THE January transfer window is OPEN, and deals are being completed all across Europe!
Roberto Martinez, Wayne Rooney and Kasper Hjelmund are among the favourites to take over as manager of Everton after they sacked Rafael Benitez.
And in a shock development, reports suggest Christian Eriksen is a January target for Brentford.
Chelsea are aiming to make a big statement after reportedly making a £33.3m bid for Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong.
The Catalans are said to be holding out for £50m, but that price could drop to £41.75m if youngsters Nico Gonzalez and Gavi continue their excellent progress, according to reports in Catalonia.
And the Holland ace is ready to listen in what could prove a significant breakthrough in contract talks.
The Blues are also said to be interested in Inter Milan star Ivan Perisic.
Erling Haaland is a summer target for Real Madrid, who are confident they can land both him and Kylian Mbappe.
When does the 2022 January transfer window close?
The transfer window opened on January 1, and closes on the 31st at 11pm.
Clubs will be able to sign and sell players during that time, with the Premier League’s winter break due to take place while the final week of the window is going on.
Get all the latest transfer news, gossip and updates here…
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United linked with midfielder Haidara
Manchester United and Newcastle are leading the chase for RB Leipzig midfielder Amadou Haidara, according to reports.
But SPORT1 reporter Patrick Berger says a summer transfer is more likely than a January switch as Leipzig are reluctant to sell him.
Newcastle ‘make £25m Zapata bid’
Newcastle have reportedly bid £25million for Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata.
Colombian star Zapata has scored 65 goals in just 118 Serie A games.
Transfer guru Duncan Castles says Atalanta are willing to sell but value their star a closer to £38m.
Prem duo get Zakaria update
Arsenal and Manchester United have been given some good news after Borussia Monchengladbach sporting director Max Eberl admitted Denis Zakaria could leave.
The Swiss midfielder, 25, has been linked with both of the Premier League giants.
Eberi, who was also fielding questions about Borussia defender Matthias Ginter, told Kicker: “I cannot rule out that both will leave the club in winter.”
Coventry sign Swansea defender Bidwell
Coventry have signed Jake Bidwell from Swansea.
The left-back, 28, was due to be out of contract in the summer and has arrived at the Sky Blues as a free transfer.
Keeper Bain extends Celtic deal
Goalkeeper Scott Bain has extended his deal with Scottish giants Celtic until 2024.
The 30-year-old, who is understudy to Joe Hart, had a deal that was set to expire in the summer of 2023.
He told the Hoops website: “It is a privilege to be part of this great club and I am so pleased to extend my future at Celtic.”
Five stars Toon should sign
We all know they are good for the money – but who should Newcastle try to sign this month to fire their Premier League survival bid?
SunSport has considered that question carefully and come up with a five-man short-list.
We reckon Eddie Howe should be asking the club’s deep-pocketed Saudi owners to go for Sevilla centre-back Diego Carlos, Lille defender Sven Botman, Paris Saint-Germain keeper Keylor Navas, Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey, and Atalanta wideman Robin Gosens.
What do you make of that quintet, Magpies fans?
Udinese close to Mari deal
Arsenal’s forgotten man Pablo Mari might finally get some first-team action again as Udinese close in on a loan deal for the centre-half.
The 28-year-old has not played a league for the Gunners in nearly five months and must be itching to get going again.
The Spaniard is expected to travel to Italy this week to tie up a temporary switch to Udinese, who are currently 14th in Serie A.
Could Defoe fire Sunderland up?
So Jermain Defoe is ‘seriously considering’ a return to his former club and League One promotion-chasing Sunderland, it has been reported by inews.
The 39-year-old former England striker has scored goals – and lots of them – wherever he has played throughout his career, and is a free agent again after a successful spell with Scottish giants Rangers.
Black Cats boss Lee Johnson says that if the deal is right they would take him back to the club where he scored 37 goals in 93 appearances.
McGinn interest
Manchester United are keeping tabs on Aston Villa star John McGinn ahead of the summer transfer window.
That is according to The Telegraph, who claim that McGinn is a potential candidate to strengthen United’s midfield options.
The midfielder has been linked with the Red Devils in the past and the team is determined to boost its options in the middle of the park.
The Manchester giants are facing the prospect of losing Paul Pogba as a free agent in the summer
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Aubameyang set to return
The Gabon national team confirmed Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will fly home early from the Africa Cup of Nations due to his current health issues.
Aubameyang missed Gabon’s 1-1 draw with Ghana on Friday after it was discovered he had ‘lesions’ on his heart following a bout of Covid-19.
The striker is said to have felt fine, although talks between the Gunners and the Gabonese football federation over what’s best for the player took place.
Gabon have now confirmed the 32-year-old will return to England this week after a review of his condition.
Arsenal’s doctors were not believed to have been concerned with Aubameyang’s health, but the player has been sent home regardless
Gunner be off?
Arsenal are sweating over Thursday’s Carabao Cup semi-final clash with Liverpool going ahead and will decide tomorrow whether to request a postponement.
Manager Mikel Arteta will see if he can scrape a team together after Sunday’s scheduled game at Tottenham was called off.
The Gunners are desperate to play on Thursday night but will not gamble on the fitness of a number of players.
They were without 14 players at the weekend due to a combination of Covid-19, injuries, international call-ups and suspension.
And despite Spurs’ suggestions to the contrary, they were not even close to being able to meet the Premier League requirements of 13 outfield players plus a goalkeeper.
Now they will assess the recovery of a number of key players during their next two training sessions before calculating if they will have enough bodies to go ahead with the second leg of Thursday’s semi-final
Henry Premier League return?
Everton are looking to sign Belgium boss Roberto Martinez and his assistant Thierry Henry.
That is according to The Mirror, who report that the Toffees see Martinez as a proper replacement for the sacked Rafa Benitez.
The report claims that the Merseysiders want to replace Benitez before the clash against Aston Villa.
And Everton would like to have Arsenal great Henry in the dugout as well
United next manager latest
Manchester United could appoint their next full-time manager before the end of the season.
That is according to the Manchester Evening News, who claim there have been developments in United’s process to settle on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s replacement after interim boss Ralf Rangnick takes up a consultancy role.
The Red Devils could secure an agreement well in advance of the summer window.
Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino and Ajax manager Erik ten Hag remain the frontrunners, while Leicester head coach Brendan Rodgers remains under consideration
GETTY IMAGES Eriksen homecoming
Brentford are reportedly in talks with ex-Tottenham and Inter Milan star Christian Eriksen over a six-month deal.
Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest during Denmark’s Euro 2020 group stage opener against Finland last summer.
However, the Bees have made an approach for the free agent, with the attacking midfielder allowed to play in England with the ICD.
Fellow Dane Thomas Frank is keen to use the 29-year-old’s creative spark to help keep his team in the top flight for another season.
A six-month deal is on the table and if things go well, there’s an option to extend for a further year
Next Everton manager?
Belgium manager Roberto Martinez is a shock contender to make a sensational return as Everton boss.
Wayne Rooney and Goodison No2 Duncan Ferguson are also on owner Farhad Moshiri’s hit list after Rafa Benitez was axed following six horror months in charge.
SunSport revealed last month that Derby head coach Rooney would be a target if Benitez’s miserable reign was ended and there is support on the board to bring him back.
The Manchester United and England record scorer, who started his career at Goodison Park, is believed to be open to the idea
Bruno contract bonus
Manchester United ace Bruno Fernandes wants to become one of the club’s top earners to stay at Old Trafford.
Fernandes penned a five-year deal with the option of a further 12-months when he arrived at United in 2020.
We revealed several months ago that the attacking midfielder was in talks over a new bumper contract to boost his wages up to around £250,000-a-week.
Now The Athletic are reporting that ‘those talks have been temporarily shelved’ after the Portugal international’s agent turned down an offer in the autumn.
They claim that negotiations will resume again in May once the current season is over
Juve got mail
Juventus have asked for Arsenal ace Thomas Partey in a swap transfer involving Arthur.
But it is understood the Gunners are unwilling to allow Partey to be part of any such deal.
That is according to Sky Sports Italy, who also report the two clubs are still in negotiations over a potential transfer for Arthur.
The north Londoners are in desperate need of bolstering their midfield and Mikel Arteta is a big fan of the ex-Barcelona ace.
SunSport understand the Bianconeri are happy for the Brazilian to leave but want to sign a replacement first with Aaron Ramsey also likely to depart
GETTY IMAGES Aubameyang to return?
Arsenal player Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could reportedly fly home early from the Africa Cup of Nations due to his current health issues.
Aubameyang missed Gabon’s 1-1 draw with Ghana on Friday after it was discovered he had ‘lesions’ on his heart following a bout with coronavirus.
The striker is said to be feeling fine, although talks between the Gunners and the Gabonese football federation over what’s best for the player are currently ongoing.
According to The Athletic, the Gabon international could end up coming back to England this week after a further review of his condition.
The north Londoners’ doctors are said to not be concerned with his health, although Monday will be pivotal in deciding whether or not he’ll stay in Cameroon for the remainder of the tournament.
Aubameyang was one of three Gabon players to be diagnosed with heart lesions last week.
Mario Lemina and Axel Meye were also said to have lesions on their hearts after catching Covid
Ron the move
Manchester United and Chelsea are both keeping tabs on Barcelona star Ronald Araujo.
That is according to Marca, who report that United and the Blues are looking to make a move for Araujo as his contract with Barca expires next year.
The Premier League duo may look to make a deal with the Blaugrana, who are dealing with financial difficulties.
The Red Devils are looking to boost their defence whereas the west Londoners are facing the prospect of losing Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta for free this summer
Newcastle eye Tarkowski
Newcastle are keeping tabs on Burnley ace James Tarkowski during the January transfer window.
That is according to SunSport’s Alan Nixon, who reports that the Magpies are going to make a fresh bid for Tarkowski.
However, the Clarets are going to require a significant sum, like they did for Chris Wood.
Toon manager Eddie Howe requires two centre-backs to save his team from relegation
Costa on the go
Diego Costa bid farewell to Atletico Mineiro and rumours suggests that he could be on his way to Arsenal.
Costa is available on a free transfer after ending his contract with the Brazilian giants.
The centre-forward has held informal talks with several clubs, including the Gunners.
After his departure was confirmed, the Spaniard posted on Instagram: “Today, officially, I say goodbye to Atletico.
“I would like to thank all Massa Atleticana for all the support and affection I received from the first to the last day. Thank you so much for being part of my childhood dream of playing in Brazilian football and winning titles.
“I would also like to express my gratitude to the entire technical staff, medical department, employees and especially to my teammates who helped me daily, always doing everything to make me feel comfortable.
“The feeling that remains is gratitude to all of you Athleticans. Thank you and I wish you all the success in the world!!!”
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Dembele January hunt
Chelsea have joined the transfer war for Barcelona contract rebel Ousmane Dembele.
The Blues are facing competition from Juventus as well as Manchester United during the January transfer window.
According to Sport, United and Juve have been in ‘especially intense’ contact with Dembele’s representatives since 2021.
And the report even adds a suggestion that the striker may have already signed a pre-contract agreement with one of those two clubs.
The report also adds the Blues have been in touch with the France international this January over a potential offer
Fernandes turned down contract
Manchester United superstar Bruno Fernandes turned down a new contract at the end of last year.
That is according to The Athletic, who report that United offered a new deal in the autumn.
Talks over fresh terms have temporarily been parked and are set to restart in May.
Fernandes is among the Red Devils’ most prolific players in Ralf Rangnick’s team
Zorc reacts to Haaland statement
Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc addressed Erling Haaland’s claim he has been set a deadline to decide his future.
Zorc told Kicker: “Haaland’s comments surprised us a bit.
“There is no deadline and there have not even been any talks yet.
“But we want to hold talks at some point”
Tielemans interest latest
Arsenal have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of Leicester star Youri Tielemans.
That is because Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers admitted Tielemans has to ‘look at all options’.
Rodgers said: “You always have to [plan for life without players], that is key. You always have to be looking ahead, that’s important.
“Youri is at an age and at a stage in his contract where he has to ensure he looks at every option.
“I would love it to be here at Leicester, that is natural, but I understand it’s a very short career.
“Once the player is committed, focused and professional it’s never a worry for me.
“With Youri you can see his joy of being here, he loves being here and you have to respect these guys’ careers are short.
“If we are going to lose one we have to be ready for the next one to come in”
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