The January transfer window is fast approaching and the opportunity for teams and players to rejuvenate their seasons will soon arrive.
It's impossible to ignore Manchester United and Marcus Rashford heading into next month. The Red Devils are ready to sell their homegrown striker who has admitted he wants a fresh start.
Ruben Amorim has indicated he wants Rashford to stay and the United ace has already seen Bayern Munich rule themselves out of a move however. Financing a deal could prove problematic.
At the top of the table, there are decisions to make for Arsenal and Liverpool. The Gunners are trying to chase Arne Slot's men down and could yet bolster their front line in the window with Randal Kolo Muani the latest figure to be linked.
Liverpool must decide whether to stick or twist after making a fine start to the season. Though their major decisions will come in relation to Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk, who can all talk to other clubs in less than two weeks should they not agree new contracts.
Chelsea are always of interest in the transfer window too. It remains to be seen whether they can offload the likes of Ben Chilwell who was unable to generate a deal in the summer, while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's future is uncertain.
Manchester City may look for new inspiration to turnaround their form.
Stick with Mirror Football throughout the month for all the latest transfer news and gossip...
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United consider shock Rashford move
Manchester United would consider sending Marcus Rashford out on loan in January, according to The Sun.
The situation is reportedly becoming untenable and United know they won't find a buyer, considering he's on £325,000 a week until June 2028.
They won't send him to a Premier League rival, but hope a European giant would be interested.
Mount releases statement
Mason Mount has vowed to come back stronger after being sidelined with yet another injury at Manchester United.
He wrote on Instagram: “Words can’t portray how devastated I’m feeling right now, you could probably see the look on my face when it happened. I knew what it meant.
“United fans, you may not know me too well yet, but one thing I can guarantee, I will never give up or lose faith. I’ve said this before, but I will continue to give everything, get through this tough period and won’t stop until that’s achieved.”
Chelsea midfielder wants January exit
Chelsea midfielder Cesare Casadei is keen to leave the club in the January transfer window.
Casadei has been limited to Europa Conference League appearances under Enzo Maresca and wants more football. A move back to Italy on a six-month loan would appear to be the most likely outcome.
Lindelof suffers blow
Victor Lindelof is out of contract with Manchester United in June and now appears almost certain to leave.
The Swede was given a rare chance to impress last night against Tottenham but was replaced at half-time with an injury. The 30-year-old defender is one of United's longest-serving players, but it seems increasingly unlikely that he will earn a new deal.
Keane's Rashford verdict
Legendary United captain Roy Keane has advised Marcus Rashford to move out of his comfort zone and secure a bold move abroad. Rashford has made it clear he wants to leave Old Trafford and has previously been linked with a move to PSG.
On the Overlap's Stick to Football podcast, Keane responded to Rashford's bombshell interview. The Irishman said: "I don't actually mind what he said, although it's a bit long, but it's spot on.
"Sometimes a deal just works for everybody it's been going on for a year or two now, there's obviously a bit of talent there and he's been at the club since he was a kid. A change would probably do him a world of good, for him and his team and family to go abroad."
Man Utd track Italy star
United are tracking Inter Milan star Federico Dimarco as Ruben Amorim bids to reinforce his options on the left side of defence. Tyrell Malacia has only just returned from an injury that saw him miss the entirety of last season, while Luke Shaw is struggling to stay fit.
According to Tuttosport, Dimarco has emerged as one of their top targets as they look to sign a new left-back. Amorim has drawn up a shortlist of potential targets which includes Dimarco.
The Italian is a product of Inter’s youth academy and is a boyhood fan of the club, making things tricky for United. The left-back has played a total of 156 times for Inter across all competitions.
Newcastle departures possible
Newcastle could be forced to sell players in January, even if it goes against Eddie Howe's wishes, in order to balance the books.
The Magpies have been hampered by profit and sustainability rules and the i report that Martin Dubravka, Miguel Almiron and Sean Longstaff are expendable.
Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab are interested in Dubravka, while Almiron has admirers at Leicester. Newcastle want to sign a right-winger, but need to sell before they can buy.
Kiwior exit considered
Arsenal are weighing up whether to let Jakub Kiwior depart the Emirates, according to reports. Napoli have been among those credited with an interested in the Polish defender, but Arsenal had been keen to keep hold of him.
That stance could now be changing however with the versatile defender by no means a starter in the backline. Corriere del Mezzogiorno reports that the Gunners are opening up to the idea of him leaving on a loan deal with an obligation to buy but talks over his wages are needed.
Salah speaks out
Mohamed Salah's future has been a hot topic this season with the Egyptian's contract ending next summer and the player yet to officially sign a new deal.
Now a new clip of Salah speaking about his future - posted on December 8 - has emerged on social media.
The video sees the 32-year-old asked for clarity about his Liverpool future on a Zoom call, but instead he reiterated uncertainty over whether he would stay.
"I don't know yet," he said. "My contract expires at the end of the year, so I still don't know what will happen. I'll look at my options, but I haven't made a decision yet."
Liverpool 'leading Cherki race'
Lyon winger Rayan Cherki was once one of football's brightest prospects and he is now fulfilling that potential after a brilliant campaign in Ligue 1.
The France Under-21 international has five goals and seven assists at the midway point of the season from just seven starts - including a superb recent run that has seen him register four assists and two goals in just three games.
According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Liverpool are now ready to pounce for the 21-year-old as they look to the future and there have been suggested Lyon could allow him to leave in January amid financial difficulties.
Cherki is worth around £24m, though Liverpool may have to scrap with Lyon's Ligue 1 rivals PSG if they want to secure his signature, with the French giants previously at the "front of the queue".
Liverpool are already blessed with a number of wingers at the club - including Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Chiesa. However, Slot will be eager to secure more young talent in his attack - especially if Salah ends up departing.
Man Utd told to sell Antony
Manchester United have been urged to get rid of Antony immediately after his "frustrating" performance in the defeat to Tottenham.
Antony started as United were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Spurs in a dramatic 4-3 loss and former Premier League striker Troy Deeney was not impressed with his performance, claiming the Red Devils need to "cut ties with him" in January.
"As soon as Manchester United took Antony off, everybody else started running," Deeney told CBS Sports. "They've got to cut ties with him. I don't want to make him the scapegoat but, honestly, watching him is so frustrating.
"This is your big moment. He doesn't run, he doesn't sprint… just get him out. If you're getting rid of Marcus Rashford, whoever is taking him, we'll pay you to take him [Antony] as well. Get him out the club."
Howe sends transfer warning
Eddie Howe has warned he won’t sell players in January unless it benefits the long-term future of Newcastle.
The Geordies will be battling to keep the likes of star men Bruno Guimaraes, who is being monitored by Manchester City, and Alexander Isak. The United coach has demanded that his squad stay united and forget about the window in a bid to continue their upturn in form at Ipswich after two wins and seven goals in the last two games.
A raft of players including Miguel Almiron, Kieran Trippier, Martin Dubravka, Matt Targett, Sean Longstaff have been linked with moves away next month to make financial room for targets including £24million Belgian PSV winger Johan Bakayoko. Howe said: “Hopefully we won't lose anybody we won't want to lose.
“I think everything has got to align, I think there has got to be a lot of things that come together. It's got to be right, not just for the here and now but for the future as well. We've got to be responsible to make sure any decision we make doesn't affect us in future windows as well.”
Maresca on Guiu
Fresh from scoring a hat-trick last night, Marc Guiu has seen his future commented on by Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.
"With young players like Marc [Guiu], like Josh [Acheampong], like Tyrique [George], for me, the best thing for them is to be with us because they can understand every day the way we want to play, they can grow, we can teach them how we want them to play.
"So I think it's better if they stay with us. But then it depends a little on the desire of the players. If in this case, Marc’s desire is to get more minutes and to play more, then we see we sit with him and we will decide to together."
Man Utd loan disaster
Donnie van de Beek endured a difficult time at Manchester United and saw little luck on his loans away from the club.
The Dutchman departed for Girona in the summer but saw his final months unfold on loan at Frankfurt.
“I came from so far away, needed rhythm and a series of matches, but that was simply not possible," he said via Sport Witness. "The result was that I started to drive myself crazy. I had to show what I could do in a match, which meant I went way too much. doing, and passed myself by.
“In addition, my home situation was anything but pleasant. Estelle was heavily pregnant, and we decided that she would stay in England for the birth. My daughter together with her.
“She in Manchester, I in Germany. I was there on my own in Frankfurt. My family in England, things weren’t going well with football. I thought During that period sometimes really: What am I doing?
“If you play so little, you also lose confidence. That starts to eat away at you, and that’s not good as a player.”
Newcastle warning
Eddie Howe has warned he won’t sell players in January unless it benefits the long-term future of Newcastle.
Asked if players could leave he replied: "There is always a possibility, I never sit here and say no one will leave but it's got to be in conjunction with what we need from the team's perspective and again, always battling and balancing the long-term future of the club. We’ll need to be reactive and ready to do certain things.”
United push for £10m move
United are targeting a move for Sverre Nypan in January according to reports.
The Red Devils have been confident of signing the Norwegian teenager despite interest from the likes of Manchester City and Barcelona. United are hoping moving quickly will hand them an advantage, despite the 18-year-old fielding other offers, with the club being his preference.
Newcastle rejected
Though not too recently. Ruben Semedo had the opportunity to join the Toon Army in 2017 but instead opted for Villarreal.
The former Sporting CP ace didn't like what he'd read.
“It was when I was leaving for the U21 European championship, which we lost to Spain," he said, via Sport Witness.
“My agent told me that there was a proposal from Villarreal and Newcastle, but I saw on the internet that it was raining a lot there and I said no. I had the idea of Villarreal, who like to play football. I had the idea of Villarreal, who like to play football. Riquelme, Forlán and I said ‘no, I’m going there’. I didn’t think twice.”
Celtic respond to Tierney links
Brendan Rodgers has given little away on the possibility of Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney making a return to Celtic. The Scotland international was expected to leave the Emirates in the summer but injury during Euro 2024 foiled his chances.
Celtic have since been linked with a move as the 27-year-old's contract winds down. Rodgers offered little in the way of suggesting claims had merit or not.
He stated: “Well, Kieran’s someone I know really well, but there’ll be lots of players that are linked with coming to Celtic, so we will never speak about a player, especially a young player that is at another club.
“But, we’ve got work to do; we know that, we want to improve the squad further and a number of key areas.
“Until that happens, the players here have been working so well and we’ll just continue to work with them and see what happens in January.”
Real Madrid confident
CaughtOffside report both Liverpool and Real Madrid have made contract offers to Trent Alexander-Arnold, and both have consisted of four years plus the option of a fifth.
Los Blancos are said to be increasing in confidence due to the work they have put in place, with Alexander-Arnold yet to make a decision and allowed to officially negotiate with other clubs next month.
Transfer message
Fulham star Antonee Robinson has revealed he would leave the club if the Cottagers received a big enough offer it was worth their while.
The defender, who has been linked with the likes of Liverpool, has forged an impressive reputation in west London under Marco Silva. The American remains happy at Fulham but would consider a move.
Addressing transfer interest, Robinson told Marca: "I’m very happy here.
"The fact that there is interest from other teams is great. Obviously, it all comes down to whether someone wants me enough to pay what Fulham would ask. So, if the club sees it as a good idea, I would leave."
Slot responds to Alexander-Arnold plans
Arne Slot has praised Trent Alexander-Arnold's ambition after the Liverpool star said he 'wants to build a legacy' before retiring.
The Reds defender is set to enter the final six months of his contract next month, leaving his future up in the air. Slot has not been dismayed.
The Dutchman said: "I like this in a player! Everyone must have it at this level and if you don't have that you don't play at this level. But they have to put the team first and they all do it, including Trent. All the top players have this; they want to be special and be the best, to stay fit.
Howe surprised
Eddie Howe has been surprised to see talk of Newcastle closing in on January deals. The Magpies boss isn't thinking too much about new additionos with the side limited to what it can do next month.
"It does (surprise me). Because that is not the reality we are not close to any transfer or signing any player," he told Chronicle Live.
"For me, the discussions in January are very loose. We know are restricted to what we can and can't do. For me, it is purely about focusing on coaching team."
Florian Wirtz update
Florian Wirtz is reported to be in advanced talks over a new deal with Bayer Leverkusen. The German star has drawn interest from across Europe but it appears Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Real Madrid may be unwilling to pay the significant fee required to prise him away.
A release clause could be included in any new deal however.
Sandro Tonali decision
Newcastle will not consider an exit for Sandro Tonali in January, amid the midfielder's impressive form. The Italian scored a brace to guide the Magpies into the Carabao Cup semi-final and has drawn interest from Juventus.
The Serie A side had considered raising funds according to reports in Italy but it appears any effort would prove fruitless.
Rashford latest
Bayern Munich will not make a move for Marcus Rashford despite his availability. Bild report that the German giants do not see the forward as fitting into their starting XI and a deal would prove too expensive.
“Not True: That Bayern Munich are interested in Marcus Rashford,” the Christian Falk said.
“Of course, he’s a good player but it would be too expensive a move. Bayern don’t have a free role on the pitch to ensure he’d be a starter in the first-XI.
“It’s true that Bayern are searching for a player who could operate behind Harry Kane and as a backup to the England international. That’s why the profile of Marcus Rashford would fit at Bayern Munich, but no – it’s too expensive!
“And, ultimately, if it’s too expensive for Bayern, it’s too expensive for the whole league. It’s a pity, but we won’t see Rashford in the Bundesliga.”
Man Utd eye Brazilian
United are weighing up a move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson ahead of the January transfer window, per reports. The Brazilian has previously linked with a move to Old Trafford and reports suggest Ruben Amorim has identified United's midfield as an area that needs strengthening.
No negotiations have taken place between clubs over a move with United hoping for unanimous agreement over the move before pushing forward.
New Southampton boss
Reports in Italy claim Ivan Juric will be the new Southampton manager and will sign a six-month contract with an option for an additional year.
Juric took charge or Roma in September before being relieved of his duties in November.
Personal terms 'very close'
Newcastle United are said to be 'very close' to agreeing personal terms after new talks with Belgian star Johan Bakayoko. Positive discussions are reported to have occurred with the player's representatives and Bakayoko is said to be keen on the move.
PSV are claimed to want £41m for their player however, with Newcastle's opening offer nearer £25m.
Uncertain Chelsea business
Blues boss Enzo Maresca has not ruled out a move for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall next month. The midfielder has struggled for playing time outside of the Europa Conference League but after progressing from the group stage, Chelsea don't have another match in the competition until March.
"Unfortunately I cannot say that, not about Kiernan, about all the squad, because when the transfer window is open, unfortunately anything can happen," said the Italian.
"So I'm not focused on January, the only thing I can say about Kiernan is that we are very happy in the way he's working, we are very happy about his performance, and this is my thought about Kiernan."