With just two weeks remaining in the January transfer window things are starting to heat up with multiple Premier League clubs hopeful of bolstering their squads.
Recent days have seen Manchester United confirming the loan signing of Dutch striker Wout Weghorst while Chelsea remarkably hijacked Arsenal’s move for Mykhaylo Mudryk. The Ukraine star was unveiled at Stamford Bridge on Sunday after penning a whopping eight-and-a-half-year contract.
The Gunners are now seeking Mudryk alternatives as they seek to push on for their first league title since 2004 under boss Mikel Arteta. Liverpool are also in the market to sign a midfielder amid an alarming run of form while United boss Erik ten Hag has suggested that the Red Devils could delve back into the market.
Don’t miss a beat with Mirror Football, as we bring you all of Tuesday’s transfer news right here.
Goodnight!
That concludes today’s transfer live blog.
Return same time, same place tomorrow for more.
Forest confirm Danilo
Nottingham Forest have confirmed the signing of Brazilian midfielder Danilo.
The young midfielder arrives from Palmeiras and has penned a six-and a-half-year deal which commits him to Forest until the summer of 2029.
ICYMI – Shakhtar allocate Mudryk funds to Ukrainian soldiers
Shakhtar Donetsk president Rinat Akhmetov has confirmed that the club will be donating around £20million to help Ukrainian soldiers and their families following Mykhaylo Mudryk’s sale to Chelsea.
The Ukrainian champions banked £87m by selling their star player and want want to give back to those helping stave off Russia’s invasion.
Akhmetov added that Shakhtar will play a friendly with Chelsea at the Donbass Arena “in a Ukrainian Donetsk.”
Forest forced into action
Nottingham Forest may be forced to make another signing after goalkeeper Dean Henderson has sustained an injury.
The shot-stopper is expected to be ruled out for just under a month and Wayne Hennessey is likely to deputise in the meantime.
Arsenal replicated Man Utd transfer tactic during public Mudryk snub
Few things have gone wrong for Arsenal this season – but news of Mykhaylo Mudryk’s Chelsea transfer was a huge setback.
Mudryk had long been identified as Mikel Arteta’s top target, with the Gunners boss in need of extra attacking firepower. Arsenal had two substantial bids turned down by Shakhtar Donetsk, before their London rivals gazumped them with a whopping £87million offer.
It is understood Stamford Bridge bosses signed off on a deal which will see £62m go straight to the Ukrainian giants, with a further £35m to be paid in add-on fees. Mudryk was paraded as Chelsea player during their win over Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Find the full story HERE.
ICYMI – Chelsea to listen to Sterling offers
Chelsea are now prepared to listen to offers for £50million summer signing Raheem Sterling, Football Insider claim.
After the Blues completed the £87m addition of 21-year-old Mykhaylo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk on Sunday, Sterling could now be made available given that the two players operate in the same position.
Sterling, 28, has managed six goals since joining Chelsea from Manchester City in July and is currently sidelined with an injury.
Chelsea prepare Caciedo offer
Chelsea are open to the idea of signing Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo this month.
The Seagulls are holding out for more than £75m before sanctioning the Ecuadorian’s departure.
Newcastle keen on Chelsea stars
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle wish to pry all three of Conor Gallagher, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Hakim Ziyech away from Chelsea this month.
The Telegraph report how the Magpies view the Chelsea trio as the ideal candidates to help boost Newcastle’s chances of a top-four finish this term.
Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay is another name Howe is not opposed to signing.
Wolves secure Sarabia
Wolves are on the cusp of completing a deal for PSG midfielder Pablo Sarabia.
The 30-year-old is expected in the Midlands tomorrow to complete his medical ahead of the £5m switch.
Arsenal confident of Rice deal
Arsenal are reportedly growing in confidence they can land the signature of Declan Rice next summer, as per the Times.
The Hammers are likely to cash in on Rice in the summer window because his contract only runs as far as the following year and tthe Gunners are waiting in the wings to swoop.
Rice has made clear he wants out of East London in pursuit of Champions League football, something the Gunners are expected to have by next season.
Gallagher tipped for second loan
Conor Gallagher is the subject of interest from both Newcastle and former home Crystal Palace.
The Chelsea midfielder has struggled to make his mark in West London this season and could leave the Blues on loan for a second time, as per football.london.
Arsenal snubbed by Raphinha
With Mudryk now out of the picture, Arteta has to try and identify some new targets that he feels can offer his side something new out on the attacking flanks.
Arsenal spent much of last summer keeping tabs on Brazilian international Raphinha while he was at Leeds United but the winger eventually opted to join Barcelona.
Given the Blaugrana’s precarious financial situation, Arsenal had reportedly hoped they could try and lure the wide-man away from the Camp Nou but those hopes have been dashed quickly.
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo claim Raphinha has no desire to leave Barcelona during the January transfer window despite a difficult start to life at the club.
Leeds close to sealing Ounahi deal
Leeds United are reportedly close to sealing a move for Angers midfielder Azzedine Ounahi, who starred for Morocco at the World Cup.
According to Il Mattino, via Get Italy, the Yorkshire side are closing in on the 22-year-old playmaker in a deal believed to be worth around £22million.
Leeds appear to have been beaten Premier League rivals Leciester City and Italian league leaders Napoli to his signature.
Lopetegui tight-lipped on transfers
Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui refused to discuss any incoming transfers as he remained cautious over new arrivals.
The head coach shut down any talk of signings ahead of Tuesday’s FA Cup replay with Liverpool.
Paris Saint-Germain head coach Christophe Galtier has confirmed attacking midfielder Pablo Sarabia is poised to move to the Premier League, with Molineux his expected destination.
Flamengo midfielder Joao Gomes is also a target, with Wolves having already signed Matheus Cunha on an initial loan from Atletico Madrid.
“We will see, it’s true we have interest in some players but when they are here and our players we can talk about them, not before,” said Lopetegui. “I want to put the focus on our players. We don’t want to waste energy on other things. We will talk only about our players.”
Duran’s price tag
Aston Villa are paying £14.75million to sign exciting Colombian teenager Jhon Duran from Chicago Fire.
Duran, 19, has scored eight goals and set up six more in 28 appearances for MLS outfit Chicago.
Villa, who are 11th in the Premier League, have moved swiftly to beat off top-flight rivals for Duran who could cost a further £3m in add-ons.
The deal is subject to Duran obtaining a work visa and it is considered a long shot that the ace will be signed and cleared in time to play at Southampton on Saturday as he is still in America.
But Villa boss Unai Emery, who has also paid £14m for left-back Alex Moreno, wants the starlet to compete with Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings upfront.
Duran has three caps for Colombia as a sub and came on in their win over Paraguay in November.
Man Utd and Chelsea told Dumfries price
Denzel Dumfries is quickly become a transfer gossip magnet.
The 26-year-old Dutch right-back is again being touted for a move away from Inter Milan, with Manchester United, Chelsea and Bayern Munich linked.
Tuttomercato claim that both United and Chelsea have been in contact with Inter and received an asking price of £35million, but Bayern Munich are out of the race.
Dortmund confirm Bellingham state of play
Borussia Dortmund are yet to receive an offer for Jude Bellingham, sporting director Sebastian Kehl has confirmed to Kicker.
“There are no offers at all for Jude Bellingham as of now, nothing is decided,” ex-BVB captain Kehl declared of the 19-year-old English sensation, who’s expected to leave Germany after three seasons this summer.
“We will speak to Jude and his family, no pressure — there are absolutely no proposals.”
Reus’ agents spotted at Man Utd
Marco Reus’ agents were spotted watching Manchester United’s win over Manchester City on Saturday afternoon as the Borussia Dortmund star weighs up his future.
The 33-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and has already confirmed he is considering his options ahead of a possible free transfer in the summer. Reus admitted he is having talks over his future as he deliberates whether to stay at Dortmund or leave Signal Iduna Park after 11 years at the club.
According to reports, Al-Nassr are plotting a move for the veteran wideman as they want him to become the next big name to make the switch to the Saudi Pro League. This is after Cristiano Ronaldo joined the club in a £173million-per-year deal following his acrimonious release from Manchester United.
Read the full story HERE.
Klopp provides transfer update
Don’t expect Liverpool to splash the cash before deadline day, as Jurgen Klopp has provided a disappointing update for supporters on the transfer front.
“Is this the right moment to strengthen? I can’t see it,” Klopp admitted earlier this afternoon. “We look outside as well, it’s not as if we are stubborn and think that’s it and we go with these boys until 2050.”
Villa reach agreement for MLS starlet
Aston Villa have confirmed that they’ve reached an agreement with Chicago Fire to sign striker Jhon Duran.
The 19-year-old Colombian bagged eight goals in 27 MLS appearances last year, prompting links to Liverpool.
Duran, though, is now heading to Villa Park.
Cue the puns…
Gerrard’s ex-teammate cools Poland talks
Steven Gerrard’s former teammate, Jerzy Dudek, has cooled speculation that the ex-Liverpool captain has seriously been offered the Poland job.
“As far as contact goes, so far Steven has only received one message from the PZPN (the Polish FA),” Dudek wrote in hs column for Przeglad Sportowy
“Steven thanked them for their message because he appreciates the interest. But it’s difficult to treat one text message as a serious offer.
“The president Cezary Kulesza should ask himself what kind of manager we want and what the new manager’s attributes should be. Then we need to find the person who meets those criteria.”
Saliba opens up on Arsenal contract talks
Arsenal defender William Saliba doesn’t seem to imagine himself anywhere other than the Emirates, with negotiations over a new contract ongoing.
“I am so happy here,” the Frenchman, 21, told the Evening Standard. “The club is speaking with my agent and me, the only thing I can do is [focus on my football]. I am so happy here.”
Newcastle allowing duo to leave
Newcastle United will allow goalkeeper Karl Darlow and midfielder Ryan Fraser to leave St James’ Park this month.
It’s reported by the Athletic that manager Eddie Howe is keen to offload fringe players in order to welcome new signings.
The Magpies are already over capacity for their 25-man Premeir League squad, with Fraser viewed as their most sellable asset.
Darlow is also now third-choice behind Martin Dubravka, who was recently recalled from his loan at Manchester United.
Football Digest
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Elanga attracting interest
Manchester United winger Anthony Elanga is a target for Borussia Dortmund this month, according to TalkSPORT.
Everton and Bournemouth have also registered interest, but the 20-year-old Swede would be more interested in a move to the Bundesliga.
Everton leading Danjuma chase
Everton are reportedly showing the most interest in Villarreal want-away Arnaut Danjuma.
According to El Periodico Mediterraneo, via Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa and former club Bournemouth have also been offered the chance to sign the 25-year-old Dutch winger.
Having been linked with Liverpool over the summer, Danjuma is alleged to have flown to London over the weekend for talks with potential suitors, although he’s due back in Spain today.
Relegation-battling Everton are said to have proposed an initial loan deal with an option to buy.
Dortmund chief confirms Moukoko offer
Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl has confirmed that the club have offered soon-to-be out-of-contract striker Youssoufa Moukoko a “very attractive” new deal.
The 18-year-old Germany international’s representatives have been in fraught negotiations with Dortmund chiefs since the autumn, piquing the interest of Manchester United and Chelsea.
“We have put together a very attractive offer that gives him a lot of room for development. That should lead to a decision. He has to make it with his environment and his advisor,” Keld told Kicker.
“Youssoufa can now accept this offer and commit to Borussia Dortmund – or we will go our separate ways. I would like him to choose us because he is not yet at the end of his development and I am huge I see potential in him. But there are limits for us as a club. And we have shown these limits. Now it’s up to him to confess in a timely manner.”
Bayern set for more Sommer talks
Bayern Munich and Borussia Monchengladbach are set to resume negotiations over Swiss goalkepeer Yann Sommer this week.
Sommer, 34, is out of contract at the end of the season but wants to join Bayern as soon as possible to replace the injured Manuel Neuer.
Gladbach, however, are holding out for a fee worth around £5million.
Ten Hag blocks Pellistri loan
Erik ten Hag has reportedly moved to block Manchester United youngster Facundo Pellistri from going out on loan.
The 21-year-old Uruguayan winger made his long-awaited debut for the Red Devils last week, two-and-a-half years after signing from Penarol.
Claims from Brazil suggest that Ten Hag views Pellistri as part of his plans for the second half of the season.
DONE DEAL: Arsenal starlet heads for new loan
Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has joined Austrian Bundesliga side Sturm Graz on loan until the end of the season.
The 21-year-old shot-stopper had spent the first half of the campaign on loan at Crewe Alexandra before the Gunners activated a recall clause.
Crewe boss Alex Morris claimed on Saturday that Okonkwo has been the best ‘keeper in League Two this season
