THE transfer window is almost here as clubs look to freshen up their squads going into a packed second half of the season.
All Europe's top leagues are currently experiencing competitive title races meaning there's plenty of work to be done among the big guns.
Get all the latest transfer news, gossip and updates here…
- Alex Terrell
EXCLUSIVE – TOON TONE RAP
Ivan Toney’s Brentford goal record has become a huge embarrassment for Newcastle, according to Barry Fry.
The Magpies allowed Toney to slip through their fingers two years ago and Steve Bruce's side are struggling to stay in the top flight with just 18 goals from 16 Prem games this season.
Yet Toney, 24, has already bagged 16 Championship strikes alone for Thomas Frank's high-flying Bees.
The Posh director of football, who has unearthed many diamonds at the club, insisted: "Ivan is the best striker we've ever had.
"He's better than Britt Assombalonga, Dwight Gayle, Conor Washington and Craig Mackail-Smith.
"Why? Because of his defensive qualities. None of them went back and headed the ball away at corners and free-kicks like he did. He got 49 goals for us in 94 games and was our best defender last year!"
- Alex Terrell
THE SHOW MUST GO ON
Prem chiefs received the news they needed from Boris Johnson: The show can go on, writes MARTIN LIPTON.
The Prime Minister announced a new national lockdown last night as the mutant Covid strains spread out of control.
But even though League bosses are set to reveal today that there were a record number of positive tests among clubs last week, elite football received the green light to keep playing.
The Premier League had spent recent weeks liaising with the Government in a bid to ensure football was not shut down again.
Those fears abated after the Scottish Government expressly excluded "those involved in professional sports, for training, coaching or competing in an event" from the "stay at home" order. The UK Government then followed suit.
The ruling extends to the FA Cup, allowing minnows Marine and Chorley ? as well as National League Boreham Wood and Stockport ? to play their third-round ties.
- Gary Stonehouse
GOOD MORNING FOOTY FANS
The Premier League will be allowed to continue behind closed doors despite England going back into a national lockdown.
PM Boris Johnson addressed the nation last night to confirm tighter restrictions across the country but there is an exemption for elite sport, meaning professional football will carry on.
Borussia Dortmund’s chief exec Hans-Joachim Watzke believes the collapse of Jadon Sancho's summer transfer to Manchester United affected him in the early weeks of the season.
The England ace, 20, was Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s top target last summer but Dortmund’s £108million demands prevented a deal from taking place.
Watzke said: "Maybe Jadon had subconsciously prepared for a move a bit.
“I believe he at least thought about it that much that he lost a bit of his ease.”
Manchester United could face competition from rivals City for Sergio Ramos, who is into the final six months of his Real Madrid contract.
Sticking with the Red Devils, Phil Jones could be heading to Burnley on loan should the Clarets lose James Tarkowski this month.
Arsenal are chasing Norwich star Emi Buendia and could offer Joe Willock and Reiss Nelson as part of a deal for the £40m-rated man.
The Gunners shipped out William Saliba to Nice for the rest of the season while Mohamed Elneny and Sokratis could also be on their way out.
Diego Costa would 'love' to return to the Premier League.
The ex-Chelsea striker ripped up his Atletico Madrid contract last week and is a free agent with Wolves keen.
Juventus boss Andrea Pirlo opened the door for a transfer for Olivier Giroud this month as the Frenchman struggles for consistent game time.
When asked about a potential move for Giroud, Pirlo told DAZN: "He'd be handy!"
And finally, Real Madrid have reportedly won the race to land David Alaba on a free when he leaves Bayern Munich in the summer.
- Joshua Jones
NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN
Manchester City are still confident Kevin De Bruyne will sign a new Etihad deal — despite a hitch in negotiations.
Reports in Belgium say the £54million ace is likely to reject the first offer put in front of him by his club.
He does not feel it reflects his current standing at City or his outstanding service since he signed in summer 2015.
But he has 2½ years left on his current £300,000-per-week contract — so there is no immediate rush.
City know that De Bruyne has said publicly he wants to extend his stay with them and the club are keen for that to happen too.
The 29-year-old De Bruyne has his father and lawyers leading the negotiations and is said to be frustrated at the lack of progress.
- Joshua Jones
ROWE YOUR BOAT
Arsenal have reportedly performed a transfer U-turn over Real Madrid star Isco due to the emergence of Emile Smith Rowe.
Spanish outlet Marca claim the youngster’s recent impressive form for the Gunners has convinced Mikel Arteta to utilise funds in other areas.
Smith Rowe has started Arsenal’s last three Premier League games, all wins against Chelsea, Brighton and West Brom.
And Arsenal’s stance means the Spaniard is now most likely to seal a summer switch to Sevilla after making just three starts this term – although Carlo Ancelotti may try and take him to Everton.
- Joshua Jones
WING AND PRAYER
Borussia Dortmund believe Jadon Sancho had his head turned by the prospect of a move to Manchester United last year.
The England ace, 20, was Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s top target last summer but Dortmund’s £108million demands prevented a deal from taking place in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
United remain interested in signing Sancho this summer although once again the price may have to come down.
Dortmund’s chief exec Hans-Joachim Watzke believes the collapse of the switch affected him in the early weeks of the season.
Watzke said: “It was signalled that the fee offer would be paid in instalments over several years.
“It was all theoretical from then on.
“Maybe Jadon had subconsciously prepared for a move a bit.
“I believe he at least thought about it that much that he lost a bit of his ease.”
- Joshua Jones
NICE IDEA
William Saliba has joined Nice on loan for the remainder of the season.
The French defender, 19, signed for the Gunners for £27million in 2019 but spent the 2019-20 campaign back at Saint-Etienne.
After failing to make a single first-team appearance this term, Arsenal were desperate to get him some game time.
And he has headed back to France to continue his development.
- Joshua Jones
BREAKING NEWS
The Premier League will be allowed to continue behind closed doors despite England going back into a national lockdown.
PM Boris Johnson addressed the nation this evening to confirm tighter restrictions across the country.
But there is an exemption for elite sport, meaning professional football will carry on.
The Premier League has had four matches postponed this season due to Covid-10 outbreaks at Manchester City, Fulham and Newcastle – while a further 52 have been scrapped across the EFL.
- Joshua Jones
DIE-ING TO COME BACK
Diego Costa would reportedly 'love' to return to the Premier League with Wolves eyeing a free transfer.
The ex-Chelsea striker is a free agent after Atletico Madrid terminated his contract with immediate effect – six months ahead of schedule.
Arsenal were also initially linked with a move before SunSport exclusively revealed Nuno Espirito Santo’s interest.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano told Sky Sports News: "Costa would love to return to the Premier League.
"He had some bids from Brazilian and Turkish clubs since he ended his contract with Atletico Madrid but he decided to wait a bit.
"He hopes to receive some bids from the Premier League. There are a lot of rumours but nothing advanced.
"But for sure, Diego is waiting for a call from the Premier League. He would love to come back, he loves the atmosphere. Let's see.”
- Joshua Jones
BUEND OVER BACKWARDS
The Gunners are reportedly hoping to persuade Norwich City to sell Emiliano Buendia in a player-plus-cash deal.
The Independent claim Joe Willock and Reiss Nelson are among the players Arsenal are open to offering to secure the Argentine this month.
The report adds that Arsenal have already started early discussions with Buendia's agent but a deal is thought to be still considered some way off.
Norwich are said to be hoping to scoop at least £40million for the 24-year-old but involving a player in the transfer could drive the price down.
Both Arsenal stars Nelson and Willock are three years Buendia's junior and have shown promise since breaking into the club's first-team.
Yet midfielder Willock has started just two Premier League games for Mikel Arteta this season and is largely used as a substitute.
And winger Nelson was linked with a loan move away from north London in the summer after falling down the pecking order.
- Joshua Jones
PHIL YOUR BOOTS
Misfit Phil Jones could be the shock name at the top of the shopping list Sean Dyche will hand to new Burnley chairman Alan Pace.
Jones, 28, has not played a single game this season because of a knee injury.
But he had been shunted to the sidelines anyway, despite signing a new contract two years ago that would keep him at Old Trafford until June 2023.
Dyche could be tempted to take him on loan for the rest of the season, especially as United have indicated they would be prepared to pay a large chunk of his £130,000-a-week wages if he is loaned out.
And if Leicester or West Ham renew their interest in James Tarkowski – and meet Burnley’s £35million valuation, after falling short in the summer – the Clarets boss will be desperate to bring in an experienced replacement.
The snag is that as a former Blackburn player, Jones would be an obvious target for stick from Burnley fans, given the fierce rivalry between the Lancashire clubs.
But with Burnley playing behind closed doors, that is not going to be a problem for the foreseeable future.
- Joshua Jones
BES BE GONE
Besiktas reportedly want to re-sign Mohamed Elneny on loan from Arsenal.
Aksam claims the Turkish giants are keen on a second swoop for the Egyptian midfielder as Thomas Partey prepares to make his comeback from injury.
Elneny, 28, started the season well but has found opportunities limited in recent weeks.
Despite making 19 appearances in all competitions, Partey’s imminent return to action is likely to see Elneny fall even further down the pecking order at Arsenal.
And Besiktas are ready to offer the Egypt international an escape.
Elneny played 36 times for them on loan last season, becoming a firm fan favourite.
- Joshua Jones
MAN ON
Manchester City are weighing up a contract offer for Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos, according to reports.
The defender, 34, is out of contract at the end of the season and can talk to other teams to agree a summer switch now.
According to ESPN, Premier League club City are monitoring the situation in case Ramos looks like leaving Real.
They join rivals Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain in being linked with the 178-cap Spaniard.
The LaLiga giants have long maintained that Ramos wants to stay, and that a new agreement will be found.
- Joshua Jones
POSH & GO
Siriki Dembele has handed a transfer request in at Peterborough, SunSport's Tom Barclay revealed.
The Ivory Coast-born winger, 24, has been attracting interest from a number of clubs, including Championship promotion hopefuls Watford and Bournemouth.
Premier League side Fulham have also been monitoring his progress this season.
Dembele has hit five goals in 19 appearances for the Posh this term, including a hat-trick in the 5-1 demolition of Shrewsbury on Halloween.
- Josh Graham
BUEND IT LIKE BECKHAM
Norwich star Emi Buendia has surpassed the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Kevin De Bruyne this season by creating the most chances in Europe.
Arsenal target Buendia – who hit the winner against Barnsley on Saturday – has made 62 opportunities for Championship-topping Canaries, eclipsing the continent’s finest schemers.
- Josh Graham
RAM RAID
Sergio Ramos’ agent has aimed a dig at Real Madrid for letting the club legend’s contract run down.
The defender, whose contract expires at the end of the season, has been linked with a move to Manchester United in the Premier League and Paris Saint-Germain.
Ramos’ brother retweeted a comment from a journalist which criticised Real Madrid’s handling of his contract.
Alfredo Duro said: “Someone will have to explain how and why we’ve got to this stage, allowing your captain, one of the legends of Real Madrid, to appear in absurd teams of players who can freely sign for another club right now.”
Ramos has made 13 appearances in La Liga this season, scoring twice. The Real Madrid icon has won 22 trophies at the club including five league titles and four Champions Leagues.
Ramos is reportedly ready to quit Spain with a move to the Premier League an option.
The 34-year-old, who has made 666 appearances for the club, wants longer than a one-year contract offer at Real Madrid and could be willing to sample English football.
- Josh Graham
FER-LOP
Benfica will reportedly recall Gedson Fernandes from his disastrous loan spell at Tottenham.
Sky Sports reports the midfielder will return to Portugal after making just one Carabao Cup appearance this season.
The 21-year-old joined on an 18-month loan deal last January but is set to return early after barely being used by Jose Mourinho.
Gedson Fernandes has flopped at SpursCredit: PA:Press Association - Josh Graham
RY SMILE
Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Celtic's Ryan Christie to bolster their midfield options.
90min.com reports Christie is considering his options and would consider a move away.
The 25-year-old's name has also been linked with Newcastle, Southampton, Brighton and Burnley.
Christie could follow in the footsteps of former Hoops star Kieran Tierney by swapping Glasgow for North London.
- Josh Graham
OPEN DOR
Jadon Sancho had 'prepared' for a move to Manchester United, claimed Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke.
The England winger, 20, emerged as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's top target during the summer transfer window.
Jadon Sancho 'prepared' to move to Manchester UnitedCredit: Reuters United failed to sign him as the German giants refused to budge on their £108million asking price.
But Dortmund chief Watzke has now revealed that Sancho was ready to make the move to Old Trafford.
He told Kicker: "Subconsciously, Jadon had probably already prepared a little for a change.
"I think he had at least thought so much about it that he lost his ease.
"I have found him trying very hard for weeks."
- Josh Graham
REAL DEAL
Real Madrid have reportedly beaten Barcelona to the signing of Bayern Munich ace David Alaba.
Marca reports Los Blancos have edged out their El Clasico rivals in the race to land the experienced defender.
The player's agent Pini Zhavi offered Alaba – who made clear his desire to leave the German giants with his contract expiring in the summer – to a number of European clubs.
But Madrid appears to be the most likely destination leaving Premier League sides such as Chelsea and Manchester United disappointed.
Barcelona are believed to have been put off by the financial aspect of any potential deal.
- Josh Graham
GO ON BUEN
Arsenal are reportedly lining up a player-plus-cash deal for Norwich midfielder Emiliano Buendia.
The Independent reports there has already been talks with the player’s agent.
The report states Joe Willock and Reiss Nelson are among the players the Gunners are willing to offer the Canaries to broker a deal.
Mikel Arteta is a believed to be a big fan of Buendia who has been instrumental in Norwich’s run to the top of the Championship.
However, a move is still said to be some way off with Carrow Road boss Daniel Farke adamant the Argentine won’t be leaving, although it is thought he would be allowed to go for the right deal.
- Josh Graham
MAKING THE RIGHT MOISE
PSG will reportedly told talks with Everton over turning Moise Kean's loan into a permanent transfer.
The deal is likely to be worth around £31million for the striker with his current contract at Goodison Park running until 2024.
Moise Kean has enjoyed a fruitful loan spell at Paris Saint-GermainCredit: Reuters According to Sky Sports, PSG are desperate to tie up a permanent move for the 20-year-old after impressing in France.
Kean has scored nine goals in 16 appearances across Ligue 1 and the Champions League since his loan move to the French giants.
The Italian talent has formed a potent attack alongside Neymar and Kylian Mbappe which helped them recover to top their Champions League group.
Kean joined Everton in 2019 in a £27m move from Juventus but has struggled to impress in the Premier League.
- Josh Graham
ERLING BIRD CATCHES THE WORM
Borussia Dortmund have urged star striker Erling Haaland to stay put amid interest from Manchester United.
The Red Devils are believed to have lined up the Norwegian hot shot as a priority signing after easing off on their pursuit of team-mate Jadon Sancho.
The 20-year-old has bagged ten goals and two assists in just nine Bundesliga appearances this season.
BVB CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke reckons it’s too soon for Haaland to jump ship.
When pushed on a potential summer move, he told Kicker: “I don’t think that will happen. Erling and his advisor Mino Raiola know what they have in us.
“I can only advise him to do things like Robert Lewandowski.”
Lewandowski spent four years with Dortmund before joining Bayern Munich in 2014, whereas Haaland has only been at the club for one year since arriving from RB Salzburg last January.
- Josh Graham
POG TRADE
Reports in Italy claim Manchester United are willing to let Paul Pogba leave in a player-swap deal with Juventus – but not for Aaron Ramsey or Douglas Costa.
The Frenchman returned to Old Trafford in 2016 from the Italian side but has been linked numerous times with a move back.
Pogba has just 18 months remaining on his current contract and his second spell at the Theatre of Dreams looks to be coming to a certain end.
His agent Mino Raiola declared last month that the midfielder, 27, wants to leave Old Trafford for pastures new.
The Serie A outfit are believed to be Pogba’s No1 choice of destination, but their signing of Federico Chiesa means they must look for alternatives rather than a straight-up money offer.
Reports have emerged of a player-plus-cash deal being offered by them to United with Calciomercato claiming both Ramsey and Costa, currently on-loan at Bayern Munich, were being mentioned as possible names involved.
However, they state neither player ‘is a priority for United in the Pogba affair’.
- Josh Graham
NICE MOVE
Arsenal outcast William Saliba has agreed a loan move to French side Nice until the end of the season.
The former Saint Etienne star will cross the channel for some Ligue 1 action with the club paying 100 per cent of his £37,000-a-week wages.
There is no loan fee involved for the 19-year-old.
And the Gunners have not included any option to make the temporary move permanent – suggesting Saliba has a future under Mikel Arteta in North London.
William Saliba in Arsenal training at London ColneyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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