Fabrizio Romano reports that alleged Liverpool transfer target Kees Smit will move clubs in the summer transfer window at the earliest. The AZ Alkmaar star is understood to be a highly-coveted talent, with the likes of Real Madrid and other Premier League clubs keeping close watch.
According to Tuttosport, talks between Juventus and Liverpool for Federico Chiesa are ongoing, with the Bianconeri willing to offer a loan deal with an obligation to buy tied to the Italian’s appearances in the second half of the campaign.
Martin O’Neill has given an injury update on Marcelo Saracchi and Kelechi Iheanacho ahead of this afternoon’s encounter against Dundee United at Celtic Park… Celtic’s push to bolster their squad this January has been accelerated by a growing injury crisis since the start of the season.
A lot of events happened before and after Tottenham Hotspur took on Bournemouth in midweek. Thomas Frank was bizarrely seen drinking from an Arsenal cup before kick-off at the Vitality Stadium.
Liverpool are understood to be showing the strongest interest in a potential transfer move for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola. Although there have also been transfer rumours linking Barcola as a target for Arsenal and Chelsea, my current information is that Liverpool have done the most work on this potential deal.
Bukayo Saka has committed his future to Arsenal after agreeing to a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2031, as reported by ESPN. The agreement brings to an end lengthy discussions between the player and the club, with Arsenal keen to secure his services as part of their long-term planning.
The pressure on Thomas Frank has continued to rise, given how the Danish head coach has been struggling to steady the ship at N17 after what has been a deeply underwhelming first half of the season.
Tottenham Hotspur have agreed on a deal to sign the Santos defender Souza. South American football expert Tim Vickery has now revealed that the 19-year-old
Chelsea have announced that academy talent Ryan Kavuma-McQueen has signed his first professional contract with the club. The Blues are renowned for having one of the best academies in world football, and have produced so many top class players over the years.
Manchester United are internally discussing as many as five main candidates to take over as the club’s permanent manager next season. As first reported here for the Daily Briefing, my understanding is that Old Trafford chiefs are particularly keen on Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner.
Chelsea are among the Premier League clubs who have enquired about Wolves youngster Mateus Mane according to reports. Whilst Chelsea are expected to be quiet in the January window, they are likely to be looking for the best young talents, and could add some players for the future.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is reportedly keen for the club to invest €25m in the potential transfer of Atletico Madrid attacking midfielder Thiago Almada.
Former Arsenal player Ray Parlour has urged Chelsea to bring Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger back to the club. The Blues once again heavily invested in their squad over the summer, and made five attacking signings as they totally revamped the frontline.
Tottenham are reportedly entering the race to sign West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta, even though he’s already said yes to a return to Flamengo.
Barcelona intend to activate Marcus Rashford’s buy option before the end of the campaign, according to numerous reports. The news was first reported by Spanish journalist Alfredo Martinez on Friday evening, after which Fabrizio Romano verified Barcelona’s desire to sign the forward permanently.
Michael Owen has shared his assessment of Viktor Gyokeres’ difficulties at Arsenal, expressing doubts over whether the striker possesses the quality required to consistently perform against the Premier League’s strongest sides.
Viktor Gyokeres has endured a difficult start to his Arsenal career since joining the Gunners in the summer, prompting growing debate over whether he represents an upgrade on Eddie Nketiah.
Tottenham Hotspur’s injury situation is getting from bad to worse. Thomas Frank is struggling for options in attack at the moment, with the club’s three long-term injury absentees joined on the sidelines by Mohammed Kudus.
Yan Diomande is currently regarded as one of the most sought-after young players in world football, and Arsenal are keen to add him to their squad as part of their long-term recruitment strategy.
Seattle Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas said he is focusing on playing in Europe after his contract expires and is not interested in playing in Liga MX at this time.
Manchester City have a break from Premier League action this weekend with their FA Cup campaign beginning tomorrow at the Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola’s side will take on League One side Exeter City in the third-round of the competition.
Inter Miami acquired midfielder David Ayala from the Portland Timbers, the clubs announced Friday. In exchange for the 23-year-old Argentina international, Portland receives $2 million guaranteed and up to $150,000 more if certain performance metrics are reached.
As January has progressed, it is clear to see that fatigue has hit the Manchester City squad. Players such as Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Rayan Cherki, Nico, and Erling Haaland, just to name a few, have carried a heavy workload over the past month and longer.
Liverpool’s long-term recruitment strategy continues to surface in some interesting places, even when the conversation initially appears to centre on Bayern Munich.