THE January transfer window is OPEN and deals are being made!
SunSport can exclusively reveal Liverpool are eyeing a £60m deal for Porto’s Colombian winger Luis Diaz.
And the Reds are also interested in Barcelona’s wonderkid Gavi and are prepared to pay him 50 TIMES his current salary at the Nou Camp.
Philippe Coutinho has completed a return to the Premier League.
Barcelona have accepted a loan offer from Aston Villa, bringing the former Liverpool star back to England.
Meanwhile, Newcastle have secured their first signing of the window by bringing in Three Lions full-back Keiron Trippier.
And 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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Maitland-Niles move reportedly done
Ainsley Maitland-Niles has completed his loan transfer to Roma, reports claim.
According to Fabrizio Romano, his side have been able to seal a loan deal until June.
The Italian transfer expert claims that his contract has now been registered on Serie A’s system.
He adds that the move is merely a straight loan transfer, with NO option to buy included.
Maitland-Niles has completed his medical in Rome and confirmation is imminent.
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Conte eyeing Tottenham transfer overhaul
Antonio Conte is reportedly ready to flog Dele Alli, Steven Bergwijn and Tanguy Ndombele in order to fund his Tottenham overhaul.
A raft of Spurs players are allegedly ‘fearing for their futures’ as Conte plans a ruthless sale with ‘more than half a dozen players at risk’ of being sold.
ESPN claims that Conte outlined his plan to reshape his squad in private meetings with senior figures at the club.
But that can only happen if a major overhaul takes place – and there are several big names that could be casualties.
This latest report states Alli, Bergwijn and Ndombele are all on the list of players Conte is willing to offload.
And Matt Doherty, Japhet Tanganga and Giovani Lo Celso are also names being touted as well.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is willing to back Conte’s judgement and is ready to get to work in this month’s transfer window.
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Costa on the move again
Diego Costa is available on a free transfer after having his contract terminated at Atletico Mineiro.
The former Chelsea favourite joined the Brazilian side midway through their title-winning campaign last term.
Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano wrote on Twitter: “Diego Costa has reached an agreement with Atletico Mineiro to terminate his contract and part ways with immediate effect. #transfers
“Former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid striker’s gonna be now available on a free transfer. #Galo”
According to Tribal Football, LaLiga duo Cadiz and Elche are both ‘in contact’ with the 33-year-old.
While second-tier Eibar also want the two-time Premier League winner.
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United interest in Milinkovic-Savic
Manchester United have reportedly shown ‘concrete’ interest in Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
The 26-year-old Serbian international is a target for the Red Devils, according to Calciomercato.
Juventus are also interested, but his £58million price tag could put off the Serie A club.
A formal bid is yet to be lodged, but a summer swoop is listed as a possibility.
Milinkovic-Savic has former Chelsea striker Mateja Kezman as his agent, and the report goes on to claim an ‘informal agreement’ is in place between Lazio owner Claudio Lotito and Kezman for the midfielder to move to United.
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Lage speaks on Neves speculation
Wolves boss Bruno Lage has spoken out on reports linking Ruben Neves to Manchester United.
SunSport exclusively revealed yesterday that the club had warned United to back off, with rumours over a £35million move.
Lage told reporters: “When you want to do the next step and every time you are selling your best players, then the next step can never happen.
“We are here with the project and our ideas – that’s everyone: the chairman, sporting director and the manager.
“The main point is to continue with the same players, try to improve them and go to the next level.”
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Barcelona keen on Adama Traore
Wolves winger Adama Traore is the subject of interest from La Liga giants Barcelona.
According to Spanish publication Sport, the club are planning a move for Traore should Ousmane Dembele refuse to sign a new contract.
Traore is claimed to be in touch with a number of Barca players, including Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Sergi Roberto and Ferran Torres.
And he is reported to be ‘open’ to a move back to the club where he started his career.
Xavi and Co though have stiff competition though, with Tottenham also strongly linked with a move for the 25-year-old.
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Tottenham Weston McKennie bid rejected
Juventus have rejected an offer from Tottenham for midfielder Weston McKennie.
According to Calciomercato, Spurs failed to match Juve’s £25million asking price for the 23-year-old.
A proposed swap deal involving Tanguy Ndombele is also said to have been turned down.
Juve are keen to keep hold of McKennie, but are understood to be willing to let him leave for the right price.
And with Antonio Conte eager to bolster his midfield this month, the club could return with an improved offer.
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FA Cup third round action
It’s FA Cup third round weekend, which can only mean one thing – a day FULL of football.
Here’s a look at today’s (yes, just today’s) games, with more to come tomorrow!
- Millwall v Crystal Palace – 12.45pm
- Bristol City v Fulham – 12.30pm
- Burnley v Huddersfield Town – 12.30pm
- Coventry City v Derby County – 12.30pm
- Hartlepool United v Blackpool – 12.30pm
- Mansfield Town v Middlesbrough – 12.30pm
- Barnsley v Ipswich Town/Barrow – 3pm
- Birmingham City v Plymouth Argyle – 3pm
- Boreham Wood v AFC Wimbledon – 3pm
- Kidderminster Harriers v Reading – 3pm
- Leicester City v Watford – 3pm
- Newcastle United v Cambridge United – 3pm
- Peterborough United v Bristol Rovers – 3pm
- Port Vale v Brentford – 3pm
- Queens Park Rangers v Rotherham United – 3pm
- West Brom v Brightonn – 3pm
- Wigan v Blackburn Rovers – 3pm
- Hull City v Everton – 5.30pm
- Swansea City v Southampton – 5.30pm
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Newcastle willing to outbid Arsenal
Arsenal are strongly linked with a move for Fiorentina hitman Dusan Vlahovic.
The 33-year-old scored 33 Serie A goals in 2021, and has attracted interest from a host of Europe’s top clubs.
One of those is Arsenal, with both Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah out-of-contract in the summer.
But in a blow to the Gunners, the Independent’s Miguel Delaney claims Newcastle are willing to outbid Arsenal on whatever price they offer for Vlahovic.
The Magpies are eager to use their new found fortune to out price rival clubs.
But Vlahovic is said to want to join a ‘bigger’ club, and with Newcastle in the midst of a relegation scrap, a move to St James’ Park seems unlikely.
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Gift of the Gav
Liverpool are reportedly ready to offer Barcelona starlet Gavi FIFTY times more per week wages to sign him.
Despite making just four top-flight appearances, he has already convinced the Anfield boss to try and make a swoop for him.
Gavi is currently earning around £1,600-a-week at the Nou Camp.
But El Nacional are claiming that Liverpool are prepared to pay him £80,000-a-week in order to secure his signature.
The same outlet also states that the La Masia graduate sees his future at Barcelona.
However, his release clause remains at a relatively low £41.7million and the financially-stricken Catalans could be tempted to cash in on the playmaker.
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Deal sealed with a Kess
AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie is in talks to join Real Madrid at the end of the season when his contract expires, reports suggest.
The news comes as a blow to Liverpool and Tottenham, who had both shown interest in the 25-year-old midfielder.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has sent representatives to Milan in a bid to wrap up a pre-contract agreement for the Ivory Coast international, according to Spanish outlet El Nacional.
Negotiations between the two parties are thought to be ‘speeding up’ as Perez looks to fight off interest from elsewhere.
It’s claimed Barcelona too are keen on snapping up Kessie, with the club also in contact with Kessie’s agents.
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Barca’s Gavi eyed by Liverpool
Liverpool are reportedly ready to offer Barcelona starlet Gavi FIFTY times more per week wages to sign him.
The 17-year-old has broken into the LaLiga side’s first-team this term and caught the eye of Jurgen Klopp.
And despite making just four top-flight appearances, he has already convinced the Anfield boss to try and make a swoop for him.
Gavi is currently earning around £1,600-a-week at the Nou Camp.
But El Nacional are claiming that Liverpool are prepared to pay him £80,000-a-week in order to secure his signature.
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Good morning football fans
Aston Villa have signed Philippe Coutinho on loan.
The Brazilian playmkaer has reunited with his former Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard at Villa Park.
He will play with the Villans until the end of the season.
Villa also have an option to buy clause inserted in the deal.
Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes will be Barcelona’s No1 summer transfer target if they cannot secure Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland.
The 27-year-old Portuguese star has struggled in recent months during Manchester United’s poor run of performances.
According to El Nacional, Barcelona’s main priority is to sign Haaland in the summer.
But if they miss out on the 21-year-old Norwegian then next on their list of targets is Man Utd man Fernandes.
In other transfer news, Newcastle are reportedly preparing a swoop for West Ham defender Issa Diop.
they are ready to table an offer between £8.3m and £10m ‘in the coming hours’ to West Ham for him, while another Toon transfer target – Lucas Digne – has revealed to Rafa Benitez his desire to leave Everton.
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Wolves issue hands off warning
Manchester United have been warned off a £35million swoop for Wolves star Ruben Neves.
SunSport exclusively revealed that United wanted to sign the 24-year-old midfielder this month.
But Wolves have yet to receive a bid for Neves or Spanish striker Adama Traore, who is wanted by Tottenham.
But boss Bruno Lage said: “When you want to do the next step and every time you are selling your best players, then the next step can never happen.
“We are here with the project and our ideas — that’s everyone: the chairman, sporting director and the manager.
“The main point is to continue with the same players, try to improve them and go to the next level.
“Do you receive the money and use it to improve the team, or do you continue with the same players?”
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Jones to the World Cup?
Phil Jones will be included in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the 2022 World Cup.
That’s the view of talkSPORT presenter Andy Goldstein following the Manchester United defender’s long-awaited return against Wolves on Monday night.
Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: “I’ll make a statement. Phil Jones is going to go to the World Cup with England.
“We’re not blessed with centre-halves. I think there’s a couple centre-halves he’s better than on his day.
“I think he’s better than Mings, and I’d rather have Jones in a back two. If Jones carries on like that he’ll be going to the World Cup.
“In his pomp, I think he’s better than John Stones. I always worry about John Stones. Phil Jones is going to the World Cup.”
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Coleman lands job in Greece
Chris Coleman is back in management with Greek Super League strugglers Atromitos.
The ex-Wales boss has been out of work since he was sacked by Hebei China Fortune in May 2019.
But Coleman, 51, has signed a short-term contract with the Athens-based outfit until the end of the season.
Former Fulham, Coventry and Sunderland chief always stated he wanted to get another job aboard.
And after spells in Spain with Real Sociedad, Larissa in Greece and his Chinese adventure, Coleman is back in work overseas.
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Bayern Munich beaten at home
Bayern Munich were stunned by Borussia Monchengladbach as they relinquished a first half lead to lose 2-1 at the Allianz Arena.
Bayern remain nine points clear at the top of the Bundesliga table, but second place Borussia Dortmund now have a game in hand.
It all seemed to be going according to plan when Robert Lewandowski, as usual, netted the opener in the 18th minute.
The hosts looked to be in total control but shortly before the half hour mark Monchengladbach suddenly drew level.
Joshua Kimmich failed to clear his lines and midfielder Florian Neuhaus made the perennial German champions pay by firing in between the legs of Sven Ulreich.
And things got even better for the visitors just four minutes later when they pinched a second at an empty Allianz.
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Gerard Pique releases ban statement
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has hit back at claims he is earning £450,000 per week by posting a bank statement on social media.
The 34-year-old centre-back was one of three players whose wages were supposedly leaked by Spanish TV3 programme Onze – with Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba also reported to be on huge salaries with the cash-strapped club.
But Pique has shut down those claims with a screenshot showing half his annual pay – £2million.
This means that for the year of 2021 he was paid £4m, a sum which works out as roughly £75,000 per week.
He tweeted: “Characters like this charging for public television to defend their friends.
“Here are 50 per cent of my payroll earned on December 30th. Respect yourself a little.”
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Red Devils give up Haaland
Manchester United are no longer interested in signing Borussia Dortmund ace Erling Haaland this summer.
The Norway international, 21, is one of the most prolific strikers in Europe after scoring 76 goals in 74 games for his current team.
A host of clubs have been linked with Haaland in recent months, including Manchester City, Barcelona and Real Madrid.
However, according to the Daily Star, United are not considering making an approach for the highly-rated youngster.
It’s believed Haaland has “set his heart” on a move to Real and the Red Devils have reluctantly accepted his decision.
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Bale to hang up boots?
Gareth Bale is considering ending his playing career this summer if Wales fail to qualify for this year’s World Cup, but could consider joining a Championship club if he helps his country make the tournament in Qatar.
Wales face a play-off against Austria in Cardiff in March and, if they win, they will then face a showdown against either Scotland or Ukraine for a place in the finals.
But if Wales fail at the play-off stage, retirement could be on the cards for Bale, whose Real Madrid contract expires at the end of the season.
However, if Wales do reach their first World Cup in 64 years, Bale could consider signing a short-term deal with a Premier League or Championship side to ensure he is ready for the tournament.
It is believed Bale, who turns 33 in July, could consider joining Cardiff or Swansea.
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‘Delighted to continue my journey’
Michail Antonio has sent a message after signing a new contract with West Ham United.
The forward penned a fresh two-year extension to his deal in East London on Friday, taking the length of his contract up to 2025.
He tweeted: “Delighted to extend my contract and continue the journey with this incredible team.”
Antonio, who has scored nine goals in 22 games across all competitions this season, joined the club from Nottingham Forest in 2015 will have been at West Ham for a decade by the time his contract is up and has formed a major part of David Moyes’ impressive rebuild.
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‘A very serious football man’
Ralf Rangnick must be able to manage the “big egos” within Manchester United’s dressing room if he is to succeed as the club’s interim manager, according to Roy Hodgson.
He told Sky Sports: “He’s a very serious football man who’s had fantastic results wherever he’s gone.
“I have sympathy and empathy with anybody who finds themselves in the firing line because I’ve been there myself.
“I think one of the problems with Ralf might have been that people have built up him and his methods in a way which is going to be very difficult to live up to.
“Certainly in the conversations I’ve had with him, it’s not been a question of ‘I know something in football that nobody else knows’.
“Coming into Manchester United, he’s definitely come into a club where there are a lot of big players, a lot of big egos, and trying to mould them together to get that balance that he really wants is never going to be an easy job. It’s going to take time.”
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Dani Ceballos throws a strop
Former Arsenal loanee Dani Ceballos was left raging after Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti told him to return to the bench on Wednesday evening.
Heading into the Copa del Rey third round clash against CD Alcoyano, Ceballos was yet to feature for Madrid this season – since returning from his two-year spell at Arsenal – mainly due to a serious ankle injury.
But it appeared he was ready to come on for the first time in the 2021-22 campaign as he stripped down to his kit in the 86th minute.
However, Ceballos was made to wait a little longer when Ancelotti told him to return to the bench for a few moments.
And the Spaniard did not take this well as he threw his hand up in disgust at the Italian.
Seconds later Ceballos did enter the fray as he replaced former Bayern Munich defender David Alaba.
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‘Very easy marriage for Coutinho’
Roy Hodgson is certain that Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard played a big role in the loan signing of Philippe Coutinho.
The pair played together at Liverpool and Hodgson thinks the mutual respect between the two would have persuaded the Brazilian to join.
He told Sky Sports: “I think Steven had a big part to play and I know everyone who has worked with Steven or played with Steven has enormous respect for him.
“Both as a footballer and a football man but also as a person, so I can imagine it was quite an easy decision for Philippe Coutinho wanting to play regular football.
“Coming back to a man he knows well and knows he has a great admiration and respect for him.
“It seemed to be a very easy marriage that one.”
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‘The door is always open’
Antonio Conte is delighted to see Christian Eriksen preparing for his football comeback months after he collapsed during a game.
He hinted at a potential Tottenham return but refused to make any guarantees.
He said: “For the people that work with him and the people that know him, I was scared.
“And now to see him ready to play football is great news. For Christian the door is always open.”