelsea eye Perisic swoop, Frenkie de Jong bid LATEST, Rafa Benitez SACKED by Everton – updates
THE January transfer window is OPEN, and deals are being completed all across Europe!
Chelsea are aiming to make a big statement after reportedly making a £33.3m bid for Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong.
The Catalans are said to be holding out for £50m, but that price could drop to £41.75m if youngsters Nico Gonzalez and Gavi continue their excellent progress, according to reports in Catalonia.
And the Holland ace is ready to listen in what could prove a significant breakthrough in contract talks.
The Blues are also said to be interested in Inter Milan star Ivan Perisic.
Erling Haaland is a summer target for Real Madrid, who are confident they can land both him and Kylian Mbappe.
Plus we've the very latest with Everton sacking manager Rafa Benitez after yet another defeat, this time at lowly Norwich.
When does the 2022 January transfer window close?
The transfer window opened on January 1, and closes on the 31st at 11pm.
Clubs will be able to sign and sell players during that time, with the Premier League's winter break due to take place while the final week of the window is going on.
Get all the latest transfer news, gossip and updates here…
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- Ian Tuckey
Ron’s stroke of luck
Cristiano Ronaldo chose to spend his Sunday relaxing in his pool wearing a pair of tiny swimming shorts as he recovers from injury.
The 36-year-old missed Manchester United’s 2-2 draw at Aston Villa with a thigh issue.
But he seemed happy enough as he posted an envious photo of him in a pool onto Instagram.
He simply captioned it ‘relaxing’ and gave the thumbs up, sporting his own branded shorts – although they might have been boxers.
SunSport exclusively revealed he left training early because of a new injury, and it saw him miss the trip to Villa Park.
Interim chief Ralf Rangnick said: “With Ronaldo, it’s unfortunate, it’s still the same problem.
“I had a conversation with him yesterday before and after training and he decided he’s not fully fit, but hopefully he’ll be available on Wednesday.”
Ronaldo was looked at by United’s medical specialists before driving home where he will make use of his own private oxygen chamber he has had put in his house.
- Ian Tuckey
Jess perfect for Tottenham
Spurs legend Clive Allen has urged his former side to sign Jesse Lingard to provide Harry Kane with some extra support.
Allen told talkSPORT: “He is a talented player and at the moment Spurs are looking for an injection. One, they need some creativity in that midfield area.
“Harry Kane is looking a little frustrated at the lack of opportunities created for him.
“Someone of Lingard’s quality would be a fabulous addition.”
- Justin Lawrence
Vlahovic latest
Arsenal have submitted a hefty new transfer bid for Fiorentina marksman Dusan Vlahovic, reports say.
The 21-year-old Serbian striker is ready to leave and the Gunners are desperate to replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
According to Corriere della Sera, Arsenal have submitted a fresh bid worth £50million PLUS Lucas Torreira.
It was said to be all over for Arsenal when a £58m price tag was placed on the Serbian international.
But the addition of Torreira in the deal has re-ignited excitement in the North London camp.
Torreira, 25, is currently on loan at Fiorentina and has become a crucial part of their midfield.
So Arsenal are hoping they can land Vlahovic by teasing a swap deal using the Uruguayan.
- Justin Lawrence
Simply the best
Twitter users blasted Crystal Palace captain Luka Milivojevic for praising fellow countryman Djokovic.
Following Djokovic’s removal from Australia, Milivojevic aimed a dig towards the media for pushing a false narrative about Djokovic alongside a post listing the world no.1’s achievements.
The Palace star also wrote ‘simply the best’ above his post to the dismay of several Twitter users who told him he should be more.
- Justin Lawrence
Chelsea told to increase De Jong offer
Chelsea will reportedly need to pay £50million to secure Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong this month.
Earlier this week it was claimed that the Blues had submitted a £33m offer to the Catalan giants for the creative Dutchman.
But the bid is expected to be rejected as Barcelona want a higher fee if they are to let the 24-year-old depart in the January window.
And, according to El Nacional, £50m is the asking price Chelsea will have to meet to secure his services.
- Justin Lawrence
No demands made
Borussia Dortmund have expressed dismay over Haaland’s remarks claiming that the German side were pressuring him to make a decision over his future.
Dortmund’s sporting director Michael Zorc insisted that they’ve made no such demands.
Zorc told Kicker: “Erling’s statements surprised us a bit.
“There is currently no deadline, no deadlines, and there have not even been any discussions. But that we want and have to have talks at some point is clear, understandable and only professional.”
- Justin Lawrence
Chelsea ‘interested in Perisic transfer'
Chelsea are interested in signing Inter Milan star Ivan Perisic, according to reports.
Thomas Tuchel is believed to be keen on signing a left wing-back amid the long-term injury to Ben Chilwell.
Perisic can operate in that role on either flank which is why Chelsea are considering a move, report The Mirror.
The Croatian, 32, has just six months left on his deal at Inter.
And that means the Serie A outfit will reportedly consider offers to sell him this month – rather than risk losing him on a free in the summer.
Tottenham and Arsenal are also said to be interested in Perisic but The Blues could offer him regular game time with only Marcos Alonso available.
- Justin Lawrence
Spurs should sign Lingard
Spurs legend Clive Allen has urged his former side to sign Jesse Lingard to provide Harry Kane with some extra support.
Allen told talkSPORT: “He is a talented player and at the moment Spurs are looking for an injection. One, they need some creativity in that midfield area.
“Harry Kane is looking a little frustrated at the lack of opportunities created for him.
“Someone of Lingard’s quality would be a fabulous addition.”
- Justin Lawrence
Newcastle defender Schar wanted by Bordeaux
Fabian Schar is a shock target for French side Bordeaux.
The defender, 30, is a Newcastle regular but the Ligue 1 side want to take him full time and on a long-term contract.
The Geordies are not in a rush to lose Schar but they may trade before the window shuts.
Schar is out of contract in the summer and can agree terms now.
They would like to have him on board immediately but would have to pay a nominal fee.
Bordeaux are fighting relegation and the move may not be there for Schar if he stays with Newcastle in the summer.
- Justin Lawrence
Sal about that
Mo Salah scored a sumptuous volley as Egpyt scraped a narrow Africa Cup of Nations win.
But once again there was plenty of VAR controversy as Guinea-Bissau had a goal of their own ruled out.
The Pharaohs lost their Group D opener to Nigeria but just about bounced back with a 1-0 win, despite another poor performance.
And they had captain Salah to thank for his winner.
With 69 minutes on the clock, Egpyt attacked down the left through the Liverpool ace.
The ball was worked infield before Amr El Solia played a reverse chip over the Guinea-Bissau defence.
Salah watched it closely on to his clinical left boot and struck a sweet hit from a tight angle that was too hot for Jonas Mendes to handle.
- Justin Lawrence
Ronaldo's missus misses supermarket shopping
Georgina Rodriguez has admitted that she misses going supermarket shopping with her football star husband Ronaldo.
Georgina, asked how she coped with having cameras outside her door and the effect fame had on her daily life, told leading daily El Mundo: “That’s the part I find most difficult and miss the most with Cris.
"Things like wanting to go to a shop or supermarket like I see a lot of couples doing.
“At times I think we have a lot of good things, but it’s hard not being able to go to corner cafe, always having to go to restaurants well-organised so people don’t bother you, that you can’t go to school to pick up your kids.
“You lose a lot of everyday things that you had before, that Cris lost a long time ago and neither of us have now.
“We don’t live locked away at home all the time, Cris works and trains but we go to have dinner and buy things at quieter places.”
- Justin Lawrence
Juventus ‘want Partey in swap for Arthur’
Juve have asked for Thomas Partey in a swap transfer with Arthur, according to reports.
But it is understood Arsenal are unwilling to allow their Ghanaian star to be part of a deal.
According to Sky Sports Italy, though, the two clubs are still in negotiations over a potential transfer for Arthur.
The Gunners are in desperate need of bolstering their midfield and Mikel Arteta is a big fan of the former Barcelona man.
SunSport understands Juventus are happy for the Brazilian to leave but want to sign a replacement first with Aaron Ramsey also set to depart.
And that is why they wanted to try and get Partey as part of the deal.
- Justin Lawrence
‘Vlahovic signing would be massive’
Paddy Kenny reckons Vlahovic will be a great signing for Arsenal that will take them to the ‘next level’.
Kenny told Football Insider: “He’s only 21, and for club and country, he has one in two, I mean, wow.
“It would be one hell of a statement. It would be a massive statement for them.
“Arsenal have really picked up this season and putting a striker like that in the team might take them to that next level.
“I think they have been looking a bit toothless in front of goal at times.
“They are missing that top-quality striker that the other big six teams have.
“If they get this guy, and I think they can, it would be a massive, massive signing for them.
“He looks deadly and if he’s scoring that many goals in Italy there is a good chance he can do it in England as well.”
- Justin Lawrence
Bailly transfer in limbo
United are reportedly open to letting Eric Bailly join AC Milan on loan.
The defender has also given his consent to a switch to the Serie A side, according to sempremilan.
However, the proposed deal could fall through as United and Milan can’t seem to agree on the finer details of the move.
The two issues said to be holding up an agreement between the parties is the loan fee and potential buy-out clause, sempremilan claim.
- Justin Lawrence
Arsenal given Tielemans transfer boost
Arsenal have been handed a huge boost in their transfer pursuit of Youri Tielemans as Brendan Rodgers admitted the midfielder has to ‘look at all options’.
And Rodgers knows he may have to think about preparing for a time without the influential Tielemans in his side – especially if Leicester miss out on European football next season.
The Northern Irishman said: “You always have to [plan for life without players], that is key. You always have to be looking ahead, that’s important.
“Youri is at an age and at a stage in his contract where he has to ensure he looks at every option.
“I would love it to be here at Leicester, that is natural, but I understand it’s a very short career.
“Once the player is committed, focused and professional it’s never a worry for me.
“With Youri you can see his joy of being here, he loves being here and you have to respect these guys’ careers are short.
“If we are going to lose one we have to be ready for the next one to come in.”
- Justin Lawrence
Mike Ashley's Toon rescue plan
Mike Ashley is planning talks with Steve Gibson and the Football League to solve problems between Derby and Middlesbrough.
Ex-Newcastle owner Ashley wants to buy Derby County but has yet to commit to a deal — with Boro’s bid for compensation from the Rams a major problem to any buyer.
Boro owner Gibson and Ashley were relatively close when Ashley was at the Toon and they may be able to find a compromise.
Boro want a pay-off from Derby’s Financial Fair Play crimes as they say it cost them a shot at promotion from the Championship, and the EFL want the issue settled quickly.
So much so they have threatened to kick Derby out of the Championship in the middle of this season.
But Ashley would prefer the EFL to sort out the dispute without the threat of compensation claims or future legal action.
American Rich Riley is set to throw money behind a rival bid to rescue Derby.
- Justin Lawrence
Eriksen could seal Prem move this week
Christian Eriksen is poised to make a return to the Premier League, according to reports.
The 29-year-old is currently a free agent after being released by Inter Milan last month.
Eriksen was banned from playing in Serie A with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator – but he will be allowed to play in the Prem.
And there are a host of top-flight clubs eager to sign the Dane, report The Times.
The midfielder hopes to complete a move by the end of next week – several European clubs are also keen.
But Eriksen is eyeing a move back to England in what would feel like a homecoming move for the former Tottenham star, according to his agent Martin Schoots.
- Justin Lawrence
Sevilla vs Real Betis abandoned
Real Betis' derby match against Sevilla was ABANDONED after Joan Jordan was struck by a metal pole thrown from the stands.
The Sevilla star, 27, was hit on the head by the object while Nabil Fekir was celebrating Betis' equaliser.
ordan received medical treatment on the pitch before being escorted to the sidelines where he was joined by his team-mates.
The Betis players remained on the pitch while the RFEF decided whether or not to continue the Copa del Rey Round of 16 tie.
And after 50 minutes the match was called off.
- Kealan Hughes
Overnight round-up
Manchester City could pursue Vinicius Jr over Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe is tipped to stay at PSG.
Borussia Dortmund goal machine Haaland and pacy French World Cup winner Mbappe are arguably football's two hottest properties.
But it's claimed City are ready to look at Real's Vinicius because United and Bernabeu target Haaland could be too tough to recruit next summer.
Meanwhile, Mbappe is coming round to the idea of signing a new short-term deal with PSG – ruling out a free transfer exit to Real at the end of the season.
Fiorentina frontman Dusan Vlahovic is still interesting Arsenal, despite fears his £58million asking price could scare off admirers.
And Juventus reportedly want Gunners' midfielder Thomas Partey in exchange for Arthur Melo.
Spurs and West Ham are said to have joined Arsenal in monitoring Eintracht Frankfurt wideman Filip Kostic.
On the pitch, Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick and two-goal hero Bruno Fernandes were fuming after Aston Villa earned a 2-2 comeback draw.
Pep Guardiola's City went 13 points clear at the top after Kevin de Bruyne's wonder winner against second-placed Chelsea.
And Everton are on the brink of sacking boss Rafa Benitez as a dismal 2-1 loss lifted Norwich off the bottom.
Finally, Liverpool will overhaul Chelsea if they beat Brentford in today's 2pm clash, before West Ham host Leeds at 4pm.
- Ian Tuckey
Roo-dison Park boss?
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has been tipped to return to Everton as manager after doing an 'out of this world' job at Derby.
The Toffees are getting ready to sack under-fire Rafa Benitez with chiefs holding an emergency meeting after Saturday's shock loss to Norwich.
That left Everton with just one win in their last eleven games, sliding from fourth in the Premier League to fifteenth.
Fans voiced their discontent during the 2-1 loss at Carrow Road and, with the writing seemingly on the wall for the former Liverpool boss, a return for hero Rooney has been a hot topic.
Rooney, 36, has impressed this season in charge of Championship crisis club Derby, in his first managerial role.
And Jamie Redknapp reckons the former England captain might be the man for the job at Goodison.
Speaking as a pundit on Sky Sports, Redknapp said: "People are talking about Wayne Rooney, the job he is doing at Derby is out of this world.
"The fact that he's even got them in the position to stay up, this would be the greatest escape of all time.
"Whether he's the right fit, I don't know, but these are the options they will be looking at."
- Ian Tuckey
Kyle and wife in 'spat with neighbours over vulgar language'
EXCLUSIVE: England ace ace Kyle Walker and wife Annie are embroiled in a spat with neighbours in their village over accusations of “swearing and screaming”.
Residents complained terrace-style language had regularly turned the air blue at the Manchester City defender’s mansion.
A source said: “The neighbours are so annoyed — it is a pleasant area and the language is often vulgar.”
Mum-of-three Annie, 29, was furious about the allegations while Kyle, 31, tried to act as peacemaker, without success.
The source added: “The neighbours are no longer speaking to them.
"They had a row with Annie because they could hear swearing and screaming coming from their garden.
"This is a nice part of the world, full of leading business executives, and they don’t expect to be subjected to such language.
“It wasn’t just a whisper, it was loud shouting and they’re sick of it. They can hear obscenities from inside their house and say she has a bad temper.”
Our source claimed of the swearing bouts in Prestbury, Cheshire: “It has happened a lot — and recently.
- Ian Tuckey
Clarets eye Benteke and Origi
EXCLUSIVE: BURNLEY are putting Belgium strikers Christian Benteke and Divock Origi top of their emergency hit list.
Boss Sean Dyche plans to spend his £25million Chris Wood windfall on Prem experience and the Clarets are investigating both targets.
Palace gave Benteke, 31, a new deal and he is a regular starter but he could be available for around £10m.
He also took less money to stay with the Eagles and is in the range of what Burnley pay — but there would be a snag if he was asked to take a relegation cut.
Benteke was left out of the starting line-up at Brighton on Friday and Palace would spend the cash on a bid for Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah or keep Mainz loanee Jean-Philippe Mateta permanently.
Liverpool striker Origi is also in their sights but will take some persuading to swap Anfield for Turf Moor at this stage of his career — and in mid-season.
- Ian Tuckey
Ralf: Martial REFUSED to be in squad
Ralf Rangnick has sensationally revealed that wantaway forward Anthony Martial REFUSED to be involved in the squad to face Aston Villa.
The Red Devils dropped more ground in the race for the top four after blowing a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 against the Villans on Saturday evening.
United were without Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford for the clash in the Midlands due to injury.
And with Martial unwilling to feature for the club, United were forced to hand youngster Anthony Elanga his first start of the Premier League season.
Having ruled himself out of travelling with his team-mates, United had to name just eight substitutes – including two goalkeepers.
Martial has let it be known to interim boss Rangnick that he wishes to depart the Theatre of Dreams this month as Sevilla look to secure his services.
The 26-year-old continues to push for a move away with Rangnick declaring the player has no interest in pulling on the United shirt.
Speaking of his absence following the disappointing result against Villa, the German gaffer said: “He didn’t want to be in the squad.
- Ian Tuckey
Baker finally quits the Bridge
Forgotten midfielder Lewis Baker is finally leaving Chelsea after 16 YEARS – on a 30-month deal with Stoke.
The 26-year-old was once hailed by ex-Blues boss Jose Mourinho as a potential great.
But he has played just two senior matches – FA Cup ties with Derby in 2014 and Chesterfield last weekend.
He had loan spells with Sheffield Wednesday, MK Dons, Vitesse Arnhem, Middlesbrough, Leeds, Reading, Dusseldorf and Trabzonspor.
NINTCHDBPICT000704736301Credit: Getty - Ian Tuckey
'Nervous' Coutinho hails 'good start'
Hero debutant Philippe Coutinho admitted he had 'missed' the Premier League- as he came on to inspire Aston Villa's 2-2 comeback draw with Manchester United.
The ex-Liverpool playmaker bagged an assist and the equaliser in his first game in England for four years.
Coutinho said: “I missed these games and the Premier League.
“I was a little bit nervous, but it was a good start.
"We kept believing until the end, and now I want to work hard to improve and be in better shape.”
Credit: Getty
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