Transfer news Thursday RECAP: News from Premier League sides and the rest of Europe

  • The January transfer window officially opened on Monday
  • Premier League clubs have already sealed deals for important new players
  • It has been revealed the Philippe Coutinho will not play for Liverpool again
  • Jose Mourinho is angey about a refusal at Old Trafford to pursue Danny Rose
  • Follow Sportsmail's live feed as we bring you up-to-the-minute news
  • Follow Friday's transfer news live here for the latest 

The January transfer window has barely creaked open and already teams are racing to replenish their squads.

Liverpool were the first to take the plunge with a £75million move for Virgil van Dijk, but now face the dilemma over what to do with Philippe Coutinho, with the Brazilian seemingly destined for a move to Barcelona. 

Huddersfield were quick out the blocks as they signed defender Terence Kongolo on loan from Monaco, and there are sure to be plenty more deals completed in the next 27 days. 


If you want to keep on top of all the latest comings and goings, follow Sportsmail's live coverage throughout the day as we bring you all the news and rumours from these shores and abroad.

  • Alex Martin

    Host commentator

16:58
And the full-time whistle blows!

That's it for another day of Sportsmail transfer coverage.

Thanks for joining us here today.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for another instalment of the latest news from across Europe.

Good night!

16:50

Antonio Conte has claimed he is 'rarely given the players I ask for' at Chelsea as the Italian manager's frustration over transfers grows.

Conte has handed a January wishlist to Chelsea's board having repeatedly stressed how short on numbers his squad is — but progress on his selections is slow.

Chelsea have been unable to prise left back Alex Sandro from Juventus, while Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal is another player Conte would love to sign.

The former Juventus boss told Sky Sport Italia: 'I do not aim high with my requests, especially as in my history I've rarely been given the players I asked for.

'I always ended up at clubs who were running an austerity programme.'

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte gestures on the touchline
16:37

Former Uruguay and Manchester United striker Diego Forlan has signed for Hong Kong side Kitchee ahead of their appearance in the group stages of the Asian Champions League.

Forlan, who last played professionally in 2016 for Indian Super League side Mumbai City, will arrive in Hong Kong on Wednesday and will be unveiled at an official press conference the following day.

The 38-year-old played 112 times for Uruguay and won the Golden Ball Award for the best player at the 2010 World Cup finals.

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16:22
Fiorentina eye Watford midfielder Etienne Capoue

Watford midfielder Etienne Capoue is wanted by Italian side Fiorentina.

The 29-year-old is also among a raft of midfield players being considered by West Ham.

Watford, who are keen on Sunderland's Didier Ndong, are understood to want around £12m for the former France international but his wages would be difficult for Fiorentina.

16:07
Shrewsbury keen to sign Nicky Ajose on loan from Charlton

West Ham'S FA Cup opponents Shrewsbury Town are keen to sign Nicky Ajose on loan from Charlton Athletic.

The 26-year-old has scored four goals while on loan at Bury this season but new manager Chris Lucketti wants to bring in his own players.

Bradford City have also expressed an interest in former Manchester United academy graduate Ajose.

League One Shrewsbury are chasing promotion to the Championship and believe Ajose's prolific record at that level can give them an extra push.

16:00
Sunderland midfielder Jack Rodwell could leave on loan in January

SIMON JONES: Sunderland midfielder Jack Rodwell could leave on loan in January.

The 26-year-old has been training on his own at Sunderland and the club are keen to clear his £70,000 a week salary off their wage bill.

Few clubs are willing to take a chance on a permanent deal so Sunderland will consider offers that come in for the former England international.

Sunderland have injuries to Darron Gibson and Lee Cattermole while Didier Ndong is wanted by Watford, however, losing Rodwell's salary would allow Chris Coleman to bring in a couple of players on loan.

Rodwell has figured as a central defender for Sunderland's U23 side but has made just one start in the Championship which came in the 2-1 defeat to Sheffield United in September.

15:47
Paul Lambert withdraws from Sheffield Wednesday race

JOE BERNSTEIN: Bookmakers favourite Paul Lambert has withdrawn from the race to be Sheffield Wednesday’s next manager.

The South Yorkshire club are now expected to look overseas for a replacement to succeed Carlos Carvahal who left Hillsborough last month.

Lambert, 48, was offered a six-month contract to lead Wednesday for the rest of the season but felt the struggling Championship club required more time to turn around.

The experienced Scot has previously managed Colchester, Norwich, Aston Villa and Blackburn. He left his last club Wolves in May after seven months in charge.

Wednesday are could look at the German market following the success of David Wagner at Huddersfield to replace Carvahal who was sacked over Christmas but has subsequently taken charge at Swansea.

15:37
Man United defender Cameron Borthwick-Jackson wanted by Reading

Manchester United defender Cameron Borthwick-Jackson is wanted by Reading.

The 20-year-old has been on loan at Leeds United this season but has figured just five times, predominantly in the EFL Cup.

United want Borthwick-Jackson to play more regularly and Reading boss Jaap Stam is willing to offer him that chance.

Stam wanted the England U20 international in the summer but Leeds were considered a better option at the time.

Now the 6ft 3in left-back, who can also play in central defence, is open to a change. Stam will look at a loan for the second half of the season with the prospect of making the deal a permanent transfer.

15:23

Thibaut Courtois insists Chelsea must keep hold of team-mate Eden Hazard as he reveals the pair have spoken about signing new contracts at the club.

The Belgian duo have both attracted Spanish giants Real Madrid but Courtois believes a deal to keep him at Stamford Bridge is edging closer.

Hazard made the difference in Wednesday night's 2-2 draw with Arsenal when he won and then scored the penalty to make it 1-1 and while his current deal runs for a further two years, talk of a move to Zinedine Zidane's Madrid has intensified in recent months.

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15:09
Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane won't rule out January signings

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane hasn't ruled out the prospect of bringing new players to the Bernabeu this month, admitting 'anything is possible' in the January transfer window.

Madrid are currently well adrift in La Liga, sitting in 4th place and 14 points adrift of table-toppers Barcelona.

The gulf between the club and their bitter rivals has seen many supporters call for fresh faces during the winter window, with the latest link being highly-rated Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

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14:55

Schalke sporting director Christian Heidel has confirmed the club are in talks with Chelsea over a loan move for Abdul Baba Rahman.

The 23-year-old has been on the sidelines with a serious knee injury since February but has been working his way back to fitness over the last several months.

Before injuring his knee while on loan at Schalke, Rahman had impressed for the Bundesliga outfit and now Heidel has confirmed they are keen to bring him back.

14:44

Mauricio Pochettino has claimed that only a transfer request from Harry Kane himself could make Tottenham even consider selling their homegrown talisman.

Spurs have twice sold star players to Real Madrid since 2012, with the north London club cashing in on Luka Modric and then Gareth Bale.

Real are now said to be keen on England striker Kane, but Tottenham manager Pochettino has no intention of sanctioning such a move.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL STORY

14:36
Man United field enquires for Henrikh Mkhitaryan

SIMON JONES: Manchester United have fielded enquiries from Inter Milan for Henrikh Mkhitaryan but have no desire to let him go on loan.

Inter have also proposed Joao Mario as part of the deal but the option was not considered viable by United who would want a considerable fee should they allow Mkhitaryan to leave.

United have also had enquiries for goalkeeper Sergio Romero, some from Premier League clubs while Everton have joined the list of clubs considering a move for Luke Shaw. United maintain though that Shaw will stay at Old Trafford.

United have taken up their options on Daley Blind and Juan Mata to extend their contracts by an extra year. It follows on from Ander Herrera and Ashley Young also having their options triggered earlier this season.

Marouane Fellaini is still to agree new terms and will consider leaving on a free transfer with a number of clubs including Besiktas, Paris St Germain and West Ham showing interest but he will expect a lucrative contract as a free agent.

14:29
Monaco manager: Thomas Lemar won't be leaving

AS Monaco manager Leonardo Jardim on Thomas Lemar: 'We never have the intention of making big player sales in January.'

14:15
Man City yet to decide on Alexis Sanchez bid

SIMON JONES: Manchester City will take a decision over the next few days whether to bid for Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez.

An offer of around £25million is expected for the Chilean who is out of contract in the summer and keen to re-join Pep Guardiola.

Arsenal have been weighing up their own options should Sanchez leave. They still have the injured Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott on their books but have considered Thomas Lemar again at Monaco while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at Borussia Dortmund has been mentioned.

The Gabon international is a player well known to Arsene Wenger as he has followed him from his days at St Etienne but Dortmund want £58million for the 29-year-old and have had problems with his punctuality.

City have held discussions over a move for Inigo Martinez at Real Sociedad who will cost them £28.5million, his release clause.

14:13
Sunderland chase Bolton star Josh Vela

SIMON JONES: Sunderland have joined the clubs to show an interest in Bolton Wanderers midfielder Josh Vela.

The 24-year-old could be sold by Bolton this window as they look to raise much-needed funds.

Derby County, Leeds United and Brighton have also been monitoring Vela in recent weeks.

Bolton are struggling to raise money but have asked to extend the loans of Reece Burke and Josh Cullen from West Ham.

13:38
Thibaut Courtois close to new Chelsea contract

SIMON JONES: Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has confirmed he is close to agreeing a new five year deal amid interest from Real Madrid.

The Belgium international and his representatives are due to speak to Chelsea again later this month over a deal worth around £200,000 a week.

He said: 'It has just turned the new year, so we will wait a few weeks and then sit around the table. I'm happy at Chelsea and a deal is close.'

13:14
Liverpool have NOT made a move for Thomas Lemar

SIMON JONES: Liverpool have not made a move for Monaco winger Thomas Lemar.

Though the France international is a player of interest, Liverpool have yet to make a bid for the 22-year-old who is valued at £92million by Monaco and also wanted by Arsenal and Chelsea.

Liverpool are continuing to assess other options as they await Barcelona's bid for Philippe Coutinho who is expected to miss Friday's derby with Everton.

Coutinho is keen to make the move to Spain now rather than the summer and the figure is expected to make him the third most expensive transfer in the world at around £134million.

13:00
Jack Wilshere: No progress on Arsenal deal

Jack Wilshere has revealed there is yet to be any significant progress on a new deal with Arsenal.

The midfielder put in another impressive display for the Gunners against Chelsea, scoring the opening goal in a 2-2.

Following the game, Wilshere said he was only focusing on Arsenal's next game and that there was nothing to say on contract talks.

He said: 'No progress there. I want to be going to Russia but now is not the time to be thinking about that.

'We've got to take each game as it comes, keep playing in this time, keep improving and we'll see what comes in March for the next international games.'

With his contract set to expire in the summer, Wilshere is free to sign a pre-contract with foreign clubs.

12:47
Kevin Mirallas likely to leave Everton - Allardyce

Sam Allardyce has confirmed Kevin Mirallas is likely to leave Everton this month.

The Belgian has not featured for the Toffees since early December and is keen to move on despite signing a contract extension in May.

Allardyce said of Mirallas: 'That transfer may well occur, as with many players in January. You never say never with what goes on in the January window.

'It is the hardest window to work in, but we are trying to cure one of the areas where we feel we have a problem.'

12:32
Arsenal to target Aubameyang if Alexis Sanchez leaves [Sky Italy]

Arsenal will target Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang if Alexis Sanchez leaves for Manchester City this month, according to Sky Italy.

Pep Guardiola is ready to tempt Arsenal into selling the Chilean with a £25m offer later this month, but Arsene Wenger wants a replacement before agreeing to any deal.

Aubameyang has scored 21 goals for Dortmund this season, but has also been punished for a number of indiscretions off the field, including turning up late for training.

12:18
Inter Milan keeping tabs on Juan Mata [Mirror]

Inter Milan are keeping tabs on Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata, according to the Mirror.

The Spaniard's contract is set to expire at the end of the season, but United are expected to utilise their option to extend it by a further 12 months.

But Inter will continue to monitor the situation closely and may make a move if Mata gives them enough encouragement.

12:03

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde has admitted his admiration of Philippe Coutinho but refused to be drawn on reports of a fresh bid for the Liverpool playmaker.

La Liga leaders Barcelona are expected to make another move for Coutinho this month despite having seen a series of offers for the Brazilian rejected during the summer. 

But while Valverde praised 25-year-old Coutinho for his abilities, he preferred to speak about players already tied down to the Catalan club.

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11:49

RB Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has insisted that Guinean midfielder Naby Keita will not be completing his move to Liverpool before the end of the season.

The 22-year-old signed for Jurgen Klopp's side in a £55million deal in August and is set to join the Reds on July 1, 2018.

However, there have been reports that Keita could make the move earlier than expected but Mintzlaff has confirmed the midfielder won't be going anywhere before the end of the season.

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11:35
Sam Allardyce: 'Cenk Tosun deal in final stages'

As previously reported, Everton are close to signing Cenk Tosun after agreeing a £27m deal with Besiktas.

Now, Sam Allardyce has confirmed personal terms and a medical are the last steps to be taken before the deal can be completed.

Allardyce has said: 'Personal terms are the final stage. After some long negotiation we have got to that stage. Medical and all sorts to go through.'

11:34

Manchester City will make a decision over next few days whether to bid for Alexis Sanchez as Pep Guardiola eyes four transfers this month.

City are likely to test the water with a £25million bid but could go up as far as £35m, with Sanchez's contract at Arsenal set to run out in six months' time.

Guardiola will be more keen than ever to bolster his squad mid-season following Gabriel Jesus damaging his knee ligaments in the draw with Crystal Palace last Sunday.

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11:15

Theo Walcott has offered himself to Serie A club AC Milan in a bid to resurrect his stalling career away from Arsenal, according to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport.

The 28-year-old has fallen down the pecking order under Arsene Wenger and has yet to start a single game in the Premier League this season.

Southampton, Everton and West Ham are interested in signing Walcott this month, but the report from Italy claims he would prefer a move away from England.

11:00

Liverpool have reportedly re-opened talks with Monaco in an attempt to sign Thomas Lemar as a replacement for Barcelona-bound Philippe Coutinho.

Coutinho has made it clear that he wants to leave Anfield for Barca, who are increasingly confident of landing the Brazilian playmaker this month.

Liverpool tried to sign Lemar in the summer and, according to The Mirror, the Merseyside club have contacted the French champions again in the hope of agreeing a deal for the £90million-rated 22-year-old.

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Thomas Lemar of Monaco during the Ligue 1 match between AS Monaco and Stade Rennais at Stade Louis II on December 20, 2017 in Monaco, . (Photo by Pascal Dellazuana/Icon Sport)
10:41
Everton agree fee with Besiktas for Cenk Tosun

SIMON JONES: Besiktas coach Senol Gunes has confirmed that a deal has been agreed with Everton for the transfer of Cenk Tosun. The deal is thought to be worth £27m, and Tosun is due on Merseyside today for a medical. 

The Toffees have been locked in talks for the 26-year-old striker for more than a week, despite Tosun waving goodbye to supporters after a win over Osmanlispor on December 28.

Tosun, has eight goals in 25 caps for Turkey.

10:25

Barcelona have once again stepped up their pursuit of Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho by launching a €130m (£116m) bid, according to reports in Spain.

Coutinho was the subject of three bids from Barcelona in the summer – the last of which added up to £114million – but all were rejected out of hand by Liverpool, who also turned down a written transfer request from the Brazilian.

However, Spanish paper Sport, who reported this latest offer, have claimed that Liverpool are holding out for €160m (£142m) as they look to keep their creative midfielder.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL STORY

10:08
Ashley Cole signs one-year LA Galaxy contract

Veteran left back Ashley Cole will continue his football career for at least another season after extending his contract with LA Galaxy.

The 37-year-old joined Galaxy in 2016 and has made 55 appearances across two campaigns.

'He's been a tremendous leader for our club,' said manager Sigi Schmid.

'He's shown he can be successful in this league and we're confident that will continue in the season ahead.'

09:47

CHRIS WHEELER: Jose Mourinho is frustrated over Manchester United’s reluctance to make a £40million move for Tottenham defender Danny Rose.

The situation is contributing to Mourinho’s increasingly tense relationship with the Old Trafford board as he waits to see if they will back him in the transfer window this month.

The United manager wants to sign a world-class left-back and sees Rose, 27, as an ideal fit.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL STORY

09:42

KIERAN GILL: Tottenham will make Harry Kane the highest paid English star in the Premier League.

With Manchester City's Raheem Sterling the best paid English player on £180,000-a-week, Spurs face splashing out up to £200,000-a-week to keep their striker. 

Kane's £110,000-a-week basic salary ranks him only equal 35th in the list of the League's highest earning stars, as Sportsmail revealed last week, and there is an acceptance Kane's deal no longer reflects his standing in the game.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL STORY

09:24

MATT LAWTON: There is growing concern inside Old Trafford that Jose Mourinho will not be the manager of Manchester United next season.

Indeed, there is a sense that things are beginning to unravel in an all too familiar fashion, with insiders worried that it will conclude with Mourinho resigning at the end of the current campaign. As one observer remarked on Wednesday: ‘Jose seems to be having third-season syndrome a year early with us.’ 

Staff at United regard him as an increasingly detached figure, withdrawing more into the inner sanctum of his own coaching team and spending even less time than usual in Manchester.

 
09:15
Good morning!

Another soggy morning in London, but while a bit of rain might bright trains to a standstill, there will be no such effect on transfers!

The January window is open and the rumour mill is in full flow. Stick with us here throughout the day to get all the big news from around Europe.

Jurgen Klopp could be set to lose Philippe Coutinho from his squad this month

Jurgen Klopp could be set to lose Philippe Coutinho from his squad this month

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