Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal eye reinforcements as Newcastle want Gordon and Chelsea target Onana

Everton’s lack of form and seeming problems behind the scenes could have a negative effect on the squad as the big Premier League sides come knocking in search of players. Chelsea have lined up Toffees midfielder Amadou Onana as a potential option in case they cannot get a deal for Enzo Fernandez over the line - which seems increasingly more likely as the window draws to a close.

Newcastle are also hovering and have made Anthony Gordon their main focus. The Everton forward missed two days of training as Newcastle prepared a £40m bid for the 21-year-old but the Toffees are reluctant to let one of their key assets leave whilst fighting a relegation battle.

Elsewhere, an injury to Mohamed Elneny means Arsenal may be forced into strengthening their midfield options before the window closes. The Gunners seem focused on winning the Premier League title this season and they will need strength in depth to keep Manchester City at bay. Brighton’s Moises Caicedo is said to be the favoured choice but Chelsea are also interested in the £75m midfielder and manager Roberto De Zerbi believes Caicedo won’t leave the club in January.

Follow all the latest January transfer rumours and confirmed news below:

Transfer news live

  • Anthony Gordon back in Everton training despite Newcastle interest

  • Arsenal need midfield reinforcements says Mikel Arteta

  • Chelsea could move for Amadou Onana if Enzo Fernandez deal falters

  • Wolves continue negotiations for Joao Gomes

  • Fulham look to sign Cedric Soares from Arsenal

The endearing improbability of Wout Weghorst takes latest twist

18:00 , Michael Jones

Wout Weghorst has become the man who keeps distinguished company. There were three of them at the end, applauding the Manchester United fans: the de facto captain Bruno Fernandes, the World Cup winner Lisandro Martinez and Weghorst, his long frame in the coat of a man who had been substituted.

He was joined on the scoresheet by Fernandes and Marcus Rashford, the form player in the Premier League. A month ago, he had been the Dutch answer to Lionel Messi, cancelling out the two-goal lead he had earned Argentina in a World Cup quarter-final, matching him by scoring a penalty in the subsequent shootout.

And in between, his previous goal had come with a motley crew of Premier League rejects, in a team with Arthur Masuaku, Cenk Tosun and Gedson Fernandes, with Dele Alli an unused substitute. For some, Weghorst had been out of sight and out of mind when on loan at Besiktas. Not for Erik ten Hag, however.

The first striker he signed for United was borrowed from a Championship club, in Burnley. The first goal he scored for them came in a cup semi-final and was greeted with clenched fists. “I just turned to the goal hoping for a rebound and it came exactly like this,” Weghorst reflected. “It was nice.”

The endearing improbability of Wout Weghorst takes latest twist

Leeds striker Joe Gelhardt close to Sunderland loan move

17:44 , Michael Jones

The Athletic are reporting that Leeds striker Joe Gelhardt is closing in on a loan move to Sunderland

Sunderland expect to finalise a the move move before next week’s deadline having successfully agreed a deal with Leeds over the past 48 hours.

Numerous Championship clubs made enquiries for Gelhardt and the 20-year-old was strongly considering returning to Wigan Athletic - the club who sold him to Leeds in 2020 as part of the fire sale organised by the club’s then administrators Begbies Traynor.

Sunderland are hopeful that Gelhardt will undergo a medical tomorrow and that the paperwork will be sign in time for him to make a debut away at Millwall.

The deal with Sunderland includes no permanent option with Leeds continuing to see the England youth international as part of their longer-term future.

Pep Guardiola reveals the moment he knew he had to let Mikel Arteta leave Man City

17:30 , Michael Jones

Pep Guardiola said he had to let Mikel Arteta leave Manchester City to manage Arsenal because he could not stand in the way of his friend and former assistant’s dreams.

The former allies meet in the FA Cup on Friday with Arteta five points ahead of Guardiola in the Premier League and with the older man calling the London club the best team in the country.

And Guardiola said that he knew Arsenal had a place in Arteta’s heart when he did not celebrate the goals City scored against the club he supported.

Pep Guardiola discloses the moment he knew he had to let Mikel Arteta leave Man City

Everton ready to woo Marcelo Bielsa in person

17:15 , Michael Jones

Everton chair Farhad Moshiri is intent on persuading Marcelo Bielsa to take the job despite the Argentine’s reservations, having already convinced the former Leeds United manager to fly to England for talks.

Bielsa’s willingness to travel is seen as an opening, after initial remote talks reached an impasse over the make-up of the squad, the structure of the club and the length of the deal. There was a period on Wednesday when it looked like the negotiations might fall apart, but Moshiri sees the 67-year-old as the sort of character who can revitalise the club and rescue the season.

Bielsa had been receptive to initial approaches only for talks to encounter difficulties as he laid out a list of expectations and demands, none of them financial other than a fixed fee for him and his staff.

Everton ready to woo Marcelo Bielsa in person

Liverpool reward teenage star Stefan Bajcetic with new long-term deal

17:00 , Michael Jones

Liverpool have given teenage midfielder Stefan Bajcetic a four-and-a-half year contract to reward him for his progress this season.

Bajcetic, who was signed from Celta Vigo for €250,000 in 2020, was preferred to Fabinho for Saturday’s draw against Chelsea and scored his first Liverpool goal in the Boxing Day win at Aston Villa.

The 18-year-old has made 10 appearances this season and has been a regular in the squad, with manager Jurgen Klopp saying: “There was a door – I’m not even sure it was open – but he ran through it and he was really exceptional.”

Bajcetic’s deal is in line with Liverpool’s policy of rewarding young players who have impressed with pay rises and long-term contracts.

Liverpool reward teenage star Stefan Bajcetic with new long-term deal

Bajcetic signs a new contract with Liverpool

16:50 , Michael Jones

Spanish teenager Stefan Bajcetic has signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool after making his first Premier League start.

The 18-year-old has signed a new deal until 2027 having made his 10th appearance in all competitions. Bajcetic also scored his first senior goal in the 3-1 win at Aston Villa on Boxing Day, and impressed in last week’s FA Cup third round replay away at Wolves.

“Obviously I’m so, so happy, so excited to keep playing for this club and hopefully I can play more years together,” he said. “Me and my family are very proud to sign a new contract with this club.

“It feels amazing. It’s something I’ve been dreaming of in these two years I’ve been here and something that I’ve been working hard [for] as well.”

“It’s crazy. A year ago I was playing U18s football and now I’ve started some games, made my debut and even scored a goal – that was something I never expected to happen this year.

“It’s amazing to see how fast it went. But I keep working hard and hopefully [there are] more things to come.”

Man Utd decide against Vlahovic transfer

16:40 , Michael Jones

Manchester United are looking to add to their attacking options before the end of the January transfer window if they can secure the right deal but have decided not to sign Dusan Vlahovic from Juventus.

Express Sport reports that the Red Devils don’t think a move for the Serbia international is feasible at the current moment in time and have cooled their interest in the 22-year-old.

Chelsea still pushing for Caicedo

16:30 , Michael Jones

Brighton will have quite a job on their hands if they want to keep hold of Moises Caicedo. Premier clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea are pushing to sign the midfielder with five days to go until the transfer window closes.

Sky Sports News say a transfer in January seems very unlikely as Brighton have no intention of selling in this window. Last week, head coach Roberto De Zerbi said: “The best solution is that he finishes the season with us and in the summer he changes teams.”

Caicedo has two-and-a-half years left on his contract though is unlikely to sign a new one due to such interest from across Europe.

Brighton will need to time his sale well and will want a potential succession plan in place before Caicedo leaves the club. RB Leipzig head coach Marco Rose says midfielder Amadou Haidara will not leave this month amid reported interest from the Seagulls.

Reading manager Paul Ince assesses Erik ten Hag’s Man Utd reign ahead of FA Cup clash

16:20 , Michael Jones

Erik ten Hag has helped Manchester United fans see a brighter future since arriving at Old Trafford, according to Paul Ince.

The Reading manager will take his team to face a rejuvenated United in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday at a ground where he won two Premier League titles as a player during a six-year spell under Alex Ferguson.

The 55-year-old was part of the club’s first title-winning side in 26 years when they were crowned champions in 1992-93 and won a league and cup double the following season.

It has been nearly six years since United won a major trophy, the 2017 Europa League under Jose Mourinho, with the wait to win the Premier League stretching back to 2013.

But Ince believes that Ten Hag has started the process of healing the problems the club has faced on and off the pitch since Ferguson stood down a decade ago.

Reading manager Paul Ince assesses Erik ten Hag’s Man Utd reign ahead of FA Cup clash

Onana rejects Chelsea

16:10 , Michael Jones

The Daily Express claim that Chelsea have been rejected by Everton midfielder Amadou Onana, who has allegedly decided he wants to remain at Goodison Park until the end of the season citing multiple reports in both Belgium and France.

Arsenal were also keen on Onana who was seen as a cover target for Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka in the middle of the park but it seems unlikely he would join the Premier League after committing to stay with Everton.

Newcastle set price for Saint-Maximin

16:00 , Michael Jones

Newcastle have reportedly put clubs on alert after setting a price tag in excess of £26million for Allan Saint-Maximin, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.

AC Milan are believed to be among the clubs interested in the French winger, who has struggled for game time under Eddie Howe this season.

The player’s agents have already held talks with Milan about a move to the San Siro but Newcastle’s current valuation is said to be too high for the Italian giants.

Jim Goodwin kept in Aberdeen job but board demand response to Darvel shock

15:50 , Michael Jones

Jim Goodwin will take charge of Aberdeen at the weekend but has been left in no doubt that the club’s board are “seeking an immediate response” following Monday’s shock cup defeat to junior side Darvel.

Sixth-tier Darvel stunned the cinch Premiership side by a 1-0 score in a fourth-round Scottish Cup tie.

It further piled the pressure on Goodwin, who only joined the club in February after leaving St Mirren, following a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Hearts earlier in the month.

A board meeting took place on Wednesday where the future of the 41-year-old manager was a key topic of debate but he is set to carry on in his role and will take charge of Saturday’s trip to Hibernian.

Jim Goodwin kept in Aberdeen job but board demand response to Darvel shock

Semenyo havning medical at Bournemouth

15:40 , Michael Jones

Bristol City striker Antoine Semenyo is heading for his Bournemouth medical after the two clubs agreed a deal for the player.

The fee is £9m plus add-ons for the Ghana striker who has scored eight goals in all competitions this season for Bristol City

Bournemouth had two bids rejected last week by Bristol City but have got their man at the third time of asking despite late interest from Crystal Palace, who remain interested in the player.

Arsenal must meet Zubimendi’s release clause

15:30 , Michael Jones

Real Sociedad have told Arsenal they will have to pay Martin Zubimendi‘s €60m (£52.8m) release clause if they want to sign the midfielder this month, says The Times.

Mikel Arteta has spoke about his desire to bring in a central midfielder before the transfer window closes after Mohamed Elneny sustained a knee injury that could rule him out for the rest of the season.

Should they fail to replace Elneny the Gunners would be short of cover for Thomas Partey, who himself has been partial to injury own since joining the club two years ago.

Newcastle star Joelinton fined £29,000 after admitting drink driving

15:20 , Michael Jones

Newcastle United star Joelinton has been fined less than a week’s wages after admitting drink driving.

The 26-year-old Premier League midfielder was stopped by police who spotted his 2022-plate Mercedes G wagon on Ponteland Road, Newcastle, at around 1.20am on January 12.

The Brazilian failed a breath test which showed he had 43mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath when the legal limit is 35mg.

District Judge Paul Currer fined him £29,000 and banned him from driving for 12 months, which will be reduced to nine months if he completes a rehabilitation course.

The judge calculated the fine based on documents showing his weekly wage was £43,000.

Newcastle star Joelinton handed fine after admitting drink driving

Swansea in race to sign Geldhardt

15:10 , Michael Jones

Swansea City are among a long list of Championship clubs in the loan race for 20-year-old Leeds forward Joe Gelhardt.

The former Wigan Athletic star came close to rejoining the Latics until the end of the season last week before the move stalled. Wigan, Sunderland, Coventry City, Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers are all keen on signing the forward and now Swansea have entered the race.

Swansea are in the markert for another striker after reluctantly sanctioning the departure of Michael Obafemi, who is joining Burnley on an initial loan that will become permanent this summer.

Obafemi’s arrival at Turf Moor could also trigger the departure of Ashley Barnes - who is out of contract at the end of the season - with Swansea among those monitoring his situation.

Ferguson unveiled as Forest Green manager

15:00 , Michael Jones

Former Everton player and coach Duncan Ferguson has been appointed as head coach of Forest Green Rovers.

The League One club announced the 51-year-old Scot had taken the reins in succession to Ian Burchnall, whose departure was confirmed earlier this week.

He said: “I’m really delighted to join FGR for the next step of my career, and I plan to be here for a while. We have a bit of a fight on our hands to stay up in League One and I am ready for the challenge.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to come and lead such a progressive and forward-thinking club too.”

Forest Green chairman Dale Vince added: “We’re all excited to welcome Duncan, he is someone I have admired from afar for a while.

“It’s just fantastic to have the opportunity to work with him in this next phase of our journey toward the Championship.”

The Arsenal gamble that’s paying off in style

14:50 , Michael Jones

When it comes to some of the most exciting players on the market, Edu no longer has to make the phone calls. The Arsenal sporting director is now taking them, as so many of the best talents and agents go to him.

They can see which way the club is headed. Declan Rice is now considering them over Chelsea and Manchester United, to go with a host of other names. Arsenal are very suddenly one of the most attractive prospects in sport.

“Suddenly” is the key word, because it makes a considerable difference from this time last year and a profound difference from Mikel Arteta’s first full season.

Then, in the summer of 2020, Arsenal could barely get some targets to even consider them.

The Arsenal gamble that’s paying off in style

Fulham want to sign Duffy permanently

14:40 , Michael Jones

Fulham are hoping to do a deal with Brighton and make Shane Duffy’s loan a permanent move in order to register Cedric Soares as their second loan.

One option is to buy out the rest of his Brighton contract, which has six-months left, and give him a short-term deal at Craven Cottage.

Duffy himself is open to going elsewhere on loan for more game-time as he has hardly played since joining Fulham in the summer but no offers have come his way says Sky Sports News.

Fulham are keen to bring Arsenal’s Soares to the club, with a deal close to being agreed in principle between the clubs and the Portugal right-back, but first they need to solve the Duffy dilemma.

Everton consider bid for Arnautovic

14:30 , Michael Jones

Everton are considering a bid for Marko Arnautovic before the end of the January transfer window after making the striker their top target this month, according to TuttoMercatoWeb.

Arnautovic’s current club, Bologna, are said to be resistant to the move but the Toffees are desperate to land more attacking depth with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Neal Maupay failing in front of goal.

Guardiola on Arteta

14:20 , Michael Jones

Pep Guardiola has been speaking ahead of Manchester City’s FA Cup match against Arsenal on Friday night. He spoke about former assistant coach Mikel Arteta and how well the Spaniard has done since taking over at the Emirates Stadium.

“Arsenal is one of the most important clubs in England. I said many times we knew it, when he was here. His ability and capacity; [their success] is the biggest compliment to Arsenal as well.

“The hierarchy, they trusted him in their bad moments. I guess it wouldn’t have been easy. At the end you need time and investment, but the results are there. It is a challenge for us to challenge them.”

Eddie Howe will do everything in his power to guide Newcastle to cup final

14:10 , Michael Jones

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe hopes the frequent pain of falling agonisingly short during his playing days can help his side avoid complacency in their quest to reach Wembley.

The Magpies seized the initiative in their Carabao Cup semi-final with Southampton thanks to Tuesday evening’s 1-0 first-leg success at St Mary’s.

Howe endured repeated heartache as a defender with Bournemouth in the late 1990s and early 2000s as the club persistently missed out on a play-off spot in the fourth tier.

Eddie Howe will do everything in his power to guide Newcastle to cup final

Brighton sign teenage striker Mark O’Mahony from Irish outfit Cork City

14:00 , Michael Jones

Brighton have signed Irish teenager Mark O’Mahony from Cork City following a successful trial.

The 18-year-old striker has agreed a contract until June 2025, subject to international clearance, and will initially join the Under-21 side.

O’Mahony was named Ireland’s Under-17 player of the year in 2022 and has also represented his country at U18 and U19 level.

He joins compatriots Evan Ferguson, Andrew Moran and James Furlong in Sussex.

Brighton sign teenage striker Mark O’Mahony from Irish outfit Cork City

Bournemouth planning Zaniolo swoop?

13:50 , Michael Jones

Bournemouth are interested in signing Roma forward Nicolo Zaniolo according to reports in Italy as it is believed that the 23-year-old wants to leave Jose Mourinho’s side this month.

Bournemouth are reportedly willing to pay Roma €30million plus add-ons and will include a selling clause.

Tottenham and AC Milan are also after Zaniolo’s signature but Bournemouth’s proposal is currently leading the way.

Brighton interested in Oxlade-Chamberlain

13:40 , Michael Jones

Brighton are targeting Liverpool’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, according to the Daily Mail.

The Seagulls sold Leandro Trossard to Arsenal earlier this month and are looking for reinforcements but it is doubtful that Liverpool would allow Oxlade-Chamberlain to leave this month.

The midfielder is out of contract with the Reds in June and so Liverpool could cash in on him on this month or allow him to leave on a free transfer at the end of the season and maintain the depth in their squad.

How do Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta compare ahead of Man City v Arsenal clash?

13:30 , Michael Jones

Pep Guardiola comes up against his former assistant Mikel Arteta for the first time this season as Manchester City host Arsenal in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday.

With the Gunners leading the champions in the title race, the eagerly-anticipated contest at the Etihad Stadium is sure to whet the appetite for their two Premier League encounters still to come this season.

Here, the PA news agency looks at the two managers:

How do Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta compare ahead of Man City v Arsenal clash?

Duncan Ferguson confirmed as Forest Green manager

13:22 , Michael Jones

Everton legend Duncan Ferguson has been confirmed as the next manager of Forest Green Rovers.

“It’s fantastic and I’ve been waiting for this for a long time.” said Ferguson, “It happened very quickly but I’m delighted to be the next manager of Forest Green.

“It’s a great opportunity for myself at a great club.”

 (PA)
(PA)

The endearing improbability of Wout Weghorst takes latest twist

13:10 , Michael Jones

Wout Weghorst has become the man who keeps distinguished company. There were three of them at the end, applauding the Manchester United fans: the de facto captain Bruno Fernandes, the World Cup winner Lisandro Martinez and Weghorst, his long frame in the coat of a man who had been substituted.

He was joined on the scoresheet by Fernandes and Marcus Rashford, the form player in the Premier League. A month ago, he had been the Dutch answer to Lionel Messi, cancelling out the two-goal lead he had earned Argentina in a World Cup quarter-final, matching him by scoring a penalty in the subsequent shootout.

And in between, his previous goal had come with a motley crew of Premier League rejects, in a team with Arthur Masuaku, Cenk Tosun and Gedson Fernandes, with Dele Alli an unused substitute. For some, Weghorst had been out of sight and out of mind when on loan at Besiktas. Not for Erik ten Hag, however.

The first striker he signed for United was borrowed from a Championship club, in Burnley. The first goal he scored for them came in a cup semi-final and was greeted with clenched fists. “I just turned to the goal hoping for a rebound and it came exactly like this,” Weghorst reflected. “It was nice.”

The endearing improbability of Wout Weghorst takes latest twist

Gordon misses training again

12:58 , Michael Jones

Despite reports that he was due to return to training today Everton striker Anthony Gordon has not arrived at the training ground for the third day in a row.

All indications were that Gordon would attend Finch Farm training ground today after missing Tuesday’s training, which was a planned absence.

He skipped training again on Wednesday and the player has failed to turn up again today amid speculation of a move to Newcastle. This could be a powerplay to try and force a transfer but it doesn’t reflect well on the 21-year-old.

Watford and Hibernian agree fee for Porteous

12:50 , Michael Jones

Hibernian have accepted a bid from Watford for defender Ryan Porteous.

Porteous is out of contract in the summer and has already said he would be leaving the club. The fee for the defender is though to be in the region of £400k to £500k.

Bielsa and Dyche Everton frontrunners

12:40 , Michael Jones

Marcelo Bielsa and Sean Dyche are leading the race to become the new Everton manager.

Sky Sports News claim both managers have been interviewed in recent days with Everton expected to make an appointment ahead of this weekend.

Frank Lampard was sacked with the Toffees languishing in the Premier League’s relegation zone.

Erik ten Hag hails ‘unstoppable’ Marcus Rashford as Man Utd move towards Wembley

12:30 , Michael Jones

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag praised the “unstoppable” Marcus Rashford after his brilliant goal against Nottingham Forest helped his side put one foot in the Carabao Cup final.

Rashford scored for the 10th time in 10 games since the World Cup to put United on course for a comprehensive 3-0 first-leg semi-final win at the City Ground.

The 25-year-old is arguably the in-form player in the country at the moment and produced a moment of individual brilliance as he ran 50 yards and then converted at the near post.

Wout Weghorst’s first goal for the club and Bruno Fernandes’ late strike means that only a miraculous turnaround in next week’s second leg at Old Trafford will stop United from reaching the February final.

Erik ten Hag hails ‘unstoppable’ Marcus Rashford as Man Utd move towards Wembley

Spurs close in on Porro

12:20 , Michael Jones

Tottenham are close to completing a £35million deal for Sporting Lisbon defender Pedro Porro.

Spurs boss Antonio Conte wants to strengthen his wing back options but Spurs have already seen one offer of £32m turned down.

Further talks are taking place with Sporting holding out for the £40m release clause whilst Spurs have offered add-ons to get closer to his buy-out price.

Big Dunc joins Forest Green

12:10 , Michael Jones

Duncan Ferguson is expected to be announced as the new manager of Forest Green Rovers.

When confirmed it will be the 51-year-old’s first permanent role in management after caretaker spells with Everton and it’ll be a tough job for him to take on.

Forest Green Rovers are bottom of League One and four points from safety.

Everton are a club out of time in every way

12:00 , Michael Jones

Even by Everton’s recent standards, Tuesday was a tumultuous day. It started with Marcelo Bielsa making clear his concerns about the job, continued with Tottenham Hotspur humiliatingly hijacking their move for Villarreal’s Arnaut Danjuma and concluded with Newcastle United trying to argue down a price for Anthony Gordon to more than £20m less than he could have been sold for last summer.

You could call it a day in the life of the modern Everton, but it is the kind of chaos that is to be expected after almost a decade of dysfunction. People in the game now regularly make the argument that they are the worst-run club in the Premier League. One industry figure even quipped about how the Bielsa move is just “taking someone else’s good idea from five years ago”.

It will admittedly be a coup if they appoint the idiosyncratic Argentine, but as much because of his regular approach to negotiations as his reputation. Bielsa likes to take his time with job offers in order to assess every aspect of clubs to see if they are ideologically right for him. The build-up can often “take months”.

Everton are a club out of time in every way

Man Utd looking for another loan deal

11:50 , Michael Jones

Manchester United are reportedly looking to sign another forward on loan this month.

That’s according to The Mail who claim that Erik ten Hag’s side will use the closing week of the January transfer window to search for another attacking addition.

They’re hoping for a similar deal to the one that Wout Weghorst has signed but will only accept it if the loan comes with a small fee.

Sporting eye up Lamptey

11:40 , Michael Jones

Sporting Lisbon are interested in Brighton right-back Tariq Lamptey.

Sky Sports News revealed on Wednesday that the Portuguese club are looking a right back to replace the outgoing Pedro Porro, who is strongly linked to Tottenham.

Porro could move to Spurs for his £39m release clause but Sky Sports News understands Sporting are open to negotiating this fee and have lined up Lamptey as a possible replacement should Porro leave the club.

Marcelo Bielsa and Everton reach crunch moment in new manager negotiations

11:30 , Michael Jones

Everton and Marcelo Bielsa have reached an impasse in negotiations, with a considerable gap in positions.

The influential Argentine coach has asked for a package of over £10m for himself and his staff, but there’s also a growing feeling that a number of requests and questions cannot be dealt with in sufficient time. Bielsa is notorious for months-long negotiations as he assesses every aspect of a club, and that has been proving the case here. The length of a deal has also been an issue.

The 67-year-old has not been Everton’s only target, and they have been speaking to other candidates. Among those the board see as potential options are Ralph Hassenhuttl, Sam Allardyce and West Brom’s Carlos Corberan, who has worked with Bielsa. The process has been difficult so far, and connected sources say it was one reason why there was a delay in dispensing with Frank Lampard.

Marcelo Bielsa and Everton reach crunch moment in new manager negotiations

Burnley sign Foster

11:20 , Michael Jones

Championship leaders Burnley have signed forward Lyle Foster. He moves to Turf Moor until the summer of 2027 and joins from Belgian outfit Westerlo for an undisclosed fee.

Check out the Clarets announcement video, it’s a corker:

Hull sign Darlow

11:10 , Michael Jones

Hull have signed Newcastle goalkeeper Karl Darlow on loan until the end of the season.

The 32-year-old goakeeper has made 229 professional appearances including 52 games in the Premier League.

“Karl Darlow is coming from Newcastle, we have completed his paperwork,” Hull chairman Tan Kesler said,

“In terms of when we will announce it’s a tricky one, I want fans to be patient with us. The club - Newcastle - and the player wanted to participate in their cup journey and we have respected that. Hopefully once it’s done he will be joining us but the paperwork already has the signature on it.

“There’s no problems with the deal.”

Arnaut Danjuma reveals why it was a ‘no-brainer’ to turn down Everton for Tottenham

11:00 , Michael Jones

New Tottenham Hotspur loan signing Arnaut Danjuma has insisted it was a “no-brainer” for him to turn down Everton over their Premier League rivals.

Danjuma completed a loan switch to fifth-placed Spurs from Villarreal on Wednesday to cap a remarkable turn of events.

The ex-Bournemouth attacker had agreed a move to relegation-threatened Everton last weekend and been set to be announced in the early part of this week before Tottenham hijacked the deal for the forward.

Arnaut Danjuma explains why it was a ‘no-brainer’ to turn down Everton for Tottenham

Benfica boss reiterates Fernandez stance

10:50 , Michael Jones

Benfica manager Roger Schmidt has reiterated the club’s stance that Enzo Fernandez will not be joining Chelsea this month.

He told reporters: “Yes, of course. When you see Enzo playing for Benfica you can tell he’s in shape and happy. He’s not thinking about anything else.

“I’m not expecting to lose any of our regular starters. I see the players concentrated and I hope this continues.”

Aubameyang to Villa?

10:40 , Michael Jones

Aston Villa may be looking into the possibility of signing Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the summer.

Aubameyang cannot leave Stamford Bridge in January - unless he returns to Barcelona - but will probably make an exit at the end of the season after failing to ignite at Chelsea.

The Athletic says Unai Emery is fond of Aubameyang from his time at Arsenal and that Villa have big plans for the end of the season.

Lyon’s Mousa Dembele is another name on their list with Udinese’s Gerard Deulofeu and Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech also on the radar.

Franca not for sale

10:30 , Michael Jones

Flamengo’s vice-president Marcos Braz has confirmed Matheus Franca is “not for sale” in a blow to Newcastle United.

The Magpies were thought tp be pursuing the 18-year-old midfielder but won’t be able to secure his services this time around.

Braz told reporters: “We do not put Matheus Franca up for sale. He is not for sale. We are not interested negotiating for Matheus Franca at this moment.”

Marcus Rashford’s latest salvo sends Manchester United to the brink of Wembley date

10:20 , Michael Jones

It was not the most important goal a forward with the initials MR has scored for Manchester United against Nottingham Forest – not when Mark Robins went down in folklore as the man who saved Sir Alex Ferguson’s job – but it was possibly the best.

Perhaps the finest goal of what is shaping up as the greatest season of Marcus Rashford’s career might lead to the kind of prize United have lacked in recent seasons. As in 1990, when Robins struck against Brian Clough’s team, United could be on course to end a lengthy wait for silverware with a first honour of a manager’s reign.

Erik ten Hag had described winning trophies as the best feeling. It is one United are on course to experience, with a three-goal lead to take back to Old Trafford and a probable Carabao Cup final after that.

Marcus Rashford’s latest salvo sends Manchester United to the brink of Wembley date

Havertz to leave Chelsea?

10:10 , Michael Jones

According to Sky in Germany, Kai Havertz does not have faith in Chelsea’s squad and could leave the club in the near future. The 23-year-old was signed from Bayer Leverkusen for £71m in September 2020 but has failed to make the forward position his own.

He scored the winning goal in the Champions League final in May 2021, but has returned just 29 goals in 119 games for the Blues.

The Germany international will not leave Stamford Bridge in January but the situation could change over the coming months and it is believed Chelsea would want at least €60m (£53m) for his services.

Southampton agree Bree deal

10:00 , Michael Jones

Southampton have completed a deal with Luton Town for right-back James Bree.

Southampton’s offer was around £500,000 but could rise to £750,000 with add-ons.The 25 year old is out of contract in the summer hence the smaller fee and has worked with Nathan Jones before.

Bree has made 29 appearances for Luton this season and is expected on the south coast today to complete his medical and finalise the deal.

Fulham make move for Cedric

09:55 , Michael Jones

Fulham are set to complete a loan deal for Arsenal right-back Cedric Soares.

Fulham boss Marco Silva has pushed hard for the 31-year-old with the deal having been held up as they sort out Cedric’s wages. That issue seems to have been solved and the Cottagers are confident of securing the deal before the end of the transfer window.

 (EPA)
(EPA)

Mikel Arteta admits Mohamed Elneny injury could see Arsenal move for midfielder

09:50 , Michael Jones

Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal may be forced into the transfer market for a new midfielder as fears mount over an injury to Mohamed Elneny.

The Egypt international is not a first-team regular at the Emirates Stadium but, with Arteta operating with a small squad, his absence could be felt in the Premier League title race – especially with FA Cup and Europa League fixtures in the mix.

Arsenal have already signed Belgium forward Leandro Trossard from Brighton and Jakub Kiwior – a highly rated Poland international defender – in the January window.

The Gunners sit five points clear at the top of the Premier League and travel to face closest challengers Manchester City in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday night.

Mikel Arteta admits Mohamed Elneny injury could see Arsenal move for midfielder

Wolves close in on Joao Gomes

09:45 , Michael Jones

Wolves are closing in on a deal to sign Flamengo’s Joao Gomes.

The club has agreed terms with the Brazilian midfielder over a move to Molineux, but Flamengo upped the asking price - after an initial £14m agreement - due to interest from French club Lyon who offered marginally more to sign the 21-year-old.

Lyon officials failed to persuade Gomes to move to Ligue 1 as he remained steadfast in his desire to move to the Premier League so OL are moving onto other targets.

Wolves stood their ground over the initial agreed terms and there is a confidence that they will get their man before the transfer window closes but the deal is not yet complete.

Chelsea target Onana

09:39 , Michael Jones

Chelsea have reportedly stepped up their interest in the Everton midfielder Amadou Onana as a possible alternative to Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo.

The Times claim that the Blues have wanted to bring in a midfielder during this transfer window but their pursuits of Benfica’s Fernández and Brighton’s Caicedo have not gone to plan.

Now they are considering alternatives with Everton’s Belgium international Onana high on the list. Of course, Everton do not want to sell him so a deal for 21-year-old could prove difficult.

Gordon returns to training

09:34 , Michael Jones

Everton winger Anthony Gordon will return to training today after missing the last two days amid interest from Newcastle United.

Gordon hoped to force Everton’s hand is securing a potential £40m transfer by skipping training with Newcastle believed to be front runners to sign him.

There is a determination from the North East club to get the signing done as they also targeted Gordon during the summer.

 (Action Images via Reuters)
(Action Images via Reuters)

Anthony Gordon forcing Everton’s hand as he skips training again

09:29 , Michael Jones

Everton are more receptive to bids for wantaway winger Anthony Gordon than they were last summer after the forward failed to turn up for training for a second successive day.

Gordon, who is eager to move, is a target for Newcastle and Everton, who rebuffed interest from Chelsea in the early weeks of the season, would consider selling the England Under-21 international for £30 or £40 million.

Former manager Frank Lampard was determined to keep Gordon in August while Everton did not want to lose another of their prize assets after Richarlison moved to Tottenham.

Anthony Gordon forcing Everton’s hand as he skips training again

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