Friday, January 3, 2025

Transfer news LIVE: Liverpool and Arsenal battle for winger, Man Utd make offer

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Ruben Amorim responds to Marcus Rashford comments over Manchester United future

The winter transfer window begins on 1 January, with clubs across the continent eyeing deals as they look to strengthen in the hunt for titles, European football and survival.

As always, there’ll be plenty of eyes on the Premier League as the country’s top sides try and find value in an often difficult market, with Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City all tipped to make signings.

There could be high-profile departures too, with Marcus Rashford reportedly looking for a way out of Manchester United while Trent Alexander-Arnold is free to negotiate with other clubs with just six months remaining on his current Liverpool deal.

And across the rest of the league, teams will juggle PSR regulations and tight budgets as they look to find cut-price deals to help their bids for a successful end to the 2024/25 season.

Follow all the latest transfer news, rumours and deals below:

Cristiano Ronaldo open to leaving Al-Nassr but one factor points to Saudi stay

Cristiano Ronaldo is open to leaving Al-Nassr this summer and the 39-year-old Portugal forward is now free to negotiate with other clubs from 1 January.

Marca report the former Real Madrid, Juventus and Manchester United superstar, stating: “Nobody knows what can happen in the future.”

One factor which could see Ronaldo stay is the report stating that he does not want to leave Saudi Arabia without winning the league, something he has achieved in every country since departing Sporting for Old Trafford in 2003.

Jack Rathborn31 December 2024 09:30

Real Madrid to tempt Liverpool with Trent Alexander-Arnold in January?

Real Madrid appear ready to push ahead with plans to sign Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, and while the appeal initially was to bring the England international to the Bernabeu on a free transfer next summer, could they accelerate plans to do a deal in January?

Marca claim that while Los Blancos are willing to wait until the summer when Alexander-Arnold’s contract expires, there is an appetite to acquire the player in January too.

That would add immediate cover and a replacement for the injured Dani Carvajal, with Lucas Vazquez the current cover in the role. Yet Liverpool’s position in an increasingly-ominous title race, as they stretch their lead at the top, and an imposing position in the Champions League, could yet ensure the Reds resist the opportunity to salvage some value in their player and accept the unwanted outcome of a free transfer away from Anfield in the summer.

(Getty Images)

Jack Rathborn31 December 2024 09:10

Man Utd and Man City to battle for Dani Olmo after Barcelona lose appeal

Barcelona could lose Spain international Dani Olmo for free after failing to register the player once more for the second half of the La Liga campaign.

That has opened the door to a possible move to Man Utd or Man City, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The 26-year-old joined Barca from RB Leipzig in August for a reported 60million euros (£51million), but the Catalan club could only register him for the first half of the season as they struggled to meet LaLiga’s wage restrictions.

With a number of players hit by long-term injuries in the summer, Barcelona were eventually able to reallocate some of their wages in order to get Olmo into the squad, but that registration expires next week.

On Friday, a Spanish court rejected an appeal to extend the arrangement for the rest of the campaign.

Jack Rathborn31 December 2024 08:50

Arsenal lead Liverpool in race for Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush?

Arsenal and Liverpool could go head-to-head in the race to sign Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush.

The Gunners may boost their attacking options next month with Bukayo Saka sidelined until March months.

The Egypt international has thrived in the Bundesliga this season, scoring 18 goals and providing 12 assists in just 24 appearances.

The Reds could add to their attacking options by pairing Marmoush with his compatriot Mohamed Salah, but Caught Offside report Mikel Arteta’s side currently lead the race.

(Getty Images)

Jack Rathborn31 December 2024 08:30

Man Utd pushing for PSG star Nuno Mendes?

Man Utd could move for Paris Saint-Germain defender Nuno Mendes in the winter transfer window.

Amorim has so far been unable to inspire an uptick in form from the Red Devils, but one position could be immediately upgraded to boost the Portuguese’s system. Left-back appears to be a priority for United, with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia often injured and Diogo Dalot often utilised at right-back.

Speculation has already begun with one report claiming the club has ‘made an offer’ for PSG left-back after ongoing contract talks between the Ligue 1 club and Mendes, with transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano detailing a deal is in the works.

“PSG had a verbal agreement to extend the contract of Mendes and they are insisting on keeping him at the Ligue 1 club, so it’s not going to be an easy deal for them to do,” Fabrizio Romano shared via his Give Me Sport column. “Mendes is one of the most exciting young full-backs in world football, and he could be ideal for Amorim’s system.

“Mendes is a more than capable defender, but he also offers a threat in the final third, making him a perfect fit for the wing-back role under Amorim. Securing his signature certainly won’t be easy, but with his contract expiring in 2026, PSG could be forced into a sale if they are unable to tie him down to a new contract.”

(Getty Images)

Jack Rathborn31 December 2024 08:15

Enzo Maresca on rumoured Chelsea target Liam Delap

Enzo Maresca got a closer look at the quality of Liam Delap after Ipswich stunned Chelsea on Monday night.

The Town forward was a nuisance throughout the contest at Portman Road, earning and scoring a penalty before setting up Omari Hutchinson in the 2-0 win, with the Italian coach praising the former Man City starlet beforehand after speculation linking the Blues with a move to bolster their options in attack behind Nicolas Jackson.

“Liam is a fantastic player, and also for his age,” said Maresca. “I think we spent one year together and he scored [about] 22 to 24 goals. He is a very good striker.

“England have many good players, many good strikers [but] he’s working hard off the ball and on the ball, understands the game and can score goals. I think he can be an important player for England.”

Liam Delap celebrates scoring in Ipswich’s 2-0 win over Chelsea
Liam Delap celebrates scoring in Ipswich’s 2-0 win over Chelsea (PA Wire)

Jack Rathborn31 December 2024 08:00

Marcus Rashford, Martin Zubimendi and six more players who could be on the move this January

The winter transfer window begins on 1 January, with clubs across Europe looking for value in a difficult market this month.

Injury crises, title challenges and relegation battles will force plenty of clubs into the market in early 2025, with plenty of eyes on the Premier League as clubs such as Arsenal and Manchester City look primed to make signings.

Some high-profile players could be leaving England too this winter, with Marcus Rashford and Trent Alexander-Arnold being tipped to negotiate moves away from their clubs.

And across the continent, plenty of Europe’s in-form players are also being linked with moves, from Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi to Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres.

But who are the major players being tipped for moves, and where could they end up?

Jack Rathborn31 December 2024 07:52

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