Manchester United are the Premier League tem with the greatest need for the January transfer window.
Marcus Rashford wants to leave Old Trafford and the feeling is mutual with United happy to facilitate his exit. The Red Devils could bring in a new forward if they managed to find a buyer, with Victor Osimhen a possible replacement.
Liverpool were snubbed by Martin Zubimendi in the summer - and now the Real Sociedad midfielder is being linked with Manchester City. But the Spanish side are desperate to keep their star midfielder for the rest of the season.
Arne Slot's Liverpool are also hoping to sort out the futures of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who are all out of contract at the end of the season and will be free to negotiate with non-English clubs next month.
Bukayo Saka's injury in the win at Crystal Palace has posed a major problem for Arsenal, who were already tempted to bolster their front line. Newcastle's Alexander Isak appears out of reach, but they could look elsewhere with the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres and Mateo Retegui said to be on their radar.
Stick with Mirror Football throughout Christmas Eve for all the latest transfer news and gossip...
That's all folks!
OK then.
The carols have begun outside, I can see the silhouette of reindeer parading across the night sky and it's time to shut this thing down for the night.
We'll be back tomorrow because the game is the game y'all!
See you then.
DONE DEAL: Fleetwood appoint new manager
Fleetwood Town have appointed former Barrow, Halifax and Oldham Athletic manager Pete Wild, replacing Charlie Adam after his sacking over the weekend.
Welcome to #ftfc Pete Wild ✍️
— Fleetwood Town FC (@ftfc) December 24, 2024
Neymar shuts down Brazil return talk
Neymar has confirmed that he isn't interested in joining Brazilian giants Corinthians after being urged to make the move by Memphis Depay.
The Brazilian, 32, is currently in his second season with Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, having suffered an ACL injury last year.
But Neymar's allegiance is to Santos, as the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star shut down speculation of a move to Corinthians at the Brazilian Poker Championship.
"Greater than anything," Neymar said of his old club. "It revealed the king [Pele] and the prince [Neymar]... Say something else, say something else.
"Has anyone done more than this guy here [pointing to himself]? I have a lot of respect for Corinthians, but you have to respect Santos a lot... Santos is my favourite team."
Richarlison tipped for Brazil return
Thiago Silva says that Tottenham forward Richarlison would be 'welcome' back at Fluminense.
"Maybe in the future he could come back," former Chelsea defender Silva told CNN Brasil. "Richarlison has a very big future ahead of him in Europe. Of course, if he decides to come to Fluminense, he'll be welcome.
"He's going through a difficult time in his career, with injury after injury. But he's a very good kid. I'm sure it will turn things around and there's still a lot to do in Europe."
DONE DEAL: New job for Poyet
Ex-Brighton, Sunderland and Greece boss Gus Poyet has been appointed the new manager of Korean side Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.
Man City considering axing Ederson for Juventus star
Manchester City are reportedly targeting Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio to replace struggling No.1 Ederson.
Calciomercato report that Di Gregorio, who joined Juve this season after starring for Monza, has earned admirers at City, who believe that the 27-year-old could thrive under Pep Guardiola.
Di Gregorio impressed during Juventus' 2-0 win against City in the Champions League earlier this month.
PSG set to offer Arsenal replacement for Saka
Paris Saint-Germain are likely to offer Arsenal out-of-favour forward Randal Kolo Muani following Bukayo Saka's injury.
Saka has been ruled out for 'many weeks' after tearing his hamstring on Saturday.
Kolo Munai has played just 28 minutes of football for PSG over the last month and the Evening Standard report that the Frenchman, who can play up front or on the right, will be offered to a number of clubs in January.
Maresca hints at Chelsea exits
Chlesea manager Enzo Maresca has hinted that multiple players will leave Stamford Bridge in January.
"We have a clear idea about the players, but we have players that - probably because they are not playing a lot - will leave or something like this," Maresca explained.
"In this moment, it's not something we pay attention to as we have two or three games before that."
The Blues boss has effectively been working with two starting line-ups this season, one for the Premier League and the other for European football.
Swansea announce new Cabango deal
Swansea City have announced that defender Ben Cabango has signed a new contract.
The Wales international, 24, has extended his stay until 2028.
✍️
— Swansea City AFC (@SwansOfficial) December 24, 2024
An early Christmas present for the Jack Army
https://t.co/WtlHjb2PMc pic.twitter.com/o5LTkSLbpO
Kiwior expected to stay at Arsenal
Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior is unlikely to leave the Emirates next month, as Mikel Arteta wants to keep the Poland international.
Kiwior, 24, has been at Arsenal for two years, often playing at left-back rather than his natural centre-back role.
Napoli and Juventus are being linked with the former Spezia prospect, who's reportedly valued at £45million.
But a report via Meczyki states that Arsenal don't intend to sell Kiwior, despite his limited game-time and claims the the player himself wants to leave.
Man Utd plot £50m Williams move
Ruben Amorim has identified Spain and Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams as his ideal replacement for Marcus Rashford.
Williams, 22, has long been touted for a move to Barcelona but the La Liga giants' financial issues prevented a deal from being done in the summer window.
According to Spanish outlet El Desmarque, United have already reached out to Williams' agent and would be willing to trigger his €60million (£50m) release clause should Rashford be sold.
European heavyweights Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are also in the race for the winger's signature.
Mitchell 'attracting interest'
Arsenal are among several clubs interested in signing Crystal Palace defender Tyrick Mitchell, according to Spanish outlet Sport.
The report states that Arsenal, Tottenham and Barcelona are all targeting the left-back. Mitchell's contract is due to expire at the end of the season, meaning he could be available for a cut-price fee if Palace want to avoid losing him for free in the summer.
Brighton star set to depart
According to Meczyki.pl, Brighton midfielder Jakub Moder is expected to be on the move in January.
Moder has made just four Premier League appearances under new boss Fabian Hurzeler so far this season and the report states that there are 'many indications' the midfielder will leave the Amex next month.
It is claimed there is 'no shortage' of clubs interested in his services, with Stuttgart and another Bundesliga side monitoring the situation. It is not mentioned whether any move would be a permanent transfer or a loan deal.
Ratcliffe's feelings on Rashford saga
Sir Jim Ratcliffe will allow Ruben Amorim to determine the future of Marcus Rashford after the Manchester United star was left out again during the loss to Bournemouth.
The Englishman watched on from the stands as he was overlooked for selection for the third time in a week. Amorim made a statement when he omitted Rashford from the Manchester derby win and he's not been able to find his way back since.
The new manager cited issues with his training and the way he interacted with team-mates. Ratcliffe is now the man in charge of football operations at Old Trafford but he won't pressure Amorim to select or leave out the striker, who remains a top earner in Manchester.
In less than a fortnight the January transfer window will open and Rashford could well move on next month, especially after he went publicly and claimed he was ready for a "new challenge."
Amorim has maintained that team selection matters lie squarely with him. The Telegraph understands that Ratcliffe and the INEOS team in charge at Old Trafford will not intervene despite the noise surrounding his current exile, which continues to dominate the headlines.
Trent tipped to leave Liverpool
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy believes Trent Alexander-Arnold will leave the club on a free transfer when his contract expires next summer.
"My gut feeling is that he’s going to go," Murphy told MyBettingSites.co.uk. "I think if he were to stay that would probably have been sorted by now. There does seem to be a little bit of contention around certain supporters who think he should stay and he owes the club but the reality is the club have let him get to this position.
"They should have tied him up a long time ago. It’s a difficult one and quite unusual for Liverpool to have let this one happen. They should learn from it and it shouldn’t happen again. I think that if he does go, the majority of Liverpool fans will wish him the best and thank him for an amazing time and what he’s given the club.
"I think Trent is already one of the best right-backs in the world so I don’t think he needs to confirm that. I personally wouldn’t blame him or begrudge him if he wanted to go and try something else in his life and go play for one of the other biggest clubs in the world.
"He’s a Scouser. He’s been in Liverpool his whole life. Maybe a change is something he’s always dreamt of and wanted to do. Who knows? In terms of his football education, going to a different country and league, that’s gonna enhance him.
"Of course, I, like many other Liverpool fans, want him to stay because he’s such a wonderful player but inevitably players don’t always stay at one club their whole career. We very rarely see that.
"Steve McManaman went to Real Madrid and had a wonderful time. Michael Owen only stayed a year. I don’t think Trent is going to really overthink what other players have done. He’d be looking at his own situation. He’s a player who’s got complete belief in his own ability, that’s for sure."
Chilwell blow
According to the Sun, Chelsea are yet to receive any offers for wantaway defender Ben Chilwell.
Chilwell has been sidelined by Enzo Maresca, with the left-back making just one appearance so far this season in the Carabao Cup, and the report states that his £200,000-a-week wages are proving a sticking point for interested clubs.
Amorim drops Rashford transfer hint
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has hinted that someone within Marcus Rashford's camp spawned the idea to go public with his desire to leave the club.
Rashford, 27, recently revealed that he's 'ready for a new challenge' away from Old Trafford. His comments came after being left out of United's squad for their clash with rivals Manchester City and Amorim hasn't recalled him for the two games since.
"Of course it is a hard situation," Amorim began. "But I understand that this kind of player, they have a lot of people around them making some choices that are sometimes not the first idea from the player. So I understand, I can separate things. I am always here for helping Marcus as another player. And they have to do what they have to do.
"I say they chose to do that interview, because it's not just Marcus, and I understand that. As a coach I am just focussed on the performance, the way he trains. And the rest, I think it is better for me and the club to deal with that when the time comes."
Liverpool transfer blow
Arne Slot has been dealt a blow to his hopes of signing Christian Pulisic, with AC Milan set to hand the American a new contract.
Pulisic had emerged as a target for Liverpool in the January window as they look to bolster their squad for the Premier League title run-in. The 26-year-old has impressed for Milan since arriving from Chelsea in the summer of 2023.
But it appears that Milan are making moves to head off that interest from the Premier League leaders. According to Calciomercato, Pulisic is well-regarded by San Siro chiefs.
Over the past two months, Milan have been working to hand their star players new contracts on improved terms. Pulisic is the next man on their list, with the American set to receive a near £1million per year pay rise.
For his part, Pulisic is set to be 'totally immersed' in his Milan adventure and is focusing on winning trophies with the storied giants. Liverpool's interest appears to have prompted the new offer, with the deal will making it 'increasingly difficult' for the Reds to buy him.
Rashford unhappy with transfer plans
Marcus Rashford has been left unhappy that Manchester United have alerted clubs to his possible availability.
For the third time in a week the forward was left out of the matchday squad by Ruben Amorim. The new manager chose not to include Rashford for the Manchester derby win eight days ago as he cited issues with his attitude and the way he interacted with his team-mates.
The Englishman has since given an interview where he expressed a desire to take on a "new challenge". The MEN reports those close to Rashford have accused United of informing clubs of his availability and that he was unaware of the developments.
Diaz stance
Liverpool star Luis Diaz has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona, but Sky Germany are reporting that he currently has no plans to leave Anfield.
It is claimed he 'feels very comfortable at the club' and has a strong relationship with new boss Arne Slot. Diaz is under contract until 2027 and it is also noted that the forward is not in any 'ongoing talks with other teams'.
Man Utd eye Ederson
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Manchester United are one of a number of clubs chasing Atalanta midfielder Ederson. A deal in the summer has been deemed more likely than in January however.
United have persistently scouted the Brazilian ace and appear to be close to acting upon their interest.
"I can guarantee to you that several clubs around Europe are monitoring Ederson, Man Utd are one of them. For sure, Man Utd like the player," said Romano.
"Ruben Amorim wants intensity and when you think of intensity, Ederson is probably one of the most intense midfielders around Europe. He’s running for three players, top, top player.
"January transfer window will be really complicated but the feeling is that Ederson could leave in the summer. United have sent their scouts several times to scout Ederson. He has many fans around Europe."
Salah contract latest
Mohamed Salah’s latest goalscoring milestone may have been news to some, but not the Egyptian star.
Salah will have known all about the significance of overtaking the legendary Billy Liddell in Liverpool’s all-time scoring list to sit proudly in fourth with 229 goals. Salah lives to break records and while Ian Rush’s haul of 346 at the top of the charts will be beyond him, he will have the third-placed Gordon Hodgson in his sights.
Hodgson scored 241 goals in the inter-war years and was the club’s top scorer until Roger Hunt replaced him in the 1960s. This is significant because Salah wants to write his name in indelible ink at Anfield.
He does not want to leave on a Bosman next summer when he feels he has so much more he wants to achieve at Liverpool. He would like to stay and try to overtake Hunt’s tally of 285 goals and cement his place in the pantheon of Reds legends.
This all strengthens Liverpool’s hand in contract talks over a new deal with his current agreement, worth a reported £350,000-a-week, expiring in June. Never underestimate the size of Salah’s ego and he loves starring on the Premier League and Champions League stages.
Arsenal scout Retegui
According to CalcioMercato, Arsenal are considering a move for Atalanta striker Mateo Retegui.
Arsenal are in the market for a new forward and have been heavily linked with the likes of Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres. However, Retegui has now emerged as a potential alternative, with it claimed Arsenal sent scouts to watch him in action last month.,
Rashford swap deal considered
Marcus Rashford's latest avenue out of Old Trafford could be via a surpise swap deal. The United academy product has admitted he wants a new challenge with the club open to sanctioning a move.
That could see Rashford depart as early as next month, though the Red Devils are keen not to strengthen any of their Premier League rivals. That means teams from Europe could see their interest piqued, with Barcelona said to be a candidate.
However, to get a transfer over the line amid financial constraints, a swap deal is necessary according to reports in Spain. Hansi Flick is now said to have provided ‘the OK’ for Barca to use Ansu Fati as a makeweight to sign Rashford.
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Valencia agree deal for West Brom boss
Spanish side Valencia have moved quickly to replace boss Ruben Baraja.
Having won just two of thier 17 La Liga fixtures this season, they've turned to West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberan.
Marca report that Valencia have already agreed to pay his £2.8million release clause.
Bayern eyeing Dortmund's English star
Bayern Munich want to raid Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund yet again to sign English winger Jamie Gittens.
Sky Germany report that Bayern have been impressed with 20-year-old Gittens, who left Manchester City's youth academy four years ago.
PSG line up £83m Isak swoop
Paris Saint-Germain are prepared to pay €100million (£83m) to sign Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.
According to Fichajes, the French giants are keen on a new striker and Isak, 25, fits the bill.
ICYMI: Ex-Liverpool target Zubimendi to stay put
Real Sociedad sporting director Roberto Olabe insists that Martin Zubimendi will stay at the club until at least the summer.
Olabe told Spanish outlet Estadio Desportivo: "There is little peace regarding the clauses, but in all this time Martin himself has shown us that above the clauses are the wills.
"Until today we have already seen the behaviour that he has had, I do not foresee that we will have any scares in January."