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Live Coverage: Transfer Talk - January 7

Sports Mole provides regular transfer news and speculation as it emerges throughout the day.
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Welcome to Sports Mole's live transfer blog on Wednesday, January 7.

The mid-season window has now been open for a full week, and as the days continue to tick down more and more deals are expected to be completed.

Be sure to stick with us as we keep you up-to-date with all the latest rumours and speculation, as well as any finalised moves throughout the day.


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Good morning, folks. We are now a week into the winter transfer window with teams up and down the land continuing to chop and change their squads at the mid-point of the season. As ever we'll keep you updated with any movement throughout the day, in terms of both done deals and any speculation doing the rounds.

As ever there has been plenty of transfer speculation emerging overnight, arguably the biggest of which surrounds the future of Norwegian youngster Martin Odegaard, who is said to be close to completing a move to Real Madrid.

The Stromsgodset star is rumoured to be in the Spanish capital to discuss a proposed switch to the Bernabeu, which is bad news for the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United who have also been linked with the midfielder.


He may have been made captain of Tottenham Hotspur during the summer, although Younes Kaboul could now be on his way out of White Hart Lane.

That is if this report from the Daily Mail is to be believed, with suggestions that Besiktas are preparing a January bid for the defender.


Having been loaned out in three successive campaigns already, Joel Campbell could be on his way out of the Emirates Stadium exit once more this January.

But don't get too worried Arsenal fans, because reports suggest that the Costa Rica international will be offered a new contract before setting off on his latest adventure. Read more on that potential dealright here.

Joel Campbell of Arsenal celebrates scoring during the Emirates Cup match between Arsenal and Benfica at the Emirates Stadium on August 2, 2014 © Getty Images


One transfer saga could be coming to an end in the coming days, with news emerging that Manchester City are reportedly close to agreeing a £30m deal to sign Wilfried Bony from Swansea City.

The Ivorian striker is said to be seen as an ideal option for Citizens boss Manuel Pellegrini, who is looking to add further options to his frontline in the absence of certain key players.


I'm sure we'll be reading a lot more about Steven Gerrard between now and the summer as he enters the final few months of his time at Liverpool, although talk over his future destination may be coming to an end.

The former England international is said to have jetted out to the United States overnight in order to complete a £4m switch to Los Angeles Galaxy. More of which can be found here.


With that latest Steven Gerrard development, my short stint this morning comes to an end. Joe Fish is standing by for the next few hours, and will be sure to keep you updated with any moves that go through between now and midday.

Thanks Dan. We are expecting developments on the future of Oldham Athletic and Ched Evans later today, and will confirm any news as soon as we have it. In the meantime, let's stay in League One, and Bristol City manager Steve Cotterill is "confident" that they can retain the services of loanee Matt Smith beyond the end of January. The Fulham striker scored the lot in City's 4-2 Johnstone's Paint trophy Southern Area Final first-leg win over Gillingham last night.

Swansea are expected to lose Wilfried Bony, but have secured the long-term services of another of their forwards. Modou Barrow, the 22-year-old Gambian striker who joined them on a short-team deal in September, has signed a new four-year contract until 2018. He scored his first goal for the club in their 6-2 FA Cup third-round win over Tranmere Rovers last Saturday.

As the Bony deal gathers pace, one man who is expected to leave Man City this month is Scott Sinclair. Inter Milan are reportedly considering challenging Aston Villa for the loan signing of the winger, who has made just two Premier League starts for City since joining from Swansea in 2012. Inter boss Roberto Mancini brought Sinclair to the Etihad.

Extra firepower is believed to be high on Leicester's January list of priorities this month. The Foxes are believed to be closing in on the £6m signature of Andrej Kramaric and would seemingly like to partner him with Burnley's Danny Ings. The Clarets are unlikely to want to sell their star striker to a relegation rival, although Ings's Turf Moor contract expires in June.

Danny Ings of Burnley celebrates scoring their second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Burnley at St James' Park on January 1, 2015© Getty Images


Everton are looking for reinforcements at the other end of the pitch as they seek cover for injured goalkeeper Tim Howard. Cardiff City's David Marshall and Queens Park Rangers deputy Alex McCarthy are reportedly on Roberto Martinez's shortlist.

Speaking of goalkeepers, they don't come much bigger than Victor Valdes. The Spaniard is one of the hottest free agents around and reports are claiming that he could join Manchester United as soon as this week. The former Barcelona stopper has been training with Louis van Gaal's side, but perhaps most heavily linked with their fierce rivals Liverpool.

It seems Leicester do intend to be very busy this month. Kramaric and Ings are on their radar and they are also believed to be confident of landing Wigan playmaker Shaun Maloney. The Foxes reportedly had a £1m initial offer rejected, but are soon to return with a second offer.

One man almost certain to be on the move in January is Chelsea's Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian winger has been linked with Inter Milan and Real Sociedad, and now QPR appear to have joined the race for a loan deal. Harry Redknapp is looking to add pace and creativity to his attack, having already recruited Mauro Zarate on loan from West Ham.

Mohamed Salah of Chelsea in action duing the pre season friendly match between Wycombe Wanderers and Chelsea at Adams Park on July 16, 2014© Getty Images


Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk has been mooted with moves to as many clubs as Salah, if not more! Arsenal and Spurs have been credited with an interest, as have Sunderland, but the Black Cats are no longer thought to be in the race after baulking at the Dutchman's £8m asking price. It appears as if though Gus Poyet may want to spend that money elsewhere.

DONE DEAL! Cardiff have completed the signing of left-back Scott Malone from Championship rivals Millwall. The 23-year-old arrivals in Wales for an undisclosed fee, with the Lions cashing in on a player who had only six months left on his contract. They loaned Dan Harding from Nottingham Forest earlier this week to compensate for Malone's departure.

Scott Malone of Millwall celebrates after scoring to make it 2-0 during the Sky Bet Championship match between Millwall and Blackpool at The Den on August 30, 2014© Getty Images


And the Bluebirds may not be done there! They have apparently had a bid accepted by Rotherham United for striker Alex Revell. Russell Slade has a big squad at his disposal, but is expected to move many out and bring some of his own players in this month.

BREAKING NEWS: There appears to be major progress on the Ched Evans front. Sky Sports News are reporting that the convicted rapist has agreed personal teams with Oldham and could even be in their matchday squad this weekend.

Ched Evans smiles during the Wales training session ahead of their UEFA EURO 2012 qualifier against England on March 25, 2011© Getty Images


James Milner and Micah Richards are not expected to leave Man City permanently this month. Both are on contracts which expire at the end of the season, but the champions are optimistic that Milner will sign new terms and are happy for Richards to leave on a free.

One final line to bring you before I pass you onto the capable hands of Danielle Joynson. Another England international appears to be staying put in January, with Andros Townsend stressing that he is determined to remain at Spurs. QPR and West Brom are apparently interested.

Thanks Joe! Right, let's turn our attention to Liverpool. Widespread reports have claimed that youngster Suso will leave the club for AC Milan in this window, but according to Sky Sports News, the Spaniard will join up with the Serie A side in July.

BREAKING NEWS! As expected, Steven Gerrard is on his way to Los Angeles Galaxy. Coach Bruce Arena has confirmed that the Liverpool captain has agreed to join the MLS club in July. Read more here.

 Steven Gerrard of Liverpool celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Leicester City and Liverpool at The King Power Stadium on December 2, 2014© Getty Images


Turning our attention to League Two now, and Luke Rooney has agreed a new deal with Luton Town. The 24-year-old initially penned a six-month deal after leaving Maidstone United, but has opted to extend his stay at Kenilworth Road until the end of the season.

In the Championship, Derby County have tied goalkeeper Lee Grant down to a new deal, which will run until the summer of 2017. The shot-stopper has made 21 appearances this season.

Now, what a transfer this could be! It's no secret that Chelsea have been linked with Barcelona star Lionel Messi in recent weeks, but it appears that the Blues have ramped up their interest by contacting the forward's father Jorge regarding a reported £200m transfer. It is believed that Chelsea executives have made their move after hearing reports that Messi has fallen out with Barcelona boss Luis Enrique.

Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona with the match ball after scoring three goals during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol at Camp Nou on December 7, 2014© Getty Images


Will Manchester United strengthen their defence this month? Well, according to the Daily Star, the Red Devils will offer £1.5m to Aston Villa for Ron Vlaar's services. The Dutchman's contract expires in the summer, but it appears that United are keen to bring him to Old Trafford for the remainder of the season.

Let's move down the leagues and focus on Portsmouth, who have completed the signing of defender Paul Robinson. The 33-year-old has made the move permanent after his contract at Millwall was cancelled yesterday.

This is possibly the most unusual story of the day so far! Reports in Italy claim that Inter Milan are willing to offer former Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic to Liverpool in an attempt to bring midfielder Lucas Leiva to Serie A.

Tottenham Hotspur are yet to strengthen their ranks this month, but reports have emerged regarding a possible outgoing. It is believed that the club have told Aaron Lennon that he is allowed to leave White Hart Lane this month if an acceptable offer comes in. West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City have been touted as possible destinations.

Right, that's all from me, so I shall hand you over to my colleague Joe Fish, who will update you with all the latest transfer news as it filters through. Enjoy!

Thanks Danielle. I'll kick my stint off with confirmation of a couple of things from the Championship. Wigan have allowed Oriol Riera to join Deportivo la Coruna on a six-month loan, while Leeds United and Noel Hunt have parted company by mutual consent.

More moving and shaking in the Championship to tell you about. Promotion hopefuls Ipswich have released former West Ham striker Frank Nouble from his contract six months early.

James Tomkins of West Ham United and Frank Nouble of Ipswich Town in action during the pre-season friendly match between Ipswich Town and West Ham United at Portman Road on July 16, 2014© Getty Images


Hi ho, hi ho, down the Football League we go. In the third tier, former Rangers youngster John Fleck has signed a one-year contract extension at Coventry. A pair of League Two clubs have each made a signing, with Northampton acquiring Jason Taylor permanently from Cheltenham following a brief loan spell, and Mansfield bringing in journeyman midfielder Ricky Ravenhill following his release by the Cobblers.

DEAL DONE! As if it wasn't official enough already, Steven Gerrard's move to the Los Angeles Galaxy at the end of the season has been confirmed by the MLS club. The Liverpool captain has his sights set on adding to his trophy cabinet when he moves to the US in July.

The Galaxy owners and president have each had their say on Gerrard's impending arrival and feel that the arrival of the "iconic and legendary" player reaffirms their position as the biggest club in the MLS. It is difficult to argue with that. Read more here.

From a legend and an icon, to a footballing megastar. Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has insisted that the club do not want to sell Lionel Messi. The Argentine is reportedly unsettled at Camp Nou after a fallout with head coach Luis Enrique and is considering leaving.

Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona with the match ball after scoring three goals during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol at Camp Nou on December 7, 2014© Getty Images


DONE DEAL! This one has been in the pipeline for a few days. Stoke have completed the signing of Bayer Leverkusen defender Philipp Wollscheid on loan until the end of the season. The Potters have the option to buy the German international, 25, in the summer.

EVANS LATEST: Ched Evans to Oldham Athletic seems to be edging ever closer. Latics owner Simon Corney has revealed that there is an "80% chance" the convicted rapist will join the League One club. Several sponsors have already walked away from Oldham amid the negotiations.

DONE DEAL! League Two clubs have been busy today. AFC Wimbledon have added to the squad that ran Liverpool close in the FA Cup with the signing of 21-year-old midfielder Jake Reeves, who was recently released by Swindon Town last month.

There could be more movement at the Dons in the coming days. Matt Tubbs, who has been on loan at Neal Ardley's side, has been released by Bournemouth and is now available on a free.

Luton could be about to overshadow their fourth-tier rivals, though, with the signing of a former England striker. Andrew Johnson, who was released by Crystal Palace last week, has held talks with the Hatters over a move to Kenilworth Road, John Still has revealed.

A new line on Scott Sinclair to Aston Villa. The Midlands club were thought to be close to securing a loan deal for the Man City outcast, but fresh reports are now claiming that they are in talks over a permanent transfer. As of yet, Villa are not close to meeting his £2.5m valuation.

Scott Sinclair of Manchester City during the Nelson Mandela Football Invitational match between AmaZulu and Manchester City at Moses Mabhida Stadium on July 18, 2013© Getty Images


LOAN SIGNING: Atletico Madrid play capital rivals Real in the Copa del Rey tonight and may be presenting a new recruit to those in attendance at the Vicente Calderon. Cani has joined on loan from Villarreal until the end of the season. The 33-year-old, who can play on either wing, has spent eight and a half years with the Yellow Submarines.

From one four-lettered footballer to another. Fiorentina keeper Neto is expected to leave the Viola at the end of the season after turning down a new three-year contract. Liverpool and Roma have been touted with an interest in the uncapped 25-year-old Brazilian.

Has all the Messi, Gerrard and Bale talk been too much for you too? Recap on all of this afternoon's transfer talk with Sports Mole's 7pm update here. Over to Christopher Dodd for the evening stint...

Thanks Joe, I'll be taking you through the evening as we reveal any transfer talk that comes our way. Having confirmed his impending move to Los Angeles Galaxy, Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has been talking about why he chose the MLS outfit, with the Anfield legend talking up LA's trophy-winning history.

As speculation of a move to Manchester City continues to mount, the agent of Swansea City frontman Wilfried Bony has revealed that he hopes that a deal can be done for the player soon.

We've got some more news regarding the future of AC Milan midfielder Nigel de Jong. The former Manchester City man's contract is due to expire this summer, but word coming out of the Milan club suggests that they are not worried about losing the combative Dutchman.

While a whole host of Premier League clubs look to try and strengthen their squads for the second half of the season, Newcastle United are also in need of a new manager. One report in the press has suggested that Magpies owner Mike Ashley could look to make a summer move for current Ajax coach Frank de Boer.

I'm off now, time to hand you over to Shane Callaghan who will see you through into the early hours of tomorrow morning...

Cheers Christopher. Good evening ladies and gents. Let's kick things off with the news that Newcastle are reportedly plotting a winter move for a former Magpies' fan favourite in Shola Ameobi! He left St James's Park in the summer after 14 years of service, but if caretaker boss John Carver gets his way we might be seeing more of the 33-year-old in a black and white shirt. More on this here.

We'll go continental for a second, and Alessio Cerci concedes that he is accountable for his failed spell at Atletico Madrid, having joined AC Milan recently as Fernando Torres moved the other way. Click here for more on that one.

Bristol City manager Steve Cotterill has revealed his disappointment after Chelsea recalled Todd Kane from his loan spell at the club. Kane was expected to stay with Bristol for another fortnight, but Chelsea have taken the 21-year-old back to Stamford Bridge after recent reports suggested that the midfielder was a target for Nottingham Forest.

Out-of-favour Spurs full-back Kyle Naughton is reportedly on his way OUT of the club. Where is he going then? You'll have to click here to find out.

Wigan Athletic boss Malky Mackay has admitted that he may be powerless to prevent Shaun Maloney from leaving the club this month. Premier League outfits Burnley, Everton and Leicester City are reportedly interested in the 31-year-old, with the latter said to be readying a £1m bid.

Not player-related per se, but Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe rules himself out of the running for the Newcastle United job. Click here for more on this. Good or bad decision by Howe?

Well, that just about wraps her up for today, my friends. But fear not because the January 8 edition of our Transfer Talk is back at 7 am - just five short hours! See you then ladies and gents.

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Norway´s youngest player ever, Martin Odegaard (9), replaces Mats Moeller Daehli during the Euro 2016 Group H qualifying football match Norway vs Bulgaria in Oslo, Norway on October 13, 2014
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20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd3437243392-5916


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