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Pep's nightmare season to get worse? Blues may snatch midfield target from City
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F51%2Fpep-guardiola_1.jpg "Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola on December 21, 2024")
Chelsea have reportedly entered the race to sign Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz, with Manchester City said to have also asked about the availability of the Brazilian.
City's nightmare season continued on Wednesday night when they were beaten 4-2 by French giants Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, a result that leaves them on the brink of elimination from Europe.
The Citizens are also fifth in the Premier League, 12 points behind league leaders Liverpool despite the Reds having played a game fewer.
Pep Guardiola is expected to spend significantly this transfer window in an attempt to rectify his side's poor showing this campaign, with forward Omar Marmoush likely to follow in the footsteps of defender Abdukodir Khusanov and sign for the club.
Garnacho decision nearing? Is his transfer beneficial to United and Amorim?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F04%2Falejandro-garnacho_1.jpg "Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United during his side's match against Southampton, on January 16, 2025")
Manchester United have reportedly received on offer from Napoli for forward Alejandro Garnacho, and his exit is said to be nearing.
Little has gone right on the pitch for Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim since his arrival in November, and the club's current position of 13th in the Premier League is a damning indictment of the players' underperformance this term.
It is clear that Amorim needs transfer reinforcements if he is to improve the club's fortunes, but given United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has implemented a number of unpopular cost-cutting measures since arriving at Old Trafford, the Portuguese boss may have limited funds this January window.
Garnacho has been linked with a move away from the team this season, and his sale could give the United manager the funds he needs to reinvest in his squad.
'Total agreement': When will Walker finalise Milan transfer from Man City?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F50%2Fkyle-walker.jpg "Manchester City's Kyle Walker on November 5, 2024")
AC Milan have reportedly reached an agreement with Manchester City to sign defender Kyle Walker.
Pep Guardiola revealed earlier this month that the 34-year-old had asked to leave the Citizens as he wishes to 'explore options abroad'.
Walker, widely regarded as one of the best right-backs in world football during the prime years of his career, has played an important role in Man City's success since joining in 2017, making 319 appearances across all tournaments and winning 17 trophies.
However, the six-time Premier League winner looked vulnerable earlier this season during a period when Man City were collectively struggling towards the end of last year, and his error-strewn performances came under much scrutiny from Citizens supporters.
Adeyemi, Garnacho, Rashford 'all involved' in potential transfer merry-go-round
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F42%2Fmarcus-rashford-alejandro-garnacho.jpg "Manchester United duo Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho on August 10, 2024")
Napoli have reportedly made contact with Borussia Dortmund to discuss a deal for Karim Adeyemi, with the Italian outfit seemingly cooling their interest in Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho.
Having banked a healthy transfer fee for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who has joined Paris Saint-Germain, Napoli will be active this month, with Antonio Conte's side determined to boost their attack for the second half of the campaign.
The Serie A giants continue to be strongly linked with Garnacho, and it is understood that the club had a £40m bid for the Argentina international turned down towards the end of last week.
Man United have allegedly made it clear that they will not accept less than £55m for the 20-year-old, and Napoli are currently deciding on their next move when it comes to the Red Devils forward.
More pain for Amorim as attacker 'snubs' switch to Man United amid Garnacho talk
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F51%2Fruben-amorim.jpg "Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim on December 19, 2024")
Manchester United reportedly failed with a last-ditch attempt to sign Julio Enciso on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion, with the attacker instead expected to join Ipswich Town for the remainder of the campaign.
There has recently been a host of speculation surrounding Enciso's future, with Brighton deciding that his development would be best-served by spending the second half of the season on loan at another club.
Atalanta BC and Valencia are among the clubs to be linked with the 20-year-old, but Ipswich appear to have won the race, with an announcement regarding a move to Portman Road expected to arrive in the near future.
According to Tuttomercatoweb, Man United made a last-ditch attempt to sign the Paraguay international, with the Red Devils looking at potential replacements for Alejandro Garnacho, who is being heavily linked with Napoli and Chelsea.
Man United 'eyeing shock move' for Man City star as exit route 'emerges'
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F04%2Fmnc.jpg "Manchester City's Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku on December 03, 2023")
Manchester United are reportedly keeping a close eye on Jack Grealish's situation at Manchester City, with the Red Devils considering making a shock move for the England international.
Grealish, 29, has had a tough campaign at Man City, only managing one assist in 15 Premier League appearances, while he has not scored or provided an assist in four Champions League outings this term.
The attacker's only goal of the season came against Salford City in the FA Cup earlier this month, and he has only played 33 minutes of Premier League football across Man City's last five matches in the competition.
Grealish has a contract at the Etihad Stadium until June 2027, but there is currently uncertainty when it comes to his long-term future, and according to The Sun, a sensational move to Man United cannot be ruled out.
Man City accused of encouraging transfer target to buy out contract
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F04%2Fjuma-bah.jpg "Real Valladolid's Juma Bah with Ladislav Krejci on December 20, 2024")
Manchester City have been accused of encouraging transfer target Juma Bah to break his contract with Real Valladolid.
The Spanish club exercised a purchase option to sign Bah on a permanent transfer earlier this month after he initially joined on a loan deal from Sierra Leone's AIK Freetong in the summer.
Bah already appears to be heading towards the exit door, but his potential departure is shrouded in controversy after Valladolid released a furious statement on Wednesday afternoon, accusing Man City of being behind Bah's decision to terminate his contract.
Such a move would allow Man City to sign Bah for a lower fee than if they were to negotiate a permanent transfer with Valladolid.
Man City, Barcelona targeting Kimmich as Liverpool make transfer decison?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F48%2Fjoshua-kimmich.jpg "Joshua Kimmich for Bayern Munich on November 26, 2024")
Manchester City and Barcelona reportedly have 'concrete interest' in Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich.
The 29-year-old has made 417 competitive appearances for the Bavarians since he arrived from Stuttgart in the summer of 2015.
Kimmich remains a key part of the first-team setup at the Allianz Arena, demonstrated by the fact that he has started all 27 of his competitive appearances this season.
While he may be a regular fixture in Vincent Kompany's side, Kimmich's Bayern future is the subject of much uncertainty, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season.
Three Prem stars 'on Man United's striker shortlist' as Red Devils 'eye January move'
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F51%2Fruben-amorim_1.jpg "Manchester United's Ruben Amorim on December 11, 2024")
Manchester United have reportedly placed Ipswich Town's Liam Delap, Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo, Wolverhampton Wanderers' Matheus Cunha and Lille's Jonathan David on their four-man striker shortlist.
The Red Devils, despite financial restrictions, are said to be determined to bring in a new forward before the end of the winter market, but top target Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres is out of reach this month.
According to the Daily Mail, there are four names on the club's January shortlist, with Premier League stars Delap, Mbeumo and Cunha all being considered, while David is also said to be a genuine target.
The latter only has a contract with Lille until the end of the campaign, and there is currently a host of speculation when it comes to his future, with a number of clubs said to be interested in a deal.
Could Man United land Napoli star as part of Garnacho deal?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F03%2Falejandri-garnacho.jpg "Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho on January 16, 2025")
Manchester United have reportedly been offered the chance to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as part of a deal that would see Alejandro Garnacho move in the opposite direction.
Garnacho continues to be heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford, having struggled for starting opportunities under Ruben Amorim's tutelage.
The Argentine has had to settle for four starts in 10 Premier League appearances since Amorim took over the reins in November.
Napoli are seemingly keen to offer Garnacho a potential escape route, having already tabled a £40m bid which was subsequently rejected by Man United.
"Could sell him for bundles" - The pros and cons of Liverpool keeping Trent
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F04%2Fglen-johnson-trent-alexander-arnold_1.jpg "Trent Alexander-Arnold is at the centre of a contract saga at Liverpool, on January 22 2025")
Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson believes that there are pros and cons of keeping Trent Alexander-Arnold at Anfield, but his contract renewal should be less of a priority than Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk's on performance alone.
The 26-year-old is able to talk to foreign clubs after entering the last six months of his contract and has long been linked with a move to Real Madrid, who are already believed to have failed with one approach on New Year's Eve.
However, sporting director Richard Hughes also has his hands full with Salah and Van Dijk's situations, as the pair could also leave for nothing at the end of the season, and no breakthroughs have been made just yet.
Ex-Reds winger Jermaine Pennant recently expressed his belief that Liverpool can afford to lose Alexander-Arnold, and Johnson agrees that his contract should be the lowest priority of the three based on performance levels alone, but the "actual facts" could argue that the right-back's renewal is of greater importance.
Amorim speaks: Is Man United star Garnacho heading for Napoli?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F04%2Falejandro-garnacho.jpg "Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho on January 22, 2025")
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim refused to engage in a discussion over Alejandro Garnacho's future when questioned on the attacker ahead of Thursday's Europa League clash with Rangers.
Garnacho is currently being heavily linked with a move away from Man United; Chelsea are said to have an interest, but Napoli appear to be firmly at the head of the queue for the Argentina international.
Napoli are said to have had a £40m offer for the 20-year-old rejected at the end of last week, but Man United are believed to let him leave for a fee in the region of £55m.
The Red Devils are not actively looking to sell the ex-Atletico Madrid youngster, but there are concerns whether he is suitable for Amorim's 3-4-3 system, where he has been used as one of the number 10s.
January transfer window: Latest news, rumours including West Ham's Fati stance
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F51%2Fansu-fati.jpg "Barcelona's Ansu Fati pictured on December 21, 2024")
West Ham United reportedly have no intention of making an approach for Barcelona attacker Ansu Fati during the January transfer window.
With Graham Potter having recently been appointed as the new Hammers head coach, the Englishman is keen to add to his options in the final third.
As a result of Fati dropping down the pecking order under Hansi Flick, an exit from Camp Nou is regarded as a realistic possibility before the February 3 deadline.
Nevertheless, as per Football Insider, the East Londoners are highly unlikely to pursue a deal for the Spain international.
Exiled Chelsea midfielder attracting interest from three clubs?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F40%2Fcarney-chukwuemeka.jpg "Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka in September 2024.")
Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka may reportedly soon have three opportunities to go out on loan.
The 21-year-old has remained on the periphery of Enzo Maresca's plans since the Italian arrived at Stamford Bridge during the summer.
A total of 130 minutes have been accumulated across five appearances in the EFL Cup and Conference League, yet Maresca is of the opinion that the playmaker should be heading out on loan if a permanent exit cannot be agreed.
With Chelsea allegedly not prepared to sell Chukwuemeka for anything less than his £40m release clause, a temporary departure is viewed as most realistic.
Lecce president addresses Dorgu future amid Man United links
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F02%2Fpatrick-dorgu.jpg "Lecce's Patrick Dorgu celebrates on September 9, 2024")
Lecce president Sticchi Damiani has suggested that Manchester United were told earlier this week that Patrick Dorgu would remain at the club for the remainder of the season.
The 20-year-old has established himself as one of top young players in Serie A since the start of 2023-24, contributing five goals and one assist from his 52 appearances.
With four caps having also been earned with Denmark, the left-sided player has naturally attracted interest in his signature, most notably from United.
Earlier this week, it was widely reported that discussions had been held between the Premier League giants and Lecce regarding a potential deal for Dorgu.
Former manager trumps Spurs in race to sign international defender
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F46%2Fmilan-skriniar.jpg "Slovakia captain Milan Skriniar on November 16, 2024")
Tottenham Hotspur have missed out on signing Paris Saint-Germain defender Milan Skriniar, allegedly one of their targets for the January window.
With Sergio Romero and Micky van de Ven having spent the majority of the last two months on the sidelines, head coach Ange Postecoglou is eager to strengthen his backline before the February 3 deadline.
Spurs have recently dropped down to 15th position in the Premier League table, their recent form leading to constant speculation regarding the future of Postecoglou.
Throughout January, Skriniar is one of the central defenders who has been linked with a transfer to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium having dropped down the pecking order at Parc des Princes.
Exclusive: Ex-Liverpool man explains why Reds can "afford to lose" Alexander-Arnold
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F04%2Fjermaine-pennant.jpg "Jermaine Pennant believes Trent Alexander-Arnold will 'obviously leave' Liverpool this summer on January 22, 2025")
Liverpool can afford to lose Real Madrid-linked Trent Alexander-Arnold in the summer, and the right-back's new contract should be a lower priority than Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, according to former Reds winger Jermaine Pennant.
While Arne Slot has been smashing records left, right and centre since taking the reins from Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool's marvellous on-field feats have been slightly overshadowed by the uncertain futures of Alexander-Arnold, Salah and Van Dijk, all of whom could leave for free this summer as things stand.
Dialogue is believed to be ongoing with the agents of all three players, who have played fundamental roles in the Reds' success so far this season, but the club are yet to reach a breakthrough with any of their camps.
However, speaking exclusively to Sports Mole, ex-Reds winger Pennant claimed that it would be "blasphemous" to expect the Reds to lose all three for nothing when June rolls around, although he feels that Alexander-Arnold joining Real Madrid is inevitable.
Latest January transfer news and rumours including Enciso to Ipswich
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F29%2Fjulio-enciso.jpg "Julio Enciso celebrates scoring for Paraguay in June 2024")
Ipswich Town are reportedly on the verge of completing a loan deal for Brighton & Hove Albion attacker Julio Enciso.
The 20-year-old has made 16 appearances for Brighton during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring once and providing one assist, but he is yet to manage a goal contribution in the Premier League this term.
Enciso has a contract at the Amex until June 2026, but there has recently been speculation surrounding his future, with Brighton said to be willing to let him leave on loan before the January transfer window closes for business.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, a loan switch to Ipswich has been agreed, with a medical booked in for Wednesday.
Leeds one of four clubs chasing January deal for Championship playmaker?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F04%2Fmike-tresor.jpg "Burnley winger Mike Tresor in September 2023.")
Leeds United are reportedly one of four clubs who are willing to negotiate a January deal for Burnley playmaker Mike Tresor.
In September 2023, when the Clarets were in the Premier League, they completed a season-long loan deal for the Genk man that would a permanent arrangement at the end of the season.
However, as well as the Belgium international failing to contribute a goal or assist in 589 minutes of football, Burnley were relegated back to the Championship having agreed to pay €18m (£15.2m).
Tresor has since missed the first half of this season and only made one 33-minute outing against Reading in the FA Cup, with that theoretically putting him back in contention for a place in Scott Parker's squad.
Surprise candidate: Premier League club make Wolves forward Cunha 'top target'
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F47%2Fmatheus-cunha_3.jpg "Matheus Cunha of Wolverhampton Wanderers scores a goal and celebrates during his side's Premier League match against Fulham, on November 23, 2024")
Nottingham Forest have allegedly identified Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha as their top January transfer target.
The East Midlands outfit have continued to enjoy an outstanding and unforeseen Premier League campaign, currently sitting in third position in the standings.
However, Nuno Espirito Santo and club officials are seemingly unwilling to retain a status quo at the City Ground, instead wishing to further strengthen their Champions-League-chasing squad.
Earlier this week, it was claimed that an approach had been made for Brentford's in-form attacker Yoane Wissa, an ambitious bid that is expected to be rejected.
Napoli, Chelsea 'handed major boost' in pursuit of Man United star Garnacho
Manchester United have reportedly lowered their asking price for Alejandro Garnacho to £55m, with Napoli now considering their next move after having an initial £40m offer rejected last week.
There is currently widespread speculation surrounding the future of the 20-year-old, with Man United reluctantly open to a sale this month, as his exit would count as pure profit under the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability rules.
There are also concerns surrounding his suitability for Ruben Amorim's 3-4-3 system, and while the Red Devils are not actively looking to sell him, it is understood that a number of factors are contributing to the club being willing to listen to serious offers.
Napoli are said to have had a £40m bid rejected last week, and it had been suggested that the Red Devils would not entertain offers of less than £60m for the former Atletico Madrid youngster.
A lone wolf? Wolves manager slams Cunha's "body language" amid Arsenal links
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F01%2Fmatheus-cunha.jpg "Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha in December 2024.")
Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Vitor Pereira has publicly criticised star forward Matheus Cunha following his attitude in the 3-1 defeat to Chelsea on Monday.
Pereira admitted he was unhappy with the forward's behaviour during the clash at Stamford Bridge, labelling his body language as a concern.
Although the 25-year-old has netted 10 goals and provided four assists in 21 Premier League appearances this season, the manager was less than impressed by his talisman's contribution in their latest defeat.
Cunha, who has been linked with January moves to Arsenal, Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, endured a subdued performance in West London, failing to impact the game at a ground where he bagged a hat-trick last season.
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/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F06%2FGambleAware%20Secondary%20Main%20Grey.png "on February 3, 2024"){kind=small}