Football transfer news and rumours: 'Arsenal and Liverpool will have hard time signing Malcom'
The name of Malcom has become a stable of this January transfer window so far, but the likelihood of the youngster moving to the Premier League this month has taken a step back.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with the Bordeaux forward, while Liverpool are also said to be interested. But if the Bordeaux president Stephane Martin has his way then the two Premier League giants will have to be content with watching their star man from afar after issuing a sort of 'good luck with that' in response to any potential deal.
With Alexis Sanchez edging out of the door at the Emirates, Malcom has been linked with filling his boots. Malcom has scored seven league goals this season but Bordeaux aren't able to pander to Arsenal or anyone else's needs.
"Things are clear with his agents. He has not had his contract extended this summer just to give him away this winter," Martin told L’Equipe.
"We haven’t had any discussions with Arsenal. From our point of view, it’s all hot air. They can always try, but they will have a hard time taking him from us."
Bordeaux coach Jocelyn Gourvennec, meanwhile, has suggested that Liverpool could hijack Arsenal's move for Malcom this month. Liverpool are in need of a replacement for Philippe Coutinho and have the cash available as a result of his £142m departure to Barcelona.
"If Liverpool want you to work for them tomorrow, you’d go," Gourvennec said when asked about his player’s future. "I’m a coach, I’d like to be able to count on Malcom, Malcom has to help us.
"There is one person who decides in this, that’s the majority shareholder. He talked about this at the weekend, but football remains football."
David Moyes may have publicly denied that he is aware of a Chelsea bid for Andy Carroll, however West Ham bosses are thought to be willing to listen to offers of £20 million.
The striker was absent from the squad for the Hammers' 1-0 FA Cup replay win over League One side Shrewsbury on Tuesday, however the manager insisted this was down to an ankle injury. Speculation that the 29-year-old could go to Stamford Bridge on loan came as Antonio Conte was said to be looking to enhance their attacking capability. Our reporter, Matt Law, says Chelsea have contacted West Ham about signing him permanently during the January window.
Theo Walcott will complete his £20m move to Everton today after spending Tuesday afternoon at the club's training ground Finch Farm for a medical and finalising terms.
After nearly 12 years with the Gunners the 28-year-old England forward is expected to be in the Blues' squad for their West Brom clash at Goodison Park on Saturday.
Jose Mourinho, meanwhile, is close to signing a new five-year contract with United.
Our man James Ducker revealed a fortnight ago that United were in advanced talks with Mourinho over an extension to his existing deal, which expires in June 2019, albeit with an option to stay for a further 12 months.
Negotiations gathered pace last month and have continued to progress swiftly with both parties having now reached an agreement.
It is understood that Mourinho’s new deal will run until June 2021 with the option of a further 12 months.
And the rest...
One to watch:
Tottenham have 21-year-old Norwich midfielder James Madison in their sights, along with Liverpool and Manchester City, according to the Evening Standard.
A Premier League return?
Sebastian Leto, remember the long-haired Argentine from his Liverpool days? Well the now 31-year-old is currently playing in the UAE Arabian Gulf League with Emirates Club, but could return to English football after opening talks with Fulham, the Mail says.
