January transfer news & rumours: Leicester want £70m for Man City target Mahrez


Leicester slap £70m price tag on Mahrez


Leicester City will not accept a penny less than £70 million from Manchester City for Riyad Mahrez, according to the Daily Star.

The Algeria international reportedly handed in a transfer request on Tuesday as interest from the Etihad Stadium intensified. 

But the Foxes are standing firm, having already rejected a deal worth £50m for Mahrez. 


Madrid offer €35m plus Kovacic for Paredes


Leandro Paredes ArgentinaGetty Images

Real Madrid have made a €35 million offer for Zenit St Petersburg star Leandro Paredes, says Argentine newspaper El Clarin.

The 23-year-old Argentine midfielder has attracted interest from Juventus since impressing in Russia after making a €27m move from Roma last summer 

Madrid have offered a big fee plus Mateo Kovacic in exchange for Paredes, but the former is apparently hesitant to move to Russia.


Griezmann tops Barca list 


Antoine Griezmann Atletico MadridGetty Images

Barcelona have made Antoine Griezmann their top transfer target for the summer as they grow concerned over the strength of their European rivals, Mundo Deportivo reports.

The Catalan side are already making plans for future transfer windows and dream of pairing France star Griezmann with Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Ousmane Dembele and Philippe Coutinho, but will have a tough time convincing Atletico Madrid to let him go.

But with the likes of Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City set to continue adding to their squads for next season, Barca are hoping to lure more big names to Camp Nou.


Bayern enter Pulisic picture


Christian Pulisic Borussia DortmundGetty Images

Bayern Munich have identified Christian Pulisic as a potential replacement for Franck Ribery or Arjen Robben but face tough competition to sign him, Sport Bild reports.

The German side could lose one of their star wingers at the end of the season as their contracts are yet to be renewed, and see United States international Pulisic as a good option to boost their attack.

But Borussia Dortmund have already set a price of €45 million for the 19-year-old and do not want to sell him, but he has already attracted interest from Manchester United.


'Auba-Giroud saga to be decided Wednesday'


Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has insisted the club will have to wait until transfer deadline day to find out what happens with Olivier Giroud and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Giroud may have played his final game with the Gunners as a Chelsea move beckons, with Aubameyang tipped to complete his own transfer from Borussia Dortmund.

"It's a possibility. All that will be decided tomorrow morning," Wenger told Sky Sports when asked if the Swansea game was Giroud's farewell appearance for the club.

"We will inform you once that is more definite."

Read the full story here!


Neymar upset with Lucas leaving PSG


Lucas Moura Paris Saint-Germain PSGGetty

Neymar said he is saddened by Lucas Moura's imminent move to Tottenham, insisting his underused Brazilian counterpart should not be allowed to leave Paris Saint-Germain.

Lucas is poised to join Premier League side Tottenham – where former PSG full-back Serge Aurier calls home – due to a lack of playing time in Paris.

"I think it's very unfair. He is my brother in football. I wish him the best. Whatever the destination, I hope he will score a lot and he will return to the Brazilian national team."

Read the full story here!


Bartra leaves BVB for Real Betis


Marc Bartra Borussia DortmundGetty

Real Betis have signed defender Marc Bartra from Borussia Dortmund for an undisclosed fee.

Dortmund confirmed on Tuesday that the Spain international centre-back had returned to La Liga to join Betis, where he has signed a five-and-a-half-year deal.

Read the full story here


America resumes interest in signing Bacca


Carlos Bacca AC MilanGetty

Club America is once again in talks with AC Milan about signing Colombian forward Carlos Bacca, according to ESPN Mexico.

For the deal to work, according to the report, Las Aguilas would have to sell Bacca's compatriot Darwin Quintero.

There have been talks about the winger joining MLS but nothing concrete as of Tuesday afternoon.  


Galaxy boss not ruling out Ibra move


Zlatan Ibrahimovic Manchester UnitedOli Scarff

LA Galaxy head coach Sigi Schmid has said that his club could possibly make a move for Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. 

The Galaxy have been strongly linked with a move for the 36-year-old in recent days, with Ibrahimovic's contract set to expire at the end of the current season. 

Read what Schmid had to say right here


Everton's Sandro joins Sevilla on loan


Sandro Ramirez Everton 2017Getty Images

Everton forward Sandro Ramirez is to join Sevilla on loan for the rest of the season subject to a medical, the Toffees have confirmed.

Sandro scored 16 goals in 32 appearances for Malaga last season, prompting Everton to snap up the Spaniard as part of a heavy close-season recruitment drive.

Read the full story here!


Roma move for Man Utd's Blind


Daley Blind Manchester UnitedGetty Images

Roma have entered talks with Manchester United over the signing of Daley Blind, according to GianlucaDiMarzio.com.

After confirming the sale of Emerson, the Italians are in the market for a replacement defender. 

And the versatile Netherlands international would appear to fit the bill, while he is open for a move after struggling to make an impact at Old Trafford this season. 


Real Madrid bow out of transfer window


Zinedine Zidane Real MadridGetty Images

Real Madrid have decided to retire from the transfer market in January without making a single signing, according to Marca.

Athletic goalkeeper Kepa appeared the most concrete target at the Bernabeu, but any potential interest from the club was ended when he signed a new contract with the Basques. 

And despite links with the likes of Eden Hazard, Mauro Icardi and Alexis Sanchez, Zinedine Zidane looks set to end January with exactly the same squad.


Chelsea agree £18m Giroud fee


Olivier Giroud ChelseaGetty/Goal

Chelsea have come to an agreement with Arsenal over the sale of forward Olivier Giroud, Goal understands.

Chelsea have been able to convince Arsenal to sell Giroud to them with Dortmund needing a replacement before sanctioning the sale of Aubameyang.

Dortmund have earmarked Michy Batshuayi, who will now be able to make a loan move to Germany to replace the Gabon international. 

Read more here!


Pep doesn't deny Mahrez interest


Riyad Mahrez, Leicester CityGetty

Pep Guardiola did not deny an interest in Riyad Mahrez amid widespread reports Manchester City are keen to tie up a blockbuster deal for the Leicester City winger ahead of Wednesday's transfer deadline.

City completed a £57 million swoop for Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte on Tuesday, but the 23-year-old French centre-back might swiftly lose his status as the club's record signing, with the Premier League leaders testing Leicester's resolve over Mahrez.

Goal understands that City have launched an audacious £60 million move to sign the Algerian winger

Read the Man City boss' full comments here!


Klopp won't confirm Can's future


Emre Can LiverpoolGetty Images

Jurgen Klopp has no concerns over uncertainty regarding Emre Can's future so long as the Germany international keeps turning in match-winning performances for Liverpool.

"If he goes we shake hands and say goodbye and if he stays we shake hands and say hello again."

Read more here!


Mata signs new Man United deal


Juan Mata 2017Getty Images

Manchester United have triggered a clause in Juan Mata's contract, extending his stay at Old Trafford by an extra year until June 2019.

Mata's deal was due to expire at end of the season, but the Red Devils have opted to activate their option to prolong his stay by a further 12 months.

Read more here!


Barcelona sign Arsenal youngster


Marcus McGuane, Arsenal, EnglandGetty Images

Marcus McGuane has joined Barcelona from Arsenal for an undisclosed fee, the Premier League club have confirmed.

The 18-year-old has completed a medical in Spain and signed a five-year contract that includes a release clause of €25 million.

Read more here!


Chelsea complete Emerson signing


Emerson RomaGetty Images

Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Roma left-back Emerson, who signed a four and a half year deal on Tuesday.

The Brazilian, 23, was installed as a top transfer priority at Stamford Bridge in January after interest in Juventus' Alex Sandro cooled. 

And he has finally been announced as the Blues' second signing of the window after Ross Barkley, in a deal Roma claim is worth £17.5 million as well as a possible £7.8m in add-ons.

Read the full story on Goal!


Debuchy to join Saint-Etienne


Mathieu Debuchy Arsenal BournemouthGetty

Arsenal will allow Mathieu Debuchy to join Saint-Etienne on a free transfer, according to L'Equipe.

The defender will be released from his Arsenal contract and allowed to move to the French side this winter. 


Vidal set for Barca stay


Aleix Vidal Barcelona 2017Getty Images

Aleix Vidal looks set to stay at Barcelona this transfer window after failing to agree terms with Roma, reports Mundo Deportivo.

The versatile defender/midfielder was linked with the Italian club throughout the January transfer window, as he sought out regular first-team football. 

But Vidal is not prepared to take a pay cut in order to move to Serie A, leading to a cooling of interest from the Eternal City. 


Icardi's head turned by Madrid


Mauro Icardi InterGetty Images

Real Madrid are tracking Inter captain Mauro Icardi and the striker is interested in a move to the Santiago Bernabeu, according to Argentina head coach Jorge Sampaoli.

"I know that Real Madrid are following him closely. He is also a little tempted by Real Madrid," Sampaoli said of the 24-year-old.

Read the full story on Goal!


Dortmund snap up teenager from Barca


Sergio Gomez Spain U17FIFA.com/Getty

Borussia Dortmund have signed Spain youth international Sergio Gomez from Barcelona.

The 17-year-old playmaker departs La Masia after starring at last summer's U-17 World Cup, where he scored twice in a final defeat to England. 

Read the full story on Goal!


Arsenal unlikely to pay Evans fee


Jonny Evans Roberto Firmino West Brom Liverpool FA CupAlex Livesey

Arsenal are not interested in meeting West Brom’s £25m valuation of Jonny Evans, likely ending any possibility of a deal, according to Daily Star.

The 30-year-old centre-back has a clause in his contract that allows him to leave the Baggies for £3m in the summer if they are relegated, and the Gunners would prefer to wait to see if that opportunity arises.


Southampton's Promes bid rejected


HD Quincy Promes Spartak MoscowGetty Images

Southampton have seen a £25 million offer for Quincy Promes rejected by Spartak Moscow, according to Sky Sports.

Promes, 26, is coveted at St. Mary's as part of a wider plan to strengthen the Saints' attack, with the club having already landed Guido Carrillo from Monaco this window.


Man City complete Laporte deal


Aymeric Laporte Athletic ClubGetty Images

Manchester City have completed a €65 million deal to sign Athletic defender Aymeric Laporte.

The 23-year-old centre-back has signed a five-and-a-half-year deal at the Etihad Stadium, and will wear the No. 14 shirt at his new club. 

Read more here!


Aubameyang on stand-by ahead of Arsenal move


Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Borussia DortmundGetty Images

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has boarded a private jet to the UK as his move to Arsenal edges closer, Goal understands.

The 28-year-old, who is expected to take the number 14 shirt previously worn by Thierry Henry and Theo Walcott, was videoed arriving at Dortmund Airport with his family on Tuesday afternoon.

Read more here!


Man City launch Mahrez bid


Riyad Mahrez Leicester City WatfordGetty

Manchester City have launched an audacious £60 million move to sign Riyad Mahrez from Leicester City before Wednesday's transfer deadline, Goal understands.

Mahrez's name was first reported by a British national newspaper on Tuesday lunchtime and Goal can confirm that City are working hard to strike a shock deal for the Algerian.

City insiders believe that any possible move will be extremely difficult to conclude, but feel that their chances would be boosted significantly if Mahrez forces the issue and demands that Leicester sell him.

Read more here!


Madrid to offer Varane in Courtois bid


Thibaut CourtoisGetty Images

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is ready to offer Raphael Varane in part-exchange for Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, claims Don Balon .

Perez wants to sign a new keeper in the summer and feels Courtois is more attainable than Manchester United No.1 David de Gea.

Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in Courtois, but Perez hopes including Varane in any deal will help Madrid to win the chase for the Belgium international.


Mourinho hopes for new Fellaini deal


Marouane Fellaini Manchester UnitedGetty

Manchester United remain hopeful that Marouane Fellaini will sign a new contract, with Jose Mourinho eager to keep the versatile Belgian.

The 30-year-old midfielder has entered the final six months of his current deal , meaning that he is free to speak with any interested parties outside of England.

Galatasaray, Besiktas and Paris Saint-Germain have been mentioned as possible suitors of Fellaini.

Read the full story on Goal right here!


Newcastle want Mangala on loan


Eliaquim Mangala Manchester CityGetty Images

Newcastle United want to sign Manchester City defender Eliaquim Mangala on loan before the transfer deadline, reports the Daily Mail .

Mangala was a target for Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez last summer and could be allowed to leave City once the deal for Aymeric Laporte is completed.

The Magpies are likely to have to pay the majority of Mangala’s £80,000-a-week wages, if they want to get a deal done before the transfer window closes.


West Brom in Schurrle loan talks


HD Andre Schurrle DortmundGetty Images

West Brom are aiming to follow up the signing of Daniel Sturridge with a deal for Borussia Dortmund forward Andre Schurrle, reports Teamtalk .

Sturridge joined West Brom on loan from Liverpool on Monday and the club are now in talks with Dortmund over a temporary move for Schurrle.

The former Chelsea attacker has also been linked with the likes of Newcastle and West Ham, with Dortmund prepared to let him leave before the January transfer window closes.


Icardi in cryptic 'goodbye' post


Mauro Icardi InterGetty Images

Inter striker Mauro Icardi, amid links to Real Madrid, has cast doubt over his future and that of Marcelo Brozovic with a “goodbye” post on social media.

The Argentina international is among those to have registered on the Santiago Bernabeu transfer radar this season as the Blancos prepare to freshen up their ranks.

Icardi has been mooted as a top target, having netted 18 times for Inter this term, and the 24-year-old has fanned the transfer flames with a message on Instagram which read: “To say goodbye is to grow.”

Read the full story on Goal right here!


Benzema rejects two offers to leave Madrid


Karim Benzema, Real Madrid

Karim Benzema has rejected two offers to leave Real Madrid, Don Balon reports.

Florentino Perez is eager to shake up his squad, with the entire forward line marked for replacement as the president looks to get the Spanish capital side back in form.

Benzema's refusal to move on, however, coupled with the difficulty of trying to sell Cristiano Ronaldo, has left the 70-year-old in a difficult position.


Cristante keeps Man Utd door open


Bryan Cristante - Atalanta

On-loan Atalanta midfielder Bryan Cristante has refused to rule out a summer move to the Premier League amid talk of interest from Manchester United.

The 23-year-old has emerged as one of the most promising talents in Italian football, with a senior international debut made in October 2017, and has previously expressed a desire to test himself in England.

Read the full story on Goal.


Real Madrid won't sign Icardi in January


Mauro Icardi InterGetty Images

Real Madrid will not be bringing in Inter forward Mauro Icardi in the January transfer window, Onda Cero  reports.

The Argentine was apparently attracting interest from Zinedine Zidane's side, with Los Blancos set to make a mega bid, although that is apparently not now going to happen.


Arsenal & Liverpool dealt Lemar blow


Thomas Lemar Monaco 2017Getty Images

Arsenal and Liverpool have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Monaco midfielder Thomas Lemar.

Both Premier League clubs remain keen on the France international, but despite him missing Monaco's last two matches with a mystery injury, the Ligue 1 champions insist he is not for sale during the January window.

Read the full story on Goal!


Chelsea won't sell Hazard to Man City


Eden Hazard ChelseaGetty Images

Chelsea have ruled out any possibility of allowing Eden Hazard to join Manchester City as interest from the Premier League leaders emerges, The Telegraph reports.

Goal understands City are hoping to beat Real Madrid to the signing of the Belgium international , with Pep Guardiola's men linked to a £100 million move for him.

However, Chelsea are said to have no interest in letting their star man join their domestic rivals and would even refuse a world record offer from City. 


Arsenal consider €50m Carrasco move


Yannick Ferreira Carrasco Atletico Madrid 2017Getty

Arsenal are considering a €50 million move for Atletico Madrid winger Yannick Carrasco this summer, according to Mundo Deportivo .

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger reportedly was impressed by Carrasco during Monaco's Champions League triumph over Arsenal in 2015 and is willing to splash the cash on the Belgium international.


Barca confident in Arthur approach


Arthur Gremio

Barcelona have made an official approach for Gremio star Arthur and expect to conclude negotiations soon over a summer move, UOL reports.

The 21-year-old midfielder has been linked with several top sides in Europe, including Real Madrid, Chelsea and AC Milan, but it is the Catalan side who have moved first to sign him.

Barca representative Andre Cury met with the club's directors and the player's agent in Brazil and further talks are set to take place, with the Spanish giants said to be offering €30 million, which is €10m under Gremio's asking price.


Beckham wants Zlatan to stay at Man Utd


Zlatan Ibrahimovic David Beckham PSGKenzo Tribouillard

David Beckham wants Zlatan Ibrahimovic to stay at Manchester United amid reported interest from the LA Galaxy.

"No matter how you talk about him, he's one of the best players, one of the best people, and if he comes to this league at some point it would be great," Beckham told ESPN . "But at the moment he's a Manchester United player and I'm happy about that, and I want him to stay there. But at some point he might come here."

Read the full story here on Goal!


Barca to rival Madrid for Skriniar signing


Milan Skriniar InterGetty Images

Barcelona will enter a battle with Real Madrid for the signing of Inter defender Milan Skriniar, according to Don Balon .

The centre-back has been a star in the Inter defence this season after impressing for Sampdoria last term, prompting Madrid to highlight him as a top target.

But Barcelona are hoping to hinder their rivals' hopes of landing the 22-year-old.


Man Utd & Barca monitor Monaco prospect


Jose Mourinho Manchester United

Manchester United, Manchester City and Barcelona are among the clubs monitoring Monaco prospect Benoit Badiashile, according to Foot Mercato .

The Red Devils are said to have already made an offer last summer for the 16-year-old centre-back, who has also drawn interest from Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig.


Lucas travels to London complete Spurs move


Lucas Moura PSGGetty Images

Paris Saint-Germain winger Lucas Moura is travelling to London to complete a £25 million move to Tottenham, Goal understands.

The winger is not in PSG boss Unai Emery’s plans, with the manager telling the attacker to find a new club due to lack of available playing time.

While Manchester United and Arsenal have been linked with a move, Lucas is headed to London to undergo a medical at Spurs that will take place Tuesday.

Read the full story on Goal!

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