We are into the penultimate day of the January transfer window with Premier League clubs up against it in the scramble for late additions to make a decisive impact at the business end of the season.
Liverpool have seemingly kicked into life entering the 11th hour as they seek emergency defensive cover to solve their injury crisis. The Reds opened talks over a move for Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida, who is on loan from RB Leipzig, and while their pursuit of the Dutchman has stalled, they remain ready to rival Chelsea for Rennes starlet Jeremy Jacquet.
The Blues, meanwhile, have freed up space on their wage bill after the termination of Raheem Sterling’s reported £325,000-per-week contract, with Tottenham among the clubs interested in the free agent. Spurs are also understood to be keen on rivalling Inter Milan for the signature of former Aston Villa winger Moussa Diaby.
Premier League leaders Arsenal are plotting a bid for Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez, who is reportedly unhappy with his situation at Atletico and could be in favour of the move - while on the other side of the Spanish capital, Real Madrid are targeting Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot.
Follow all the latest transfer news, gossip, rumours and done deals in The Independent’s live blog below
Transfer news live
- Liverpool agree deal for Jacquet after hijacking Chelsea move
- Alvarez 'unhappy' at Atletico as Arsenal learn price
- Liverpool bid to sign Geertruida collapses
- Palace bid for Strand Larsen accepted with Mateta set for Milan move
- Dalot considered by Real Madrid and Bayern Munich
- Sterling leaves Chelsea by mutual consent
Julian Alvarez 'unhappy' at Atletico as Arsenal learn price
07:30 , Will CastleJulian Alvarez continues to be of interest to Arsenal and Gary Lineker believes he would be a fantastic signing for the club.
Alvarez had scored 40 goals in 86 games for the Spanish side and would bring more firepower to the Gunners forward line.
ESPN reports the Spanish club would reportedly demand a fee in excess of €100m to sell the player.
Alongside Arsenal, both Barcelona and Chelsea are said to be tracking the Argentina international.
And Atletico could be more willing to sell Alvarez, should they get a deal for Ademola Lookman over the line.
“I saw they were linked with Julian Alvarez who I know is not entirely happy with life at Atletico,” Lineker said on the Rest is Football podcast.
“Now that is the sort of player you know can handle the big occasion – he’s a World Cup winner for crying out loud.
“Someone like that at Arsenal would be game over. But they do need one or two of these current forwards to start scoring on a reasonably regular basis.”
Why Arsenal need to follow Pep Guardiola’s example to end Premier League drought
07:00 , Chris McKennaArsenal’s win over Leeds was not so much about steadying the ship.
That is because it more felt like in recent weeks the door was ready to blow on an engine room full up with steam rather than the boat rocking such was the pressure building.
Their victory at Elland Road, a four-goal rout of the Premier League strugglers, put them back on course in the title race and eased fears they were starting to sink under the weight of apprehension which was building around North London after a three-game winless run gave Manchester City and Aston Villa more than a bit of hope.
Why Arsenal need to follow Pep Guardiola’s example to end Premier League drought
Carrick wants Rashford back at Man Utd if he's kept on
05:00 , Will CastleIf Michael Carrick is retained as Manchester United head coach beyond this season, he wants Marcus Rashford back from his loan spell at Barcelona, according to the Telegraph.
Rashford was cast out at Old Trafford after falling out with former manager Ruben Amorim but has shown promise at Barca, bagging nine goals and 12 assists across all competitions.
Tottenham rival Inter Milan for Diaby
04:00 , Will CastleTottenham are set to rival Inter Milan for former Aston Villa winger Moussa Diaby, The Independent understands.
Diaby left Villa Park for Saudi side Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2024, with the Villans bringing in a transfer fee of £50m for the Frenchman.
However, the winger is now open to returning to a Champions League club and is assessing his options.
Tottenham are exploring the possibility of signing Diaby in this window.
Tottenham set to rival Inter Milan for ex-Aston Villa winger Moussa Diaby
Why Raheem Sterling’s sad decline is symptomatic of a chaotic Chelsea era
03:00 , Will CastleA good day to bury bad news became a very good day to bury bad news. Chelsea FC announced Raheem Sterling’s departure two-and-a-half hours before kick-off on Wednesday. Later that night, they had beaten a man consigned to their past rather earlier, and after a rather more successful time at Stamford Bridge, in Antonio Conte.
Overcoming Napoli in Italy was the best result of Liam Rosenior’s brief tenure, and one of the finest since Sterling last kicked a ball for the Blues. It left Chelsea sixth in the Champions League standings: impressive, even for a club who have spent some £1.6bn in under four years.
Why Raheem Sterling’s sad decline is symptomatic of Chelsea’s chaos
Dominik Szoboszlai makes statement of intent to extend Liverpool contract
02:00 , Will CastleDominik Szoboszlai has said he would love to commit his long-term future to Liverpool by signing a new contract.
The midfielder has revealed he is in talks with the club although he said there has been no progress and he believes the issue is out of his hands.
Szoboszlai’s current contract expires in 2028 but Liverpool have already started to discuss an extension with the 25 year old, who joined from RB Leipzig in 2023 for £60m.
And the Hungary captain is keen to sign. “I would love to,” he said. “I like the city, I like the club, I like playing with these guys, I love Anfield, I love the fans, let’s see what the future holds. Let’s see what happens, hopefully everyone will be happy at the end.”
However, Liverpool are no nearer to agreeing a deal with Szoboszlai adding: “It’s not in my hands. There is no progression but if the right offer comes then let’s see.”
Szoboszlai makes statement of intent to extend Liverpool contract
Wolves accept Palace bid for Strand Larsen
01:00 , Miguel DelaneyCrystal Palace have had their latest offer for Jorgen Strand Larsen accepted by Wolves, The Independent understands.
The offer is £43m guaranteed plus £5m in add-ons, with it understood that the Norwegian’s medical has been booked in.
It coincides with the imminent exit of Jean-Philippe Mateta, with AC Milan agreeing a £30m deal with the Eagles for the Frenchman.
Premier League clubs battle for George
00:00 , Will CastleEverton have asked to take Chelsea forward Tyrique George on loan with an option to buy, per the Daily Mail.
They face competition from Premier League rivals Sunderland for his signature.
On the chance of Everton adding a signing before the deadline, David Moyes replied: “Yes I do [think there’s a chance]. But don't have a big headline saying he thinks it's coming because it might not and then we disappoint people.”
Palace see Ordonez bid rejected
23:45 , Miguel DelaneyCrystal Palace have bid Palace bid €40m for Club Brugge centre-back Joel Ordonez in an effort to replace Marc Guehi before the end of the transfer window, The Independent understands.
The bid, however, has been rejected by the Belgian club.
Ordonez was previously linked with Liverpool in the January window, though the links were far from concrete.
Tottenham 'definitely still in the market'
23:30 , Will CastleThomas Frank has asserted that Tottenham are still in the transfer market ahead of tomorrow’s deadline.
"I have plenty of support,” he said. “We are definitely still in the market. We hit a little bit hard with injuries but let's see."
BREAKING: Liverpool agree £60m deal for Jeremy Jacquet after hijacking Chelsea move
23:23 , Richard JollyLiverpool have agreed a £55m deal with Rennes for centre-back Jeremy Jacquet.
The 20-year-old, who was a Chelsea target, will move to Anfield in the summer after Liverpool agreed a fee with the French club.
It could rise to £60m including add-ons and would make Jacquet the second most expensive defender in Liverpool’s history, after Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool agree £60m deal for Jeremy Jacquet after hijacking Chelsea move
Besiktas enquire about West Ham keeper
23:00 , Will CastleBesiktas have asked about West Ham goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, according to the Daily Mail.
The 25-year-old was signed from Leicester City for £20m last summer but has struggled for form and has not been favoured by Nuno Espírito Santo.
He has made just five appearances and Besiktas are asking for a loan with option to buy.
Glasner sidesteps transfer talk
22:31 , Will CastleCrystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner refused to get involved with transfer talk following his side’s 1-1 draw with 10-man Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
Jean-Philippe Mateta was not in the Palace squad amid reports that he is on his way to AC Milan to be replaced by Jorgen Strand Larsen moving from Wolves to Selhurst Park.
When asked about transfers, Glasner said his only focus was on the match.
He said: “I don’t know. I just told you before in all the interviews, told the board. I don’t want to talk about the transfers today because I want to focus on the game, this group of players.
“I know Adam Wharton, Daichi Kamada and Evann Guessand will be training tomorrow and hopefully available for Brighton next Sunday.
“Then we have a clear agreement and commitment it will be JP Mateta or somebody else. I don’t know how the situation is.
“But if JP leaves, a striker, a number nine comes in and then let’s see what’s happening but I would prefer not to talk the day before deadline day so much about transfers.
“My wish would be everything is sorted two weeks ago so we can train, we can focus and develop. I spoke to my staff this week, we have to make a step backwards.”
Oliver Glasner sidesteps striker transfer talk after draw with Nottingham Forest
Brighton's Watson set for Millwall loan
22:00 , Will CastleBrighton’s Tommy Watson is set to join Millwall until the end of the season, according to The Athletic.
Watson scored the winner for Sunderland in last season’s play-off final but has made just six Premier League appearances for the Seagulls this term.
Zinchenko seals Arsenal exit
21:30 , Will CastleOleksandr Zinchenko has left Arsenal to join Ajax on a permanent transfer.
The Ukraine left-back had been at Nottingham Forest on a season-long loan.
That deal was ended by mutual consent, with the 29-year-old instead moving to the Netherlands to join the Eredivisie side.
Arsenal said: "We thank Alex for his contribution to the club and wish him and his family well in their new chapter."
Napoli renew interest in Jadon Sancho
21:00 , Will CastleNapoli have renewed their interest in Jadon Sancho and are weighing up a summer move.
Corriere dello Sport add that the United loanee is one name on a five-strong shortlist.
Real Betis' Abde Ezzalzouli, OGC Nice's Jeremie Boga, Atalanta's Daniel Maldini and Sassuolo's Armand Lauriente are the other names listed.
Patterson completes Millwall loan
20:30 , Will CastleSunderland keeper Anthony Patterson has joined Millwall on loan for the remainder of the season.
The 25-year-old, who will be reunited with former Black Cats boss Alex Neil with the Sky Bet Championship club, has made 169 appearances for the Wearside club and was a member of the side which won the Championship play-off final at Wembley last season to secure a return to the Premier League after an eight-year absence.
However, summer signing Robin Roefs has been Regis Le Bris' number one so far this season and Patterson has made just a single appearance, in August's Carabao Cup second round defeat by Huddersfield.
Sunderland's sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said: "Anthony has been a standout performer for us in recent seasons, and it's important for him to maintain regular playing time at this stage in his career.
"Although Robin's quick transition and impressive performances have reduced his opportunities, he's continued to train at a high level, and this loan provides the necessary platform for him to continue developing his game."
Liverpool interested in Upamecano amid stalling Bayern contract talks
20:00 , Will CastleLiverpool are interested in Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano as the Frenchman continues to stall over a new deal at the German giants, per Sky Germany.
"Everyone is waiting for his commitment, his signature. His contract is ready. But Bayern Munich will not improve their offer," Florian Plettenberg said.
"Upamecano can sign it, [taking him until] 2030 or 2031. There's a release clause included from the summer of 2027. He can earn 20m Euros gross per year and receive a big signing feed, together with his agent.
"But Bayern is waiting for weeks, they want a decision soon. My opinion is he's waiting for Liverpool, for Real Madrid.
"Liverpool is interested in Upamecano, we can confirm that."
Geertruida to Liverpool now looks off
19:50 , Will CastleLiverpool have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Lutsharel Geertruida.
The Reds had opened talks over a move for the on-loan Sunderland defender, hoping to bring him in to provide emergency right-back cover.
However, The Times now report a deal is not expected to happen now with Sunderland not in a position to sanction a move for the player, whose parent club is RB Leipzig.
Chelsea interested in Endrick?
19:30 , Will CastleAnother fairly sensationalist claim from Spanish media but one you could see being true!
Fichajes reports that Chelsea are targeting a move for Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Endrick, who has impressed since moving to Lyon on loan recently.
The report claims that the Blues would be willing to make a deal up to €80m, though any move would be complicated by the fact that the 19-year-old is under contract at the Bernabeu until 2030.
I’m in a toxic relationship with Newcastle United – and I’m breaking up with Eddie Howe... maybe
19:00 , Adam CleryI’ve been getting asked to “say something” about Newcastle United for, like, six months now, so here you are. My name is Adam Clery and I am in a toxic relationship with my football team.
The problem I have is that I cling – tightly – to two entirely contradictory opinions. The first is that I actually don’t ever want Eddie Howe to not be Newcastle United manager. I’d give him the job until he is biologically unable to keep doing it. In 100 years’ time I would quite happily see a brain floating in a jar of formaldehyde on the touchline, Adidas-branded electrodes running wires to a printer that just keeps spitting out a piece of paper with “4-3-3” written on it.
The repeated, improbable joy he has brought me during his tenure at this club means his credit in the bank can never fully be spent. He could run us all the way down to the National League North and I’d still be in the pub after a 0-0 with Scarborough Athletic loudly going, “Aye lads, but come on, that’s the man who won us a trophy.”
But, at exactly the same time, I also think maybe his time at Newcastle is coming to an end.
Liverpool make contact for Jacquet
18:30 , Will CastleLiverpool have made contact with Rennes over a deal for Jeremy Jacquet in the summer, according to Sky Sports.
Arne Slot’s side face strong competition from Chelsea who have held a long-term interest in the player.
Rennes have said he is not leaving during this window, so several interested clubs are trying to secure him for later in 2026.
Miguel Delaney: Inside Football
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Juventus close to securing Man City youngster
17:40 , Will CastleJuventus are closing in on the signing of Manchester City forward Justin Oboavwoduo, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The 19-year-old announced yesterday that he is leaving the club and follows another prospect, Bayern’s Adin Licina, through the door in Turin.
Coventry close in on Onyeka
17:20 , Will CastleCoventry are close to finalising a deal with Brentford to sign midfielder Frank Onyeka on loan, according to Sky Sports.
Should it happen, the deal is expected to be an initial loan with an obligation to buy if Coventry go up.
The final decision will be up to the player.
More Chelsea-Strasbourg dealings
17:00 , Will CastleChelsea new boy Aaron Anselmino is set to move to Strasbourg on loan, per Fabrizio Romano.
The Argentinian defender signed from Borussia Dortmund this month but was never going to return temporarily, with Chelsea picking sister club Strasbourg as the best solution.
It comes amid talk that Mamadou Sarr will be recalled from his loan at the Meinau by the Blues imminently.
Gomes set for Wolves loan
16:40 , Will CastleWolves are set to complete a loan move for Marseille midfielder Angel Gomes, per BBC Sport.
Talks have been ongoing between the clubs over a return to the Premier League for the former Manchester United player, and it’s reported that Englishman Gomes will join Wolves in a deal that includes an option to buy.
Liverpool plot move for emergency right-back as injury crisis deepens
16:20 , Richard JollyLiverpool are in talks about a loan move for Lutsharel Geertruida as they look for a solution to their right-back injury crisis, The Independent understands.
The Netherlands international, who played for head coach Arne Slot at Feyenoord, is currently at Sunderland.
And arranging a deal in the last 36 hours of the transfer window would have complications as it would require ending his loan at the Stadium of Light, striking a deal with RB Leipzig to take the defender to Anfield and getting Geertruida to agree to it.
Geertruida is one of a number of options Liverpool are considering, with his Netherlands teammate Denzel Dumfries thought to have been discussed.
Liverpool plot move for emergency right-back as injury crisis deepens
Ademola Lookman set for Atletico Madrid move
16:00 , Will CastleAdemola Lookman is set to sign for Atletico Madrid, according to Fabrizio Romano.
An agreement is in place for a €35m fixed fee plus €5m in add-ons, with Lookman having agreed a long-term deal with Atletico.
The Spanish club are now planning travel and a medical for the Nigerian.
🚨🔴⚪️ Ademola Lookman to Atlético Madrid, here we go! The agreement is in place on every detail.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 1, 2026
€35m fixed fee, €5m add-ons to Atalanta and long term deal agreed by Lookman after decision last night.
Atlético, planning now for travel and medical next for the Nigerian. 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/soAS1eVVJZ
Ex-Newcastle star Allan Saint-Maximin leaves club after children racially abused
15:40 , Will CastleFormer Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin has left Mexican side Club America by mutual consent after claiming that his children were the victims of racist abuse.
Earlier this week, the 28-year-old Frenchman posted on social media about his family being targeted.
Saint-Maximin, who has also played for Al-Ahli and Fenerbahce since leaving St James' Park in 2023, wrote on Instagram: "The problem is not the colour of your skin, it's the colour of your thoughts.
"I'm being attacked, not a problem - I grew up, I learned to fight against attacks... but there's one thing I will never tolerate is my kids being picked on.
"Protecting my children is my priority and I will fight to make sure they are respected and loved, regardless of their background or colour of their skin. Hate and discrimination has no place in our society.
"So to those who dared to mess with my kids, I'm telling you: you made a mistake. I will always fight to protect mine, and there is no person or threat that will scare me."
Ex-Premier League star leaves club after children racially abused
Javi Gracia resigns from Watford post
15:20 , Will CastleJavi Gracia has left his managerial role at Watford after a meeting with the board today.
Charlie Daniels, Dan Gosling and Adrian Mariappa are set to take charge of the first team for the trip to Hull on Tuesday, according to Sky Sports.
Watford lost 2-0 at home to Swansea on Saturday.
Sunderland sign Ellborg
15:00 , Will CastleSunderland have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Melker Ellborg on a contract until the summer of 2030.
The 22-year-old arrives on Wearside from Malmo on the back of an impressive 2025 with the Swedish side, where he kept five clean sheets in seven league games and has been involved in their Champions League and Europa League campaigns.
Sunderland confirmed that the goalkeeper, who started his career with IFK Berga, will not be eligible for their Premier League clash against Burnley on Monday night.
Forest sign forgotten Man City goalkeeper
14:40 , Will CastleNottingham Forest have signed goalkeeper Stefan Ortega after agreeing a deal with Manchester City.
The German moves to the City Ground on a free transfer, though the transfer could net City £500,000 if clauses are triggered.
Ortega is set to be Forest’s back-up goalkeeper to Matz Sels after John Victor was ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.
Stefan Ortega Moreno is a Red! 🧤 pic.twitter.com/v2USok0nHb
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) February 1, 2026
Inter want Curtis Jones as Liverpool linked with emergency right back
14:20 , Richard JollyInter Milan want Liverpool FC midfielder Curtis Jones.
The Serie A leaders could propose a loan with an option for a permanent move to the Premier League champions.
However, Liverpool are reluctant to let anyone leave this transfer window, with their squad already stretched.
But Inter’s Denzel Dumfries could be of interest to Liverpool as they look for a right-back after losing Conor Bradley for the rest of the season and Jeremie Frimpong for several weeks.
Inter want Curtis Jones as Liverpool linked with emergency right back
Wolves accept Palace bid for Strand Larsen
14:00 , Miguel DelaneyCrystal Palace have had their latest offer for Jorgen Strand Larsen accepted by Wolves, The Independent understands.
The offer is £43m guaranteed plus £5m in add-ons, with it understood that the Norwegian’s medical has been booked in.
It coincides with the imminent exit of Jean-Philippe Mateta, with AC Milan agreeing a £30m deal with the Eagles for the Frenchman.
Dominik Szoboszlai makes statement of intent to extend Liverpool contract
13:46 , Will CastleDominik Szoboszlai has said he would love to commit his long-term future to Liverpool by signing a new contract.
The midfielder has revealed he is in talks with the club although he said there has been no progress and he believes the issue is out of his hands.
Szoboszlai’s current contract expires in 2028 but Liverpool have already started to discuss an extension with the 25 year old, who joined from RB Leipzig in 2023 for £60m.
And the Hungary captain is keen to sign. “I would love to,” he said. “I like the city, I like the club, I like playing with these guys, I love Anfield, I love the fans, let’s see what the future holds. Let’s see what happens, hopefully everyone will be happy at the end.”
However, Liverpool are no nearer to agreeing a deal with Szoboszlai adding: “It’s not in my hands. There is no progression but if the right offer comes then let’s see.”
Szoboszlai makes statement of intent to extend Liverpool contract
Chelsea still pushing for Jacquet
13:35 , Will CastleChelsea’s bid to sign Rennes’ Jeremy Jacquet is still on, with the centre-back keen on a move to Stamford Bridge despite interest from Liverpool too.
However, Sky Sports report that the Blues have been dealt a blow in their pursuits of signing him this month, with Rennes having no interest in selling the defender before the winter deadline.
As such, clubs are exploring a move for him in the summer.
Seven Champions League-level clubs want Sterling
13:38 , Will CastleRaheem Sterling’s representatives are in talks with seven Champions League-level clubs who want to sign him, reports Sky Sports.
Sterling, 31, wants to start playing football again as soon as possible and still feels he has a lot to give the game, though he has not played since appearing for Arsenal last season.
Tottenham are among the teams reportedly keen on the player.
Real Madrid and Bayern Munich linked with Dalot
13:39 , Will CastleMan United star Diogo Dalot has been linked with a move to Real Madrid.
It’s not the most concrete of reports, with Fichajes detailing the loss to Benfica has pushed Los Blancos to make a move for the Portuguese full-back.
They add that Bayern Munich are also keen, and could spark a bidding war, with United holding a lot of negotiating power, with two years remaining on his deal and the potential for a one-year option.
Mateta growing frustrated as he waits for Palace green light
13:37 , Will CastleJean-Philippe Mateta is awaiting permission from Crystal Palace to fly to Italy for a medical with AC Milan, with Oliver Glasner’s side trying to find a replacement for the Frenchman.
Mateta is growing frustrated by the delays, as shown by his social media activity.
Nottingham Forest had previously been the favourites to sign the striker and were thought to be offering a sizeable pay rise.
Tottenham rival Inter Milan for Diaby
13:40 , Miguel DelaneyTottenham are set to rival Inter Milan for former Aston Villa winger Moussa Diaby, The Independent understands.
Diaby left Villa Park for Saudi side Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2024, with the Villans bringing in a transfer fee of £50m for the Frenchman.
However, the winger is now open to returning to a Champions League club and is assessing his options.
Tottenham are exploring the possibility of signing Diaby in this window.
Tottenham set to rival Inter Milan for ex-Aston Villa winger Moussa Diaby
Julian Alvarez 'unhappy' at Atletico as Arsenal learn price
13:41 , Will CastleJulian Alvarez continues to be of interest to Arsenal and Gary Lineker believes he would be a fantastic signing for the club.
Alvarez had scored 40 goals in 86 games for the Spanish side and would bring more firepower to the Gunners forward line.
ESPN reports the Spanish club would reportedly demand a fee in excess of €100m to sell the player.
Alongside Arsenal, both Barcelona and Chelsea are said to be tracking the Argentina international.
“I saw they were linked with Julian Alvarez who I know is not entirely happy with life at Atletico,” Lineker said on the Rest is Football podcast.
“Now that is the sort of player you know can handle the big occasion – he’s a World Cup winner for crying out loud.
“Someone like that at Arsenal would be game over. But they do need one or two of these current forwards to start scoring on a reasonably regular basis.”
Tottenham want to keep Kolo Muani
13:33 , Will CastleTottenham have no plans to cut Randal Kolo Muani's loan short, even though Juventus want to bring the forward back to Turin.
Kolo Muani is on loan at Spurs from PSG, and while reports elsewhere suggested that the club might want to cut his loan short due to interest in strikers such as Jean-Philippe Mateta, Sky Sports reports that that is not the case.
Disasi set for West Ham loan
13:34 , Will CastleAxel Disasi is on the brink of joining West Ham from Chelsea on loan, reports Fabrizio Romano.
The Chelsea centre-back could boost Nuno Espirito Santo’s Hammers and the bid to beat the drop.
Disasi was part of the Blues’ “bomb squad”, but has rejointed training under Liam Rosenior.
But there is little chance of regular minutes still at Stamford Bridge, meaning a loan across London could revitalise his career.
Liverpool target Geertruida for emergency right-back cover
13:33 , Will CastleThe Athletic reports that Liverpool are targeting Lutsharel Geertruida, who could plug their gaping hole in defence after an injury crisis.
Currently on loan at Sunderland from Leipzig, the 25-year-old Dutchman can play at right-back, centre-back or as a holding midfielder, and has previously played under Reds boss Arne Slot at Feyenoord.
Why Raheem Sterling’s sad decline is symptomatic of a chaotic Chelsea era
13:32 , Will CastleA good day to bury bad news became a very good day to bury bad news. Chelsea FC announced Raheem Sterling’s departure two-and-a-half hours before kick-off on Wednesday. Later that night, they had beaten a man consigned to their past rather earlier, and after a rather more successful time at Stamford Bridge, in Antonio Conte.
Overcoming Napoli in Italy was the best result of Liam Rosenior’s brief tenure, and one of the finest since Sterling last kicked a ball for the Blues. It left Chelsea sixth in the Champions League standings: impressive, even for a club who have spent some £1.6bn in under four years.
Why Raheem Sterling’s sad decline is symptomatic of Chelsea’s chaos
Good morning
13:31 , Will CastleHello there and welcome to The Independent transfer news live blog.
We are into the penultimate day of the January transfer window with Premier League clubs up against it in the scramble for late additions to make a decisive impact at the business end of the season.
Liverpool have seemingly kicked into life entering the 11th hour as they seek emergency defensive cover to solve their injury crisis. The Reds have reportedly opened talks over a move for Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida, who is on loan from RB Leipzig, and are ready to rival Chelsea for Rennes starlet Jeremy Jacquet.
The Blues, meanwhile, have freed up space on their wage bill after the termination of Raheem Sterling’s reported £325,000-per-week contract, with Tottenham among the clubs interested in the free agent. Spurs are also understood to be keen on rivalling Inter Milan for the signature of former Aston Villa winger Moussa Diaby.
Premier League leaders Arsenal are plotting a bid for Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez, who is reportedly unhappy with his situation at Atletico and could be in favour of the move - while on the other side of the Spanish capital, Real Madrid are targeting Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot.
Stay tuned for all the latest gossip, rumours and done deals.
Geertruida to Liverpool looks off
19:52 , Will CastleLiverpool have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Lutsharel Geertruida.
The Reds had opened talks over a move for the on-loan Sunderland defender, hoping to bring him in to provide emergency right-back cover.
However, The Times now report a deal is not expected to happen now with Sunderland not in a position to sanction a move for the player, whose parent club is RB Leipzig.
