Transfer news: Man Utd medical 'set' as Arsenal ready to launch £45m striker bid

Good morning!

We've got a brand new blog up and running.

Come and join us.

Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher discussed Trent Alexander-Arnold’s performance against Manchester United after the right-back endured a tough afternoon at Anfield.

The England star was the subject of a bid from Real Madrid earlier in the week and is coming to the end of his contract at Anfield.

Neville told Sky Sports: “The bid from Real Madrid was bad timing for Trent Alexander-Arnold. If you've got that going into a big game - and him being a local lad too - that won't be easy having the distraction of all that noise. I think that will have unnerved him.

“You can imagine his agent, his family asking what is happening, all of that noise going on in his head. It will not have helped.”

And Carragher added: “Trent Alexander-Arnold was really poor. It couldn't have gone much worse for him.

“I expected him to put in a big performance, I thought United's system would play into his hands and he would have space to get his head up. Only he knows if the talk with Real Madrid has affected him.”

Manchester United star Jadon Sancho has told Red Devils chiefs that he’s perfectly happy at Stamford Bridge after joining Chelsea on loan at the start of the season.

The winger fell out of favour at Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag but appears to be enjoying his football once again in the capital.

And after teeing up Cole Palmer’s opening goal against Crystal Palace yesterday, Sancho explained: “I’ve felt really good [at Chelsea] since day one.

“The coach and the players have welcomed me and that’s all I can ask for. I’m taking it day by day and game by game. I’m very happy with my football. I just have to keep showing 100 per cent on the pitch.”

Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna has insisted his side need to sign a new striker this month.

The Tractor Boys claimed a point in a 2-2 draw with Fulham earlier, with Sammie Szmodics and Liam Delap netting for the visitors.

And speaking after the match, McKenna explained: “We want to add in the forward areas. We've missed George Hirst again for probably well over 50 per cent of our games so we've been heavily reliant on Liam.

“We need support in that area and want to add more goals for the squad if possible. But I'm pretty sure every club in world football would have the same sort of wish list in January.”

Chelsea midfielders Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Carney Chukwuemeka are being eyed up by West Ham this month, according to The Telegraph.

The two players have been starved of game time at Stamford Bridge this season, with West Ham aiming to bring in fresh faces following an underwhelming first half of the campaign.

Ipswich have confirmed the loan signing of centre-back Ben Godfrey from Atalanta. The 26-year-old has previously featured in 112 Premier League matches during spells with Norwich and Everton.

Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has been mocked by Roy Keane during the Reds’ Premier League showdown with Manchester United.

The England right-back was called out for his defensive frailties at half time, despite the fact Liverpool hadn’t conceded in the opening period.

Alexander-Arnold has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid in recent weeks, with his contract at Anfield set to expire in the summer.

But Keane insisted the 26-year-old would be sold to League Two club Tranmere Rovers instead.

“His defending - schoolboy stuff,” Keane told Sky Sports. “Talking about going to Real Madrid? He’ll be going to Tranmere Rovers after this.”

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford isn’t in today’s matchday squad for the Red Devils’ clash with Liverpool as he ill.

The England international is chasing a move away from Old Trafford, with AC Milan said to be interested in signing him on loan.

And discussing Rashford’s absence ahead of kick-off, United boss Ruben Amorim said: “Marcus Rashford is still ill, so he's not available for the game today.”

Manchester United defender Leny Yoro has been named on the bench for his side’s trip to Anfield this afternoon after being pursued by Liverpool last year.

The 19-year-old, who made his Ligue 1 debut for Lille at the age of 16, was chased by the likes of Liverpool, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain before completing his switch to Old Trafford.

But, according to The Athletic, the teenager wanted guarantees that he would be given regular football at Anfield, which the Merseyside giants were unwilling to do.

Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee has reportedly asked his representatives to find him a move away from Old Trafford.

CaughtOffside claim that the Dutchman was disappointed at his early substitution against Newcastle and is ready to cut ties, at least temporarily.

Zirkzee has instructed his agent to help him find a move back in Italy, which may require a loan rather than a permanent deal, with Juventus thought to be leading the race.

Southampton forward Ben Brereton Diaz is reportedly on his way out of the club, just a few months on from his £7million move from Sheffield United.

And TalkSPORT claim that the Chilean is returning to Chris Wilder's outfit in the Championship.

The move is being pushed by Wilder, with Sheffield United holding the option to sign Brereton Diaz permanently in the summer.

Kevin De Bruyne has refused to discuss the prospect of leaving Manchester City this season.

The Belgian's contract is up at the end of the campaign but when probed over his future, amid interest from Saudi Arabia and MLS, he replied: “Rumours on my future? I don't care. I'm just trying to get back to my level.

“I feel every week I'm getting better. I can play for 90 minutes now. It's been an uncomfortable couple of months with the injury.”

Frank Lampard wants former Arsenal centre-back Rob Holding to join him at Coventry.

That's according to The Sun, who claim that the head coach has attempted to persuade Holding to drop down into the Championship.

Holding has been completely frozen out by Crystal Palace this season under Oliver Glasner.

Fellow Palace fringe man Jeffrey Schlupp also could be on his way out of the door, with Blackburn interested in his services.

Victor Osimhen is reportedly keen on heading to Manchester United in January, ending his loan at Galatasaray.

Nigerian outlet Business Day claim that preliminary talks are underway and Osimhen has given his green light to head to Old Trafford.

There had been rumours about a potential loan swap with Marcus Rashford, which would see the England man go in the opposite direction to Napoli.

But the report states that a permanent move could take place instead, with Napoli willing to drop Osimhen's release clause from £74million to £62m to facilitate a transfer.

Mohamed Salah's agent, Ramy Abbas, is on Merseyside for talks over his client's future at Liverpool.

That's accord to the Liverpool Echo, who claim that Abbas is set to attend today's match with Manchester United if the fixture goes ahead.

Salah has cast doubt over his future at the club in various interviews as of late, but the two parties will sit down and discuss potential terms for a contract extension.

Napoli are reportedly ready to speak with Liverpool over the prospect of signing Federico Chiesa on loan.

The Italian winger has struggled to make an impact at Anfield since joining from Juventus in the summer.

Foot Mercato claim that Napoli have already opened negotiations with Chiesa's agent regarding a loan until the end of the season.

Chiesa is said to want to return to Italy but his wages are considered a problem, with the Reds told they would need to subsidise his salary in the case of any exit.

However, Liverpool met with Chiesa's agent and agreed to let him out on loan with the aim of returning to England next season.

Tottenham have announced the rumoured £12.5million signing of goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky from Slavia Praha.

The 21-year-old stopper has agreed a contract that will run until 2031 and he will wear the number 31 shirt.

Kinsky is not thought to be viewed as just a backup to Guglielmo Vicario, but instead someone who can challenge the Italian long-term.

Kinsky's first game could come against Liverpool on Wednesday in the Carabao Cup, if his international clearance and work permit are approved in time.

Marcus Rashford may have found an escape route in the form of AC Milan this month.

The Daily Mail claim that the Italian giants are weighing up whether or not to ask for Rashford on loan until the end of the season.

However, Manchester United ideally want to sell Rashford permanently for a £40million fee and have his wages covered.

The gap in valuations remains a significant stumbling block in ending Rashford's time at Old Trafford.

Arsenal and Tottenham are both said to be vying for the signature of £34million-rated midfielder Enzo Millot.

CaughtOffside claim that the Stuttgart star has impressed scouts from both north London clubs.

Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool are all thought to be monitoring his progress in the Bundesliga.

Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab have obtained the approval of the Financial Sustainability Committee to sign Martin Dubravka.

That's according to Saudi Arabian outlet Asharq Al-Awsat, who claim that the Magpies' Carabao Cup semi-final tie against Arsenal will be Dubravka's last for the club.

He has stepped in for the injured Nick Pope this season and Eddie Howe has cautioned any plans to sell Dubravka, but a deal is nearing completion.

Serie A side Torino are said to have made a £10million bid for Chelsea misfit Cesare Casadei.

The midfielder, who spent last season on loan at Leicester, has been unable to win a spot in Enzo Maresca's side.

Di Marzio claim that Chelsea are looking for a fee in the region of £16m with a buy-back inserted.

Liverpool have reportedly offered Trent Alexander-Arnold a new five-year contract worth £78million in total.

The Mirror claim that Alexander-Arnold would receive a weekly basic wage of approximately £300,000.

However, it is in the same region as Real Madrid's proposed offer, which also includes a hefty signing-on bonus.

Arsenal have suffered a blow in their reported hopes to sign Wolves forward Matheus Cunha.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Wolves have agreed a new contract with Cunha, which includes an improved salary.

The Brazilian has verbally agreed fresh terms and will sign once the documents are given the green light.

by Charlie Gordon

Sunderland have hit trouble in their attempt to offload unfancied striker Nazariy Rusyn. The Black Cats had high hopes for the 26-year-old upon signing him in 2023, straight off the back of a 13-goal season with Zorya Luhansk.

But Rusyn failed to settle last campaign and he has hardly played at all this term, with Regis Le Bris giving him just 65 minutes of action in the Championship.

Clubs in Ukraine are interested in signing Rusyn, although he has reservations about returning to his homeland amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.

The former Ukrainian youth international is set to be offered to teams elsewhere in Europe to get him playing again, with Belgium touted as a potential destination.

by Charlie Gordon

Tottenham are set to send highly-regarded midfielder Tyrese Hall out on loan this month. The 19-year-old has scored three goals and set up two more in Premier League 2, with club bosses eager to test him at senior level.

Spurs will be selective about where Hall ends up as they want him to get regular minutes for a second or third-tier team with a familiar playing style.

His exit will not be rushed and interested parties may have to wait until the latter stages of the window to get it done.

Hall signed a mega five-year contract at Tottenham last May but he has not had a sniff of first-team action under Ange Postecoglou this campaign.

by Charlie Gordon

Kelechi Iheanacho has been made available by Sevilla and English clubs are on high alert. The former Manchester City striker joined the Spanish outfit for free in July after his Leicester contract expired.

But the move has not worked out, with Iheanacho failing to register a goal or an assist in nine La Liga appearances this season. The 28-year-old signed a two-year contract but Sevilla are already looking for a way out this winter as they search for a loan exit with an option to buy.

English clubs have made enquiries for Iheanacho, who has admirers in Greece, Turkey and the USA. Egyptian giants Al Ahly are also in the hunt.

Liverpool are reportedly considering a swoop for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson.

According to The Sun, Arne Slot is tracking the 22-year-old, sending scouts to watch his last six matches.

He is said to have generated rave reviews as part of a fine maiden season at the City Ground after his £35m switch from Newcastle in the summer.

His performances have helped Forest to third in the Premier League after 19 games.

Former Everton defender Ben Godfrey is set to return to the Premier League with Ipswich Town.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Ipswich have agreed a deal to sign Godfrey on loan from Atalanta until the end of the season.

The 26-year-old is said to have completed the first stage of his medical today.

Juventus have reportedly emerged as shock candidates to sign Manchester United left-back Tyrell Malacia this month.

According to the Daily Star, the Italian giants have identified Malacia as an ideal replacement for Danilo.

Juve are said to be desperate to bolster Thiago Motta's squad in the January transfer window as they sit sixth in the Serie A.

And they could offer Malacia an escape route in an initial loan deal with the view of making it permanent this summer.

Former Manchester United assistant Rene Meulensteen has sent Ruben Amorim seven demands to become a success as the club's head coach.

"First of all, he needs to rebuild or re-establish a really strong culture and an identity, a playing identity on the pitch that people can resonate with," Meulensteen told Express Sport with Instant Casino.

"I really do think that nobody ever will come close to replicating Sir Alex Ferguson and what he's done.

"But what you just want is to bring Man United back into a successful period, which means consistency, challenging for Premier League titles again and doing really well in the Champions League.

"Playing an attractive and attacking style of football, which is the hardest combination to get, and successfully bringing through young players.

"Because United have got a lot of young players obviously waiting in the wings, and I want to see how they can implement that.

"But that is also difficult, like I said because the demands of the Premier League are so high. But that's it. Basically, he needs to just start winning games and start challenging for titles again.

"And I think the only way to get close to or be linked with Sir Alex Ferguson is winning the Premier League again.

"And then you have to stay up there, do it again, just not winning it once, and then falling back again. But you have to, and we all know how hard it is."

Liverpool aren't ready to cash in on Ben Doak for less than £30million, according to reports.

Crystal Palace are said to have made a £15m bid for the 19-year-old winger, who is currently shining on loan at Championship club Middlesbrough.

The Indepedent claim that Liverpool believe Doak can play for them in the future and won't sell him if their asking price isn't met.

Reports out of Italy are claiming that Joshua Zirkzee wants to leave Manchester United this month.

After coming off the pitch in tears against Newcastle, Zirkzee wants to return to Italy and play for Thiago Motta again - at Juventus.

That's according to La Gazetta dello Sport, who say that Zirkzee wants to move somewhere and be considered a starter.

United are open to letting Zirkzee leave on loan with an obligation to buy, but Juventus are currently insisting on a dry loan or an option to purchase.

Following long-term injuries to Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca admitted that January additions may be needed.

There had been speculation that a low-cost option could come by recalling Trevoh Chalobah from his loan at Crystal Palace.

Chalobah has impressed under Oliver Glasner and ineligible to compete against his parent club today, will be considered a big miss for the Eagles.

However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims that there is no option for Chelsea to recall Chalobah from his loan this season. He will see out the campaign with Palace.

Ipswich are closing in on a move to sign former Everton defender Ben Godfrey this month.

Godfrey, who joined Atalanta in the summer, has made just five Serie A appearances and is keen to play regularly.

The Daily Mail claim that Ipswich have beaten Wolves to sign the two-cap England international, who will join on loan for the remainder of the campaign.

Liverpool have reportedly scouted Elliott Anderson in each of Nottingham Forest's last six matches, with a view to signing the midfielder.

Anderson only joined the club last summer from Newcastle, but he has spearheaded a top-four charge and impressed the Reds among others.

Arne Slot's outfit have put themselves in a position to be at the front of the queue if Forest opt to cash in on the England hopeful either in January or at the end of the season.

Paris Saint-Germain wing-back Nuno Mendes is reportedly ready to join Manchester United either in January or the summer.

Portuguese outlet Correio da Manha claim that the defender has given the green light to a move to Old Trafford.

He wants his girlfriend to join him and she is already considering 'packing her bags' for Manchester, indicating that a deal could be completed sooner rather than later.

Tottenham are reportedly putting the final touches on a £12.5million move to sign goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky.

Di Marzio claim that Spurs are on the verge of signing the Slavia Prague stopper after injury to Guglielmo Vicario.

There will also be add-ons and a sell-on clause but Ange Postecoglou is closing in on his first January transfer.

Manchester City are reportedly attempting to bolster their attacking and midfield options through two signings this month.

The Daily Mail claim that Atalanta midfielder Ederson has been identified as a replacement for the sorely-missed Rodri.

While Eintracht Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush has been targeted in a bid to ease the offensive burden on Erling Haaland.

Tottenham are reportedly set to battle Manchester City for the chance to sign Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov.

Pep Guardiola's outfit had thought to be frontrunners to sign the 20-year-old, but CaughtOffside claim that Spurs are entering the race.

Ange Postecoglou is desperate for centre-back cover following injuries to Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Ben Davies this season.

Khusanov is thought to be valued in the region of £15million, with Newcastle and Wolves also said to hold an interest in the Uzbekistan international.

Napoli are showing concrete interest in Marcus Rashford and may offer Victor Osimhen in a potential swap deal.

TalkSPORT claim that Osimhen, who has been sent out on loan to Galatasaray, can be recalled in January and sent elsewhere.

That may end up being Old Trafford, though Manchester United may need to subsidise Rashford's wages should he complete a move to Naples.

Arsenal and Aston Villa are both ready to launch £45million bids for Atalanta striker Mateo Retegui.

That's according to Italian outlet La Repubblica, who claim that the Premier League duo are 'serious' about signing the Italy international.

There is interest that could wait until the summer, however, as Retegui picked up a hamstring injury last month and has been sidelined.

Manchester United have reportedly set a medical before formally completing the signing of Cerro Porteno youngster Diego Leon.

The Manchester Evening News claims that Leon is due to fly to Manchester in order to complete fitness tests and sign on the dotted line.

The Paraguayan wonderkid turns 18 in April and is expected to join up with the club officially in the summer.

Hello and welcome to Express Sport's live coverage of the transfer window, where we will be bringing you all the latest news and updates from the Premier League and across Europe.