Transfer news LIVE! Vlahovic to Arsenal; Eriksen return; Haaland surprises Dortmund; Man United, Chelsea news

Transfer news LIVE!

Dusan Vlahovic is available for transfer this month after reports in Italy detailed Fiorentina’s plans to cash in on the Serbian striker.

Arsenal, Tottenham and Real Madrid have all been linked with the forward and the Gunners are said to have launched a £50million player-plus-cash bid.

Also on their radar is the surprising name of Diego Costa, according to reports in Brazil, with Mikel Arteta desperate to bolster a squad which was deemed unable to face Tottenham in today’s North London derby.

Youri Tielemans is another tipped to be interesting Arsenal, while over at Chelsea a left-back is a key target with Sergio Gomez of Anderlecht and PSG’s Layvin Kurzawa reportedly wanted, and reports in Spain suggest there is interest in Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong. Southampton are believed to be pushing to make Armando Broja’s loan move a permanent one.

Tottenham continue to be a big player in the market with Dele Alli and Tanguy Ndombele available for exits, and both a new striker and a right wing-back on Antonio Conte’s radar. Christian Eriksen is believed to be close to a Premier League return, and Spurs could be one of those interested.

Manchester United’s managerial chase has taken another with Mauricio Pochettino their favoured new boss. On the pitch, Newcastle are registering their interest in West Ham target Jesse Lingard.

We also have updates on Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

Follow along for all the key market updates on this Sunday...

Latest transfer news and rumours

• Fiorentina open to selling Vlahovic

• Dortmund refute Haaland claims

• Klopp delivers Salah update

• Newcastle ready to bid for Lingard

• Chelsea interested in PSG left-back

• Phillips linked with Real Madrid

• Eriksen considers Premier League options

Real interest in Vlahovic

21:21 , Matt Verri

Much of the window so far has seen talk of Arsenal making a big-money move for Fiorentina’s Dusan Vlahovic.

The striker is a man in demand, and El Nacional report that Real Madrid will look to make a move for the 21-year-old if they are not able to secure Erling Haaland in the summer.

It seems that Arsenal’s best chance of getting their man is this month, before other teams come into the race more seriously at the end of the season.

Everton consider Martinez return

21:01 , Matt Verri

Roberto Martinez spent three years in charge at Goodison Park, before taking over at Belgium where he remains.

According to Sky Sports, the Everton board were extremely keen on appointing Martinez in the summer, before Rafa Benitez eventually came in, and there is still real interest in brining Martinez back.

Could the 48-year-old be persuaded to leave his Belgium job with a World Cup to come at the end of the year?

‘No Chelsea contact with Kurzawa'

20:08 , Giuseppe Muro

More on Chelsea’s reported interest in PSG left-back Layvin Kurzawa.

It has been claimed Chelsea want to sign Kurzawa on loan but journalist Fabrizio Romano has played down their interest and said the Blues have not opened talks with the player.

Benítez releases statement

19:56 , Giuseppe Muro

Rafael Benitez has released a statement after being sacked by Everton.

The Spaniard has claimed “circumstances have determined the results”, pointing to the club’s financial position and injuries to key players for his disappointing time in charge.

Thank you to everyone who supported us from the start

We knew it wouldn’t be easy, and that it was a big challenge, both emotionally and in terms of sport. My love for this city, for Merseyside and its people, made me accept this challenge, but it is only when you are inside that you realise the magnitude of the task.

From the very first day, my staff and myself worked as we always do, with commitment and full dedication, we didn’t only have to get results, but we also had to win over people’s hearts.

However, the financial situation and then the injuries that followed made things even harder. I am convinced that we would have been better once the injured players were back and with the arrival of the new signings.

The road to success isn’t easy and sadly, nowadays in football there is a search for immediate results and there is always less and less patience; unfortunately circumstances have determined the results and it won’t be possible to continue this project.

In any case, thank you to the Board, to the staff, to the players, and to those fans who have supported us during this time.

My best wishes for EFC.

Rafa Benitez.

Chelsea interested in PSG left-back

19:28 , Giuseppe Muro

Chelsea are said to be interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain left-back Layvin Kurzawa on loan.

The Blues are looking to sign a left-back after Ben Chilwell was ruled out for the rest of the season and Sky Sports report they have turned their attention to Kurzawa, who is currently out of favour at PSG.

Kurzawa, 29, played under Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel during his time at the Ligue 1 club.

Burnley make Benteke enquiry

19:17 , Giuseppe Muro

Burnley have reportedly made an enquiry to Crystal Palace about Christian Benteke as Sean Dyche seeks a replacement for Chris Wood.

The Daily Mail claim Dyche has identified Benteke is a target after Wood joined Newcastle for £25million.

But Benteke is said to be settled in London and reluctant to move to Turf Moor.

The Belgian striker has been a regular for Palace this season, making 22 appearance in all competitions, but the Eagles are said to have placed a £12m valuation on him.

Roberts set for Sunderland switch

19:02 , Malik Ouzia

Manchester City winger Patrick Roberts is set to join Sunderland, initially on loan until the end of the season, according to Sky Sports.

Roberts has been on loan at French side Troyes but has made just two appearances so far this season. He is scheduled to be out of contract at City at the end of the season and therefore could join Sunderland on a free transfer at the end of the campaign.

Potter not interested in Everton gig

18:36 , Malik Ouzia

Everton are set to be disappointed as they eye Brighton boss Graham Potter as a possible replacement for Rafa Benitez.

The Englishman is said to be on their shortlist to replace the sacked Spaniard but Sky Sports say Potter has no interest in leaving Brighton, where he has been doing a superb job this season.

Arsenal eye FA Cup conqueror

18:01 , Malik Ouzia

The Mirror say that Arsenal are interested in signing Nottingham Forest full-back Djed Spence after his superb display against them in the FA Cup last weekend.

Spence was the star man as Forest upset the odds to knock the Gunners out in the third round of the competition.

Arsenal are reportedly looking for cover at right-back, with Cedric Soares having proved an underwhelming deputy for outstanding summer signing Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Rooney favourite for Everton job

17:31 , Malik Ouzia

Wayne Rooney is doing a magnificent job in the most testing of circumstances at Derby County, but could he be tempted away mid-season?

Betfair make the former Everton striker the favourite to take over from Rafa Benitez at Goodison Park after the Spaniard was sacked earlier this afternoon.

Here’s how they price up the contenders:

• Wayne Rooney 6/5

• Duncan Ferguson 7/2

• Roberto Martinez 4/1

• Frank Lampard 13/2

• Paulo Fonseca 10/1

• Graham Potter 12/1

• Nuno Espirito Santo 16/1

• Michael Carrick 16/1

• Lucien Favre 20/1

• Kasper Hjulmand 20/1

• Sam Allardyce 20/1

• Daniel Farke 25/1

• Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 25/1

• Jose Mourinho 25/1

Moyes on potential January business

16:55 , Matt Verri

“The club and the board are happy for me to bring people in but it’s up to me to find the right players,” Moyes said.

“You want to bring good players where your own players think you are adding to the squad.

“You don’t want to bring players that aren’t going to make a lot of difference. I’m trying to be a bit picky.”

Southampton want permanent Broja move

16:10 , Matt Verri

Armando Broja has impressed at Southampton this season on loan from Chelsea, with three goals in his last six Premier League starts.

His performances have led to the club opening talks with Chelsea about making the move a permanent one, according to The Guardian.

Broja’s contract at Stamford Bridge runs through to 2026 so there is no pressure on the Blues to make a quick decision on his future, and other clubs are expected to enquire about the striker should he become available.

End of the road for Rafa...

15:34 , Matt Verri

Everton have sacked Rafael Benitez after six months in charge.

Benitez leaves Goodison Park after Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Norwich left Everton 16th in the Premier League table.

A statement from the club said: “Everton Football Club can confirm the departure of Rafael Benitez as first team manager.

“Benitez, who joined Everton in June 2021, has left the Club with immediate effect. An update on a permanent replacement will be made in due course.”

Read the full story on his departure right here.

Hause to make Hammers move?

14:57 , Matt Verri

It’s no secret that West Ham are keen to bring in a centre-back in January, with Angelo Ogbonna out for the season and Kurt Zouma also suffering injury problems.

Villa defender Kortney Hause, who started his career at West Ham’s academy, is believed to be one option David Moyes is considering.

Football Insider report that the Hammers have opened preliminary talks to bring the defender to the London Stadium. Hause has made only four Premier League starts this season, with Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings the preferred pairing at the back.

Eriksen close to Premier League return

14:27 , Matt Verri

Christian Eriksen is a free agent after being released by Inter Milan, and the midfielder could soon make a return to the Premier League.

The 29-year-old, who suffered a cardiac arrest while playing for Denmark at Euro 2020, has had a number of offers from top-flight clubs in England, The Times report, and is expected to make a decision this week.

Speaking earlier this year, Eriksen had this to say on his future.

“My goal is to play in the World Cup in Qatar,” Eriksen said.

“I want to play. That’s been my mindset all along. It’s a goal, a dream. Whether I’ll be picked is another thing. But it’s my dream to come back.

“I’m sure I can because I don’t feel any different. Physically, I’m back in top shape.”

Chelsea told to improve De Jong bid

14:07 , Matt Verri

Frenkie de Jong is reportedly on Chelsea’s radar as the London club consider a move for the Barcelona midfield.

According to El Nacional, the Blues have tabled an offer of £33m for De Jong, who joined Barcelona from Ajax in 2019 for a fee in the region of £65m.

It’s believed that Chelsea would need to up the bid to £50m for Barcelona to consider selling the 24-year-old.

Dybala addresses contract situation

13:47 , Marc Mayo

Paulo Dybala is set for talks with Juventus over his future in the coming weeks.

Inter Milan are reportedly keen on the striker ahead of his contract expiring.

"I have nothing to prove to anyone,” he told DAZN after scoring in last night’s win over Udinese.

“The club has decided that we will speak in February-March, I am at the coach's disposal.”

Moore wants out of Reading

13:24 , Marc Mayo

Reading have stripped Liam Moore of the club captaincy after the centre-back pushed for a move away from the Championship club.

A Royals statement read: “Over the course of the last few months, centre-back Liam Moore has spoken with manager Veljko Paunovic and directors of the club to state his clear desire to leave Reading Football Club and pursue his career elsewhere.

“Obviously we are disappointed that Liam, a player awarded one of the club’s most significant contracts, has now stated his intention to move on. Whilst we have patiently waited for his representatives to provide us with options for us to consider in helping him fulfil that request, no offer or opportunity has been presented to the club to date.

“Our club, together with its manager, is intent on selecting players in the first team squad who are dedicated to giving their absolute all to Reading Football Club. That starts with our captain. As a result, Moore will no longer be given the honour of our club captaincy.”

The centre-back responded on Instagram by stating his surprise at the move.

Milan add Bailly to shortlist

13:07 , Marc Mayo

Manchester United defender Eric Bailly is one of three central defenders interesting AC Milan.

The Rossoneri are after a new centre-back this month following a long-term injury for Simon Kjaer.

Hellas Verona’s Nicolo Casale and Abdou Diallo of Paris Saint-Germain are also on their radar.

Keown keen on Traore

12:49 , Marc Mayo

Adama Traore should be on Arsenal’s transfer wish list, according to Martin Keown.

The former Gunners star feels the Wolves winger, who scored against Southampton on Saturday, would fit Mikel Arteta’s style.

He told Final Score: “I feel Traore is awesome at times and just for once, we have the satisfaction of seeing it.

“It’s a lovely finish from him. I’d sign him if I was a manager. Arsenal – get in and buy him!”

Diaz not a January option for Sevilla

12:27 , Marc Mayo

Sevilla will not be bidding for Blackburn star Ben Brereton Diaz this month.

According to The Sun, a summer move from the Spaniards remains on their radar instead.

Ruiz on United radar

12:10 , Marc Mayo

Manchester United could pick up Napoli playmaker Fabian Ruiz as part of a Serie A transfer merry-go-round.

Davide Frattesi is interesting Inter Milan and the Neapolitans, according to La Repubblica.

Should Napoli sign the young Italian, Ruiz will become available for a transfer to Old Trafford.

Dele advised to find a new club

11:47 , Marc Mayo

Former Tottenham star Darren Anderton has urged Dele Alli to shake up his career to find his best form.

“I think a move away would be the best thing for both the club and the player,” said Anderton. “Dele needs to be playing football, he needs to be on the pitch

“He needs to be reminding Gareth Southgate what he’s capable of. He has gone stale. I want to see him out there scoring and creating goals. I don’t just want to see him on social media.

“Dele should be a key player for this team, he’s now at an age where he should be one of the standout stars in the Premier League.”

Zorc hits back at Haaland claims

11:30 , Marc Mayo

Borussia Dortmund transfer chief Michael Zorc has admitted his surprise at Erling Haaland’s comments over his future.

The Norwegian stated on Friday that he was being “pressed” into a decision on his future, despite wanting to take his time and focus on his football.

But Zorc has now stated: “I did not expect Haaland's comments.

“His remarks surprised us a bit. At the moment, there is no deadline, there haven't been any talks yet. But it's understandable, of course. You have to talk about it at some moment.”

Read the full story.

Man United refusing to back Rangnick

11:26 , Marc Mayo

Manchester United could miss out on key targets this month due to their managerial situation.

RB Leipzig midfielder Amadou Haidara is said by the Mirror to have verbally agreed to join Ralf Rangnick for £33million.

Denis Zakaria of Borussia Monchengladbach and Brighton’s Yves Bissouma are also top targets.

But it is claimed that United do not want to spend significant fees on Rangnick’s targets given he may only be in charge for this season.

Atletico find Trippier replacement

11:19 , Marc Mayo

Valencia are in search of a replacement after Daniel Wass requested a move to Atletico Madrid.

The versatile Dane could replace Kieran Trippier at right-back in Diego Simeone’s side.

Coach Jose Bordalas said last night: “I spoke to him, he told me that he has a proposal and his intention is to accept it. But I don't decide.

“I have great confidence in him, given that he has played across the whole team, but it is the club that has to decide. He knows that it is very important here, but his idea would be to leave.”

Costa a Gunners target?

11:02 , Marc Mayo

Arsenal have reportedly made contact with Diego Costa’s camp to determine a possible deal for the ex-Chelsea striker.

A free agent after leaving Atletico Mineiro, Goal detail tentative interest from the Gunners - but no formal offer has arrived yet.

Corinthians and Cadiz are also said to be keen with Costa on holiday in Spain following the conclusion of his time in Brazil.

Aubameyang remains Juve’s second choice

10:43 , Marc Mayo

Juventus are continuing their pursuit of Sardar Azmoun from Zenit Saint Petersburg.

With the winger out of contract in the summer, a fee of just £4million plus bonuses is set to be enough to seal the deal.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal remains their second-choice, according to Tuttosport, should the move collapse.

The Italians are desperate for a new wide-man after Federico Chiesa’s long-term injury.

Real Madrid keen on Leeds star?

10:27 , Marc Mayo

Kalvin Phillips is open to a move to Real Madrid, according to reports in Spain.

Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly a big fan of the Leeds midfielder, who is also attracting the attention of Liverpool.

El Nacional state that a bid of £33million is set to arrive from Anfield but the Whites would prefer to sell him abroad than to a fellow Premier League side.

Martial future in doubt after Rangnick row

10:10 , Marc Mayo

Anthony Martial has refuted Ralf Rangnick’s suggestion that he refused to play for Manchester United last night.

The Red Devils boss said the Frenchman, whose future is in doubt, “didn’t want to be” at the draw with Aston Villa.

But Martial has posted on Instagram: “I will never refuse to play a match for Man United. I’ve been here for seven years and I never disrespected, and will never disrespect, the club and the fans.”

Read the full story here.

No Klopp concern over Salah contract talks

09:56 , Marc Mayo

Jurgen Klopp has assured Liverpool fans that Mohamed Salah’s contract extension negotiations are continuing as expected.

"If two big companies try to come together out there usually in normal life, in business, that’s not done overnight,” he said ahead of the game against Brentford.

"A big contract, it’s not like buying a smartphone [that] you just sign one thing and it’s done.

"There are a lot of things to consider – some on the club’s side, some from the player’s side and a lot from the agent’s side. That’s the thing, nothing else."

Man United risk losing Pochettino chase

09:40 , Marc Mayo

A rival European giant is reportedly sounding out Mauricio Pochettino over their manager’s role.

Manchester United are hot on the tail of the Argentine, who is in charge of Paris Saint-Germain.

But the Telegraph claim their ideal summer move is at risk amid the interest from another Champions League-chasing side.

Chelsea identify left-back target

09:27 , Marc Mayo

Chelsea are monitoring young Anderlecht defender Sergio Gomez.

The 21-year-old is a left wing-back who has notched six goals and 13 assists this campaign - from a position that the Blues are very interested in adding to.

According to Teamtalk, Chelsea are scouting the Spain U21 international but Manchester United are also keen.

Newcastle line up Lingard bid

09:14 , Marc Mayo

Jesse Lingard is a key target for Newcastle this month, according to Daily Star.

West Ham and Tottenham are both admirers of the Manchester United midfielder, whose contract expires in the summer.

But Newcastle may not be so patient amid their relegation battle and are said to be preparing a £3million bid to test United’s resolve.

Fiorentina unhappy with Vlahovic

09:07 , Marc Mayo

Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera detail the latest news in Arsenal’s chase of Dusan Vlahovic.

A bid of £50million plus Lucas Torreira is on the table, as first reported a week or so ago, but Fiorentina are increasingly unhappy with the striker’s stance.

Happy to sell the Serb, Fiorentina reportedly offered him a new contract with a £58m release clause in the summer, rejecting a £50m bid from Atletico Madrid in the process.

But Vlahovic does not want to renew his contract and prefers a summer departure, ideally having pushed his current club into European football.

Whether the Tuscans can recoup such a high fee in the summer, when just a year will be left on his contract, remains to be seen...

Good morning!

08:59 , Marc Mayo

Welcome to another day of January transfer market activity, let’s see what awaits us...