Arsenal have emerged as one of the front-runners to sign Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi, who is apparently ready to snub presumed favourites Manchester City, as the January transfer window starts to heat up.
The centre-back’s Palace contract expires in the summer and he is said to favour a move to Arsenal or Liverpool, although City are determined to overcome obstacles to secure his signature this month. Pep Guardiola’s side have already got one deal over the line, with Antoine Semenyo completing his move from Bournemouth for £62.5m last week and scoring on debut in the 10-1 FA Cup thrashing of Exeter City over the weekend.
The Gunners are also eyeing PSG and France star Bradley Barcola, readying an £87m bid and have opened talks about a move for the 23-year-old forward, while also reportedly having interest in Newcastle full-back Tino Livramento, £86m-rated RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande and Rennes wonderkid Jeremy Jacquet. But they may lose Ben White, with Everton sniffing around the right-back and willing to offer him regular first-team football.
Barcelona have made clear their interest in Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford staying beyond the end of his current loan deal, with United edging ever closer to appointing a new interim manager, while Tottenham are set to battle Aston Villa for the signature of England international and ex-Chelsea star Connor Gallagher, who is currently at Atletico Madrid.
Follow all the latest transfer news, gossip, rumours and done deals in The Independent’s live blog below:
January transfer window latest updates
- Man United pick lead candidate for interim manager job after Carrick and Solskjaer interviews
- Arsenal given Marc Guehi boost
- But Man City also prepared to overcome obstacles to seal deal for Palace captain this month
- Gunners hold talks with PSG star Bradley Barcola
- Everton eyeing Ben White to solve right-back issue
- Tottenham set to battle Aston Villa for ex-Chelsea star Conor Gallagher
- Deadline day on Monday 2 February at 7pm GMT
Brentford bid for Lazio star
08:00 , Mike JonesBrentford are said to have made a £13m bid for Lazio attacker Matteo Cancellieri.
The 23-year-old Italy international is a versatile winger that can operate on either flank or centrally, just behind the striker and has scored three times in 14 games for Lazio this season.
Brentford’s offer is reported to consist of an initial £10.4m payment, plus around £2.6m in bonuses.
Anderson and Baleba top list of midfield targets for Man United
07:00 , Mike JonesFabrizio Romano is reporting that Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson are the two names at the top of the list of Man Utd’s midfield targets.
Both players are known to be wanted by a number of sides including Liverpool and Man City.
And despite reports suggesting that United could make a move for Baleba this month, Romano claims that a move this window is unlikely given the fees involved, with Nottingham Forest star Anderson also a summer target.
Arsenal keeping tabs on Livramento
06:00 , Mike JonesArsenal are monitoring Newcastle United full-back Tino Livramento, according to The Sun.
Mikel Arteta wants to increase his long-term options in defence and the interest is with an eye on a summer deal.
Lucas Paqueta wants to leave West Ham
05:00 , Mike JonesWest Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta wants to leave the club this month amid plenty of interest, according to Talksport.
Paqueta is reportedly keen to return to Brazil, with Flamengo having expressed their interest, but Tottenham and Aston Villa are also sniffing around.
Hammers boss Nuno Espirito Santo is desperate for the playmaker to stay at the London Stadium as the club face an uphill battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League and the player was not included in the West Ham squad for the extra-time FA Cup win over QPR at the weekend.
West Ham and Wolves among five clubs chasing backup Spurs goalkeeper
04:00 , Mike JonesBackup Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky is attracting interest from five clubs during this transfer window, including West Ham and Wolves.
The 22-year-old Czech joined Spurs in a £12.5m deal last January but has made just two appearances this term and is keen for first-team football, reports Football.London.
With Tottenham now out of both domestic cups this season, that is unlikely to come at Spurs – barring an injury to No 1 Guglielmo Vicario – so he is eager for a loan.
Premier League relegation strugglers West Ham and Wolves have shown interest, as have French side Auxerre, Turkish giants Besiktas and Bundesliga outfit Freiburg but Spurs are currently reluctant to weaken their goalkeeping options mid-season and thus reportedly resistant to a move.
Bournemouth defender Senesi attracting interest from European giants
03:00 , Mike JonesMarcos Senesi’s contract at Bournemouth expires this summer and Juventus remain confident of signing the defender, despite increasing interest from Barcelona.
According to Tuttosport, Juve are expected to hold talks in the coming days to assess the cost and feasibility of a deal, aiming to move quickly to avoid increased competition.
Man United and Liverpool chasing Mateus Mane
02:00 , Mike JonesIf Wolves do get relegated to the Championship, it may well be open season on their best players.
One particularly valuable asset is Mateus Mane and both Man United and Liverpool are eyeing the impressive 18-year-old.
That’s according to TeamTalk who say they have taken notice of Mane’s performances but Wolves have no intention of selling.
Newcastle chase Atalanta centre-back
01:00 , Mike JonesNewcastle are eyeing Atalanta centre-back Giorgio Scalvini, say Teamtalk, after Fabian Schar suffered an injury to add to their defensive struggles.
The Magpies were previously keen on Scalvini last year and now they are prepared to up the interest in the £35m-rated Serie A star, with Schar having injured his ankle.
Souza headed to Spurs for medical
00:00 , Mike JonesTottenham look to be on the brink of signing teenage Brazilian left-back Souza, who is reportedly headed to north London to complete a medical.
Spurs made two bids for the 19-year-old last week and Santos have agreed a package worth approximately £13m.
Souza has agreed personal terms and, according to GiveMeSport, will arrive in London today in order to undergo a medical and finalise his move.
Bournemouth defender Senesi attracting interest from European giants
Monday 12 January 2026 23:30 , Mike JonesMarcos Sensi’s contract at Bournemouth expires this summer and Juventus remain confident of signing the defender, despite increasing interest from Barcelona.
According to Tuttosport, Juve are expected to hold talks in the coming days to assess the cost and feasibility of a deal, aiming to move quickly to avoid increased competition.
Juve keen on Man United defender Mazraoui
Monday 12 January 2026 23:00 , Mike JonesJuventus are interested in Manchester United's Noussair Mazraoui with Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport claiming that the Serie A side are stepping up their search for a right-back.
Mazraoui, who is currently away with hosts Morocco at Afcon, is believed to be keen to leave Manchester in search of a new challenge ahead of the World Cup.
Roma want Villa forward Donyell Malen
Monday 12 January 2026 22:30 , Mike JonesA bit more on Villa, with Roma said to have approached the Midlands club about signing their forward Donyell Malen.
The Serie A side are looking to make changes up front and would like to sign the Dutch international initially on loan with an option to buy, report Sky Italy.
The report comes as Villa are said to be interest in Roma striker Tammy Abraham, although a deal would be complicated by the fact he’s currently on loan at Besiktas, and impressing there.
Villa keen on Newcastle striker Osula
Monday 12 January 2026 22:00 , Mike JonesAston Villa are in the market for a striker and are showing an interest in Newcastle frontman Will Osula.
Talksport are reporting that Newcastle could be tempted to cash in on the 22-year-old Osula, who is also on the radar of clubs in Germany and has scored three goals in 14 appearances this season.
Villa were reported to have interest in Real Madrid youngster Gonzalo Garcia, and had supposedly submitted a £26m bid, but that is now seen as unlikely to happen, given Garcia’s emergence as a first-team option at the Bernabeu, scoring a hat-trick in a 5-1 rout of Real Betis last weekend.
Barcelona keen to keep Marcus Rashford
Monday 12 January 2026 21:36 , Mike JonesIt emerged over the weekend that Barcelona would like to keep Marcus Rashford beyond his current loan deal, reports Fabrizio Romano.
You would think any new Manchester United manager would be keen to reintegrate the England forward at Old Trafford, but time will tell...
Barca have an option to buy at the end of the loan deal but it is not yet confirmed that will be activated.
Aston Villa eye Tammy Abraham return
Monday 12 January 2026 21:12 , Mike JonesAston Villa are keen on a return for striker Tammy Abraham, according to The Telegraph.
The 28-year-old is on loan at Besiktas from Roma this season, but is reportedly on Villa’s radar this month to provide support and competition for Ollie Watkins.
Abraham spent the 2018/19 season on loan at Villa Park as he helped the club earn promotion from the Championship to the Premier League but signing him again may be complicated.
Besiktas can sign Abraham, who has scored 12 goals in all competitions for them this term, permanently for £11.2m if certain conditions are met, while he is on a salary worth around £115,000 per week, which could also be an obstacle for Villa.
Chelsea and Liverpool keen on Spanish wonderkid defender
Monday 12 January 2026 20:47 , Mike JonesChelsea and Liverpool are said to be chasing Como defender Jacobo Ramon, with the 21-year-old Spaniard having marked himself out as one of Europe’s rising stars this season.
CaughtOffside are reporting that Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham have been monitoring him closely since December, while the likes of Newcastle, Brighton and Crystal Palace have also sent scouts to watch him.
Ramon has been one of Como’s most consistent performers this season, after leaving Real Madrid over the summer, as the club ride high in Serie A and is valued at around €18m.
But a deal is made complicated by his long-term contract until 2030 and the fact that Real Madrid inserted an €8m buy-back option and a 50 per cent sell-on clause when they allowed him to leave.
Spurs star Mathys Tel wanted by Paris FC
Monday 12 January 2026 20:20 , Mike JonesIt emerged over the weekend that Mathys Tel could be on his way out of Tottenham this month and it has now emerged that Ligue 1 side Paris FC are interested in securing his signature.
Fabrizio Romano is reporting the interest, although he says Spurs want Tel to stay but have received a number of approaches this month already.
Tel is keen to play regular football as he eyes a World Cup call-up, although he is yet to make his senior France debut
Spurs increase interest in Gallagher
Monday 12 January 2026 20:15 , Mike JonesTottenham have increased their interest in signing Conor Gallagher and have reportedly upped the price of their bid as well as offering higher wages to the midfielder.
The club are effectively moving on Gallagher in order to bring in a replacement for the injured Rodrigo Bentancur who will be out for most, if not all, of the rest of the season.
One to keep an eye on but Tottenham seem very keen to get this deal done.
Tottenham in battle with Aston Villa for Conor Gallagher
Monday 12 January 2026 19:54 , Mike JonesTottenham are continuing their interest in ex-Chelsea star Conor Gallagher despite Aston Villa definitively entering the race and emerging as new favourites.
Over the weekend, Talksport reported that Villa are exploring a move for the 25-year-old midfielder, who is reportedly happy at Atletico Madrid but would be open to returning to the Premier League.
This has alerted Spurs but, according to Teamtalk, they are very much still in the hunt, with Man United another party rumoured to be interested.
Gallagher hasn't been called up for England since June and his chances of playing at the World Cup are slim but Villa and Spurs are likely to offer a loan deal with an obligation to buy.
Everton keen on Ben White
Monday 12 January 2026 19:35 , Mike JonesSome more Arsenal transfer news, although this time a potential exit. Everton are said to be interested in Ben White.
According to Football Insider, the Toffees have earmarked the 28-year-old to solve their problematic right-back issue but the Gunners are unlikely to be willing to sell a senior player at this point in the race, even though White has fallen down the pecking order and made just four Premier League starts this term.
His contract runs until the summer of 2028 and includes the option of a further 12 months, with any potential Everton move likely to be a loan.
Man United make progress in new manager search with Solskjaer vs Carrick choice
Monday 12 January 2026 19:15 , Mike JonesManchester United are poised to choose their interim manager for the rest of the season with Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the favourites.
Darren Fletcher, who has been in charge for two games, and Ruud van Nistelrooy are also in contention to oversee the remainder of the campaign, though the Scot’s candidature may have been damaged by their FA Cup exit to Brighton.
United conducted face-to-face interviews with Carrick, their former captain, on Thursday and Solskjaer, the scorer of the winner in the 1999 Champions League final, on Saturday.
Arsenal open talks over Bradley Barcola
Monday 12 January 2026 18:55 , Mike JonesArsenal have opened talks over a move for PSG and France star Bradley Barcola.
Spanish outlet Fichajes report that the Gunners have opened negotiations with the French side and that they are at the front of the queue to sign him.
The 23-year-old forward is sought-after all around Europe, with Liverpool among the other clubs interested, and Arsenal were reported to be readying an £87m bid for the summer.
Barcola’s lack of game-time at PSG means he is thought to be open to a move.
Arsenal given boost as Marc Guehi makes preferences clear
Monday 12 January 2026 18:35 , Mike JonesArsenal have received a boost in their pursuit of Marc Guehi, with the Crystal Palace defender said to prefer a move to the Gunners or Liverpool, rather than Man City.
City were presumed favourites to capture Guehi, and wanted to bring him in this month to ease their defensive injury crisis, but with his contract expiring at the end of the season, the 25-year-old is said to be happy to wait until the summer and would rather not join City.
The Athletic’s Sam Lee said in an interview for the Let Me Talk podcast: “On Monday night, I was told by somebody who knows what's going on at City, but also I think probably Palace as well, he said he thinks Guehi wants to stay until the summer and he prefers Liverpool [to City] in any case.
"Somebody else messaged me on Twitter [X] and I know he's very good on other club stuff, he was like; ‘Yeah, he wants to stay until the summer – and he prefers Liverpool and Arsenal’. I was like; ‘Well I haven’t heard Arsenal’ but that kind of tallies what I'd been told the night before.”
West Ham have Toure bid rejected
Monday 12 January 2026 18:15 , Luke BakerWest Ham have seen their bid for Metz midfielder Alpha Toure rejected.
L’Equipe are reporting that the Hammers offered a £6m package for the 19-year-old but Metz – who are languishing at the bottom of the Ligue 1 table currently – have turned it down
Toure is a Senegalese defensive midfielder, although he is yet to make his debut for the Senegal national team – who have reached the semi-finals at the ongoing Afcon.
The teenager told to Republicain Lorrain that he hasn’t heard anything about West Ham’s supposed offer yet.
“Personally, I haven’t seen any information circulating,” Toure said. “After that, I’m focused on my football. I’m at Metz and I’m concentrating on the club and the Coupe de France. The rest is up to my agent to handle.”
DONE DEAL! Charlton sign Harry Clarke
Monday 12 January 2026 18:05 , Luke BakerChampionship strugglers Charlton have completed a deal to sign Ipswich’s Harry Clarke on loan until the end of the season.
The 24-year-old will slot in at either right centre-back or right wing-back for Nathan Jones’s side, who are woefully short of options on that side thanks to injuries to Kayne Ramsay, the perennially sidelined Reece Burke and the impending return to Southampton of loanee James Bree.
Charlton will look to brush off a 5-1 FA Cup defeat to Chelsea as they try to secure their Championship survival following promotion from League One last term.
Clarke was a key contributor as the Tractor Boys earned back-to-back promotions to the Premier League before dropping back into the Championship in May.
Clarke said: “The main thing for me was the manager [Nathan Jones]. I spoke to him and I got that feeling of being really wanted at a place straight away. Not many teams have come to Portman Road this season and won convincingly which Charlton did, so they're the appealing factors.”
We're delighted to announce the loan signing of Harry Clarke from Ipswich Town 🤝
— Charlton Athletic FC (@CAFCofficial) January 12, 2026
Welcome to Charlton, @HarryyClarke6! 👊#cafc
Xabi Alonso leaves Real Madrid after dramatic Supercopa defeat to Barcelona
Monday 12 January 2026 17:45 , Flo CliffordBreaking news on the transfer front: Xabi Alonso may have just made himself the most in-demand signing of this window.
Real Madrid have parted ways with Alonso after just seven months in charge at the Bernabeu.
The Spanish coach was hired from Bayer Leverkusen after a stunning run in the Bundesliga, with the Basque helping to dethrone Bayern Munich and end a run of 11 successive league titles, but he quickly found himself under pressure amid mixed results this season.
Real Madrid lost 4-3 to Barcelona in the Supercopa final on Sunday and trail their rivals by four points at the top of La Liga, while they sit seventh in Champions League table.
Xabi Alonso leaves Real Madrid after dramatic Supercopa defeat to Barcelona
Man City eye Bosnian right-back
Monday 12 January 2026 17:28 , Luke BakerWe’ll leave you to decide on the veracity of this one but Bosnian newspaper Oslobodenje are reporting that Man City have registered their interest in Benfica right-back Amar Dedic.
Dedic made the move to Portugal from RB Salzburg over the summer and would reportedly cost City, who are undergoing something of a defensive injury crisis, £50m
The 23-year-old has won 24 caps for Bosnia and Herzegovina and would compete with the likes of converted midfielder Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis for playing time should he move to the Etihad.
Barcelona interested in Spurs defender Micky Van de Ven
Monday 12 January 2026 17:04 , Luke BakerMicky van de Ven is a target for Barcelona and the player himself is apparently very keen on the move.
Spanish news outlet Sport are reporting a left-sided centre-back is a key target for BArca, with Tottenham star Van de Ven high on their list.
They are also looking at the likes of Alessandro Bastoni, Nico Schlotterbeck and Marc Guehi but Dutch international Van de Ven could be available for around €65m and wants to make the move happen.
Donyell Malen nears Roma deal
Monday 12 January 2026 16:44 , Luke BakerWhile Aston Villa move closer to bringing in Conor Gallagher, another one of their players is inching towards the exit door.
Forward Donyell Malen is reportedly on the verge of signing for Roma, with Sky Italia reporting an initial loan deal, with an option to buy between €21.7m and €26m.
Malen still needs to give his approval, and final details are still to be sorted between Villa and Roma, but the move is getting closer.
Aston Villa on the brink of agreement for Conor Gallagher
Monday 12 January 2026 16:28 , Luke BakerSome movement on the Conor Gallagher front this afternoon, with Matte Moretto reporting that Aston Villa are on the verge of agreeing a package with Atletico Madrid.
According to transfer insider Matte Moretto, negotiations are at the final stages between the two clubs for a loan deal with a buying clause that will become mandatory.
Talks will now continue with the player to try and agree personal terms. We reported earlier that the 25-year-old midfielder is happy at Atletico but open to a move back to the Premier League, with Tottenham also having serious interest in capturing the ex-Chelsea star’s signature
Lucas Paqueta agrees deal with Flamengo
Monday 12 January 2026 16:03 , Luke BakerLucas Paqueta is edging closer to the exit door at West Ham, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that he has reached a deal with Brazilian side Flamengo.
Paqueta wants to return to Brazil and is keen on the move, although Tottenham and Aston Villa had also been sniffing around.
Hammers boss Nuno Espirito Santo is said to be desperate for the playmaker to stay at the London Stadium as the club face an uphill battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
Flamengo will now need to agree a deal with West Ham but Paqueta was not included in the Hammers squad for the extra-time FA Cup win over QPR at the weekend, with some suggestions he has played his last game for the club.
DONE DEAL! Brian Madjo joins Villa
Monday 12 January 2026 15:40 , Luke BakerAston Villa have completed the signing of 17-year-old forward Brian Madjo from FC Metz for an undisclosed fee, although Fabrizio Romano is reporting the package is €12m.
Madjo became the youngest player in Metz history when he made his debut against Strasbourg back in August and by that point had already won three caps for Luxembourg.
Having been born in Enfield, north London to Cameroonian parents – with his dad being former professional footballer Guy Madjo – before moving to Luxembourg as a youngster, Madjo is also eligible to play for England.
Despite having a handful of caps for the Luxembourg senior team, he accepted a call-up for England Under-17s over the summer and scored on debut in a win over Venezuela U17.
Brian's first words as a Villan 🗣️
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 12, 2026
Watch the interview now on VillaTV 📺
Man City prepared to overcome obstacles to sign Marc Guehi this month
Monday 12 January 2026 15:14 , Luke BakerMan City are intent on signing Marc Guehi this January, having already engaged in talks over a potential deal.
The Crystal Palace centre-half's contract is up in the summer, and his preference had been to wait until then to move due to the reality he would have a range of better offers – both in football terms and financial. All of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have been interested, as well as virtually every top English club, including Arsenal.
He had been on the brink of going to Liverpool on deadline day in August but Palace manager Oliver Glasner pushed back against his departure and he ultimately stayed at Selhurst Park.
City are nevertheless intent on persuading both Guehi and the club to do a deal now, and are prepared to match other offers. The 25-year-old England international is understood to be open to the move.
Read the latest from Miguel Delaney:
Man City prepared to overcome obstacles to sign Marc Guehi this month
Chelsea and Liverpool keen on Spanish wonderkid defender
Monday 12 January 2026 14:55 , Luke BakerChelsea and Liverpool are said to be chasing Como defender Jacobo Ramon, with the 21-year-old Spaniard having marked himself out as one of Europe’s rising stars this season.
CaughtOffside are reporting that Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham have been monitoring him closely since December, while the likes of Newcastle, Brighton and Crystal Palace have also sent scouts to watch him.
Ramon has been one of Como’s most consistent performers this season, after leaving Real Madrid over the summer, as the club ride high in Serie A and is valued at around €18m.
But a deal is made complicated by his long-term contract until 2030 and the fact that Real Madrid inserted an €8m buy-back option and a 50 per cent sell-on clause when they allowed him to leave.
Tottenham in battle with Aston Villa for Conor Gallagher
Monday 12 January 2026 14:38 , Luke BakerTottenham are continuing their interest in ex-Chelsea star Conor Gallagher despite Aston Villa definitively entering the race and emerging as new favourites.
Over the weekend, Talksport reported that Villa are exploring a move for the 25-year-old midfielder, who is reportedly happy at Atletico Madrid but would be open to returning to the Premier League.
This has alerted Spurs but, according to Teamtalk, they are very much still in the hunt, with Man United another party rumoured to be interested.
Gallagher hasn't been called up for England since June and his chances of playing at the World Cup are slim but Villa and Spurs are likely to offer a loan deal with an obligation to buy.
Everton keen on Ben White
Monday 12 January 2026 14:19 , Luke BakerA potential exit from Arsenal now, with Everton said to be interested in Ben White.
According to Football Insider, the Toffees have earmarked the 28-year-old to solve their problematic right-back issue but the Gunners are unlikely to be willing to sell a senior player at this point in the title race.
That’s despite White having fallen down the pecking order and making just four Premier League starts this term.
His contract runs until the summer of 2028 and includes the option of a further 12 months, with any potential Everton move likely to be a loan.
Brentford bid for Lazio star
Monday 12 January 2026 13:58 , Luke BakerBrentford are said to have made a £13m bid for Lazio attacker Matteo Cancellieri.
The 23-year-old Italy international is a versatile winger that can operate on either flank or centrally, just behind the striker and has scored three times in 14 games for Lazio this season.
Brentford’s offer is reported to consist of an initial £10.4m payment, plus around £2.6m in bonuses.
Bernardo Silva heading to Turkey? Or Italy?
Monday 12 January 2026 13:40 , Luke BakerMan City midfielder Bernardo Silva could be on his way to Galatasaray as a free agent this summer, according to reports.
Silva is out of contract at the end of the season despite still being a key player for City, but former teammate Ilkay Gundogan is said to be in contact with the 31-year-old Portuguese regarding a move to Istanbul.
However, Paolo Di Canio has suggested a move to Serie A is on the cards instead.
Di Canio told Sky Calcio Club: “Like other top players who are no longer very young, he could come to our league. I didn’t necessarily say Napoli. It could be something more unusual. Not exactly like City, but with similar principles.”
Anderson and Baleba top list of midfield targets for Man United
Monday 12 January 2026 13:22 , Luke BakerFabrizio Romano is reporting that Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson are the two names at the top of the list of Man Utd’s midfield targets.
Both players are known to be wanted by a number of sides including Liverpool and Man City.
And despite reports suggesting that United could make a move for Baleba this month, Romano claims that a move this window is unlikely given the fees involved, with Nottingham Forest star Anderson also a summer target
Arsenal keeping tabs on Livramento
Monday 12 January 2026 13:04 , Luke BakerArsenal are monitoring Newcastle United full-back Tino Livramento, according to The Sun.
Mikel Arteta wants to increase his long-term options in defence and the interest is with an eye on a summer deal.
Diomande responds to Arsenal and Man Utd transfer links
Monday 12 January 2026 12:48 , Luke BakerIvory Coast teenager Yan Diomande is remarkably unfazed by reports he could be a £100m signing for one of Europe's biggest clubs.
Diomande, who joined German team RB Leipzig in the summer, has been linked with Bundesliga rival Bayern Munich, Premier League sides Arsenal and Manchester United, as well as European champion Paris Saint-Germain.
Leipzig are said to be in no rush to sell, having made other big sales in recent years to stabilise things financially, and the 19-year-old Diomande – who has been away at Afcon with the Ivory Coast, until their recent elimination in the quarter-finals – has also said he’s in no hurry to leave.
“For now, I’m happy there,” Diomande said of Leipzig. “Everyone likes me there and I'm enjoying there. I'm not looking at everything (happening) around me.
“I am trying to stay focused on my road. I’m trying to focus on my way. Trying to be concentrated on my club.”
Lucas Paqueta wants to leave West Ham
Monday 12 January 2026 12:33 , Luke BakerWest Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta wants to leave the club this month amid plenty of interest, according to Talksport.
Paqueta is reportedly keen to return to Brazil, with Flamengo having expressed their interest, but Tottenham and Aston Villa are also sniffing around.
Hammers boss Nuno Espirito Santo is desperate for the playmaker to stay at the London Stadium as the club face an uphill battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League and the player was not included in the West Ham squad for the extra-time FA Cup win over QPR at the weekend.
Eddie Howe discusses Newcastle PSR restrictions
Monday 12 January 2026 12:14 , Luke BakerEddie Howe has been speaking to the media ahead of Newcastle’s Carabao Cup semi-final clash with Man City this week and has admitted that Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) will hinder their transfer business this month.
Having spent relatively big in the summer – signing Yoane Wissa, Nick Woltemade, Malick Thiaw, Anthony Elanga and Jacob Ramsey – they are now limited in January.
“The problem for us is PSR, which we’ve said many times,” Howe said. “I don't think there's an issue with anyone [at the club] saying ‘we can’t do this or that’ – it’s what we can do and can’t do.
“The key thing for us to consider is business now and business in the summer, value for money now and value for money in the summer and signing the right player.
“If you sign the wrong player, you're carrying that for a three-, four-, five-year contract. Are the right players available in January?
“There’s a lot to discuss and a lot to consider in our short-term need versus the long-term decision of the football club.”
West Ham and Wolves among five clubs chasing backup Spurs goalkeeper
Monday 12 January 2026 11:56 , Luke BakerBackup Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky is attracting interest from five clubs during this transfer window, including West Ham and Wolves.
The 22-year-old Czech joined Spurs in a £12.5m deal last January but has made just two appearances this term and is keen for first-team football, reports Football.London.
With Tottenham now out of both domestic cups this season, that is unlikely to come at Spurs – barring an injury to No 1 Guglielmo Vicario – so he is eager for a loan.
Premier League relegation strugglers West Ham and Wolves have shown interest, as have French side Auxerre, Turkish giants Besiktas and Bundesliga outfit Freiburg but Spurs are currently reluctant to weaken their goalkeeping options mid-season and thus reportedly resistant to a move.
Man United pick lead candidate for interim manager after interviews with Carrick and Solskjaer
Monday 12 January 2026 11:40 , Luke BakerManchester United are poised to choose their interim manager for the rest of the season with Michael Carrick now the frontrunner to take charge, ahead of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Darren Fletcher, who has been in the role for two games, and Ruud van Nistelrooy were also in contention to oversee the remainder of the campaign, though the Scot’s candidature may have been damaged by their FA Cup exit to Brighton.
United conducted face-to-face interviews with Carrick, their former captain, on Thursday and Solskjaer, the scorer of the winner in the 1999 Champions League final, on Saturday.
Carrick is believed to have interviewed well and went unbeaten in a three-game stint in caretaker charge of United in 2021, before having three seasons as Middlesbrough manager. The 44-year-old is now the favourite to take over until the end of the season, although Solskjaer remains under consideration.
Man United pick lead candidate for interim manager after two interviews
Bournemouth defender Senesi attracting interest from European giants
Monday 12 January 2026 11:29 , Luke BakerMarcos Senesi’s contract at Bournemouth expires this summer and Juventus remain confident of signing the defender, despite increasing interest from Barcelona.
According to Tuttosport, Juve are expected to hold talks in the coming days to assess the cost and feasibility of a deal, aiming to move quickly to avoid increased competition.
Man City prepared to overcome obstacles to sign Marc Guehi this month
Monday 12 January 2026 11:03 , Miguel Delaney, Chief Football WriterMan City are intent on signing Marc Guehi this January, having already engaged in talks over a potential deal.
The Crystal Palace centre-half's contract is up in the summer, and his preference had been to wait until then to move due to the reality he would have a range of better offers – both in football terms and financial. All of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have been interested, as well as virtually every top English club, including Arsenal.
He had been on the brink of going to Liverpool on deadline day in August but Palace manager Oliver Glasner pushed back against his departure and he ultimately stayed at Selhurst Park.
City are nevertheless intent on persuading both Guehi and the club to do a deal now, and are prepared to match other offers. The 25-year-old England international is understood to be open to the move.
Read the latest from Miguel Delaney:
Man City prepared to overcome obstacles to sign Marc Guehi this month
Man United and Liverpool chasing Mateus Mane
Monday 12 January 2026 10:54 , Luke BakerIf Wolves do get relegated to the Championship, it may well be open season on their best players.
One particularly valuable asset is Mateus Mane and both Man United and Liverpool are eyeing the impressive 18-year-old.
That’s according to TeamTalk who say they have taken notice of Mane’s performances but Wolves have no intention of selling.
The eight players who can’t afford Man United to ‘waste’ another season
Monday 12 January 2026 10:41 , Luke BakerDarren Fletcher’s parting message to the Man United players who had just exited the FA Cup was laced with an awareness of the worst-case scenario. “Don't waste the season,” he said.
He drew a contrast with 2021-22, a season that petered out. “There were a lot of players out of contract and there was a lot of different dynamics,” added Fletcher. But there are still individual situations.
Read Richard Jolly’s full piece on the players who can’t afford United to waste a season:
The eight players who can’t afford Man Utd to ‘waste’ another season
Souza headed to Spurs for medical
Monday 12 January 2026 10:25 , Luke BakerTottenham look to be on the brink of signing teenage Brazilian left-back Souza, who is reportedly headed to north London to complete a medical.
Spurs made two bids for the 19-year-old last week and Santos have agreed a package worth approximately £13m.
Souza has agreed personal terms and, according to GiveMeSport, will arrive in London today in order to undergo a medical and finalise his move.
Bournemouth defender Senesi attracting interest from European giants
Monday 12 January 2026 10:23 , Luke BakerMarcos Sensi’s contract at Bournemouth expires this summer and Juventus remain confident of signing the defender, despite increasing interest from Barcelona.
According to Tuttosport, Juve are expected to hold talks in the coming days to assess the cost and feasibility of a deal, aiming to move quickly to avoid increased competition.
Newcastle chase Atalanta centre-back
Monday 12 January 2026 10:11 , Luke BakerNewcastle are eyeing Atalanta centre-back Giorgio Scalvini, say Teamtalk, after Fabian Schar suffered an injury to add to their defensive struggles.
The Magpies were previously keen on Scalvini last year and now they are prepared to up the interest in the £35m-rated Serie A star, with Schar having injured his ankle
Juve keen on Man United defender Mazraoui
Monday 12 January 2026 09:57 , Luke BakerJuventus are interested in Manchester United's Noussair Mazraoui with Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport claiming that the Serie A side are stepping up their search for a right-back.
Mazraoui, who is currently away with hosts Morocco at Afcon, is believed to be keen to leave Manchester in search of a new challenge ahead of the World Cup.
Roma want Villa forward Donyell Malen
Monday 12 January 2026 09:41 , Luke BakerA bit more on Villa, with Roma said to have approached the Midlands club about signing their forward Donyell Malen.
The Serie A side are looking to make changes up front and would like to sign the Dutch international initially on loan with an option to buy, report Sky Italy.
The report comes as Villa are said to be interest in Roma striker Tammy Abraham, although a deal would be complicated by the fact he’s currently on loan at Besiktas, and impressing there.
Villa keen on Newcastle striker Osula
Monday 12 January 2026 09:22 , Luke BakerAston Villa are in the market for a striker and are showing an interest in Newcastle frontman Will Osula.
Talksport are reporting that Newcastle could be tempted to cash in on the 22-year-old Osula, who is also on the radar of clubs in Germany and has scored three goals in 14 appearances this season.
Villa were reported to have interest in Real Madrid youngster Gonzalo Garcia, and had supposedly submitted a £26m bid, but that is now seen as unlikely to happen, given Garcia’s emergence as a first-team option at the Bernabeu, scoring a hat-trick in a 5-1 rout of Real Betis last weekend.
Barcelona keen to keep Marcus Rashford
Monday 12 January 2026 09:05 , Luke BakerIt emerged over the weekend that Barcelona would like to keep Marcus Rashford beyond his current loan deal, reports Fabrizio Romano.
You would think any new Manchester United manager would be keen to reintegrate the England forward at Old Trafford, but time will tell...
Barca have an option to buy at the end of the loan deal but it is not yet confirmed that will be activated.
Aston Villa eye Tammy Abraham return
Monday 12 January 2026 08:50 , Luke BakerAston Villa are keen on a return for striker Tammy Abraham, according to The Telegraph.
The 28-year-old is on loan at Besiktas from Roma this season, but is reportedly on Villa’s radar this month to provide support and competition for Ollie Watkins.
Abraham spent the 2018/19 season on loan at Villa Park as he helped the club earn promotion from the Championship to the Premier League but signing him again may be complicated.
Besiktas can sign Abraham, who has scored 12 goals in all competitions for them this term, permanently for £11.2m if certain conditions are met, while he is on a salary worth around £115,000 per week, which could also be an obstacle for Villa.
Chelsea and Liverpool keen on Spanish wonderkid defender
Monday 12 January 2026 08:35 , Luke BakerChelsea and Liverpool are said to be chasing Como defender Jacobo Ramon, with the 21-year-old Spaniard having marked himself out as one of Europe’s rising stars this season.
CaughtOffside are reporting that Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham have been monitoring him closely since December, while the likes of Newcastle, Brighton and Crystal Palace have also sent scouts to watch him.
Ramon has been one of Como’s most consistent performers this season, after leaving Real Madrid over the summer, as the club ride high in Serie A and is valued at around €18m.
But a deal is made complicated by his long-term contract until 2030 and the fact that Real Madrid inserted an €8m buy-back option and a 50 per cent sell-on clause when they allowed him to leave.
Spurs star Mathys Tel wanted by Paris FC
Monday 12 January 2026 08:20 , Luke BakerIt emerged over the weekend that Mathys Tel could be on his way out of Tottenham this month and it has now emerged that Ligue 1 side Paris FC are interested in securing his signature.
Fabrizio Romano is reporting the interest, although he says Spurs want Tel to stay but have received a number of approaches this month already.
Tel is keen to play regular football as he eyes a World Cup call-up, although he is yet to make his senior France debut
Tottenham in battle with Aston Villa for Conor Gallagher
Monday 12 January 2026 08:06 , Luke BakerTottenham are continuing their interest in ex-Chelsea star Conor Gallagher despite Aston Villa definitively entering the race and emerging as new favourites.
Over the weekend, Talksport reported that Villa are exploring a move for the 25-year-old midfielder, who is reportedly happy at Atletico Madrid but would be open to returning to the Premier League.
This has alerted Spurs but, according to Teamtalk, they are very much still in the hunt, with Man United another party rumoured to be interested.
Gallagher hasn't been called up for England since June and his chances of playing at the World Cup are slim but Villa and Spurs are likely to offer a loan deal with an obligation to buy.
Everton keen on Ben White
Monday 12 January 2026 08:00 , Luke BakerSome more Arsenal transfer news, although this time a potential exit. Everton are said to be interested in Ben White.
According to Football Insider, the Toffees have earmarked the 28-year-old to solve their problematic right-back issue but the Gunners are unlikely to be willing to sell a senior player at this point in the race, even though White has fallen down the pecking order and made just four Premier League starts this term.
His contract runs until the summer of 2028 and includes the option of a further 12 months, with any potential Everton move likely to be a loan
Man United make progress in new manager search with Solskjaer vs Carrick choice
Monday 12 January 2026 07:52 , Luke BakerManchester United are poised to choose their interim manager for the rest of the season with Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the favourites.
Darren Fletcher, who has been in charge for two games, and Ruud van Nistelrooy are also in contention to oversee the remainder of the campaign, though the Scot’s candidature may have been damaged by their FA Cup exit to Brighton.
United conducted face-to-face interviews with Carrick, their former captain, on Thursday and Solskjaer, the scorer of the winner in the 1999 Champions League final, on Saturday.
Carrick is believed to have interviewed well and went unbeaten in a three-game stint in caretaker charge of United in 2021, before having three seasons as Middlesbrough manager.
Read the latest from Richard Jolly:
Man Utd make progress in new manager search with two former players frontrunners
Arsenal open talks over Bradley Barcola
Monday 12 January 2026 07:48 , Luke BakerArsenal have opened talks over a move for PSG and France star Bradley Barcola.
Spanish outlet Fichajes report that the Gunners have opened negotiations with the French side and that they are at the front of the queue to sign him.
The 23-year-old forward is sought-after all around Europe, with Liverpool among the other clubs interested, and Arsenal were reported to be readying an £87m bid for the summer.
Barcola’s lack of game-time at PSG means he is thought to be open to a move.
Arsenal given boost as Marc Guehi makes preferences clear
Monday 12 January 2026 07:47 , Luke BakerArsenal have received a boost in their pursuit of Marc Guehi, with the Crystal Palace defender said to prefer a move to the Gunners or Liverpool, rather than Man City.
City were presumed favourites to capture Guehi, and wanted to bring him in this month to ease their defensive injury crisis, but with his contract expiring at the end of the season, the 25-year-old is said to be happy to wait until the summer and would rather not join City.
The Athletic’s Sam Lee said in an interview for the Let Me Talk podcast: “On Monday night, I was told by somebody who knows what's going on at City, but also I think probably Palace as well, he said he thinks Guehi wants to stay until the summer and he prefers Liverpool [to City] in any case.
"Somebody else messaged me on Twitter [X] and I know he's very good on other club stuff, he was like; ‘Yeah, he wants to stay until the summer – and he prefers Liverpool and Arsenal’. I was like; ‘Well I haven’t heard Arsenal’ but that kind of tallies what I'd been told the night before.”
