Saturday 16 December 2017 11:43, UK
The winter transfer window does not open until January 1, but clubs across Europe are busy planning and tentative negotiations will have begun in preparation.
Our friends at Football Whispers have scoured the European newspapers and websites to bring you the latest transfer gossip and news from the continent.
Zinedine Zidane has called Real Madrid transfer target Mo Salah a "great player" who is continuously improving. The Egyptian has starred since moving to Liverpool from Roma in the summer and that has led to reports Real are considering a big-money move for the 25-year-old. (Marca)
Diego Maradona says he urged Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to sign Kylian Mbappe before the youngster moved from Monaco to PSG. However, the Argentine legend claims Perez said: "But you know I have Cristiano.'" (AS)
Barcelona have made Villarreal midfielder Rodrigo Hernández a key target for next summer's transfer window, but face competition from Atletico Madrid. The 21-year-old midfielder has started all 15 of Villarreal's La Liga fixtures this season and currently has a €20m buyout clause in his contract. (AS)
Real Madrid are considering rivalling Barcelona in the race to sign Gremio starlet Arthur. The midfielder has a €50m release clause and has already been pictured wearing a Barca shirt. (Marca)
Barcelona will look to complete a January deal for Palmeiras centre-back Yerry Mina if Javier Mascherano seals a move to Chinese Super League side Hebei China Fortune. (Mundo Deportivo)
Andres Iniesta has been offered several lucrative contracts to leave Barcelona for China but the Barca skipper has turned them all down. (Mundo Deportivo)
Liverpool and Tottenham have been told to stump up £53m to sign Fiorentina star Federico Chiesa. The 20-year-old has impressed this season for the Viola this season, scoring four goals and assisting three in 16 appearances. (La Stampa)
Napoli have offered €20m for Atletico Madrid defender and supposed Liverpool transfer target Sime Vrsaljko. The bid is expected to be turned down by Atleti who will hold out for €25m. (Rai Sport)
Milan are prepared to offer Lucas Biglia to Fiorentina in January as part of a deal for Milan Badelj. Biglia has struggled since his €17m move to Milan from Lazio in the summer and the Rossoneri are prepared to cut their losses and give him up as part of a move for Croatian international Badelj. (La Nazione)
Juventus full-back Alex Sandro remains on Chelsea and Manchester City January wishlists and the Old Lady could replace him with Roma's Emerson Palmieri. A €20m offer is reportedly enough to seal Palmieri's signing. (La Stampa)
Bologna are weighing up a January move for out-of-favour Napoli midfielder Marko Rog. The Croatian has made just four starts since joining the club for €13m from Dinamo Zagreb in August 2016 and could be moved on next month. (Resta del Carlino)
Dietmar Hopp, who is the majority owner of Hoffenheim, says highly-coveted coach Julian Nagelsmann will see out his contract with the club.
The 30-year-old coach is wanted by both Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, but Hopp says: "Julian knows that we insist the contract we have with him is fulfilled. He will stay in Hoffenheim until June 30, 2019." (Kicker)
Arsenal are hoping to beat Real Madrid and Barcelona to the signing of Lyon star Nabil Fekir in January, and are willing to let the forward remain at the Ligue 1 side until the summer. (Le Foot)
Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich are keeping tabs on Marseille star - and former Newcastle United flop - Florian Thauvin. The winger has starred since his return to Ligue 1 and has nine goals and 11 assists in just 25 games this season. (L'Equipe)
Joao Mario, a reported Arsenal transfer target, is more likely to complete a January switch to PSG or Valencia. The versatile Inter Milan midfielder hasn't been a regular this season and wants guaranteed first-team football to secure his place in the Portugal side ahead of the World Cup. (A Bola)
