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Man United 'to rival' Man City for Serie A star
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F07%2Fcharles-de-ketelaere.jpg "Atalanta's Charles De Ketelaere with Ademola Lookman on January 21, 2025")
Manchester United are reportedly prepared to compete with local rivals Manchester City for Atalanta BC star Charles De Ketelaere.
The Belgium international has re-discovered his best form since experiencing a difficult season with AC Milan in 2022-23.
De Ketelaere failed to find the net and mustered just one assist in 40 competitive appearances for the Rossoneri after he joined the Italian giants from Club Brugge in the summer of 2022.
The attacking midfielder was allowed to move on loan to Atalanta for the 2023-24 season, scoring 14 goals and contributing 11 assists in 50 matches before he made the move permanent ahead of the current campaign.
Spurs to battle two PL rivals for £83m Dortmund star?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F08%2Fjamie-gittens.jpg "Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Gittens with Julian Brandt on February 8, 2025")
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly prepared to rival Arsenal and Chelsea for Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens.
The attacker has been one of the bright sparks in what is proving to be a difficult campaign for the German club, who are down in the bottom half of the Bundesliga table with eight points separating them from the top four.
Gittens has scored 11 goals and provided five assists in 33 competitive appearances this season, including seven goals and four assists in 22 Bundesliga matches.
As a result of that impressive return, the England Under-21 international is attracting interest from a number of Premier League sides.
Chelsea draw up 'transfer plan' for Serie A attacker
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F47%2Fchristian-pulisic-rafael-leao.jpg "AC Milan duo Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao in September 2024.")
Chelsea are reportedly contemplating whether to make an approach for AC Milan winger Rafael Leao.
The Blues began the campaign well stocked for options in the final third of the pitch, but that has drastically changed as the season has progressed.
As well as Mykhaylo Mudryk having been provisionally suspended for a failed drugs test, Joao Felix has been allowed to go out on loan to Milan.
Combined with the inconsistencies of Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho, club officials have been left to consider how to strengthen in wide areas.
"Pretty mad" - Should Arsenal let "nicest guy" Tomiyasu leave for free?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F07%2Fcwtt.png "Charles Watts/Takehiro Tomiyasu composite image")
Arsenal taking up the option to extend Takehiro Tomiyasu's contract would be 'very surprising' after his latest injury blow, Gunners expert Charles Watts has told Sports Mole.
The Japan international has played a total of just six minutes in the current campaign due to a pair of knee injuries, the latest of which he will reportedly need an operation to correct, one that could render him unavailable for the rest of the season.
While Tomiyasu has had a torrid time fitness-wise in North London, he is a trusted performer for Mikel Arteta when fit and was rewarded with a new contract until 2026 - with the option of a further 12 months - midway through the 2023-24 campaign.
However, the 26-year-old's latest injury blow could scupper Arsenal's hopes of selling him this summer, meaning that he could depart for nothing at the end of next season if his 12-month extension is not triggered.
The Neymar factor: Chelsea teenager 'to undergo medical' with Brazilian giants
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F08%2Fdeivid-washington.jpg "Chelsea's Deivid Washington pictured on May 2, 2024")
Chelsea 19-year-old Deivid Washington is reportedly set to undergo a medical with Santos in the coming days ahead of a loan return to the Brazilian giants for the second half of the season.
Even though the Blues are currently missing Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu through injury, Washington is not in Enzo Maresca's immediate plans.
With the striker away at the Under-20 South American Championship, Christopher Nkunku acted as the focal point of the Blues' forward line against Brighton & Hove Albion last Friday, but he was powerless to prevent his side from falling to a horrific 3-0 defeat at the Amex Stadium.
Despite scoring four goals in five Premier League 2 matches for Chelsea's Under-21s this season, Washington is yet to win over Maresca, who has not handed him any senior minutes so far.
"Everything is possible": What does the future hold for Chelsea's Felix?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F07%2Fjoao-felix.jpg "Chelsea's Joao Felix - on loan at AC Milan - pictured on February 10, 2025")
AC Milan advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic has commented on whether the Rossoneri could make Joao Felix's loan move from Chelsea permanent this summer.
The former Atletico Madrid and Benfica attacker swapped Stamford Bridge for San Siro on deadline day, joining Sergio Conceicao's side on a straight loan deal until the end of the season.
Felix scored on his debut for AC Milan - coming off the bench to net in a 3-1 Coppa Italia quarter-final win over Roma - and he has since started three straight matches for the seven-time European champions.
The Portugal international has failed to add to his goal or assist tally in that time, but he is expected to hold his spot in the starting lineup for Wednesday's Champions League playoff second leg with Feyenoord.
Second-tier switch: Leeds to consider move for PL defender?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F01%2Fdaniel-farke.jpg "Manager of Leeds United Daniel Farke applauds fans after his side's Championship match against Derby County, on December 29, 2024")
Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing Leicester City defender Conor Coady over the summer.
The former England international was heading towards an East Midlands exit during the latter stages of the January transfer window before a deal failed to materialise.
Coady was set to be involved in a defender swap deal between Leicester and Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Craig Dawson moving the other way across the Midlands.
Since that unsuccessful deal, the centre-back has failed to play a single minute for Ruud van Nistelrooy's side in either the Premier League or FA Cup.
Strugglers to San Siro? Milan 'considering opportunity' to sign Leicester star
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F41%2Fcaleb-okoli.jpg "Leicester City and Italy defender Caleb Okoli on September 9, 2024")
AC Milan are reportedly interested in signing Leicester City defender Caleb Okoli over the summer.
The Italian has not always been part of the starting team for the struggling Foxes, who are looking to avoid an immediate return to the Championship this term.
That being said, Okoli managed 90 minutes of action on Saturday afternoon, when Leicester lost 2-0 at home to Premier League challengers Arsenal.
After a goalless first period, the Gunners had some inspiration from the bench to thank for the victory, with Mikel Merino scoring a brace during a second-half cameo.
Simeone's star? Atletico Madrid eyeing swoop for Leicester man
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F34%2Fdiego-simeone.jpg "Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone on August 19, 2024")
Atletico Madrid are reportedly interested in Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi ahead of the summer transfer window.
The 28-year-old has suffered from a hamstring injury this season, preventing him from playing consistently for the struggling Foxes in the Premier League.
That being said, Ndidi started and managed 85 minutes during Leicester's clash with title-chasing Arsenal at the King Power Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
It appeared as if the Foxes were on course for a valuable point in the East Midlands, before Mikel Merino arrived off the bench and bagged a brace for the Gunners.
Casemir-go? Man United midfielder confirms stance on summer exit
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F08%2Fcasemiro.jpg "Manchester United's Casemiro pictured on January 26, 2025")
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has revealed whether he wants to leave the club this summer or stay for the duration of his contract.
The former Real Madrid man made the starting lineup for the weekend's 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, but only because of Ruben Amorim's selection crisis.
When the Portuguese has been blessed with all of his midfield options being available, Casemiro has barely had a look-in; he was an unused substitute in five straight Premier League games before the weekend.
The 32-year-old has suffered a noticeable physical decline since a brilliant first season at the club in 2022-23, and he is now in the last 18 months of his deal at the Theatre of Dreams.
Not too late for a transfer: Liverpool 21-year-old signed by ex-Chelsea attacker
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F08%2Fjames-norris.jpg "Liverpool's James Norris celebrates on May 12, 2024")
Liverpool have confirmed that 21-year-old left-back James Norris has signed for Shelbourne on loan until the end of the season.
The Reds academy graduate has been on the bench for the Premier League leaders in the FA Cup, EFL Cup and Champions League this season but is yet to make a competitive appearance under Arne Slot.
After spending the 2023-24 campaign on loan at Tranmere Rovers, where he played 20 times, Norris will now spend the remainder of the current season with Shelbourne, the reigning League of Ireland Premier Division champions.
"Absolutely delighted to sign for Shelbourne. I can't wait to get going, work under the manager and his staff. Really excited to play in Tolka Park and bring more success to the club and fans," Norris told the official Shelbourne website.
Arsenal, Liverpool handed Isak boost as rival club 'cannot afford' striker
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F03%2Falexander-isak_1.jpg "Newcastle United's Alexander Isak on January 15, 2025")
Arsenal and Liverpool have reportedly received a major boost in the pursuit of Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak.
The Gunners are struggling without many of their attacking stars at the moment, but a bit of magic from a natural midfielder guided them to victory on Saturday afternoon.
With Raheem Sterling failing to impress at the King Power Stadium against Leicester City, Spaniard Mikel Merino arrived off the bench and bagged a game-winning brace for Mikel Arteta's troops.
As a result, Arsenal remain second in the Premier League standings as the campaign reaches its business end, seven points behind pacesetters Liverpool.
Ambitious Ange? Spurs 'send scouts' to watch Bellingham ahead of summer swoop
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F07%2Fange-postecoglou.jpg "Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou pictured on February 16, 2025")
Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace have reportedly sent scouts to watch Sunderland youngster Jobe Bellingham.
The 19-year-old has been catching the eye of a number of top clubs this season, including Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund.
Bellingham has started 28 matches in the Championship for the Black Cats this term as they look to secure a long-awaited return to the Premier League.
From an advanced-midfield role, the Birmingham City academy graduate has bagged four goals and provided three assists across 28 second-tier contests.
Which of these three options should Bernardo Silva pick for Man City exit?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F52%2Fbernardo-silva.jpg "Manchester City's Bernardo Silva celebrates scoring on December 26, 2024")
Manchester City are reportedly prepared for offers from Spain, Portugal and Saudi Arabia for midfielder Bernardo Silva.
The 30-year-old was an unused substitute for the Citizens on Saturday afternoon, when they secured a comfortable 4-0 success over Newcastle United.
Arriving on the blue side of Manchester during the winter window, Omar Marmoush was the man of the moment, bagging a sensational hat-trick against the Magpies.
Focusing on Silva, the playmaker is supposedly set for showdown talks with the hierarchy of Man City as his future at the Premier League champions remains unclear.
Another Palmer at Chelsea? Blues 'closely watching' England youth internationals
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F36%2Ftodd-boehly.jpg "Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly on August 18, 2024")
Chelsea are reportedly contemplating whether to raid Middlesbrough for two of their hottest prospects.
The Blues are currently enduring their worst spell with Enzo Maresca in charge, slipping down to sixth place in the Premier League table over the weekend.
In the short term, all focus is on a potentially-pivotal fixture against Aston Villa on Saturday evening, but work remains ongoing in the transfer market.
Club officials are expected to go full steam ahead in their search for a new striker to compete with the likes of Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu, Christpher Nkunku the attacker most likely to leave Stamford Bridge.
Bayern president delivers update on Kimmich future amid Man City, Man United links
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F05%2Fjoshua-kimmich.jpg "Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich on January 29, 2025")
Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer has suggested that he is confident that Joshua Kimmich will remain at the Allianz Arena.
The 30-year-old is currently one of Bayern's longest-serving players having made 424 appearances since the start of the 2015-16 campaign.
However, the versatile Germany international is also one of the most attractive options in the transfer market courtesy of his contract being due to expire at the end of the season.
An array of clubs are monitoring the situation, including the likes of Manchester City and Manchester United who could benefit from a player of Kimmich's attributes.
Arsenal to pip Barcelona to striker signing with £83m bid?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F04%2Fsessim.jpg "RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko and Xavi Simons pictured on October 2, 2024")
Arsenal have reportedly decided to press ahead with an £83m proposal for one of RB Leipzig's star attackers.
The Gunners are currently on course to finish second in the Premier League table for the third successive season.
As well as sitting seven points adrift of leaders Liverpool, Mikel Arteta's side have established a six-point advantage ahead of the best of the rest.
With Kai Havertz having joined the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus on the sidelines, Arteta arguably deserves more credit than he has received for keeping the North Londoners in their current lofty heights.
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