Transfer news recap - Benzema among Chelsea options, Ajax step up Henderson push

Luiz tipped for the top

Roy Keane heaped praise onto Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz, backing the midfielder to play for a top team like Arsenal or Manchester United.

“Quality player. I like him.” He said on Sky Sports.

“I think he was linked with Arsenal last year. There are no surprises there, with some of the Villa players, you think they can certainly go on to play for a Man United, Arsenal or even Man City, you look at Watkins.”

Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash

DONE DEAL - Twine joins Bristol City

Burnley have recalled Scott Twine from Hull City and sent him on loan to Bristol City for the remainder of the season.

Twine scored four goals and had three assists in his 25 Championship appearances for Hull after joining on loan at the start of the campaign.

Twine, 24, struggled at Burnley following his £4million switch in June 2022 and the winger made just five starts last season in their Championship-winning campaign.

DONE DEAL - Rothwell joins Southampton

Southampton have confirmed the loan signing of Bournemouth midfielder Joe Rothwell.

The 29-year-old has moved to St Mary's on a deal until the summer, having made 11 appearances for the Cherries this season.

Rothwell said: “I’m thankful to Southampton for allowing me to come here. Hopefully I can come in and show my experience of this league and help them get over the line.

“I can't wait to finally get going and put my boots on, and hopefully we can get the club back to where it belongs.”

DONE DEAL - Mejbri joins Sevilla

Sevilla have announced the loan signing of Manchester United star Hannibal Mejbri.

Mejbri has struggled for game-time this season following a successful loan at Birmingham City last term.

He has now moved to Spain, with the deal also containing an option to buy clause.

Man Utd deadline day live updates as Sabitzer completes loan move

Hannibal Mejbri (Matthew Peters/Manchester United FC)

PSG sent Moscardo ultimatum

Corinthians president Augusto Melo has demanded Paris Saint-Germain push ahead with the signing of midfielder Gabriel Moscardo.

The 18-year-old's transfer to the Parc des Princes has been held up by concerns surrounding a foot injury that may require surgery. But while PSG are reticent to finalising the £17m deal, Melo sees no reason to postpone the transfer.

Speaking to the Domingol programme on CNN, Melo said: "I’ve told them [PSG] to send him back, if there’s a risk there, there’s a risk here. If there’s a chance we won’t get paid then let him recover here and we’ll be in a better position to sell him.

“This boy is a reality, he’s going to come back well and he’s going to be sold for much more than he is today.”

Italian duo eye Celtic youngster Vata

Celtic's hotshot teenager Rocco Vata is on the radar of Italian sides Bologna and Como, with the latter reportedly hoping to lure him with the promise of game time.

According to Fabrizio Romano, talks will soon get underway regarding the 18-year-old, who has 12 goals in 14 outings for Celtic's B team this term and is an Ireland under-19 international.

Como, who count Cesc Fabregas among their coaching staff, are pushing for promotion from Serie B this season under caretaker boss Osian Roberts.

West Ham not desperate for arrivals in 'difficult' window

West Ham assistant manager Billy McKinlay insisted that they are not desperate for reinforcements despite the injury crisis.

"We're always looking to do business in terms of improving the squad," West Ham coach Billy McKinlay said ahead of his team's FA Cup replay against Bristol City. "It's a really difficult window, as everyone always talks about in January.

“We'll be on the lookout to see if there's anything that we think can improve the squad but we're fully focused on what's in the building.

"We're concentrating on who we've got, and if that changes, then all good and well, but if it doesn't, then we're happy to go with who we've got."

City tipped to finalise Echeverri deal

Manchester City are on the verge of completing a deal for Claudio Echeverri, with the youngster expected to return to River Plate on loan to begin with.

According to The Mail, the 18-year-old will set them back £12m, following compatriot Julian Alvarez in trading South America for Manchester.

Echeverri has yet to win a senior cap for Argentina, but was one of the star men for their under-17 side which reached the semi-finals of the most recent World Cup.

Toney decision

Ivan Toney is able to return to action this weekend when Brentford face Nottingham Forest but Bees manager Thomas Frank has "99%" ruled out selling the striker this month - in a blow to Arsenal among other suitors.

Speaking to preview Brentford's FA Cup third-round replay away to Wolves tomorrow, Frank said: "It’s been very clear that we don’t want to let him go and want to keep him as long as possible.

"It’s like signing a top Premier League striker... everyone should get excited. I'm 99 per cent certain he will stay but in football you never know."

Done deal

There has been a confirmed departure from Watford this afternoon with Imran Louza heading to Ligue 1 side Lorient on loan until the end of the season.

Everton and Forest punished

Everton and Nottingham Forest have both been informed that they have breached Premier League profitability and sustainability regulations (PSR) - and are now at threat of a points deduction.

Both clubs were told about their alleged breaches on Monday afternoon and have been referred to an independent commission. Punishments for such breaches can include a fine or a points deduction.

Read the full breaking story right here.

Varane entertaining United extension as talks continue

Manchester United's Raphael Varane wasn't among the players to see a contract extension triggered earlier this season, but he could yet stick around.

According to Sky Sports, the centre-back is still in 'dialogue' with United over an extension, though this could end up being on reduced terms.

Varane returned to the starting line-up in December after Harry Maguire's injury, and has started each of United's last three matches in the Premier League.

West Ham looking at Jota option

Al-Ittihad star Jota has caught the eye of West Ham, who could make a move away from the Saudi side in January.

Jota joined Al-Ittihad from Celtic over the summer but has not been as successful as some of the other European-based players to join the side.

The 24-year-old has played just five league games this season, scoring once, and Sky Sports report that he is among those being eyed up by West Ham as David Moyes' side contend with a number of injuries.

Man Utd's Hannibal completes Sevilla switch

The first pictures of Hannibal Mejbri at Sevilla have been shared by Fabrizio Romano, with the midfielder completing a loan move to the Spanish side.

Hannibal has completed a loan move from Manchester United, with reports indicating Sevilla will be able to make the deal permanent for around £20m in the summer.

United are also understood to have a buy-back clause for the Tunisia international, who scored his first Premier League goal earlier this season.

Spurs ready to test Wolves with Gomes bid

Tottenham are set to offer Wolves £30m for midfielder Joao Gomes, according to Gavea News (via the Evening Standard).

Gomes moved to Molineux for £15m last January and has established himself in the first-team under Gary O'Neil.

Wolves are not thought to be in any need to sell this month, though, and the Brazilian's importance to O'Neil may well mean it would require substantially more to convince the club to part ways with him mid-season.

Liverpool recall defender Ramsay after loan

Calvin Ramsay is back at Anfield after Liverpool opted to call time on his season-long loan at Preston North End.

The Scottish right-back moved to Deepdale while working his way back from injury, but played just twice for the Championship side.

It remains to be seen what Liverpool do next with Ramsay, who is in need of game time after an injury-hit start to life with the Premier League outfit.

Could Chelsea move for Benzema or Firmino

Injury concerns over Christopher Nkunku have prompted suggestions Chelsea could add a new striker to their ranks in January, with Saudi Pro League pair Karim Benzema and Roberto Firmino both mentioned.

With Nicolas Jackson away at the Africa Cup of Nations, the Blues are relatively light in attack.

If Chelsea wait until the summer for a permanent move, a shorter-term deal in January could be a solution, and there have been questions over both Benzema and Firmino.

Read more here

Ajax 'intensify' Henderson efforts

Ajax have stepped up their efforts to sign Jordan Henderson from Al-Ettifaq, though questions remain over whether the Saudi club would entertain a sale.

According to Sky Sports, Dutch giants Ajax are eyeing up a permanent move rather than a loan as they look to add experience to their young squad.

Ajax sit fifth in the Eredivisie after 17 games, having found themselves in relegation trouble earlier in the campaign, and suffered an early elimination from the Europa League.

The team are reportedly ready to 'break the bank' and make Henderson their highest earner amid a tough season.

Madrid president dodges Mbappe question

Real Madrid chief Florentino Perez refused to be drawn into a discussion of Kylian Mbappe after his team's Supercopa victory over Barcelona.

Mbappe's Paris Saint-Germain contract expires in the summer, with Madrid once again linked with a swoop, and there have been indications from some quarters that an announcement is close.

Perez didn't rise to the bait, though, instead heaping praise on the current squad after their comprehensive 4-1 win.

"It's really not the day to talk about this, it's the day to congratulate the players we have, not those other teams have," he said, as translated by 90min.

Dortmund all but rule out Sancho return

He might be back in Germany but those at Borussia Dortmund don't anticipate Jadon Sancho staying permanently.

Sporting director Sebastian Kehl has told Sky90: "What will happen in summer? We will see. Realistically, the chance of Sancho playing for Dortmund in the next season isn't very high.

"There was no possibility, in any form economically feasible for us, to secure an option to buy."

More on Man Utd's shortlist

Following on from our last post, it seems the two names on the centre-half shortlist are Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite and Nice's Jean Clair Todibo.

Nice is also owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, which could aid a deal for Todibo, who is not short of admirers.

Branthwaite has been highly though of by teams in the Premier League for several years.

Wolves among four Prem teams eyeing Rosario

Wolves, Fulham, West Ham and Brentford are keeping an eye on Nice midfielder Pablo Rosario.

The four Premier League clubs have scouted the Dutch international in recent months and may be interested in a January move.

But they face competition from Stuttgart and Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga who are also keen.

Ratcliffe's four targets

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has set his stall out at Man Utd and wants a forward who is on a similar level to Harry Kane.

The Evening Standard reports that they also want a No8, a centre-back and a right-back.

Kane was linked with an Old Trafford move in the summer but the club opted to pursue Rasmus Hojlund.

Everton, Forest outline stance to avoid FFP punishment

Premier League sides Everton and Nottingham Forest are both anticipated to provide mitigating factors as they aim to avoid points deductions for financial breaches.

Both teams are expected to be informed they have breached the competition's profitability and sustainability regulations (PSR), with potential penalties including points deductions. Everton have already been docked a Premier League record 10 points on a separate matter, which they are appealing.

Everton's existing points deduction relates to the 2021-22 season, when they finished 16th. Both teams are towards the foot of the Premier League this term, though Everton would be in mid-table without the deduction.

Premier League teams are permitted to lose £35m per season over a three-year period. However, both sides have other factors at play, with new stadium plans contributing to Everton's figures while Forest's big spending last term came after a number of seasons outside the top-flight.

Reds eye Lille defender amid hefty competition

Liverpool have set their signs young defender Leny Yoro, who is also of interest to Man Utd, PSG and Real Madrid.

The Daily Mail reports that Lille could opt to cash in on the teenager, who only has 12 months left on his deal.

Liverpool have eyed defensive recruits due to consistent injury problems with the likes of Joel Matip.

Man Utd eye Olise deal with AWB in return

Man Utd have discussed the potential of a move for Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise in the summer.

Any swoop could also see right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka returning to Selhurst Park as part of any deal, reports ESPN.

Olise has no shortage of admirers whilst Wan-Bissaka came through the ranks at the Eagles and moved to Manchester in 2019.

Villa consider returning for Smith Rowe

Aston Villa are ready to return for Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe, reports GiveMeSport.

Back in 2021 the playmaker was on their radar but he chose to remain in north London despite the potential of a move to Villa Park.

Villa tabled two bids for Smith Rowe previously and, with Smith Rowe now struggling for mintes, could test Arsenal's resolve once again.

Fernandez to leave Manchester

Granada have confirmed that Alvaro Fernandez has been recalled by United, with the left-back now expected to join Benfica.

The Manchester Evening News state that Fernandez will initially join Benfica on loan for the rest of the season, but the Portuguese club will have an option to make the deal permanent over the summer.

Following his recall, Fernandez wrote on Instagram : "My stay in Granada was special, but not as long as we hoped. It was a real pleasure to represent this club and I will always be grateful to the fans and the club in general, but above all to the people who spend day to day with me taking care of me and supporting me since day one."

Al-Ettifaq will STOP Henderson exit

Jordan Henderson may struggle to achieve his exit from Saudi Arabia in the January transfer window as Al-Ettifaq aren't willing to sanction his departure before the ongoing season ends, according to the .

Henderson has not settled in Saudi as he hoped and, despite accepting the huge sums on offer, now wants to return to European football.

Olise prefers Arsenal over Man Utd

Crystal Palace star Michael Olise would prefer to join Arsenal over Manchester United.

The Evening Standard claims that Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to make the youngster one of his first signings at Old Trafford, but the player himself would rather head to the Emirates should he leave Selhurst Park, claims FootballTransfers.

Olise is set to cost around £60m due to a release clause in the contract signed in the summer.