Transfer news LIVE: City sign midfielder as Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea eye Newcastle striker, Mbappe contract

The January transfer window has been slow to get going this month, but might be start to heat up as clubs try to bolster their squads for the second half of the season.

Callum Wilson is reported to be on the market as Newcastle United look to balance the books, with Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea all alerted to the availability of a proven Premier League goalscorer. Kalvin Phillips is on the verge of completing his loan move to West Ham United, as the Hammers look to bolster their midfield.

Chelsea are prepared to let striker Armando Broja leave, but only for a substantial fee of £50m, with Ivan Toney a key name on both the Blues’ and Arsenal’s wishlists. Brighton striker Evan Ferguson has also been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, although the Seagulls have put a high price on the forward, valuing the teenager as over £100m.

Follow the live blog for all the latest news, rumours and updates in the transfer market and find the latest football betting odds and tips here.

Key Points

• Man City beat Barcelona to sign Argentine wonderkid Claudio Echeverri

• Callum Wilson available at cut-price as Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea consider options

• Kylian Mbappe set for €70m per year salary at Real Madrid

• Kalvin Phillips ends Man City nightmare with Premier League loan move

• Jurgen Klopp announces shock decision to leave Liverpool

Kieran Trippier ‘committed’ to Newcastle after Bayern Munich bids – Eddie Howe

11:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is confident Kieran Trippier will stay with the club after they resisted Bayern Munich’s attempts to prise him away.

The 33-year-old England full-back was the subject of three separate offers from the Bundesliga champions earlier this week, all of which were rejected by the Magpies.

Howe, who has also seen strikers Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron linked with moves away from Tyneside before next Thursday’s transfer deadline, insisted Trippier – the first man signed by the club’s new owners following their takeover in October 2021 – never wanted to leave.

Kieran Trippier ‘committed’ to Newcastle after Bayern Munich bids – Eddie Howe

Villa loan midfielder to Napoli

11:45 , Karl Matchett

Aston Villa’s Leander Dendoncker is off to Italy!

The Premier League club have confirmed the versatile performer has joined Napoli on loan for the remainder of the campaign. There is no mention of purchase options in the announcement.

Ipswich chase striker to boost promotion push

11:30 , Karl Matchett

Ipswich Town have been flying in the Championship and sit second in the table as they look for a long-awaited return to the Premier League - though they have stuttered of late.

To push their ambitions over the line, East Anglian Daily Times report that they want to sign AFC Wimbledon forward Ali Al-Hamadi, who has scored 13 times in League Two this term.

Joelinton could leave Newcastle in summer

11:15 , Karl Matchett

There have been rumours over Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson leaving Newcastle, but now Eddie Howe says Joelinton might also be sold in the summer too - as he only has 18 months left on his contract right now.

“It’s a possibility [he could leave] but I hope that’s not the case. I want him to stay,” Howe said.

“Before a player signs a contract he has to be happy with everything and so it’s a possibility he’ll be sold in the summer.”

Jurgen Klopp announces shock decision to resign from Liverpool at end of season

10:57 , Karl Matchett

Liverpool have announced that Jurgen Klopp is to resign as manager and depart the club at the end of the 2023/24 campaign.

The German boss arrived at Anfield in 2015 and has reestablished the club as a domestic and European force, reaching three Champions League finals since then - winning one - as well as winning the Premier League title in 2020.

His departure is all the more unexpected as he embarked on a rebuild of the playing squad over the summer, with Liverpool currently sat top of the league table, into the Carabao Cup final and potentially on course for a four-trophy tilt as they continue in the Europa League and FA Cup as well.

FULL DETAILS:

Jurgen Klopp announces shock decision to resign from Liverpool

Six starts, five trophies: The Kalvin Phillips paradox provides a valuable lesson

10:45 , Karl Matchett

There was a moment a few weeks ago when Pep Guardiola expressed his fondness for Kalvin Phillips. Sadly for the staple of Manchester City benches, it was as a person rather than a footballer. “He is a lovely guy,” said Guardiola. He meant it, too: Phillips is a popular figure at the Etihad Stadium. And yet, as Guardiola had said in the same answer: “I visualise some things and visualise the team and things and I struggle to see him.”

Not that Phillips was seen much in his team, which makes his loan move to West Ham all the more necessary. He started two games this season, one in a Carabao Cup defeat, the other a Champions League dead rubber. He began two in the Premier League over his 18 months at City, both after the title was won, the latter on the final day when the first-choice midfield and attack were all rested for the FA Cup and Champions League finals.

In a paradox, Phillips’ City career was both so successful and so unsuccessful that it has only brought one more start than trophies: six to five. An otherwise all-conquering City side lost three of those six games, too. On the bigger stages, he became one of the game’s most decorated spectators.

Six starts, five trophies: The Kalvin Phillips paradox provides a valuable lesson

Kalvin Phillips completes West Ham loan move

10:27 , Karl Matchett

Kalvin Phillips has completed his loan move from Manchester City to West Ham, the clubs have announced.

The England midfielder will spend the rest of the season at the London Stadium.

The 28-year-old has been frustrated by a lack of game time at City since joining the club from Leeds in the summer of 2022.

Kalvin Phillips completes West Ham loan move

Ireland make fresh approach to England U21 boss Lee Carsley over vacant manager role

09:30 , Karl Matchett

The Football Association of Ireland are again hopeful of persuading top candidate Lee Carsley of leaving the England under-21 job to become senior manager of the Irish team.

A highly-rated coach, he is understood to be newly open to the role after initially proving resistant when it first became available towards the end of last year, although there is still some way to go until there is anything close to an agreement. Sources within the Football Association were playing down stories that Carsley is set to be announced as Republic of Ireland manager next week, and it is understood that there has been no official approach.

The 49-year-old’s contract nevertheless leaves him free to talk to suitors with no issue in terms of compensation. An Irish delegation travelled to the UK to meet candidates last week, while Roy Keane suggested he is open to the position recently.

Ireland make fresh approach to England U21 boss Carsley over vacant manager role

Real Madrid knock-on effects of Mbappe: Benzema and Vinicius

09:15 , Karl Matchett

Two more Real Madrid-themed rumours doing the rounds this morning are similarly attached to Mbappe’s deal.

First, Bild are claiming that Los Blancos’ offer is for “only” around €35m (£29.8m) a year, whereas the forward was looking for about double that amount.

As such, manager Carlo Ancelotti has asked the club to re-sign Karim Benzema instead, with rumours abound that he wants out of Saudi Arabia - that report comes from Spanish outlet Sport.

And finally, the Mirror say if Mbappe does go to the Bernabeu, Madrid will make financial room for the deal by offloading Vinicius Jr - with Manchester United in pole position to land him. Quite whether the Brazilian will want to head to the team currently eighth in the Premier League, behind West Ham and Brighton, is up for debate.

Kylian Mbappe yet to decide on his future

08:45 , Karl Matchett

French forward Kylian Mbappe has his pick of where to go this summer, but he’s in no hurry to decide.

Of course, the list of clubs who can afford the wages his talent commands is a small one, but he could feasibly opt for wherever he wanted and lower his demands accordingly - but right now it appears to be stay at PSG or go to Real Madrid.

The latter have made him an offer, say ESPN, while current club Paris Saint-Germain have also made a new attempt to get him to stay.

Manchester United monitoring Ivan Toney’s return

08:15 , Lawrence Ostlere

Manchester United have little in the way of immediate funds, but a summer move for Ivan Toney could be on the cards, according to The Athletic.

Toney scored against Nottingham Forest in his first match since returning to Brentford’s first team since his gambling ban, and the striker is one of the most sought-after players around, with Chelsea and Arsenal also reported to monitoring his progress.

Callum Wilson available at cut-price as Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea consider options

07:44 , Lawrence Ostlere

Callum Wilson could be snapped up for a “competitive price” price, reports the Evening Standard, as Newcastle United seek to balance the books and meet the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.

Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea have all been notified to his availability. Wilson has scored 46 goals in 102 games for Newcastle.

On recent links with a move abroad, Wilson recently told his own Footballer’s Football Podcast: “It’s January. The window is open and there is always speculation with players, not just regarding myself but with everyone else in the squad as well. I haven’t got much more to say than that.”

It follows the news that Bayern Munich have pulled out of a bid to sign Kieran Trippier, after feeling that Newcastle’s price was too high.

Arsenal receive new Emile Smith Rowe offer

07:31 , Karl Matchett

This morning’s transfer news round-up includes news of a bid for Emile Smith Rowe and Erik ten Hag no longer getting a say on Manchester United’s incoming deals.

Rumours: Newcastle could sell Wilson this week, Arsenal receive new Smith Rowe bid

Kylian Mbappe set for €70m per year salary at Real Madrid

06:55 , Lawrence Ostlere

Kylian Mbappe is closing in on a record transfer to Real Madrid which would see the Mbappe family earn a tidy €400m, according to SportBild.

Mbappe has been linked with Madrid for several years but his dream move looks closer than ever, as Real Madrid prepare to fork out vast sums to secure the World Cup winner for the long term.

Mbappe has demanded he is allowed to play at both Euro 2024 and the Paris Olympics this summer, according to Caught Offside, as negotiations continue.

Nuno hoping for busy end to Forest’s transfer window

05:22 , Lawrence Ostlere

Nuno Espirito Santo says Nottingham Forest have to be “busy” in the transfer market between now and next week’s deadline.

The Forest boss is looking to trim his bloated squad considerably and any new signings are dependent on getting players out first.

The January transfer window shuts next Thursday and Nuno is keen for plenty of action.

“Has to be busy, definitely. We have to take care of a lot of situations,” he said ahead of Friday’s FA Cup fourth-round trip to Bristol City.

“Ideally we want things done sooner rather than later. That is what you want, but sometimes it is not possible.

“We have to be patient and understand the situation because there are two parts involved - the players we want to bring in and the targets we already have and have to work on, and at the same time the players going out.

“For me, the most important part is to try to find the best solutions for our players, because some of them need to play and some of them need a different project.

“We don’t want to push anybody. That takes time because you have a lot of people and parts involved - the club wanting the player, agents, us, the player. Putting all those things together and finding the perfect situation takes time.

“It is finding the right places and the right options for the players going out, because we want them to continue and to proceed in a good way.”

Pochettino hails Palmer signing

03:55 , Lawrence Ostlere

Defender Malo Gusto is also unavailable for the game with Villa, but both he and Nkunku could return for Chelsea’s next league game with Liverpool on Wednesday.

One signing who has made an immediate impact is Cole Palmer, who arrived from Manchester City in September and has scored nine league goals at Chelsea and netted two in their League Cup semi-final 6-1 win over Middlesbrough on Tuesday.

“We are optimistic always when we sign a player. It’s true he’s doing fantastic,” Pochettino said.

“After six or seven months he’s doing a very good job. We’re so happy with his impact. He is helping the team to achieve things that we wanted.”

Ben Chilwell started the game against Middlesbrough, and came on as a substitute in Chelsea’s last league game having been out since September with a hamstring injury, but is not certain to start against Villa.

“We are assessing him to see if he can cope with another game in three days,” Pochettino said.

“It’s not a mental problem. It’s not only convincing him to trust his body, it’s to trust with us and the way we work, but he’s always very optimistic.

“We need to be careful, the player always wants to play.”

Chelsea will face Liverpool in the League Cup final and now hope to progress in the FA Cup, but they host a Villa side who came away from Stamford Bridge with a 1-0 league win back in September.

Blackburn reject Crystal Palace approach for midfielder Adam Wharton

03:25 , Lawrence Ostlere

Blackburn have rejected Crystal Palace’s £18.5million offer for Adam Wharton.

The offer falls well short of Rovers’ valuation of the midfielder, the PA news agency understands.

Palace’s bid was a guaranteed £15million with the Eagles now weighing up whether to return with an improved offer.

Any bid will need to include a loan back to Rovers for the rest of the season given Palace have made their initial move with just a week to go before the transfer deadline and it would leave Blackburn with little time to source a replacement.

Palace have also been linked with Genk’s Daniel Munoz with boss Roy Hodgson confirming he had watched the midfielder on video.

Wharton - an England Under-20 international - has made 29 appearances this season, scoring once, having only made his Blackburn debut at the start of last season after joining the club when he was six years old.

The 19-year-old has impressed with his maturity this term, despite Rovers’ disappointing form in the Championship.

Jon Dahl Tomasson’s side are 17th, 10 points adrift of the play-off places and host Wrexham in the FA Cup fourth round on Monday.

Blackburn have already rejected two bids of £1million and £1.5million for striker Sam Gallagher from Ipswich this month.

West Ham set to push out Benrahma

01:44 , Lawrence Ostlere

Hammers boss David Moyes is looking to offload players with Algeria winger Said Benrahma likely to leave before the transfer window closes.

Ajax’s Steven Bergwijn is a potential replacement for Benrahma with Moyes keen to build on West Ham’s strong first half of the season.

Maddison back for Spurs in boost to Postecoglou

Thursday 25 January 2024 23:44 , Lawrence Ostlere

James Maddison is “in a good place” and ready to start for Tottenham Hotspur in their home FA Cup fourth round clash with Premier League champions Manchester City on Friday, manager Ange Postecoglou said.

Maddison made an immediate impact when he joined the North Londoners from relegated Leicester City last June but the England midfielder has been out since November with an ankle injury.

“He’s trained all week and he is fine. He is available and ready to start,” Postecoglou told reporters.

“When someone is available I assume they are ready to start. Whether they do or not depends on what I see with everyone else tomorrow and I usually make those decisions game day.

“The beauty of it is he’s got through the week really well and ready to go.”

Guardiola: ‘I feel responsible for Phillips’ exit'

Thursday 25 January 2024 22:29 , Lawrence Ostlere

City boss Guardiola admits he feels responsible for Phillips’ lack of game time and hopes he sees more action with the Hammers.

Guardiola said at a press conference: “Hopefully he can play the minutes he deserves and I couldn’t give to him.

“I wish him (well). I’ve said many times, he’s an exceptional human being and a football player, otherwise he wouldn’t be in the national team. Hopefully he can prove what he really is.

“Of course, if I give him 10-15 games in a row he would be good, but I didn’t give them to him and I feel so responsible for that. But, at the same time, I am honest with myself. I have players at my disposal, a squad, and I have to decide what we are looking for.

“All I can say is I am so grateful for his behaviour on and off the pitch and hopefully he can find minutes, and next season we will see what happens.”

Phillips undergoing medical before West Ham switch

Thursday 25 January 2024 22:05 , Lawrence Ostlere

Kalvin Phillips is undergoing a medical at West Ham on Thursday ahead of his loan switch from Manchester City.

The England midfielder has agreed a move to the London Stadium until the end of the season.

West Ham will have an option to buy Phillips once the loan deal is over.

The PA news agency understands the loan deal will be announced either later on Thursday or on Friday morning.

Phillips joined City from Leeds for £45million on a six-year contract in July 2022.

But the 28-year-old has never managed to hold down a regular spot in Pep Guardiola’s side and has not started a single Premier League match this season.

Crystal Palace and Newcastle were also interested in Phillips but he has opted for West Ham, who are currently sixth in the table and in the last 16 of the Europa League.

Phillips knows he needs game time with Euro 2024 coming up this summer.

Dyche ‘not aware’ of need for Everton to sell players

Thursday 25 January 2024 21:55 , Lawrence Ostlere

Dyche added that he saw it as “very likely” that any incomings would be on loan.

Ben Godfrey, who has made only three appearances for Everton this season, is another player to have featured in transfer talk, and when asked about the defender, Dyche said: “Ben’s going along very well, his professional attitude is outstanding. He’s well thought of in the group.

“He hasn’t had as much game time and he’s frustrated by that quite obviously, but not frustrated with me and the situation - he’s frustrated to not play. But he’s a fantastic pro and continues pushing himself and the group, that’s what kind of guy he is.”

Dyche revealed Andre Gomes, scorer of the winner in the 1-0 replay victory against Crystal Palace at Goodison Park last week that set up Saturday’s fourth-round tie at the same venue, is a major doubt due to a calf issue, with Everton “waiting on news of how long he’ll be out”.

Seamus Coleman (hamstring) and Ashley Young are not expected to feature either and Doucoure (hamstring) is a definite absentee, while Dele Alli has undergone a groin operation.

Dyche said of Alli: “Unfortunately he has required surgery. It was a bit of a debate on whether to or not, which is why it took some time. Now he’ll be recovering from that. There’s no timescales at this time, we’re just waiting for it to develop. The early signs are good at this time.”

Dyche ‘not aware’ of need for Everton to sell players

Thursday 25 January 2024 21:26 , Lawrence Ostlere

Everton boss Sean Dyche says he has not been told that the club need to sell players during the current transfer window.

A number of Dyche’s squad are being linked with moves away, including key midfield pair Abdoulaye Doucoure and Andre Onana.

Everton have appealed after being hit in November with a 10-point penalty for breaching profit and sustainability rules for the assessment period up to 2021-22, and last week the Premier League announced the Toffees had confirmed a PSR breach for the period up to 2022-23.

Meanwhile, the league is still to ratify a proposed takeover of the Merseyside outfit by American investment firm 777 Partners.

Asked at a press conference ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup clash with Luton whether Everton’s financial circumstances means some players may have to move on, Dyche said: “No - certainly not what I’m aware of at this moment in time. Certainly nothing has been promoted to me with that thought.

“We want to keep all the best players here the best we can and make sure we’re trying - even though it’s tricky circumstances, that’s clear - to at least manage the group we’ve got, and then build on it where we can, if the right situation occurs where there can be some form of getting a deal done.

“But obviously, it is quite a difficult window, we’ve seen that not just for us, we’ve seen that with the amount of money spent compared to other windows, very, very low at the minute.”

PSG sign Brazilian teen Moscardo from Corinthians

Thursday 25 January 2024 20:15 , Lawrence Ostlere

Paris St Germain have signed Brazilian 18-year-old midfielder Gabriel Moscardo from Corinthians, the Ligue 1 club said on Thursday.

He has signed a contract with PSG until 2028 and is immediately being loaned back to Corinthians until the end of the season.

Moscardo, who joined Corinthians last season, has played 18 games in Brazil’s top flight Serie A. He signed for an undisclosed fee which according to Brazilian media would be around 20 million euros ($21.66 million), with an additional 2 million in bonuses.

“I’m looking forward to joining up with the squad and to meeting the team and the coaching staff, and I hope to win many trophies with Les Rouge et Bleu and to make the fans happy,” Moscardo said in a statement

PSG are top of the table, eight points ahead of Nice in second place.

Man Utd target Barcelona defender Araujo

Thursday 25 January 2024 19:24 , Lawrence Ostlere

Sky in Germany are reporting that Manchester United have their sights on Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo.

Any potential deal would probably be made for the summer - as a possible replacement for Raphael Varane - but the club have opened discussions with the Spanish giants over the availability of a move in January.

One hold-up may be due to United’s financial restraints. Barca have reported issued a £69m price tag in order to sanction a winter move.

The 24-year-old Argentina international has played 20 times for Barcelona this season and apparantly does not want to leave the club.

Elsewhere, United are said to be interested in Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee though this interest is in the early stages.

Mohamed Salah injury ‘more serious than first thought’

Thursday 25 January 2024 18:36 , Lawrence Ostlere

Mohamed Salah’s hamstring injury is worse than was initially thought and could keep him out for four weeks, his agent has said.

It means Liverpool’s hopes of getting their top scorer back for their double header against Chelsea and Arsenal next week are over and could result in him missing their next six games.

Salah’s Africa Cup of Nations is probably over unless Egypt, who needed to avoid defeat against Cape Verde on Monday to prevent a group-stage exit, can survive without their captain until the final on 11 February and he makes a swift recovery.

The 31-year-old was injured in their 2-2 draw against Ghana on Thursday and had only been ruled out of his country’s next two games.

Mohamed Salah injury ‘more serious than first thought’

Hojbjerg to leave Tottenham?

Thursday 25 January 2024 17:40 , Lawrence Ostlere

More news from Sky Germany but this time regarding Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. The rumour is that the 28-year-old wants to leave during this window due to a lack of game time under Ange Postecoglou.

Florian Plettenberg reported: “That’s his target [to leave in January]. He played 90 minutes against Manchester United but he’s open to leaving Tottenham in the next few days.

“Our understanding is that he wants to play regularly and be a regular starter but it’s very difficult under Postecoglou right now for him at Spurs.

“There is nothing close, there is nothing advanced but we’re hearing Daniel Levy doesn’t want to give him away with an option to buy, he wants to have an obligation to buy or a permanent deal.

“Levy wants to see some money for Hojbjerg.”

Arsenal continue striker search with Gimenez and Mayoral on list

Thursday 25 January 2024 16:55 , Lawrence Ostlere

Arsenal have decided to step up efforts to sign Santiago Gimenez from Feyenoord.

The striker, who is also being watched by West Ham, has had an impressive start to the season in the Eredivisie and the Gunners are convinced he could be an asset, according to TEAMtalk.

Gimenez is considered a cheaper, more attainable, striker option in January with Mikel Arteta’s club also keen on Getafe striker, Borja Mayoral.

Arsenal reportedly made a £22m bid for the striker who has scored 12 goals in 19 La Liga matches this season according to The Sun, though there hasn’t been any further updates on that front as of yet.

Brian Brobbey plays down reported reunion with former boss Erik ten Hag

Thursday 25 January 2024 16:04 , Lawrence Ostlere

Erik ten Hag has been linked with another return to his former club Ajax on a hunt for players.

Brian Brobbey made 32 appearances under the current Manchester United manager during his time at the Dutch club, and briefly moved away to Red Bull Leipzig before returning to Ajax.

Brobbey reportedly rejected an offer to join United in 2022, but is still on the manager’s radar.

However, the move has been refuted by the player, who was quoted by Voetbal International saying: “I am not in contact with Erik ten Hag anymore.

“We used to text through WhatsApp, but I think Erik is busy.

“I have a new number as well, so...I know nothing about any interest from Manchester United. I read it on the news, but I am staying in Amsterdam.”

Newcastle scout Atalanta midfielder Ederson

Thursday 25 January 2024 15:25 , Lawrence Ostlere

Newcastle also have their eye on Atalanta’s talented Brazilian, Ederson, according to reports in Italy.

The club sent their head scout to watch the 24-year-old, who has five goals and one assist in Serie A this season playing as a central midfielder, and are keen to pursue a permanent transfer.

But Atalanta are reluctant to sell in January, so the summer looks a more likely moment for any deal.

Arsenal lead race to sign Xavi Simons

Thursday 25 January 2024 15:09 , Lawrence Ostlere

Arsenal are at the front of the queue to sign the highly rated attacking midfielder Xavi Simons from Paris Saint-Germain, according to Sport Bild.

PSG would consider a sale of Simons, who is currently on loan at RB Leipzig, to balance the books. Any deal would need to be completed in the summer.

Simons, who can play in the No 10 role and on both wings, has scored four goals and registered seven assists across 17 Bundesliga games this season, catching the eye of a number of clubs around Europe.

Arsenal and Manchester United interesting in Joshua Zirkzee

Thursday 25 January 2024 14:15 , Lawrence Ostlere

Arsenal and Manchester United are monitoring Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee.

Zirkzee is an imposing 6ft 4in Dutch striker who came through the Bayern Munich academy. The 22-year-old has enjoyed an impressive two and a half years in front of goal, scoring 18 times for Anderlecht on loan in 2021/22, and notching 10 since joining the Bologna in August 2022.

The Daily Express says Erik ten Hag is keeping a close eye on the forward as he looks to bolster Man Utd’s attacking options.

Kalvin Phillips to end Man City nightmare with Premier League loan move

Thursday 25 January 2024 13:55 , Lawrence Ostlere

Manchester City have agreed to loan Kalvin Phillips to West Ham United for the rest of the season.

The move is not yet complete but the midfielder is set to join the Hammers to try and boost his chances of retaining his place in the England squad for Euro 2024.

There could be an option for West Ham to buy Phillips in the summer in the final deal but for now the two clubs are ready to conclude a straight loan move.

Phillips had also attracted interest from a host of other clubs, including Juventus, Newcastle and Crystal Palace, but West Ham saw off competition for his signature.

Kalvin Phillips to end Man City nightmare with Premier League loan move

Kylian Mbappe set for €70m per year salary at Real Madrid

Thursday 25 January 2024 13:32 , Lawrence Ostlere

Kylian Mbappe is closing in on a record transfer to Real Madrid which would see the Mbappe family earn a tidy €400m, according to SportBild.

Mbappe has been linked with Madrid for several years but his dream move looks closer than ever, as Real Madrid prepare to fork out vast sums to secure the World Cup winner for the long term.

Mbappe has demanded he is allowed to play at both Euro 2024 and the Paris Olympics this summer, according to Caught Offside, as negotiations continue.

Callum Wilson available at cut-price as Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea consider options

Thursday 25 January 2024 13:10 , Lawrence Ostlere

Callum Wilson could be snapped up for a “competitive price” price, reports the Evening Standard, as Newcastle United seek to balance the books and meet the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.

Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea have all been notified to his availability. Wilson has scored 46 goals in 102 games for Newcastle.

On recent links with a move abroad, Wilson recently told his own Footballer’s Football Podcast: “It’s January. The window is open and there is always speculation with players, not just regarding myself but with everyone else in the squad as well. I haven’t got much more to say than that.”

It follows the news that Bayern Munich have pulled out of a bid to sign Kieran Trippier, after feeling that Newcastle’s price was too high.

Man City beat Barcelona to sign Argentine wonderkid Claudio Echeverri

Thursday 25 January 2024 12:51 , Lawrence Ostlere

First up is the news that Manchester City have completed the signing of the Argentinian teenager Claudio Echeverri from River Plate for £12.5m plus add-ons.

Echeverri, an attacking midfielder who idolises Lionel Messi, will spend the rest of 2024 in his home country after being loaned straight back to River Plate.

The 18-year-old, who attracted interest from Barcelona last year, has signed a four-and-a-half year contract at the Etihad Stadium, is set to link up with City in January 2025.

Man City beat Barcelona to sign Argentine wonderkid

Transfer news

Thursday 25 January 2024 12:50 , Lawrence Ostlere

Follow all the latest transfer news, rumours and done deals right here as the January window nears its conclusion.

City sign 18-year-old wonderkid Claudio Echeverri

Thursday 25 January 2024 16:58 , Lawrence Ostlere

Manchester City have signed 18-year-old Argentine midfielder Claudio Echeverri from River Plate on a contract until June 2028, the Premier League side said on Thursday.

Echeverri will remain at the Buenos Aires club, where he has so far made six appearances since his debut last June, until January next year.

The player captained Argentina at last year’s under-17 World Cup in Indonesia, scoring a hat-trick in a 3-0 defeat of Brazil in the quarter-finals before his side lost on penalties to eventual winners Germany in the semi-finals.

Echeverri follows Argentina forward and 2022 World Cup winner Julian Alvarez in joining Premier League champions City from River, who are managed by former City defender Martin Demichelis.

No financial details were given although British media reports indicated the deal was for 12.5 million pounds ($15.9 million) with add-ons.

Chelsea not intested in new players, insists Pochettino

Thursday 25 January 2024 16:56 , Lawrence Ostlere

Chelsea are more interested in winning trophies than in signing new players, manager Mauricio Pochettino said on Thursday.

Chelsea suffered a dismal start to the season but things have started to look up for Pochettino’s side who have won their last three league games and reached the League Cup final by thrashing second-tier Middlesbrough in midweek.

The current transfer window closes next week, and despite the fact that Chelsea are currently ninth in the Premier League table, they are not desperately seeking new players.

“We are desperate to win a title, not to sign players, I’m happy with the squad,” Pochettino told a press conference ahead of their FA Cup fourth-round tie with Aston Villa.

“But we know the last week has the most action and we need to be ready for anything that can happen in the squad.”

Pochettino confirmed that forward Christopher Nkunku will not be available for Friday’s game with Villa, as he recovers from a hip injury, but the manager refused to comment on whether they were looking to sign a striker.

“Too many rumours, player in, player out, at the moment, nothing to say,” the manager said.

“We work really hard about different things in different areas. We will communicate if something happens.”