Transfer news, rumours LIVE: Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Man Utd latest football gossip

Malik Ouzia @MalikOuzia_1 February 2019

Welcome to the Evening Standard’s LIVE blog dedicated to the latest news and rumours following transfer deadline day.

The window has slammed shut, and Michy Batshuayi has sealed a dramatic late loan transfer from Chelsea to Crystal Palace.

The Belgian dominated much of deadline day after Denis Suarez completed his respective loan move to Arsenal from Barcelona, and Palace finally got their man in a late announcement after the window closed at 11pm.

Batshuayi was at one stages weighing up a short-term move to West Ham, before it emerged that Tottenham had held talks with Chelsea over a permanent deal, but the Blues' demands of £35-40million put the buffers on that.

January transfer window: Every Premier League deal

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Transfer news, rumours

Thursday January 31, 2019

Crystal Palace appear to be leading the race to sign Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi,

Standard Sport understands that Tottenham and Chelsea have discussed a shock deal for Batshuayi.

The Belgian was believed to be deciding between a loan move to West Ham or Real Betis, before Spurs entered the race. Chelsea are understood to be opening to striking a deal with Spurs, but only a permanent transfer at fee in excess of £35million.

Arsenal were this afternoon left scrambling to complete a loan deal for Christopher Nkunku after negotiations stalled over a move for Yannick Carrasco.

Meanwhile, the Gunners have confirmed the loan signing of Barcelona star Denis Suarez, while Emile Smith Rowe has joined RB Leipzig on loan.

Standard Sport understands that Chelsea will not be signing a replacement for Cesc Fabregas before the close of the transfer window on Thursday night.

Wednesday January 30, 2019

Arsenal have completed the loan signing of Barcelona midfielder Denis Suarez for the rest of the season.

Standard Sport understands that the Gunners have paid a loan fee in the region of £2.17m, but have no obligation to buy the Spaniard . The 25-year-old signed a new contract at Camp Nou before the short-term deal was announced.

Chelsea have turned down approaches from Juventus, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund for defender Andreas Christensen

Meanwhile, Tottenham and West Ham appear to have left it too late to sign Youri Tielemans.

The AS Monaco midfielder is expected to complete a loan move to Leicester City, with French media outlet Le10Sport reporting that Foxes man Adrien Silva will go the over the way.

And finally, the Sun claim that West Ham face more striking misery with Celta Vigo no longer willing to sell striker Maxi Gomez.

Tuesday January 29, 2019

Tottenham are scouting Valencia's Carlos Soler, and we understand the club will look to bring in a midfielder during the window if Vincent Janssen can be moved on .

Meanwhile, Liverpool will battle Bundesliga duo Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund for RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner.

ESPN report that while Leipzig still hope to convince the 22-year-old to sign a new contract, the club are prepared to sell him should he not agree fresh terms.

Bournemouth are reportedly interested in signing forgotten Chelsea midfielder Danny Drinkwater on loan, according to the Daily Mail.

And finally, West Ham are said to be ready to make a late move for Birmingham forward Che Adams, reports the Sun.

Monday January 28, 2019

Arsenal remain hopeful of completing a deal for wantaway Inter Milan Ivan Perisic before Thursday’s transfer deadline.

The Gunners have had an initial offer of a loan with an option to buy rejected by the Italian club but talks were continuing today with a willingness on all sides to find an agreement.

Man Utd have longstanding interest in the Croatian, but Standard Sport understands that they are not expect to rival the Gunners for his signature following Jose Mourinho’s sacking last month.

Inter Milan have told Arsenal that they must supplement 50 per cent of Mesut Ozil’s salary for him to move to Inter Milan.

The Daily Star report that the Serie A side are interested in signing the German, but are unwilling to match his £350,000-a-week contract.

Elsewhere, PSG’s Adrien Rabiot will reportedly turn down a move to Tottenham as the midfielder holds out for a transfer to Liverpool, according to L’Equipe

That could see Tottenham turn their attentions to Leeds United wonderkid Jack Clarke, according to the Mirror.

And finally, Crystal Palace are said to be interested in bringing Everton winger Yannick Bolasie back to Selhurst Park.

Sunday January 27, 2019

Callum Hudson-Odoi has handed in a transfer request at Chelsea to force a move to Bayern Munich, and refused to rule out leaving the Blues following his goal-scoring FA Cup display against Sheffield Wednesday.

Inter Milan have confirmed that Ivan Perisic has submitted a transfer request amid reported interest from Arsenal.

Manchester City have identified Schalke's Sebastian Rudy as a successor to Fernandinho, but will have to play £35m for the midfielder, claim The Sun on Sunday.

Manchester United have made contact with PSV over interest in 21-year-old winger Steven Bergwijn, report Sunday Express.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is ready to let Antonio Valencia leave, with Newcastle and Fulham two possible destinations, claim The Sun on Sunday.

1 January 2019

Ramsey named on the bench

He may be in demand with the major clubs around Europe, but Aaron Ramsey is only named on the bench for Arsenal's clash with Fulham today.

1 January 2019

Lindelof improvement cannot mask the need for defensive reinforcements

Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United demise can be tracked back to his failure to land a top class ball-playing centre back in the summer. 

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes they already have one, writes James Robson.

“He's a cultured, European centre back,” said Solskjaer of Victor Lindelof after the Swede’s latest impressive showing against Bournemouth. “He gets on the ball, passes it really well, knows when to quicken things up. 

“It is difficult to play in England and you must have time to adapt.”

Mourinho was infuriated when missing out on a succession of defensive targets including Toby Alderweireld, Harry Maguire and Jerome Boateng - warning the club would pay the price for their transfer failings. 

It’s indicative of the contrast between Mourinho and Solskjaer that Man Utd’s interim manager brushed aside any concerns about the prospect of having only two recognised centre backs available for the trip to Newcastle on Wednesday. 

“That's enough isn't it?” he said. 

Photo: Reuters 

Lindelof - who is set to start alongside Phil Jones - has taken little time to show the kind of form that convinced Mourinho to sign him from Benfica 18 months ago. 

There is little sign of nervous, error-prone performances that were all too prevalent since his move to Old Trafford. 

Playing two of his three games under Solskjaer on his preferred right hand side has helped. 

Mourinho, himself, admitted he was ‘punishing’ Lindelof by asking him to operate on the left, simply because he was the most adept of all but Marcos Rojo to play on that side. 

Only Eric Bailly’s recall on Sunday prompted Solskjaer to switch him back to the left - but the Ivorian’s reckless red card is likely to hinder his chances of another start any time soon. 

United’s on-going pursuit of a centre back this month will place further doubts over Bailly’s long-term future, as well as Rojo’s. 

There is an acceptance among United’s hierarchy that top target Kalidou Koulibaly will be out of reach during this window after having two bids rejected by Napoli. 

But the failure of Solskjaer’s side to keep a clean sheet in his short reign has only emphasised the need to strengthen in defence. 

“We've conceded three goals from three set pieces,” said United’s interim manager. “We don't concede too many in open play and that's great, but we have to concentrate. 

“My explanation would be at 3-0 (against Bournemouth) game won, settle down. But a lack of concentration for one little second and that's enough. 

“We saw it from the side that they were going to do that little run with David Brooks. It's difficult to shout the instructions here, it was easier back home (with Molde). They could hear me there.”

A 100 percent start to Solskjaer’s United reign has reignited hopes of a top four finish. 

The Treble-winning hero has made little secret of his desire to be given the job on a permanent basis - and believes results will prove if he is a genuine candidate amid United’s pursuit of Mauricio Pochettino. 

“I don't know about (being) at 'home at this level' but I'm at home at this club,” he said. “That's the thing. I've spent 15 years here and that's just me. 

“I'm seeing all these people when I walk through the corridors here. It's me. I'm comfortable in the environment. 

“It's up to you to rate me - if I'm up to the level, but I'm definitely enjoying my time back home.”

1 January 2019

Tottenham sell Brown to Huddersfield

Spurs have confirmed that they have reached an agreement with Huddersfield Town for 19-year-old left back Jaden Brown.

1 January 2019

Lazio keen on Zappacosta loan

Reports in Italy claim Lazio are ready to bring Chelsea defender Davide Zappacosta back to the Serie A in January.

Photo: Getty 

The Italy international has failed to hold down a regular place in the starting XI since arriving from Torino in August 2017 and could be set for a move back his native land.

Rome-based paper Il Messaggero claim that Lazio are hoping to seal a loan deal until the end of the season that includes an option to buy for £10 million at the end of the season.

1 January 2019

United find their Red Rose?

Valentines' Day may still be six weeks away but it seems Manchester United have found their perfect match in their search for a new manager. But here's the twist: it might not be Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

According to The Sun, the Red Devils are tracking the progress of young coach Marco Rose, currently in charge of Red Bull Salzburg.

Photo: Getty 

Rose guided the Austrian champions to six wins from six in their Europa League group, as well making it to last season's semi-finals, and has reportedly caught eye of senior figures at Old Trafford.

The 37-year-old will be considered for the permanent position along with caretaker manager Solskjaer, Laurent Blanc and Zinedine Zidane, although Mauricio Pochettino is still thought to be their number one target.

1 January 2019

Willian urges Chelsea to hand David Luiz new deal

Chelsea star Willian believes team-mate David Luiz deserves a new contract to stay at Stamford Bridge.

Luiz returned to Stamford Bridge in a £34 million deal from Paris Saint-Germain in 2016 and was a key part of Chelsea's title-winning side in the 2016-17 campaign.

Photo: Getty 

The Brazilian found himself frozen out by then boss Antonio Conte last season, making just four Premier League appearances, but has enjoyed an important role in the team under new coach Maurizio Sarri in the current campaign.

And Willian thinks the club should be looking to tie down the centre-back, who has 18 months left on his current deal.

"We have to see if they club will want him," he told reporters.

"I think they want (him). For me, I want him to stay."

Much like his compatriot, Willian's contract is running into the final stages with just 18 months left to run on the four-year deal he signed in 2016.

But the 30-year-old, now into his sixth season with the Blues, insists there is no rush to extend his stay in west London.

"I'm fine," he added. "No rush about that. We can talk about that in the future, no problem."

1 January 2019

On the move?

With the transfer window now officially open, it's time for clubs to get out their chequebooks. 

Premier League clubs spent £420 million last year and virtually all of the top six clubs looking to make improvements to their squads, that total could surpassed this year.

Let's take a look at some of the stars who could be making for the exit in January.

Toby Alderweireld

Photo: Getty 

Spurs will trigger an extension clause in the defender's deal to tie him to the club until 2021 but they are simply protecting themselves with Alderweireld out of contract in the summer.

He can leave for £25 million, his release clause, and it would be a huge surprise if Manchester United do not come in for him again.

The uncertainty at Old Trafford after Jose Mourinho's exit could affect their pursuit of the defender but it would be a surprise if there was no interest.

Ivan Perisic

Inter Milan midfielder Perisic is said to be interesting Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid, along with Manchester United.

Perisic rejected United in 2017 to stay with Inter Milan so it might be a fight to convince him to leave the San Siro.

But reports in Italy suggest Inter are ready to cash in on the Croatia international who could cost around £45million.

Christian Pulisic

Photo: Bongarts 

Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United have all been credited with an interest in the Borussia Dortmund winger.

He could leave the Westfalenstadion after the emergence of Jadon Sancho and has 18 months left on his contract.

Bayern Munich were also reportedly interested but that has cooled ahead of January.

Callum Wilson

Chelsea's striker issues have seen them turn their attention to Bournemouth hot-shot Wilson.

He has scored eight goals this season and scored against the United States on his England debut in November.

The Cherries will fight to keep the 26-year-old but could find it hard if Chelsea put their money where their mouth is.

Cesc Fabregas

Photo: Getty 

The World Cup winner has started just once in the Premier League this season and warned Chelsea he will attract "many clubs" in January.

His deal expires at the end of the season and the midfielder can sign a pre-contract agreement from January 1.

AC Milan and Monaco have been credited with an interest while Manchester City have been linked as they search for back-up to Fernandinho.

1 January 2019

Clubs at the bottom ready to fight it out in transfer battle

Clubs in the cluttered lower reaches of the Premier League table may have a busier January when the transfer window opens on New Year's Day, according to a leading sport finance specialist.

Just past the halfway point of the season, only five points separate 14th-placed Crystal Palace from second-bottom Fulham while even some of those in the top half still have work to do to guarantee their top-flight status.

Palace manager Roy Hodgson has already publicly earmarked Liverpool forward Dominic Solanke as a target as clubs look to strengthen their squads and any early movement could set a precedent for the month.

Photo: AFP 

That is the opinion of Dr Rob Wilson, the principal lecturer in sport finance at Sheffield Hallam University, who told Press Association Sport: "I think there will be a higher volume of activity towards the bottom end as opposed to the top six.

"Historically, if one of the big six hasn't gone out and bought a particularly expensive player - £40-£50million-plus - what we've seen is more activity down the bottom end of the table with clubs trying to get away from the relegation battle.

"There are so many down there within two or three points, it's whoever blinks first.

"If nobody does anything early in the window then you can expect it to be fairly quiet.

"If someone goes for it on New Year's Day or on January 2 then you will probably see a lot of clubs start scrambling around to try to make sure they keep pace."

Burnley, Fulham and Huddersfield currently occupy the relegation spots and Wilson would not be taken aback if those three clubs cannot improve their situation.

While Burnley and rock-bottom Huddersfield have similar business models which discourage heavy spending, Fulham's hands may be tied by Financial Fair Play after laying out around £100m in the summer.

Wilson said: "I think it's going to be an interesting window. I've never known a Premier League so settled.

"It wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if the bottom three that we currently have are the bottom three we end up with."

Wilson expects a more subdued January than 12 months ago, when the top 20 league clubs spent an estimated £430m, almost double the previous record of £225m for a winter window.

Indeed, clubs who have switched or are about to change managers could be the catalyst in the coming weeks.

Wilson added: "I think what will drive this market is managerial change.

"So clubs that have changed managers - Southampton, for example (who sacked Mark Hughes earlier this month and replaced him with Ralph Hasenhuttl) - might look at bringing a couple of players in because they will tend to look at their situation and think 'we're happy with our structure, let's let this guy bring somebody in'.

"I think we'll probably see a quieter window in general terms. My gut feeling is that it's going to be less, based on what clubs spent last summer."

1 January 2019

All eyes on Aaron Ramsey as the January transfer window opens

Samir Nasri may well be the Premier League’s first transfer of the January window , but all eyes will be on his former Arsenal team-mate Aaron Ramsey as the market reopens.

Photo: AFP 

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Ramsey has still featured in 16 of Arsenal's 19 Premier League games this term, though he has started just seven of those matches.

The Wales international will be a bargain free transfer in the summer but he could leave this month, and is attracting interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Juventus have all been linked with the midfielder, with the Gunners withdrawing their contract offer in October. Liverpool and Man Utd  have also been linked previously, but we understand that neither side are expected to make a move for Ramsey this month. 

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Ramsey has still featured in 16 of Arsenal's 19 Premier League games this term, though he has started just seven of those matches.

1 January 2019

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