Transfer news LIVE: Kieran Trippier targeted by Bayern Munich, Man United appoint new CEO plus Arsenal latest
The January transfer window has been slow to get going this month but may be starting to heat up as clubs try to bolster their squads for the second half of the season.
This month, Arsenal and Chelsea are expected to be two of the teams trying to bring in at least one player each, with Ivan Toney a name on both clubs’ wishlists. Brighton striker Evan Ferguson has also been linked with the Blues, although the Seagulls value the teenager at more than £100m. Given the strictness of financial fair play rules, any signings might depend on sales.
Kalvin Phillips is a wanted man with Newcastle United, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid all interested in the surplus Manchester City midfielder and Juventus also following the situation. Manchester United are set to keep Amad Diallo despite a flurry of loan exits from Old Trafford, Tottenham still want Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher, while the Blues are prepared to let Armando Broja leave – but only for a substantial fee of £50m.
Follow the live blog below for all the latest news, rumours and updates in the transfer market and find the latest football betting odds and tips here.
Transfer news and rumours
Bayern Munich interested in Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier
Manchester United appoint new CEO from rivals Man City
Arsenal respond to West Ham interest in Emile Smith Rowe
Newcastle scout Atalanta midfielder Ederson
Race heats up for Kalvin Phillips in England and Spain
Anthony Martial’s agent denies rift with Erik ten Hag
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah injury fears eased as Egypt provide update
12:30 , Mike Jones
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will breath a sigh of relief at the news the hamstring injury Mohamed Salah suffered at the Africa Cup of Nations is only a strain and nothing more significant.
Salah sparked fears of a potentially lengthy lay-off after limping off in the first half of Thursday’s 2-2 draw with Ghana.
However, the results of a scan have revealed a muscle strain which Egypt say will rule the Liverpool striker out of their next two games.
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah injury fears eased as Egypt provide update
Reborn Liverpool approach Cherries rematch with even loftier ambitions
12:00 , Mike Jones
It was win 1.0 for Liverpool 2.0. Jurgen Klopp’s term for his second team at Anfield could take on a greater significance if they win his second Premier League title.
Triumph at Bournemouth on Sunday and they would have a five-point lead at the division’s summit. This season’s first victory came against Andoni Iraola’s team in August.
And in a campaign that has amounted to something of a voyage of discovery – not least for Klopp, who has admitted he does not yet know where Liverpool’s destination will be but is enjoying the journey – the themes of a season were revealed early.
Reborn Liverpool approach Cherries rematch with even loftier ambitions
Jurgen Klopp makes touching offer to Liverpool fan Sven-Goran Eriksson
11:30 , Mike Jones
Jurgen Klopp has promised to give Sven-Goran Eriksson a warm welcome to Liverpool and to let him do his job for a day.
The former England manager announced he has terminal cancer and delivered a defiant message to fans, while also revealing he is a Liverpool supporter who wished he could have taken charge of the club.
And Eriksson could be in the dugout at Anfield in March when a Liverpool Legends team containing some of their former players take on their Ajax counterparts in a charity game with Robbie Fowler, who played for the Swede during his reign with England, saying a call had been made to help arrange it.
Jurgen Klopp makes touching offer to Liverpool fan Sven-Goran Eriksson
Jordan Henderson wiser for life experiences after returning to Europe with Ajax
11:00 , Mike Jones
Jordan Henderson believes he is wiser for his experiences on and off the field after returning to Europe following his ill-fated move to Saudi Arabia.
The former Liverpool captain signed for Dutch side Ajax this week after terminating his controversial stay with Al-Ettifaq less than six months into a three-year deal.
The 33-year-old feels he can still play for several more seasons at the top level.
Jordan Henderson wiser for life experiences after returning to Europe with Ajax
Liverpool have benefitted from their mini-winter break, says Jurgen Klopp
10:30 , Mike Jones
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes his team have returned refreshed from their mini-break and are ready to push on in the Premier League title race.
They returned to training on Wednesday – a week after their last game – and head to Bournemouth looking to extend their advantage at the top to five points.
While they will still be missing talisman Mohamed Salah, who is at the Africa Cup of Nations, and are waiting for the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andy Robertson and Dominik Szoboszlai to return from injury, Klopp believes everyone benefited from a break from the intensity of the Premier League.
Liverpool have benefitted from their mini-winter break, says Jurgen Klopp
Aymeric Laporte believes many footballers are unhappy in Saudi Arabia
10:00 , Mike Jones
Former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte has revealed dissatisfaction with aspects of life in Saudi Arabia and claimed a number of players are unhappy.
Laporte became one of the Saudi Pro League’s numerous statement signings last summer when he left the Champions League winners to join Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr in a lucrative deal.
Aymeric Laporte believes many footballers are unhappy in Saudi Arabia
Roy Hodgson says Crystal Palace future is out of his hands after Arsenal defeat
09:30 , Mike Jones
Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson deflected to the club’s decision-makers when asked if his side’s crushing 5-0 defeat at Arsenal could raise questions about his job security.
Substitute Gabriel Martinelli buried the Eagles with two goals inside two minutes of second-half stoppage time, adding to Gabriel and Leandro Trossard’s earlier efforts and a Dean Henderson own goal that all-but guaranteed the hosts victory before half-time.
As Palace defender Chris Richards nodded over a chance to claw back a late consolation, away supporters raised a banner reading “wasted potential on and off the pitch, weak decisions taking us backwards” while another protested “no shared vision, no structured plan”.
Roy Hodgson says Crystal Palace future is out of his hands after Arsenal defeat
Aston Villa submit improved offer for Middlesbrough’s Morgan Rogers
09:00 , Mike Jones
Aston Villa have put in a significantly improved offer for Middlesbrough’s Morgan Rogers, after a bid earlier this week was rejected.
Unai Emery sees the forward as a priority for this window, although it has so far been a protracted process between the clubs.
Middlesbrough are understood to want around £10m for the 21-year-old, although a figure has not actually been given to Villa as the preference is to keep a highly-rated player only signed in the summer.
Aston Villa submit improved offer for Middlesbrough’s Morgan Rogers
Manchester United set to appoint Man City’s Omar Berrada as new CEO
08:30 , Mike Jones
Manchester United are set to pull off a coup in the first major appointment of the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era, as Omar Berrada of Manchester City is set to be appointed chief executive.
The recommendation comes from INEOS, and has been backed by the board, who have been looking to fill the role since Richard Arnold left last year.
Although there had been expectation that Jean-Claude Blanc would step in as CEO, his preference is to stay with the wider sporting group owned by Ratcliffe. That led United to Berrada, and it is understood he has been earmarked for months.
Manchester United set to appoint Man City’s Omar Berrada as new CEO
Ivan Toney makes goalscoring return as Brentford end five-match losing streak
08:00 , Mike Jones
Ivan Toney marked his return from his eight-month exile with a goal to help Brentford to a thrilling 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest.
The striker, banned from football since May for breaching betting rules, was back on the scoresheet for the first time in 267 days.
Named captain for the day, Toney struck with an audacious free-kick to cancel out Danilo’s opener for Forest and thrust himself back into the spotlight for the right reasons.
Ivan Toney makes goalscoring return as Brentford end five-match losing streak
Jordan Henderson quits Saudi Arabia and completes Ajax move
07:00 , Mike Jones
Jordan Henderson has returned to Europe after joining Ajax from Saudi club Al-Ettifaq.
The former Liverpool midfielder, who will wear the No 6 shirt at Ajax, has departed the Saudi Pro League after just six months.
The England international was heralded as a flagship signing for the burgeoning league, but after an ill-fated spell, he has joined the Dutch giants on a permanent basis as a free agent on a two-and-a-half year contract.
Jordan Henderson quits Saudi Arabia and completes Ajax move
Walti to remain at Arsenal
06:00 , Mike Jones
Arsenal Woman head coach Jonas Eidevall has dismissed reports linking midfielder Lia Walti with a move to Real Madrid.
He said: “Yes [she is staying]. I don’t have any other idea in my head and I don’t think she does either. [The rumours come] from people that want attention.
“I think that is the problem with rumours, when there is not a direct, reliable source, you can’t really do much with them. The Lia Walti potentially leaving rumour definitely falls into the category of being with no truth whatsoever and she is a player we are very happy with.
“I think she is very happy at the club as well. I understand that it is hard for supporters when you read things like that to understand if there is truth in it, this one definitely does not.”
Race heats up for Kalvin Phillips in England and Spain
05:00 , Mike Jones
There is a clamour for Kalvin Phillips’ services as a host of clubs try to sign the Manchester City midfielder this month.
Phillips has widely been identified as the best central player available on the market right now, and Newcastle are thought to be at the front of the queue among Premier League clubs interested, who include Wolves and Fulham.
But Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are also monitoring the situation and have registered their interest with City, according to the Telegraph.
His future will be decided next week, and it could all come down to who can afford to pay the highest proportion of his sizeable wages until the end of the season.
If you believe in the football pyramid, you must stand up for Financial Fair Play
04:00 , Mike Jones
As Premier League executives started to agitate for changes to financial control rules, it led to a pointed quip from one official. When it comes to any kind of regulation, those in football are utterly incapable of looking beyond how it affects them alone.
They almost never think of the wider game. It has led to some distorted positions, as the last few days have made clear.
Eddie Howe bemoaned how Newcastle United do not have “friends in the market” willing to do loans to ease pressures on the team from Profit and Sustainability restrictions, at the same time as his bosses were loudly letting it be known that other clubs shared concerns on that regulation.
There were even mutterings after Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Manchester City about how the rules facilitated a situation where the champions could just bring Kevin De Bruyne, and that they were restricting a similar state-owned project in building the same sort of force.
“That’s the difference,” was one grumble.
If you believe in the football pyramid, you must stand up for FFP
Manuela Zinsberger signs new Arsenal deal
02:00 , Mike Jones
Arsenal have announced that goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger has signed a new contract with the club. Zinsberger said: “I’m so happy to have signed a new contract with this club.
“I’m so motivated to continue to develop myself as a goalkeeper but also grow as a person – and with the progression that’s taken place here on and off the pitch since I joined, I know this is the right place for me to do that.
“When I step out onto the pitch, hearing the crowd cheering us on, it’s a feeling I can’t describe. The passion our supporters bring lifts us up and together we can go so far.”
There is news from Saudi Arabia - but it’s not a new signing
01:00 , Mike Jones
There was a new managerial contract this morning, instead of a new signing in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq have extended Steven Gerrard’s managerial contract until 2027.
The former Liverpool captain was initially appointed on a two-year deal in July 2023, but has been rewarded with a further two-year extension, and an offer to renew in 2027.
The 43-year-old said: “This is very pleasing for myself and my family and feels like recognition for a lot of hard work and commitment.
Al-Ettifaq extend Steven Gerrard’s managerial contract
Bayern Munich scouting Kieran Trippier
00:00 , Mike Jones
Bayern Munich’s interest in England internationals continues as there are rumours the Bundesliga champions are interested in Newcastle defender Kieran Trippier.
That’s according to The Telegraph.
Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel revealed earlier this month the club was looking for a player in Trippier’s position.
“We are looking for a right-back who is strong in duels,” he said. “We’ll see if something is possible.”
Kalvin Phillips update
Saturday 20 January 2024 23:30 , Mike Jones
According to Sky Sports, West Ham are in discussions for a move for out-of-favour Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
But the Hammers are one of many clubs including, Newcastle, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Crystal Palace who have been linked with the England international.
Phillips has made just 10 appearances for Manchester City this season, but has played four times for England during their friendly matches and Euro 2024 qualifying games.
Ivan Toney latest
Saturday 20 January 2024 23:00 , Mike Jones
The Ivan Toney saga is likely to run and run throughout the transfer window, despite Thomas Frank saying in a press conference, reported by BBC Sport:
“As I said earlier in these conferences, it’s 99% something, that he will stay here but football is crazy, you never know what will happen tomorrow.
“He’s committed to helping the team, that’s all that’s on his mind he wants to stay here, he wants to help the team. No none at all [offers].”
Arsenal continue striker search with Gimenez and Mayoral on list
Saturday 20 January 2024 22:30 , Mike Jones
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.
Martial agent denies Ten Hag rift
Saturday 20 January 2024 22:00 , Mike Jones
Anthony Martial’s agent has denied reports the Manchester United striker has been told to train alone because he is not fit.
Phillipe Lamboley, the France international’s representative, told Sky Sports News that Martial has a hip issue that requires surgery.
“What is said about him is completely false,” Lamboley said on Thursday. “He was not excluded from the group and he has no problem with [Erik ten Hag].
“Anthony has been in Manchester for nine seasons and if he was not a great professional then he would not have been at the club for so long.
“He is simply going to undergo a small operation on his adductors, which he should have done for a while and which did not allow him to be 100 per cent, so he will do it now.”
Martial’s contract has the option of a further year but it is not expected to be taken up by the club.
Spurs reportedly join race for Michael Olise
Saturday 20 January 2024 21:30 , Mike Jones
Tottenham are the latest Premier League club to have registered an interest in Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise. Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool are all in the race to sign the Eagles winger this summer.
Olise is expected to leave Crystal Palace at the end of the season but he is yet to decide where his future lies. The ‘Big Six’ are all keen, plus Newcastle.
HITC report that Olise has a release clause, believed to be in excess of £50m, that becomes active in the summer and there are already rumours of a potential swap deal involving United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
PSG, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are monitoring the situation too by all accounts.
Will Jordan Henderson ever be paid for his stint in Saudi Arabia?
Saturday 20 January 2024 21:00 , Mike Jones
Jordan Henderson looks set to seal a return to European football at Ajax, bringing to an end a heavily criticised stint in Saudi Arabia.
Henderson left Liverpool last summer to join Al-Ettifaq, but the Saudi club appear likely to terminate the England midfielder’s contract to allow him to join the Eredivisie side. New reports suggest that Henderson may not even have yet been compensated for his time in Middle Eastern country’s Pro League.
The Telegraph reports that the 33-year-old has not been paid by Al-Ettifaq having elected to defer his wages, and could even lose out entirely on a weekly wage in the region of £350,000.
Aston Villa close in on Unai Emery’s No.1 January target
Saturday 20 January 2024 20:30 , Mike Jones
Aston Villa have made an offer for Middlesbrough’s Morgan Rogers, with the 21-year-old forward Unai Emery’s priority for this window.
The player is keen to test himself at Premier League level, having quickly developed in Michael Carrick’s burgeoning side. Emery has admired Rogers for a while, having been further impressed with the versatile attacker when Villa played Middlesbrough in the FA Cup.
Aston Villa close in on Unai Emery’s No.1 January target
Nuno tells Forest players to ignore points deduction
Saturday 20 January 2024 20:00 , Mike Jones
Nuno Espirito Santo says he will tell his Nottingham Forest players to forget about the threat of a Premier League points deduction.
Forest have been referred to an independent commission over an alleged breach of the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability regulations (PSR).
The league have started the next steps in the process to decide what punishment the club will face, which could include a points deduction and fines.
“Today we will train and we know the players know the situation but I’ll tell them the same thing that I am telling you — let’s forget about it and focus on our job. Our job is the game against Blackpool,” said Nuno.
“We are all concerned within the club but me as a coach, it’s nothing I have to think about or to deal with. My job is clear, it is to prepare the team and that’s what we’re focused with.
“All the conversations and meetings we have are private. I understand that this is the news but at the same time, it’s not my concern. I have to focus, I have to wait until the decision comes and when it does we’re here to deal with that.
“My job is to work, work, work and then work even more. This is all I think about.”
Henderson on move to Ajax
Saturday 20 January 2024 19:30 , Mike Jones
Jordan Henderson addressed leaving Saudi Arabia and returning to play football in Europe by writing on social media:
“I’m sad to say that I will be leaving Al Ettifaq with immediate effect. It wasn’t an easy decision but one that I feel is best for me and my family.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the club & the fans for all the support during my time. I really felt the love from Day One. I’ll keep watching & hoping for your success.
“Good luck for the future.”
The former Liverpool captain has joined Ajax in a two-and-a-half year deal.
Jordan Henderson completes Ajax move
Saturday 20 January 2024 19:00 , Mike Jones
Ajax manager John van’t Schip hailed the England midfielder’s arrival in Amsterdam on a two-and-a-half-year deal.
“We wanted an experienced midfielder with leadership qualities,” Van’t Schip said. “Partially due to injuries in the team, we were looking for someone who could step in immediately. Jordan Henderson is that type of player.
“His arrival means a huge enhancement for our squad. Both on and off the pitch, a football player of this calibre is important for our many young players.
“He’s an English international player and has won the Champions League and many other prizes with Liverpool.
“I am happy he’s here, and I think it’s very good for our club that he’s an Ajacied from today onwards.”
Man Utd and Crystal Palace open to Olise-Wan Bissaka swap
Saturday 20 January 2024 18:30 , Mike Jones
Manchester United have discussed a summer move for Crystal Palace forward Michael Olise which would also see defender Aaron Wan-Bissakka return to Selhurst Park.
Palace have been rumoured to want Wan-Bissaka back ever since he left the club and it seems as though he’s linked with them every transfer window.
ESPN report that Palace are open to the deal but would demand cash plus the defender to let Olise move to Old Trafford.
Man Utd and Varane in contract extension talks
Saturday 20 January 2024 18:00 , Mike Jones
Raphael Varane and his representatives are in conversation with Manchester United over a new contract as the defender’s current deal expires in the summer.
The club opted against triggering the one-year option in his current contract though with no defensive reinforcements on the horizon Varane may have a strong chance of remaining at Old Trafford.
The club refused the automatic extension as it would have seen Varane remain on his eye-watering £300,000-a-week wages. Sky Sports report that Varane could now remain at Old Trafford if the two parties can agree on a suitable reduction in wages.
Man Utd target Barcelona defender Araujo
Saturday 20 January 2024 17:30 , Mike Jones
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.
Frank backs Toney to regain form
Saturday 20 January 2024 17:00 , Mike Jones
Brentford manager Thomas Frank is confident Ivan Toney will be playing at his best level when the striker returns following a ban for breaching betting rules.
Toney’s eight-month suspension ends this week and he is set to make his comeback in Saturday’s clash against Nottingham Forest.
Frank is increasingly confident Toney will remain with the Bees until the end of the season, despite interest in the forward from Arsenal and Chelsea.
He said: “I hope we prepared him that well that he’ll hit the ground running. He’s been training and is fit and ready to go. I’m not saying it can’t take a little time to hit the max, but I’m pretty sure he’ll come in on a high level.”
Controversial Qatari bid for Manchester United failed to provide financial guarantees
Saturday 20 January 2024 16:30 , Mike Jones
The controversial Qatari bid to buy Manchester United failed to provide proof of funds throughout the drawn-out sales process and never had a bid that was above $5bn. The facts, laid out in the United States Securities and Exchange Commission filing released on Wednesday, raise questions about the nature of the offer as well as much of the public relations around it.
The process is close to conclusion with Sir Jim Ratcliffe buying a minority stake, although the filing makes clear he had four proposals rejected as he attempted ways to purchase a majority. The British billionaire eventually settled on his current successful structure in July 2023. Raine, the group managing the bids, were paid $31.5m by the club and were contacted by over 170 potential bidders.
Only 26 of those entered into non-disclosure agreements, with eight eventually making it through to the second round, and that finally narrowed down to two.
Controversial Qatari bid for Manchester United failed to provide financial guarantees
Fati nearing Brighton return
Saturday 20 January 2024 16:00 , Mike Jones
Ansu Fati is due to be back at Brighton this week as he steps up his recovery from injury.
The on-loan Barcelona forward spent some of his rehabilitation programme in Spain after damaging his hamstring in a Premier League game against Nottingham Forest in late November.
It’s thought Fati will be back in action by the end of next month.
Manchester United’s Facundo Pellistri set to join Granada on loan
Saturday 20 January 2024 15:30 , Mike Jones
Facundo Pellistri is set to join Granada on loan until the end of the season.
The Manchester Evening News says the Uruguayan winger, 22, will head to La Liga after struggling to break into Manchester United’s first team this season. He has only made four starts for the club.
The recent return to fitness of Amad Diallo and the impressive form of Alejandro Garnacho has meant there is little room for Pellistri this season.
The trend that exposed Jose Mourinho as yesterday’s man
Saturday 20 January 2024 15:00 , Mike Jones
The two announcements were separated by about 12 hours. At the Best Fifa Football awards, Pep Guardiola was named the world’s outstanding manager now. Then the man who was supposed to be his nemesis was sacked by the club ninth in Serie A.
Jose Mourinho can always say that he won the first European trophy Roma secured in their history – and being Mourinho, he probably will – but he was dismissed with them nearer the foot of the Serie A table, in terms of points, than the top.
Guardiola is the reigning Champions League winner; it will soon be the 10-year anniversary of the last time Mourinho won a Champions League knockout tie. He has been exiled from the competition that used to define him, partly by his own results: Roma had four top-four finishes in the six seasons before Mourinho’s appointment. They came sixth and sixth – which would have been seventh but for Juventus’ points deduction – under him and he left them in mid-table.
Mourinho’s status as an all-time great was cemented long ago, but he is not a great manager now.
The trend that exposed Jose Mourinho as yesterday’s man
Barcelona would consider Mikel Arteta as next manager
Saturday 20 January 2024 14:30 , Mike Jones
Barcelona would make Mikel Arteta a candidate should they decide to sack manager Xavi, according to Adrian Sanchez.
Xavi is under huge pressure, with the team fourth in La Liga off the title pace, and after suffering a humiliating defeat at the hands of rivals Real Madrid in the recent Spanish Super Cup final.
Spanish journalist Sanchez says Arteta, who played for Barcelona, would be a target should the hierarchy decide to make a change.
Chelsea and Liverpool want Newcastle star
Saturday 20 January 2024 14:00 , Mike Jones
Chelsea and Liverpool have been linked with Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, according to Fichajes.
With Newcastle reportedly having issues with FFP, could Eddie Howe’s side be forced to sell in order to strengthen their injury hit squad?
Guimaraes would certainly be their most in-demand star - but would command a sizable fee. Real Madrid have also been linked to the Brazil international.
Saudi club Al-Hilal sign Brazil’s Lodi from Marseille
Saturday 20 January 2024 13:30 , Mike Jones
Al-Hilal have signed Brazil defender Renan Lodi from French side Olympique de Marseille, both clubs said on Wednesday.
The 25-year-old Lodi agreed a deal that will keep him at the club until the end of 2027, with French media reporting that Al-Hilal paid 23 million euros ($24.97 million) for the transfer.
Lodi has earned 19 caps for Brazil.
Al-Hilal top the Saudi Pro League standings with 53 points, seven ahead of second-placed Al-Nassr.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) has announced a Sports Clubs Investment and Privatisation Project involving Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal.
PIF owns 75% of each of the four clubs, while their respective non-profit foundations own 25% of each.
Victor Osimhen will play in the Premier League ‘one day’
Saturday 20 January 2024 13:00 , Mike Jones
Victor Osimhen has vowed to play in the Premier League “one day”, but he doesn’t know when that day will be.
The Napoli striker is one of the sought-after players in Europe right now and both Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked with a move for the 25-year-old.
But Osimhen, who is currently on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria, suggested he would not be moving to England imminently.
“Of course one day, definitely, but for now I have other plans in my career I am looking forward to. When the time comes, everyone will know.”
Sir Jim Ratcliffe ‘gave Man Utd Christmas Day deadline to accept his offer’
Saturday 20 January 2024 12:30 , Mike Jones
Sir Jim Ratcliffe warned Manchester United he was prepared to withdraw his offer to become minority owner if it was not given the green light before Christmas, it has been revealed.
It was announced on December 24 that the Ineos chairman had agreed to buy a 25 per cent stake in the Premier League club in a deal that included investing 300million US dollars (£236.7million) into their infrastructure.
But US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings released on Wednesday have revealed Ratcliffe’s patience had begun to wear thin shortly before an agreement was struck.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe ‘gave Man Utd Christmas Day deadline to accept his offer’
Jude Bellingham stars in new Adidas advert marking return of iconic football boots
Saturday 20 January 2024 12:00 , Mike Jones
Jude Bellingham stars in Adidas’s new advert for its iconic Predator 24 boots.
The England international, 20, will be one of several high-profile players to wear the new design for the classic boots made famous by stars such as David Beckham and Steven Gerrard.
The boots’ comeback is five years after they were voted the greatest boots in history.
Their 30th iteration design features the fold-over tongue - a fan favourite - in a classic black, white, and red colourway brightened up by highlighter yellow.
Why the Premier League is so quiet in the January transfer window
Saturday 20 January 2024 11:30 , Mike Jones
Spending is down compared to the last two years, with Eddie Howe bemoaning a lack of response from rivals, while Tottenham have been one of the few busy clubs in a waiting game around the league and Europe overall, writes Miguel Delaney:
Why the Premier League is so quiet in the January transfer window
Arsenal lead race to sign Xavi Simons
Saturday 20 January 2024 11:00 , Mike Jones
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
Saturday 20 January 2024 10:30 , Mike Jones
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.
Ivan Toney to captain Brentford on return from eight-month suspension
Saturday 20 January 2024 10:00 , Mike Jones
Thomas Frank confirmed Ivan Toney will captain Brentford against Nottingham Forest on Saturday in his first game back after his eight-month suspension.
The 27-year-old has not played competitively since being banned in May for breaching Football Association gambling rules.
He was permitted to return to training with his team-mates in September and has played in a number of behind-closed-doors friendlies in the run-up to becoming available again.
Ivan Toney to captain Brentford on return from eight-month suspension
Mohamed Salah injury update
Saturday 20 January 2024 09:30 , Mike Jones
Mohamed Salah sustained an injury on Thursday evening that forced him to leave the field early during Egypt’s 2-2 draw against Ghana in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Jurgen Klopp has had his say on the situation, reported by BBC Sport, and commented: ““We don’t know anything about it. I spoke with him last night and how it was. They are doing further assessments now and then we will know more.
“At that moment he was shocked and couldn’t see why he was hit by something so intense. You have these hamstring injuries in a different way. He felt it and we know how rarely Mo goes off, or needs to go off, so it is definitely something but I don’t have any more information right now.”
Newcastle in talks over new Joelinton contract
Saturday 20 January 2024 09:00 , Mike Jones
Newcastle midfielder, Joelinton, is currently within the final 18 months of his contract with the club and discussions over an extension have been ongoing.
There is yet to be a resolution and fears have risen that he may miss the rest of the season due to a recurring quad injury. The 27-year-old was ruled out for at least six weeks earlier this month and needs surgery which is likely to keep him out of the rest of the campaign.
The club are keen for him to remain a key player and hope to agree a new long-term contract after he has made himself a valuable and popular player on Tyneside.
Newcastle scout Atalanta midfielder Ederson
Saturday 20 January 2024 08:30 , Mike Jones
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.
Race heats up for Kalvin Phillips in England and Spain
Saturday 20 January 2024 08:00 , Mike Jones
There is a clamour for Kalvin Phillips’ services as a host of clubs try to sign the Manchester City midfielder this month.
Phillips has widely been identified as the best central player available on the market right now, and Newcastle are thought to be at the front of the queue among Premier League clubs interested, who include Wolves and Fulham.
But Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are also monitoring the situation and have registered their interest with City, according to the Telegraph.
His future will be decided next week, and it could all come down to who can afford to pay the highest proportion of his sizeable wages until the end of the season.
Klopp on Salah’s hamstring injury
Saturday 20 January 2024 07:30 , Mike Jones
Jurgen Klopp spoke in his press conference about Mohamed Salah’s hamstring injury which the forward picked up playing for Egypt in last night’s Afcon clash against Ghana,
“I spoke with him last night.” said Klopp, “They are doing further assessments and then we will know more.
“In the moment it was a shock. He felt it and we all know how rarely Mo needs to go off so there was definitely something. I don’t have any more information right now.
“We will see. It depends on what the diagnosis is. They do will an ultrasound and an MRI and then we will know what it is and what Egypt plans. It’s too early.”
Jordan Henderson quits Saudi Arabia and completes Ajax move
Saturday 20 January 2024 07:00 , Mike Jones
Jordan Henderson has returned to Europe after joining Ajax from Saudi club Al-Ettifaq.
The former Liverpool midfielder, who will wear the No 6 shirt at Ajax, has departed the Saudi Pro League after just six months.
The England international was heralded as a flagship signing for the burgeoning league, but after an ill-fated spell, he has joined the Dutch giants on a permanent basis as a free agent on a two-and-a-half year contract.
Jordan Henderson quits Saudi Arabia and completes Ajax move
Klopp on Salah’s hamstring injury
Saturday 20 January 2024 09:55 , Mike Jones
Jurgen Klopp spoke in his press conference about Mohamed Salah’s hamstring injury which the forward picked up playing for Egypt in last night’s Afcon clash against Ghana,
“I spoke with him last night.” said Klopp, “They are doing further assessments and then we will know more.
“In the moment it was a shock. He felt it and we all know how rarely Mo needs to go off so there was definitely something. I don’t have any more information right now.
“We will see. It depends on what the diagnosis is. They do will an ultrasound and an MRI and then we will know what it is and what Egypt plans. It’s too early.”
