Transfer Done Deals| Arsenal, Chelsea, Pato and Everything Else
Pato agent: Four clubs interested
Chelsea and Liverpool target Alexandre Pato has FOUR clubs interested in his services, according to the player’s agent Gilmar Veloz.
“The guys are working on getting an offer, but nothing Corinthians are yet to receive one,” Veloz told UOL Esporte.
“The January market is very limited.”
Pato interest continues
Crystal Palace plot transfer of Arsenal old boy Nicklas
Crystal Palace are lining up a sensational swoop for Nicklas Bendtner.
Palace boss Alan Pardew has confirmed that he has held initial discussions over a loan move for the out-of-favour Wolfsburg striker.
Free-agent forward Emmanuel Adebayor is also still a target as Pardew looks to add goals to a team that has not scored in its last five Premier League outings.
Pardew said: “We’re still going down the line of Adebayor and a few others mentioned. A couple more have come to light.
“Bendtner is available, someone else we are looking at. He’s someone who can fit into our group and give us a lift, a big player coming in.
Swansea in for Rhodes
Relegation-threatened Swansea have made a surprise move to sign Blackburn strikerJordan Rhodes.
The Premier League strugglers are desperate for firepower and have tabled an offer for the 25-year-old Championship hitman.
Blackburn are demanding in excess of £10million and Sheffield Wednesday are also interested – although the price has already scared off Championship pace-setters Middlesbrough.
But Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins is determined to get the £45,000-a-week Scotland international, who may well jump at a move to the Premier League.
JIM DALY
Manchester United SHELVE January transfer plans amid doubt over Louis van Gaal’s future as manager
Manchester United have put their major transfers on hold because of the increasing uncertainty over Louis van Gaal’s future.
We revealed on Wednesday how manager Van Gaal may quit a year early, at the end of this season, because of the mounting pressure of the job.
United’s hierarchy also have growing doubts about the Dutchman’s long-term position, and he will not survive at the Old Trafford giants if he does not deliver Champions League football for next season.
Club chiefs’ concerns over Van Gaal’s future have increased in recent weeks, prompting them to place their big deals on the back-burner.
No spending spree this month for Louis
JIM DALY
Hooper set to join Weds on Friday
Sheffield Wednesday look set to sign Gary Hooper on a permanent basis, the Sheffield Star report.
JIM DALY
Zarate to Fiorentina – confirmed
He’d already said his goodbyes to all at Upton Park on Twitter this evening, and now the club have confirmed Zarate’s move to Italy.
JIM DALY
Torres in demand… says his agent
Fernando Torres has eight offers on the table including one which would make him the highest-paid player in world football, according to his agent.
Jose Antonio Martin ‘Peton’ claims the former Liverpool and Chelsea striker has offers from all around the world, including one in China.
He is currently with Atletico Madrid on loan from AC Milan, and Torres’representative says his future will be discussed in the near future.
“Fernando and [Diego] Simeone should sit down and talk about it,” he said.
“The fans of Madrid don’t want Torres to be told no continually.
Thomas Vermaelen vies with Fernando Torres
JIM DALY
Zarate signs off at West Ham
Mauro Zarate has publicly thanked West Ham’s owners David Sullivan and David Gold ahead of his £1.6million move to Fiorentina.
The attacking midfielder is set to finalise his move to the Serie A club after struggling to hold down a first-team place at Upton Park.
He has started just nine games in the league this season having been loaned to QPR during the last campaign following his switch from Velez Sarsfield in the summer of 2014.
Zarate scored five times in the top flight for the Hammers during his stint in the East End.
JIM DALY
Hamstrung Liverpool
A deal has not even been struck to take him to Anfield – but it appears Liverpool’snewest transfer target may have already fallen victim to the Reds’ hamstring curse.
Liverpool have made a bid of £24.5million to lure Alex Teixeira to Merseyside – with chief executive Ian Ayre currently in Florida to try and thrash out a deal, where Shakhtar Donetsk are undergoing a winter training camp.
Ukrainian TV showed ice being heavily strapped to Teixeira’s leg, while reports originating from Russia suggested he had suffered the injury.
Teixeira played no part as Shakhtar took on Corinthians yesterday, with boss Mircea Lucescu refusing to put a time frame on the problem.
The 26-year-old Brazilian has scored 26 goals so far this season, and it is hoped he could be the man to revive the Reds’ dwindling top-four hopes.
Tabanou: Let’s be Franck
Swansea flop Franck Tabanou has accused the Welsh club of being clueless tactically.
The 26-year-old full-back has claimed the Premier League strugglers, one place above the drop zone, are more focused on attacking than defending.
He delivered the blast after moving to St Etienne on loan – seven months after his transfer to the Liberty Stadium.
Tabanou said: “The club is in a difficult situation and, despite that, I still was not played.
“At the start, I was told that it was about their way of defending. Me, I play more with my head in terms of positioning and all that.
“For them, it is about attacking, which leaves quite a bit of space.
“Tactically, they are not the best. You have your player [to mark], it will be a fight until the last minute. That is not the way I play.”
Ouch!
Joao Carlos Teixeira: I want to stay at Liverpool
Joao Carlos Teixeira insists he does want to stay at Liverpool after his current deal runs ut.
The Portuguese attacking midfielder, who celebrated his first senior goal for the Reds in the 3-0 FA Cup third round replay win at Anfield, is out of contract this summer.
Negotiations over a new deal are ongoing as the 23-year-old battles to prove to manager Jurgen Klopp that he has the qualities required to play a big role in the club’s future.
“We are in conversations at the moment,” Teixeira told the ECHO.
“My contract runs out at the end of this season. I want to stay but we will see what happens.”
Out of contract: But this man wants to work under Klopp
JIM DALY
Ivanovic set to sign new one-year Chelsea deal
Branislav Ivanovic appears to be nearing a new one-year deal at Chelsea.
The right back had a struggling start to the season (much like his side) but has seen recent form rewarded with a new 12-month deal.
And it’s also believed he’ll have the option of another year as well.
JIM DALY
Odd, but reasonable, transfer
This might be the strangest – but at the same time most honourable – reason for a transfer ever.
Chinese champions Guangzhou Evergrande have said they allowed top scorer Elkeson to join Shanghai SIPG in a record deal on Thursday to help bolster their Super League rival’s chances of continental glory.”
Seriously.
“For the purpose of supporting Chinese teams to compete in the AFC Champions League, and for the national glory, we agreed Elkeson’s transfer to Shanghai SIPG club,” Guangzhou said in a statement carried by Xinhua news agency.
It’s like allowing your girlfriend to date the guy next door to boost his chances of wining Mr England 2016. Sort of.
Guangzhou, the reigning five-times Super League champions and AFC Champions League holders, acknowledged money had also been a factor in the sale of the Brazilian striker, who scored 77 times in three trophy-laden seasons in China.
Hmm
DARREN LEWIS
Gareth Bale potential move – Tottenham have a BIG say
Tottenham could block a Manchester United move to sign Gareth Bale from Real Madrid.
Leaked documents have revealed the Spanish giants are obliged contractually to notify the north Londoners if they intend to accept a rival bid for the £86million Welshman.
Spurs would then have 72 hours to decide whether they wanted to trump that bid with a record-breaking offer of their own.
Bale, who signed for Real in 2013, has scored 41 goals in his 73 league games for the club.
United have twice made attempts to sign him but Bale has insisted he is happy at the Bernabeu despite the exit of former boss Rafa Benitez.
Barton: Signing me was a masterstroke by Burnley
Joey Barton believes Burnley stole a march on their Sky Bet Championship promotion rivals when they signed him in the summer.
The midfielder, 33, was a free agent following his release from QPR at the end of the previous campaign and was surprised by the lack of offers that came his way.
A proposed move to West Ham collapsed before Sean Dyche persuaded him to join him in east Lancashire, and Barton thinks other Championship clubs were foolish not to try and land his signature prior to the start of the campaign.
“I am 33, sitting there in the summer, everyone thinks you’re done,” Barton said.
“I probably thought my phone would ring a lot more than it did. Then it did ring, I thought this was going somewhere, then that was gone.
“It reiterates how fickle this industry is and how lazy people are. There’s a lot of lazy people out there. If you did your due diligence and were smart and a forward-thinking organisation – certainly in the Championship – I was a no-brainer really if you wanted to get promotion.
“You see people spending money on players in that position, I am thinking, ‘Wow’. But Burnley are obviously smarter than the average bear when it comes to that, you can see that in the recruitment over recent years.
“They operate within the means of the football club and they do prove you can get consistently good players if you are just smart and do your research.”
Joey says “thank you”
Swan heads back home
Now for one we might have missed earlier on (please forgive us).
Swansea full-back Franck Tabanou has returned to Saint-Etienne on loan.
Tabanou moved to the Liberty Stadium in the summer but has made just three appearances after failing to dislodge first-choice Neil Taylor.
BREAKING NEWS
Saint on the move
Southampton youngster Sam McQueen has joined Southend on loan until the end of the season.
McQueen has come through the ranks at St. Mary’s and scored four times for the club’s Under-21 outfit this term.
The winger could make his Southend debut against Coventry this weekend.
Meanwhile, fellow Saints youngster Lloyd Isgrove has extended his stay with Barnsley.
JAMES WHALING
Full story on Williams
Liverpool target Inaki Williams has penned a new deal at Athletic Bilbao.
The Reds had been keen on trying to take the Spanish forward to Anfield , but he has now committed his future to his hometown club until the summer of 2021.
Williams, 21, became only the second black player in history to play for Athletic, and the first to score while wearing their colours.
The new deal includes a bumper release clause of £50million to try and hold off immediate interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Williams is one of the brightest young talents playing in La Liga.
Despite regularly being deployed in wide areas, Williams seems most comfortable playing centrally, often drifting infield to stamp his authority on matches.
The release clause in his previous contract, which was set to run out in the summer of 2017, was just £15million.
TWEET
Now this is a cracking tale from Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony.
The transfer window often provides us with some memorable stories – including Peter Odemwingie’s famous drive to QPR’s training ground.
This one isn’t quite as high-profile but it’s still a belter.
We can only imagine his lunch was very delicious…
KEY EVENT
Inaki Williams agrees new deal
Another new deal…this time in Spain.
And it’s an interesting one!
Inaki Williams has agreed a contract extension with Athletic Bilbao.
The 21-year-old has put pen-to-paper on a five-and-a-half year deal amid reported interest from Liverpool.
Any club wanting to buy him in that time will have to splash the cash too – his minimum fee release clause is €50m.
BREAKING NEWS
Cardiff sign Immers
Cardiff have completed the signing of Lex Immers.
The midfielder arrives on loan until the end of the season after leaving Feyenoord.
“I’m very excited to be coming from one of the biggest teams in the Netherlands to the biggest team in Wales,” he said.
“It’s always been an ambition of mine to play in the UK and I’m looking forward to getting the opportunity to do that, here at Cardiff City”
“It’s always been an ambition of mine to play in the UK and I’m looking forward to getting the opportunity to do that, here at Cardiff City”
BREAKING NEWS
New deal for Vokes
Burnley striker Sam Vokes has agreed a new contract at Turf Moor.
The Wales international has put pen-to-paper on a new three-and-a-half year deal.
Vokes has scored five times for Burnley this season as they look to get back in the Premier League.
“It’s great news to sign a new deal, I’m really happy here and to commit my future is a great feeling,” he said.
“This is a club that I feel is going to get back where we were last season and being part of the last promotion, I feel the squad we have now has a real chance of that.”
“This is a club that I feel is going to get back where we were last season and being part of the last promotion, I feel the squad we have now has a real chance of that.”
Celtic: No deal for Johansen
Celtic boss Ronny Deila insists Stefan Johansen is not for sale this month.
The Norwegian midfielder has been linked with a move to Aston Villa after impressing in his two years in Scotland.
But Deila is adamant Johansen will be staying at Celtic.
He said: “We want to keep every player here.
“Stefan Johansen is staying here and we want to keep him, of course.”
Three more in at Sunderland?
Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce wants to sign another three players before the transfer window closes.
The Black Cats have brought in defender Jan Kirchhoff while Dame N’Doye has also arrived on loan.
Allardyce is eager to utilise the final weeks of the window – but has remained coy on a move for Andre Ayew.
We’ve already got two in, and we are pushing for maybe two more outfield players if we can.And, now Costel has gone, we also need to find a third goalkeeper, which I don’t think will be a problem.”I’m looking at several players. It’s very difficult to acquire any players in January, particularly when the club is in this position because they have to be able to come and join the fight, and want to come and join the fight.
Emenike to West Ham
Emmanuel Emenike has hinted at a move to West Ham.
The Fenerbahce striker has been linked with the Hammers in recent weeks, with the club keen on bringing in a new striker.
And in a brilliant Instagram post, Emenike has issued a come-and-get-me plea.
Alongside a series of winking emojis, the striker uploaded an image from film Green Street – based around West Ham supporters.
Will he be lining up at Upton Park by the end of the month?
Toon teen on the move
Newcastle goalkeeper Brendan Pearson has joined Gateshead on loan.
The 18-year-old has signed a one-month youth loan deal following an injury to Heed goalkeeper Shaun MacDonald.
Pearson previously joined Gateshead on a 28-day loan in August, where he provided cover for first-choice keeper Sam Russell and has rejoined the National League side.
JACK LANG
Liverpool still have a chance for Pato
Alexandre Pato’s agent says Liverpool still have a chance of signing his client.
The forward appeared to be close to sealing a move to Chelsea, with reports suggesting that the London club had offered him a three-year contract.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp advised journalists last week not to “follow the Pato path”. But Gilmar Veloz has today insisted that FOUR teams, including the Reds, are still in the running for Pato.
Veloz also revealed that despite the best efforts of two of Pato’s other representatives, Kia Joorabchian and Giuliano Bertolucci, Corinthians are yet to receive a formal bid for the 26-year-old.
“The guys are working on getting an offer, but nothing Corinthians are yet to receive one,” he told UOL Esporte in Brazil.
“The January market is very limited,” Veloz added, before being asked which sides still are still in the race to sign the striker.
“Chelsea, Liverpool, Sporting [Lisbon] and Benfica. All four have a chance.”
“Chelsea, Liverpool, Sporting [Lisbon] and Benfica. All four have a chance.”
Rovers cashing in on Rhodes
Paul Lambert is prepared to cash in on Jordan Rhodes to help finance his rebuilding job at Blackburn.
Sheffield Wednesday have been linked with Rhodes, who has scored 64 goals in 168 games for Rovers, while Middlesbrough were keen before targeting Ross McCormack.
However Owls boss Carlos Carvalhal has firmly denied suggestions that his club could move for the striker.
Lambert knows Rhodes is coveted in the Championship and would listen to bids of over £10million for the Scotland striker, who earns £45,000-a-week.
The former Aston Villa boss has begun overhauling Rovers into a side capable of winning promotion to the Premier League and selling Rhodes would swell his transfer kitty.
Although Blackburn are no longer under a transfer embargo, Lambert understands he needs to be prudent with his spending rather than risk fouling foul of FFP again.
However, owners Venky’s may need some persuading and they have consistently refused to sell Rhodes because he is their star player.
TWEET
A done deal for Posh
Norwich youngster Harry Toffolo has signed for Peterborough until the end of the season.
The 20-year-old joins Posh on loan.
Allardyce: Fletcher set to stay
Sam Allardyce says it is likely that Scotland striker Steven Fletcher will stay in the North East.
Fletcher has been linked with a move away as Allardyce looks to bring in funds.
But Allardyce admits he’s yet to field an enquiry for the forward.
“I don’t see him leaving at this point. We’ll only talk about it if there’s an enquiry.”
TWEET
New deal for Koln boss
Another manager getting a new deal – this time in Germany.
FC Koln boss Peter Stoger has extended his deal until 2020.
Ronaldinho’s future
Ronaldinho has declared that he has no plans to retire just yet.
Without a club, the Brazilian legend is currently mulling over offers to return to the game.
But, in typical Ronaldinho style, he’ll wait until AFTER Carnival before making his decision over where next.
“There is a lot to come in 2016,” he told reporters.“I’ll decide what to do next after Carnival.“For now, I plan to travel the world to promote football, but now is not the time to stop.“I will play for a little longer.”
What. A. Guy.
TWEET
Chelsea youngster joins Fleetwood
The Cod Army have added to their number.
Fleetwood Town have taken Alex Kiwomya on loan from Chelsea.
“Alex is a very quick attacking wide player and he gives us good flexibility in that area,” declared manager Steven Pressley.“He is a player with high potential and he fits the type of profile that we are looking for.”
TWEET
Williams staying on at Swindon
League One Swindon have handed caretaker manager Luke Williams the reins until the end of the season.
Williams has been in caretaker charge since the resignation of Martin Ling in December.
Chairman, Lee Power said: “After long conversations with Luke, I’m delighted to say that he has agreed to take the job until the end of the season. We will then sit down and discuss the possibility of him taking the job on a longer-term basis.”
TWEET
Koeman on Austin
Speaking of manager’s talking about strikers, here’s Ronald Koeman on Southampton’s new man, Charlie Austin.
Bilic on Sturridge
TWEET
Newport make a signing
There’s an outgoing at Bolton.
Conor Wilkinson has joined Newport on loan.\He’s an Irish under-21 international – and Newport are teasing that there could be more.
TWEET
Palace for Bendtner?
Crystal Palace’s search for a new striker has seen them eye up a former Arsenal striker: Emmanuel Adebayor.
And now Alan Pardew has admitted they’re also looking at another: Nicklas Bendtner.
TWEET
Brett Ormerod retires
TWEET
No Sheffield Wednesday move for Jordan Rhodes
Wednesday boss Carlos Carvahal has dismissed speculation linking the Owls with Blackburn’s £12million-rated striker.
Here’s what he had to say:
DAVID ANDERSON
Dynamo Kiev adamant they won’t sell Yarmolenko
Everton have been told to forget about trying to prise Andriy Yarmolenko away from Dynamo Kiev during this transfer window.
Everton have maintained their interest in Yarmolenko since failing to land him in the summer and chief scout Kevin Reeves watched him last month against Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Champions League.
However Kiev president Ihor Surkis is adamant the Ukraine playmaker will not be sold this month because Dynamo remain in the Champions League.
Kiev face Manchester City next month in the first leg of their last 16 tie and Surkis knows Yarmolenko is key to their hopes of progressing.
Kiev are notoriously difficult to negotiate with and Stoke feel they strung them along last summer before ruling out a deal for Yarmolenko.
Everton have maintained their interest in Yarmolenko since failing to land him in the summer and chief scout Kevin Reeves watched him last month against Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Champions League.
However Kiev president Ihor Surkis is adamant the Ukraine playmaker will not be sold this month because Dynamo remain in the Champions League.
Kiev face Manchester City next month in the first leg of their last 16 tie and Surkis knows Yarmolenko is key to their hopes of progressing.
Kiev are notoriously difficult to negotiate with and Stoke feel they strung them along last summer before ruling out a deal for Yarmolenko.
TWEET
Chelsea defender joins Bremen
See folks – he wasn’t a figment of your imaginations!
Papy Djilobodji has joined Werder Bremen on loan from Chelsea until the end of the season.
He only moved to the Blues in August – but played just 1 minute in a League Cup tie at Walsall.
ED MALYON
No talks over new deal for Bale
Gareth Bale has not begun talks over a new Real Madrid contract, with his representatives dismissing reports in Spanish newspapers on Thursday morning as “rubbish”.
The front page of Madrid sports daily Marca claimed the two parties were in contact over an extension that would tie Bale to the Bernabeu club for another two years.
But this has been denied by Bale’s camp, who know nothing of any talks.
The Welshman signed a bumper six-year deal when he arrived in the Spanish capital in 2013, and won the Champions League in his first season as a Madrid player.
And despite struggling last year, Bale has recently enjoyed his best form since joining the club.
Wolves growing impatient in Boilesen waiting game
Wolverhampton Wanderers could pull the plug on their move for Ajax’s Nicolai Boilesen.
Wolves held talks with the player’s representatives over a £300k transfer for the 23-year-old Danish international at the weekend.
But the player is still to make a decision, despite having been out of favour at Ajax since last summer.
Wolves worry that the player has been using them to drum up interest from elsewhere – Boilesen having wanted a move to either the Premier League or Serie A last summer.
Now the Championship side are preparing to switch to other targets, as manager Kenny Jackett look’s to strengthen his threadbare defensive ranks.
Liverpool demanding £3million for Sinclair
Liverpool are demanding a staggering £3m for teenage striker Jerome Sinclair.
Watford and Bournemouth have both made enquiries for the 19-year-old who is out of contract at the end of the season. Watford are keen to get it done in January.
But Liverpool are playing hardball even though contract talks have stalled and Sinclair was left on the bench for the FA Cup replay with Exeter on Wednesday night.
It means Sinclair could join a foreign club in the summer and go for around £200,000 in compensation. Espanyol and Groningen have both made enquiries.
Sinclair could also sign for a Premier League club as a free agent in the summer and his age means that a fee would be set by tribunal.
But Liverpool risk making a huge loss because of Sinclair’s lack of first team experience and Charlie Austin has just gone to Southampton for £4m.
Sinclair’s fee could be far less and that would see Liverpool take a financial hit if they keep on playing hardball with clubs in January.
TWEET
Rotherham bring back Becchio
Luciano Becchio has joined Rotherham folks.
The Argentine returns to the Millers for a second spell.
Wonder how Leeds fans feel about this?
DAVID MADDOCK
Why Liverpool face near-impossible struggle for Alex Teixeira
Liverpool are facing a near impossible struggle in their attempt to sign Brazilian starAlex Teixeirain the January window.
The Reds have bid £25m for the Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder, but they have already had that offer turned down flat by the club’s billionaire owner Rinat Akhmetov.
The oligarch is the richest man in Ukraine and owns a vast business empire that was – until the recent conflict in that war-torn country – valued at more than £12billion.
The 49-year-old businessman controls more than half of Ukraine’s coal, steel and thermo-electricity sectors, and has also invested heavily in the London property market, including the purchase of the most expensive property in Britain.
In 2013 he paid £136.4m for an apartment in One Hyde Park, as he looked to move the base of his empire to England’s capital.
Bilic: We didn’t hijack Byram move
Slaven Bilic has denied hijacking Sam Byram from his former club Everton after West Ham completed the £3.7million signing of the 22-year-old full-back.
Byram had been close to joining Everton from Leeds but Hammers boss Bilic insists he was a long-term target – and is likely to feature more regularly for the Hammers after their move to the Olympic Stadium next season.
Bilic, a former Goodison defender, said: “We didn’t react on Everton’s interest. We have been tracking Sam for a long time. Not only Everton but other clubs wanted him we didn’t just jump in after we heard other clubs were interested – although according to TV, he was close to signing for Everton
“We were going under the radar and were thinking about Sam more for next season. We have Carl Jenkinson on loan from Arsenal this season and other options in that position.“I told Sam that I like young players, I told him that he can improve, I didn’t promise him anything, no guarantees – but he found out we were watching him for a long time and that we were serious about him and had big plans for him. We are delighted to have him, he is a talented home-grown player.”
TWEET
Teixeira. Liverpool. Hamstrings.
You couldn’t make this sort of thing up.
Seriously.
BREAKING NEWS
Gary Rowett signs new deal
Big news at Birmingham.
Manager Gary Rowett has signed a new deal at the club, along with his backroom staff.
Rowett has rejuvenated the club since his arrival from Burton in October 2014, leading them from near-certain relegation to the cusp of a play-off place.
It’s cemented his reputation as one of the brightest young coaches in the Football League.
Blues Director Panos Pavlakis commented:
“Both the board of parent company Birmingham International Holdings Limited and the Birmingham City Football Club board acknowledge the excellent contribution of Gary and his backroom staff in the revival of the team.“We wanted to show our support and commitment to Gary, Kevin and his coaches for the work that has gone on. These new contracts are a significant development in that respect.“We have had a fantastic relationship with Gary since day one. He is very happy here and we share the same vision in continuing to move the team and the Club forward.”
TWEET
Farewell pal
David De Gea has tweeted goodbye to Victor Valdes.
Clearly the two Spaniards are close pals.
Could Valdes’ departure have a negative effect on the United No.1?
ED MALYON
Espanyol forward Felipe Caicedo to return to Premier League?
Espanyol forward Felipe Caicedo is being offered to Premier League clubs this month as the Ecuadorian forward assesses his options.
The burly striker, who once had an unhappy spell at Manchester City, is likely to leave the Barcelona-based club in January with two Chinese clubs ready to pay his £7.7million release clause and treble his wages.
And while Caicedo is willing to move to Asia, he is first exhausting all avenues to stay in a major league.
West Ham United and Swansea have been credited with an interest, while Leicester City are looking for a new centre-forward after loaning out Andrej Kramaric to Hoffenheim.
The burly striker, who once had an unhappy spell at Manchester City, is likely to leave the Barcelona-based club in January with two Chinese clubs ready to pay his £7.7million release clause and treble his wages.
And while Caicedo is willing to move to Asia, he is first exhausting all avenues to stay in a major league.
West Ham United and Swansea have been credited with an interest, while Leicester City are looking for a new centre-forward after loaning out Andrej Kramaric to Hoffenheim.
No Hammers bid for Sturridge – Bilic
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has denied making a move for Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge.
“That is only a rumour and there is nothing behind it,” said Bilic when asked about the Chelsea and Manchester City forward.“I am not talking about who we want – Daniel Sturridge is a big player and a big name – but that is only paper talk.”
LIAM PRENDERVILLE
Leeds considering Tomlin loan
Leeds are considering a loan move for Bournemouth’s Lee Tomlin.
Tomlin joined the Cherries for £3m in the summer but has found his opportunities limited on the south coast.
The 27-year-old has not started in the league since September and the arrivals of Benik Afobe, Lewis Grabban and Juan Iturbe are set to see him slip further down the pecking order.
Hull have also been linked with a move but Steve Bruce has ruled out an approach.
No switch for Robertson
Hull’s Andy Robertson has “laughed off” suggestions that he’s set to trade in the Tigers for promotion rivals Derby.
Speculation has been rife that the Scotland international could trade in the KC Stadium for the iPro.
Robinson has quickly shut it down.
“The gaffer laughed it off and I laughed it off,” said Robertson. “We shared a joke about it before he went and faced the media about it last week.“It was brushed aside very quickly. The gaffer dealt with it talking to the press and saved me from doing it.“I was happy with what he did just so I can focus on getting Hull back up into the Premier League. That’s all I’m thinking about.“It doesn’t unsettle me. That came out the day before we went and won 6-0 (against Charlton) and I thought I played quite well so I’ve just got on with it.”
ED MALYON
Williams set for MK Dons loan
MK Dons have beaten a host of Championship rivals to secure a loan deal for Welsh international Jonny Williams.
The diminutive playmaker, nicknamed Joniesta by teammates, has suffered with injuries over the past two years since bursting into the Palace first team.
He spent the first half of this season on loan at Nottingham Forest.
The diminutive playmaker, nicknamed Joniesta by teammates, has suffered with injuries over the past two years since bursting into the Palace first team.
He spent the first half of this season on loan at Nottingham Forest.
TWEET
It’s farewell from Valdes
Victor Valdes has seemingly confirmed his Manchester United departure.
Here’s an instagram post from the Spaniard, who is heading on loan to Belgian side Standard Liege.
KEY EVENT
A magical Teixeira moment
Here’s the kind of finish that has Liverpool all excited.
Alex Teixeira scoring for Shakhtar in October.
Wonderful composure.
JAMES NURSEY
Coventry set for whizkid blow – Spurs interested
James Maddison’s future at Coventry is in the balance with sources telling MirrorFootball it is 50/50 whether he stays this month.
The talented attacking midfielder is highly-rated at the League One club with both boss Tony Mowbray and experienced playmaker Joe Cole tipping ex-Sky Blues trainee Maddison,19, for huge things.
Spurs are among a clutch of Premier League clubs monitoring him with a view to making a move this month.
TWEET
Burnley’s Long extends loan
Burnley’s Kevin Long is staying put at Barnsley for a couple more weeks folks.
The defender will remain until January 30, the Clarets have announced.
ALEX RICHARDS
Full Profile: Who is Alex Teixeira?
Liverpool have made a big-money move for Shakhtar Donetsk star Alex Teixeira, as Jurgen Klopp looks to add more punch to the Reds attack.
Teixeira had been linked with a move to Chelsea earlier in the transfer window, and is understood to be receptive about living in London. However, Liverpool now appear to have stolen a march on their rivals.
A Liverpool delegation, including chief executive Ian Ayre, have flown out to Orlando to speak to Shakhtar representatives – as the Ukrainian side take part in the Florida Cup – with an initial £25million bid having also been submitted.
Liverpool have tracked the 26 year old for more than 18 months, and new boss Jurgen Klopp has given the green light to the deal as he searches for more goals from his side.
JAMES NURSEY
Leicester to target a new striker
Expect Leicester to probably sign a new striker after moving out Andrej Kramarić to German side Hoffenheim on loan until the end of the season.
Kramaric was Leicester’s record signing a year ago and a significant earner at the King Power Stadium.
Under financial fair play rules, City’s transfer activity was being hampered this month as their wage bill is not allowed to rise too steeply.
But by moving out Kramaric, there is now scope at the King Power to bring in a new forward upfront..so watch this space!
DAVID ANDERSON
Valdes hell to come to an end
Victor Valdes will finally end his Manchester United hell by joining Standard Liege on loan.
Valdes has played just 107 minutes of football for United in his two appearances since signing a year ago.
The former Spain and Barcelona goalkeeper fell out spectacularly with boss Louis van Gaal shortly after signing as a free agent and has endured a miserable time at Old Trafford.
Liege have offered him an escape route from United and he is expected to sign on loan for the rest of the season.
Valdes, 34, will hope the loan switch can revive his moribund career and he was one of the most coveted goalkeepers in the world in 2014 before he left Barcelona.
He was set to join Monaco on a Bosman after telling Barca he planned to leave when his contract expired in June 2014, only for a serious knee injury that March to scupper that move.
United signed him last January after he had trained with them for three months to complete his rehabilitation, but his time at Old Trafford has been thoroughly miserable.
The former Spain and Barcelona goalkeeper fell out spectacularly with boss Louis van Gaal shortly after signing as a free agent and has endured a miserable time at Old Trafford.
Liege have offered him an escape route from United and he is expected to sign on loan for the rest of the season.
Valdes, 34, will hope the loan switch can revive his moribund career and he was one of the most coveted goalkeepers in the world in 2014 before he left Barcelona.
He was set to join Monaco on a Bosman after telling Barca he planned to leave when his contract expired in June 2014, only for a serious knee injury that March to scupper that move.
United signed him last January after he had trained with them for three months to complete his rehabilitation, but his time at Old Trafford has been thoroughly miserable.
BREAKING NEWS
#SCENES Kevin Nolan named new Leyton Orient player-manager
Leyton Orient have handed Kevin Nolan a deal – as player manager!
Nolan takes his first forays into management with the O’s.
Nolan had been without a club since leaving West Ham.
More to come.
TWEET
Tabanou back to Saint-Etienne
Swansea full-back Franck Tabanou has left the club.
Six months after arriving, the Frenchman has returned to former side Saint-Etienne, on loan until the end of the season.
It didn’t quite work out. Let’s just say that.
DAVID MADDOCK
ICYMI: Liverpool move for Teixeira
Liverpool have made a £25m bid for Brazil star Alex Teixeira.
Reds chief Ian Ayre flew out to Florida this week where the attacking midfielder’s club Shaktar Dontesk are currently holding a mid-season training camp.
And the Anfield MD will attempt to negotiate a deal, with the Ukraine club indicating they are ready to talk with a starting asking price of closer to £40m.
Liverpool have tracked the 26 year old for more than 18 months, and new boss Jurgen Klopp has given the green light to the deal as he searches for more goals from his side.
He has scored an incredible 26 goals in just 25 games for his club side this season, and that has brought him to the attention of the Brazil national side, with a call up predicted this year.
He joined Shaktar in 2010 from his first club Vasco da Gama for a fee of around £5m, and has become a star in the Ukraine.
It is his performances in Europe that brought him to the attention of Anfield scouts, not least when he was the key influence in Shaktar’s defeat of Chelsea in the Champions’ League in 2013.
He has scored 89 goals in 222 appearances for Shaktar, but almost 50 of those have come in the last two seasons, even though he has dropped deeper into the midfield after the departure of Fernandinho to Manchester City.
And it is that eye for goal that has persuaded Klopp to move now rather than wait for the summer, with Liverpool struggling so badly to convert the chances they have created this season.
The Reds have created more chances that any Premier League club other than Manchester City this season…but are amongst the league’s worst goalscorers, with just 25 goals from 22 matches.
Ayre though, knows it will be tough to negotiate with a Ukraine side, after having first hand experience when he was embarrassed in talks with Dnipro two years ago, when trying to sign winger Yevhen Konoplyanka.
That ended in acrimony with Ayre travelling out to the country but failing to strike a deal, and Liverpool are realistic enough to know they may have to wait until the summer to land the Brazilian.
Reds chief Ian Ayre flew out to Florida this week where the attacking midfielder’s club Shaktar Dontesk are currently holding a mid-season training camp.
And the Anfield MD will attempt to negotiate a deal, with the Ukraine club indicating they are ready to talk with a starting asking price of closer to £40m.
Liverpool have tracked the 26 year old for more than 18 months, and new boss Jurgen Klopp has given the green light to the deal as he searches for more goals from his side.
He has scored an incredible 26 goals in just 25 games for his club side this season, and that has brought him to the attention of the Brazil national side, with a call up predicted this year.
He joined Shaktar in 2010 from his first club Vasco da Gama for a fee of around £5m, and has become a star in the Ukraine.
It is his performances in Europe that brought him to the attention of Anfield scouts, not least when he was the key influence in Shaktar’s defeat of Chelsea in the Champions’ League in 2013.
He has scored 89 goals in 222 appearances for Shaktar, but almost 50 of those have come in the last two seasons, even though he has dropped deeper into the midfield after the departure of Fernandinho to Manchester City.
And it is that eye for goal that has persuaded Klopp to move now rather than wait for the summer, with Liverpool struggling so badly to convert the chances they have created this season.
The Reds have created more chances that any Premier League club other than Manchester City this season…but are amongst the league’s worst goalscorers, with just 25 goals from 22 matches.
Ayre though, knows it will be tough to negotiate with a Ukraine side, after having first hand experience when he was embarrassed in talks with Dnipro two years ago, when trying to sign winger Yevhen Konoplyanka.
That ended in acrimony with Ayre travelling out to the country but failing to strike a deal, and Liverpool are realistic enough to know they may have to wait until the summer to land the Brazilian.
KEY EVENT
5 strikers Klopp could turn to
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has admitted he may be forced into the January transfer market for striking reinforcements.
The goal-shy Reds have only scored 25 goals in 21 games with most of Klopp’s offensive options sidelined with injury.
“We don’t have too many striking options that is true,” he said.
“It is the same with the centre-halves. Martin (Skrtel) will be a few weeks still. Dejan (Lovren), not fit. Mama (Sakho), problems. Kolo (Toure)? Experience. Very experienced! But he is great.
“So then we had to do something. We are always watching the offensive ends for what we can do. Probably, maybe or never. Then we have to make decisions about where we want to go.”
So who could they go for – beyond today’s Alex Teixeira news ?
KEY EVENT
Who is Alex Teixeira?
The 26-year-old is well into his seventh season with Shakhtar Donetsk and is playing a crucial role in the Miners bid to reclaim the Ukrainian title.
The Brazilian star, still uncapped by his country, has been a one-man tour de force for Mircea Lucescu’s side so far this term, bagging 22 goals in just 15 league games (26 in 26 all comps) – despite not being a recognised striker.
He’s occasionally donned the captain’s armband for Shakhtar this term, and has been used down both flanks and as a No.10. His pace and ability to both beat a man and run in behind opposing defences would make him a perfect addition to the Reds ranks.
With his contract up in 2018, as well as the Ukrainian’s Champions League struggles – they’ve dropped into the Europa League – now may be the time that Shakhtar begin to listen to offers for their undoubted star man – especially given his hopes of breaking into the Brazil squad ahead of the Copa America Centenario.
They’ll want a pretty penny – Lucescu insists he’s worth around €50million – while owner Rinat Akhmetov doesn’t tend to sell players under contract on the cheap – witness Messrs Fernandinho and Douglas Costa.
But when Shakhtar’s Brazilian stars do move to Europe’s elite, they tend to make a splash: Fernandinho has a Premier League winners’ medal in his pocket, while Costa has been outstanding for Bayern this term.
If Teixeira can do similar, it’s reason for Reds fans to get very excited.
More on Teixeira
Alex Teixeira wants a move away from Shakhtar to increase his chances of playing international football.
With the Copa America Centenario coming up this summer, Teixeira wants to move now to increase his chances of breaking into Dunga’s squad:
“Shakhtar Donetsk are not very big in Brazil, and I think I may need to move on to stand out and earn a place in the squad.“That’s my goal for 2016.”
KEY EVENT
Liverpool in move for Shakhtar Donetsk star Alex Teixeira
Liverpool are pressing ahead with a big-money move for Shakhtar Donetsk star Alex Teixeira.
The Brazilian forward, 26, has been linked with a move away from the Ukrainian club this month after an outstanding start to the season, with 26 goals in 26 games.
A move to Chelsea had been mooted, but now Liverpool have moved ahead – after sending a delegation, including chief executive Ian Ayre to speak with representatives of Shakhtar in Orlando, where Shakhtar are playing in the Florida Cup tournament.
A £24.5million opening offer is in the pipeline as the Reds look to bring Teixeira to western Europe.
But speaking in December, Mircea Lucescu declared it would take £36million to snap up the Miners’ star man.
“Alex is now worth more than €40m (£29m).“I think at the end of the season, were he to continue his performance, his value is €50m (£36.3m).“If he were playing in a more competitive league, his transfer would be at the same level as that of Di Maria (£60m).”
Teixeira, uncapped at senior Brazilian level, would likely fail in his application for a work permit, but Liverpool are confident that he would be granted one on appeal.
Liverpool are moving now, rather than waiting until the summer, as they believe Shakhtar’s hand is weak following their Champions League exit last month.
KEY EVENT
Arsenal gossip round-up
Arsenal target Lars Bender could leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer, according to the German club’s chairman, Michael Schade.
“Bayer Leverkusen can’t be as arrogant to say that we are creating world stars and they will retire here,” Schade told The Telegraph.“If we are able to create a world star or top player, then one day this player wants to play for one of the top [clubs in the world], of course.”
Bender, a defensive midfielder, is valued at around £26million.
KEY EVENT
Liverpool gossip round-up
Liverpool have been contacted by Swansea about the possibility of Joe Allen returning to the Liberty Stadium, WalesOnline report.
But Jurgen Klopp has ruled out the midfielder rejoining the Welsh club this month.
Allen built his reputation at Swansea before being taken to Anfield by former boss Brendan Rodgers for a whopping £15million, but he has never cemented his place in the team in three-and-a-half years with the club.
Schalke boss discusses Leroy Sane
Rampaging through the current transfer window has been the name of Leroy Sane.
Linked with Man City, Barcelona and Real Madrid, the Schalke starlet is being spoken of as a €55million mover, if not this month then in summer.
Now Schalke boss André Breitenreiter – who had largely been quiet until now – has had his say on the player’s future.
And while he acknowledges his hopes that Sane stays at Schalke to continue improving, he understands the player’s view.
“The fact is that Leroy has a contract at Schalke until of 2019. But you have to see how he imagines the future of course. I think, however, that he still needs time to mature further, to play and to further establish, here and in the senior [national] team.“As a player, when Barcelona or Real Madrid call, it’s a dream. And of course you have to wonder how many times this possibility comes about. Leroy must decide for himself. But I am convinced that he is very well cared for at Schalke.“Here he can take the next step, and then eventually to switch to one of two or three world-class clubs and to be able to compete there with the best players in the world.”
JACK LANG
Pereira: I need to play more
Andreas Pereira says Manchester United must play him more – or risk losing him.
The Brazilian youngster has long been tipped for the top and made his senior debut in August 2014, but has since found first-team opportunities hard to come by.
He has largely been restricted to outings in the League Cup and has made just four substitute appearances in the Premier League under Louis van Gaal.
Pereira insists he is committed to the United cause but says the lack of game time is an issue for him, not least because he has ambitions of making Brazil’s squad for the Olympic football tournament in Rio.
The 20-year-old says he is aware of interest from other teams, but that he doesn’t know whether there are plans for him to go out on loan like fellow starlets Adnan Januzaj and James Wilson.
“I’m a United player, [but] I’ve seen in the press that there are various other clubs interested,” he told GloboEsporte.“I don’t know if United want to loan me out but I’m working hard to get more opportunities. It’s their decision.“I’m focused on doing my job at United, [but] of course I want to be more visible to those in Brazil. So I need to play more and get more chances.“Playing in the Olympics is a big dream of mine.”
Mythbusting: Javier Hernandez to Liverpool
According to reports in Italy, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp wants to bring Javier Hernandez back to England this month.
Calciomercato say Klopp wants the former Man United striker at Anfield.
There’s just the one, pretty big problem.
Hernandez has already featured for both Bayer Leverkusen and United this season. Under FIFA rules, he cannot figure for another.
So, straight away, that’s a no go.
How do you like them apples?
ALEX RICHARDS
5 Championship players YOUR club could/should move for
The January transfer window continues, with Premier League clubs increasingly searching for the signing who can make all the difference – whether it be pushing them towards Europe or away from the relegation zone.
With more money available to top-flight clubs than ever before, the current window could be on of the busiest mid-season period’s since the January sales began.
Having picked out possible targets from Italy, France, Germany and Brazil, it’s now the turn of the Championship to get some attention in our scouting series.
Sam Byram looks set to take the step up, heading to West Ham, while Benik Afobe has already traded in Wolves for Bournemouth.
JAMES NURSEY
Spurs won’t go back to £25million for Berahino
Spurs are watching developments around Saido Berahino at West Brom closely but will not repeat their £25million summer offer.
Albion boss Tony Pulis is keen to wash his hands of the troublesome forward, who has not started a game for the Baggies since October.
The striker, 22, was omitted from their FA Cup replay win at Bristol City on Tuesday as Pulis claimed Berahino was ill.
Tottenham remain interested after tabling multiple bids for the striker in the summer when Berahino slapped in a transfer request.
Their final deadline day offer was £25m which Albion owner Jeremy Peace angrily rejected as a war of words erupted.
Newcastle are very keen on a £15million deal, but the player prefers a move to Spurs.
Valdes’ United hell to end?
Victor Valdes has been offered an escape route from Manchester United – but it’ll mean a move to Belgium.
According to The Sun, Standard Liege want to take the former Barca keeper on loan until the end of the season.
Valdes, 33, has been frozen out at United by Louis van Gaal this season, and has made just two appearances since signing 12 months ago.
Mangala. £42million. Leaked document. *WOW*
Eliaquim Mangala may have cost Manchester City a staggering £42MILLION, according to a leaked transfer document, writes Rob Pollard of the Manchester Evening News.
Website Football Leaks claim to have got hold of a copy of the transfer contract that took the defender to City in 2014.
It shows that the club paid a lot more than the £32million they originally claimed they had shelled out for him.
According to the document, which appeared online on Wednesday, selling club Porto only owned 56.67 per cent of Mangala’s economic rights.
The remainder was split between The Doyen Sports Investment Limited, who owned 33.33 per cent, with another 10 per cent belonging to an Austrian marketing company.
City had to pay close to £24m for Portuguese giants Porto’s share alone, meaning the remainder of the deal took the total to £41.4m.
JOHN CROSS
Chelsea in Alex Pato gamble
Chelsea are ready to take a risk on one-time Brazilian golden boy Alexandre Pato.
The striker has fallen out with current club Corinthians in his homeland, and they are desperate to sell the former AC Milan star for £8million.
Pato held talks with Roman Abramovich’s trusted transfer fixer Marina Granovskaia on Tuesday night and wants a three-year deal.
However, struggling Chelsea would prefer a loan deal with a view to a permanent transfer in the summer.
The 26-year-old, who burst onto the scene as a teenager, has suffered a series of off-the-field and fitness problems and is a long way from being match-ready.
KEY EVENT
Manchester United gossip round-up
Manchester United could launch a bid for Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani this month, according to reports.
ESPN sources say Cavani is having issues with the French club and his agent has been in England to sound out Premier League clubs over whether they’d be interested in signing the 28-year-old.
Cavani has played out wide during his two-and-a-half years with PSG and wants to be played as a central striker.
However, he may not get that wish if Zlatan Ibrahimovic ends up staying beyond this summer and could be forced to leave the club.
More HERE
KEY EVENT
Thursday’s gossip round-up
Well, well, well chaps and chapesses it’s nearly over.
After all the excitement heading into January we’re already over half way through and the deadline is fast approaching.
The madness is really starting to kick off now after a slow couple of weeks. Arsenal have signed Mohamed Elneny. Norwich have signed Timm Klose. Southampton have signed Charlie Austin.
With so much to keep across why not take a look at our round-up of all the storiesfrom Thursday’s papers to get us going.
Hola, que tal?
Good morning ladies and gents, how are we all today? Ready for some more transfer fun and games? Thought so.
It’s been a relatively tepid window so far with managers choosing to dip their toes in the proverbial transfer pool, rather than dive head first with their clothes on.
But that can all change!
There’s less than two weeks remaining now with deadline day and all its Jim White and Natalie Sawyer shaped craziness heading rapidly twoards us.
With that in mind we will have all the latest transfer news, rumours, speculation, innuendo, conjecture and water cooler chatter throughout Thursday right here so don’t even think about changing that dial.
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