Spanish giants FC Barcelona’s Gambian youngster Alasana Manneh has finalised a transfer to Bulgaria. Seeking playing time is reason for his move to the Bulgarian Super League having seen that difficult to attain in Spain.
Aalasana Manneh (file photo). Photo: Victor Salgado/FC Barcelona
The 19-year-old defensive midfielder effected the switch from Barcelona’s B team after terminating his initial season-long loan at Spanish third tier side CE Sabadell.
Manneh now joins struggling Bulgarian first tier team Etar under coach Ivan Vutov’s tutelage.
A member of the Scorpions experimental side that sashayed over Morocco’s CHAN team in a friendly match in November, the Gambian was a sensation with Barca’s reserves.
His strides there prompted his sending away to Sabadell where he ironically had his playing time limited to just two appearances with a single goal.
A one-time trialist at Schalke 04, Manneh now eyes for a drastic change of fortunes in his affairs and hopes to seek it via new side Etar on a loan spell.
City met release clause in central defender’s contract
Transfer fee outstrips amount paid for Kevin De Bruyne
Aymeric Laporte has joined Manchester City from Athletic Bilbao. Photo: Vincent West/Reuters
Manchester City have signed the central defender Aymeric Laporte from Athletic Bilbao.
The Premier League leaders met the 23-year-old’s £57.2m release clause last week in a deal which makes him City’s record signing. They paid £55m for Kevin De Bruyne in 2015.
Laporte has been with Athletic since 2012. He has played for various of France’s age-group teams and was called into the senior squad last year but did not get game time.
“I am very happy to be here,” said Laporte. “City are a club with a lot of ambition and they are one of the best teams in Europe. I am looking forward to working under Pep Guardiola and trying to help the club to achieve success. It means a lot that the club have shown faith in me and I am excited to get started.”
Laporte, who has agreed a deal to join City until 2023, becomes Pep Guardiola’s sixth signing of the season.
“We have assessed defensive options and he is a player we have admired for a long time,” said Txiki Begiristain, City’s director of football. “With his quality and ability to play out from the back, we feel Aymeric will fit in perfectly with Pep Guardiola’s playing style.”
Arsenal have unveiled new signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Photo: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
14:25′ Reports that Mesut Özil rejected an offer from PSG to sign his new Arsenal contract. The club have still not made that official but it seems like only a matter of time now. Meanwhile, Samir Nasri has terminated his contract with immediate contract with Antalyaspor, according to BeINSports. He is now a free agent and only 30. Any takers?
14:23′ One from the Championship now and Leeds have signed young striker Tyler Roberts from West Brom on a four-and-a-half year deal. The 19-year-old Wales Under 21 international has scored five goals on loan at Walsall this season.
Leeds United complete the signing of striker Tyler Roberts from West Brom on a four-and-a-half year deal. Undisclosed fee, believed to be £2.5m. #lufcpic.twitter.com/mzIT7sdCal
14:22′Done deal klaxon: Newcastle United winger Rolando Aarons, who started his career at Bristol City, is going on an Italian adventure. The 22-year-old has signed a loan deal with Serie A outfit Hellas Verona. It’s a nice city, to be fair. Home to the Casa di Giulietta, where Romeo promised his beloved Juliet eternal love in Shakespeare’s famous tragedy.
13:41′Here’s an interesting done deal: Manchester City’s 19-year-old midfielder, Jacob Davenport, has signed on loan at Burton Albion until the end of the season. Davenport was named their best young player in 2016, and formerly captained their Under-18s side. “He’s highly-rated by Pep Guardiola and you won’t get a better endorsement than that,” Nigel Clough, the Championship club’s manager, said.
13:35′Reports that Swansea City and Leicester City are in talks over a loan move for Andy King. That feels left-field but could be a shrewd addition. Meanwhile, Newcastle are edging close to signing Martin Dubravka, with the Sparta Prague goalkeeper set to undergo a medical in the north-east this afternoon.
13:35′ Now this is big news. Reports from the reliable David Ornstein that Mesut Özil has signed a new contract with Arsenal…! What a day to be a Gooner.
13:35′ Looks like being a quiet day in the the half of north London apart from the deal to sign Lucas Moura for £25m. That is expected to be confirmed by Tottenham imminently but an approach to sign André Gomes from Barcelona on loan has reportedly hit the buffers. What are your thoughts Spurs fans?
13:34′ Leicester City are bracing themselves for another complicated and fraught deadline day, with Manchester City’s pursuit of Riyad Mahrez threatening to cause no end of problems. Mahrez has submitted a transfer request and is determined to join City. He has been restless at Leicester for a long time – he spent the previous deadline day at an airport and this is the second transfer request he has handed in at the club.
Leicester, however, are unhappy with City’s decision to make a move for Mahrez so late in the window and for starting the conversation over the fee at such a low level. It is understood that £45m was the first figure mentioned. Needless to say, it was dismissed out of hand. City are prepared to pay more for Mahrez but the big question is whether they will get close to Leicester’s valuation, which is likely to be north of £60m. Leicester point to the fees that have been paid elsewhere in this window – not least in relation to Coutinho and Van Dijk – to justify that sort of price tag.
From Leicester’s point of view, there is an uncomfortable sense of deju vu about all of this, given that Danny Drinkwater was pushing for a move to Chelsea on deadline day in the summer. On that occasion Leicester had a replacement lined up in the form of Adrien Silva – albeit they failed to get the paperwork done in time. This time, however, there is no contingency plan in place for Mahrez’s departure, which is another reason why they are reluctant to do business. The fallout, however, could be interesting to say the least if Mahrez fails to get his move.
13:34′ There was a lot of noise about Danny Ings leaving Anfield this month but Jürgen Klopp says he is staying put for now. Unless someone has a cunning plan that is….
“It would be funny if somebody calls about Ingsy – I would love to respond: No chance!” he said earlier. “We will see what happens but there is no chance that Ingsy is on the market – only if I’m unconscious. Maybe something happens. It’s clear who is a little bit (available).”
13:33′ There’s quite a few other bits and bobs going on today which we should mention. We will bring you news as and when it happens.
Watford are expcted to complete the signing of Didier Ndong from Sunderland on loan. The Gabon midfielder is having a medical today.
Badou Ndiaye has passed his medical and is now expected to join Stoke for £15m.
Wigan have turned down an undisclosed bid from Brighton for midfielder Nick Powell.
Lucas Moura has completed his medical ahead of his move from Paris Saint-Germain to Tottenham.
13:33′ Some reports that Palace have agreed a £9m fee for Norway striker Alexander Sorloth of FC Midtjylland but we understand that is not the case just yet. Palace had shown an interest in Preston’s Jordan Hugill as well although have yet to increase their £6m offer. Watch this space…
13:32′An update on Giroud from our Italian maestro Fabrizio Romano now and it seems like only a matter of time before his move to Chelsea is rubber-stamped…
…and Giroud agent is in London to finalize agreement with Chelsea! Here we go ✔️🔵 #transfers#CFC#Chelsea#AFC
13:31′ Right onto some more of your correspondence. We’re getting a lot of concerned Newcastle fans making contact and it seems they just cannot understand what is happening.
“Following the liveblog all the way from windy Australia, and a question: what exactly is Ashley’s strategy at Newcastle? Like, what is the plan?” asks Scott Lowe. “Why not spend the extra 5 mill (which is nothing in the Premier League) and get the striker Rafa wants and maybe avoid a third relegation?”
@magicdarts is similarly bemused…
13:31′ A good stat doing the rounds on Aubameyang – he has scored 100 goals for Dortumnd since the start of 2015-16 season, 45 more goals than any player has scored for Arsenal in this period. Eat that Olivier!
Since you are here
We want to make Africa a better, fairer place. We want to keep the powerful honest. And we believe that doing so means keeping society informed by producing quality, independent and all round journalism, which discovers and tells readers the truth from all sides.
But it’s difficult and expensive work. While more people want to read Bloomgist and get informed with the latest around them, it is difficult reaching them due to financial challenges to advertise and send stories to more people.
So if you read us, if you like us, if you value our perspective – then become a Supporter and help make our future more secure.
You can support our project by joining our supporters club or by placing advert on The Bloomgist and reaching our large and fast growing African audience seeking for new ways to better their lives and getting quality information.
Visit our advert page to see why advertising with Bloomgist gives you an edge over your competitors.
13:30′ Manchester United are yet to offer Luke Shaw fresh terms on the left-back’s contract that expires in summer 2019 and which does not contain any extensions that can be triggered by the club. Shaw is content at United and has no wish to leave Old Trafford, it is understood, having signed for five years in summer 2014 on a salary that made him then the world’s highest paid teenager. As Shaw is still only 22 it is a surprise United have yet not tied him to a new agreement. It is usual practise to secure any player with a lucrative sell-on value at least two years before his contract ends to protect the club’s asset.
Shaw has recently fought his way back into José Mourinho’s first-team plans, starting nine of United’s last 13 games having previously struggled to be selected in the 18-man match-day squad. However the 22-year-old remains second choice to Ashley Young, who was injured for the five Premier League matches in the sequence.
Mourinho also offered a mixed message by describing Shaw as one of the best left-backs currently playing then dropping him for the next match at Burnley on 20 January, the manager again preferring Young.
United have moved recently to tie up those players Mourinho values, with Juan Mata’s one-year extension triggered on Tuesday. Scott McTominay, who is a year younger than Shaw, and Angel Gomes, 17, also signed fresh deals with the club in the autumn.
13:30′ Looks like Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc couldn’t resist a parting shot at Aubameyang: “Apart from the unpleasant episodes in the past few weeks we would like to remember that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at BVB was a real success story. In this team he performed superbly for Borussia Dortmund and scored many important goals and was part of the team that won the German Cup in 2017. We wish Pierre-Emerick all the best for his future at Arsenal.”
13:29′ And now Arsenal have confirmed it. Aubameyang is a Gooner
13:27′West Ham’s hopes of getting Islam Slimani fading. Seems Leicester aren’t keen on doing business with them. Newcastle are in pole position, although he is likely to be out for two weeks with a thigh injury.
13:26′ Batshuayi has Dortmund medical
And now here’s some concrete evidence of Batshuayi having his Dortmund medical. It’s on…
13:26′According to well-connected French news outlet RMC, Michy Batshuayi has arrived in Dortmund to complete his transfer from Chelsea. He is expected to have a medical once permission is granted, with a loan until the end of the season that could yet include an option to buy. Once that is sorted, it will kick off what they describe as “un jeu de chaises musicales” (a game of musical chairs) that should see Aubameyang move to Arsenal and Giroudjoin Chelsea.
13:25′ Some news from Turkey now, where Galatasaray have been making moves. Japan defender Yuto Nagatomo has arrived in Istanbul to complete his move from Internazionale, while young Belgium prospect Samuel Bastien is expected to join on loan from Chievo.
13:24′ Looks like Palace’s frustrating window is going to continue. The BBC reporting a move for Martin Polacek will not go ahead.
Told Lubin goalkeeper Martin Polaček move to Crystal Palace is off ! Player was expected to sign today. Club looking at alternative. #CPFC
13:24′ Some injury news that is just emerging which may have an impact on some moves today. According to reports, Islam Slimani has picked up a thigh problem in training this week, which may scupper West Ham and Newcastle’s attempts to sign him. Over in Germany, Andriy Yarmolenko will miss several weeks due to an achilles injury, meaning André Schürrle will not be allowed to leave Borussia Dortmund. Swansea had been interested in taking the German international on loan.
13:23′ Juan Mata has had the one-year option on his contract triggered by Manchester United to extend his stay at the club to June 2019. José Mourinho is happy. “Mata is very important. When I arrived one-and-a-half years ago, [they said], ‘Mata is in trouble, in trouble, in trouble’, and now he’s getting an extension of one more year. An important player for me; important player for the club; important player for the other players,” he told MUTV.
Mata, who joined in January 2014 as David Moyes’s second signing for a then club record £37.1m, is also content. “I still feel very happy and very proud to be part of this club. I think everyone that belongs to Manchester United should feel privileged, and that’s how I feel. I’m happy with everyone at the club and, obviously, with the manager and my team-mates. Once you are part of this club, your football career is not the same; it changes, because this is one of the biggest clubs in football history. Every day I try to tell myself how lucky and how privileged I am, try to take advantage of every single training session, and try to see how important it is to be a Manchester United player.”
13:22′ Swansea, out of the relegation zone following their win over Arsenal on Tuesday night, are increasingly confident of resigning André Ayew from West Ham United for £20m. Ayew, by all accounts, has made it very clear to West Ham over the last few days that he wants to leave. West Ham have an interest in Ki Sung-yueng but Swansea will not allow him to be part of any deal for Ayew. Carlos Carvalhal rates Ki highly and Swansea would rather keep the midfielder for the rest of the season and lose him on a free in the summer, when he is out of contract, as opposed to cashing in now.
Swansea are also in the market for another attacking player and believed prior to the Arsenal game that they were in position to take Sandro Ramirez on loan from Everton. However, the Spaniard opted to sign for Sevilla instead. That prompted Swansea to step up their pursuit of Lazar Markovic, although they are only interested in taking the winger on loan, not signing him permanently, which would be Liverpool’s preference. Markovic impressed while on loan at Hull City last season but the worry for Swansea, or anyone else that signs him for that matter, is that the 23-year-old has not played a competitive match for almost nine months.
13:22′ Last night’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace was an impressive achievement given that West Ham were without nine senior players, but it won’t stop them trying to do business today. They’re still looking for a striker – a £15m deal for FC Krasnodar’s Fyodor Smolov remains highly unlikely – and have turned their attention to Leicester’s Islam Slimani, who’s also a target for Newcastle. The Algerian is the kind of striker David Moyes is after and he’s a former team-mate of Joao Mario, who impressed on his debut against Palace.
If Slimani arrives that should allow Andre Ayew to complete his move to Swansea City. The fee’s expected to be in the region of £20m. Ayew’s preference is to leave West Ham in order to get more games elsewhere, but he’ll most likely have to stay if they can’t get anyone in up front.
Reece Oxford also wants to leave. A decision will soon be made over whether to send the youngster back to Borussia Monchengladbach on loan. Injuries might force him to stay. But West Ham are still looking for cover in midfield, with Pedro Obiang likely to be out for rest of the season. Lille’s Ibrahim Amadou, who is also a target for Palace, is one possibility. However a move for Anderlecht’s Leander Dendoncker sounds unlikely and it will take a lot of money to make Fulham think about selling Tom Cairney.
13:21′ Newcastle United: Will Rafa Benitez sign the striker he so craves – or won’t he. That represents one of transfer deadline day’s principal questions. Benitez believes Nicolai Jorgensen, Feyenoord’s Denmark striker, is worth £20m but Mike Ashley, Newcastle’s owner will only pay £15m and the deal seems off.
He may well sign Martin Dubravka, the Slovakia goalkeeper on loan from Sparta Prague while midfielder Henri Saivet is in Turkey to finalise a loan to Sivasspor. Meanwhile winger Rolando Aarons is talking to Hull, also regarding a loan.
Meanwhile down the road at Sunderland – and what an awful defeat that was for Chris Coleman’s side at Birmingham last night – Didier Ndong, the club record £13.6m signing and a Gabon midfielder has joined Watford on loan. Young midfielder Ovie Ejaria has arrived on loan from Liverpool and Andy Lonergan, the Leeds reserve goalkeeper, is set to finalise a permanent move to Wearside. Middlesbrough still retain promotion hopes and have taken Jack Harrison, the England Under-21 midfielder on loan from Manchester City. Harrison has just joined City from New York City.
13:21′ Thoughts Everton fans? City paid £42m for him but Mangala has not exactly been a roaring success. Is he the man to shore up your defence? Please get in touch.
13:20′ Everton have joined the pursuit of Eliaquim Mangala and are hopeful of signing the Manchester City defender on loan today. The former Porto centre-half has made only 15 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s team this season and his first team prospects look set to recede following the club record arrival of Aymeric Laporte from Athletic Bilbao. Newcastle United and Valencia have also enquired about Mangala this month but it seems Everton’s late move could seal a temporary deal.
Manager Sam Allardyce, while also preparing for tonight’s home game against Leicester City, has been on Talksport this morning to outline his aims for the final day of the window. He said: “We might today have an addition to that (Cenk Tosun and Theo Walcott) but I think it will be a loan player. We might move one more out of the four or five we already have.” One more out could be Davy Klaassen, who has an offer to join Napoli on loan, although Middlesbrough are keen on Mohamed Besic too.
13:20′ There is the potential for Chelsea to conclude their business relatively early on deadline day. Olivier Giroud, fresh from his substitute’s appearance in south Wales last night, is due at Cobham to undertake a medical having agreed personal terms in principle ahead of a £17.5m move from Arsenal, a transfer which will be concluded as Michy Batshuayi completes the formalities of his loan move to Borussia Dortmund.
Emerson Palmieri, the £17.2m purchase from AS Roma, will be a spectator at Stamford Bridge this evening as Chelsea take on AFC Bournemouth having joined effectively as back-up to Marcos Alonso. The Brazilian born defender, who is now qualified for Italy, is only 23. Ross Barkley, Chelsea’s other major purchase this window at £15m, is 24. Giroud is tried and tested in the Premier League, a striker eager to make his mark ahead of the World Cup, and effective in his role. Antonio Conte may not be appeased, particularly given the business done by the Manchester clubs, but to spend under £50m on that trio feels like good business if the three are fit and firing.
13:17′Good morning! Welcome to what is sure to be a bonkers day in the underworld of transfers. There will be movers, shakers, rumours and fluff to keep us busy right up until the deadline, when the window slams shut at 11pm this evening. Let’s cut to the chase, then:
Will Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang seal his move to Arsenal?
And does that mean Olivier Giroud is heading across town to Chelsea?
Is Michy Batshuayi going to be a Borussia Dortmund player by tonight?
Will Riyad Mahrez get his own way and end up at Manchester City?
Are Southampton about to make Quincy Promes their club-record signing?
And much, much more …
2:21′ With that, I’m going to sign off. I’ll be back for Huddersfield v Liverpool a little later, and the big deadline-day liveblog will be up and rolling come the morning/evening/whenever-12-hours-from-now-is-where-you-are.
2:20′ “I do not understand Borussia’s thinking,” boggles Filip Zec. “Why would they rather have Michy, who’s not exactly crap, but a big question mark, than Giroud (or Welbeck)? You know what you’re getting with Giroud and Welbeck, which is goals and industry. Michy, I am not so sure he does anything exceptionally well. Also, I know they’d go the distance to get Aubameyang, but why is Arsenal, for the second week in a row, helping a direct rival?”
As I understand it Borussia would have taken Giroud, but the player wanted to remain in London. Arsenal would prefer not to assist a direct rival, but if it’s going to let them sign Aubameyang they’re willing to accept it.
2:20′ “Mahrez on form is my favourite player in the league and I think Guardiola is the greatest manager the game has seen,” writes Richard Ensor. “So naturally I’d be thrilled to see Mahrez in this City team. But he’s a left-footed right-winger. This move would leave the squad with Sterling, Silva and Mahrez on the right but no straight-forward replacement for Sané on the left. I’m confused. Am I missing something?” Well Sterling has previously played on the left and Mahrez could probably do so as well, though it would destroy his cut-inside-and-hit-a-left-footed-curler-towards-the-far-post shooting shtick.
2:18′ Sky Sports’ latest report is that Manchester City have made two bids for Riyad Mahrez this month, the latest of £50m, and the player has handed in another transfer request as he attempts to push through the move.
2:18′ The Watford-related news I posted but 15 minutes ago is already out of date – the Dodi Lukebakio deal is done!
2:18′ This just in from Andy Hunter, our man on Merseyside:
It’s quiet on both sides of Stanley Park but Napoli are interested in Everton midfielder Davy Klaassen and Middlesbrough likewise in Mohamed Besic. Manager Sam Allardyce confirmed on Monday that Everton have received several loan enquiries for Klaassen but had not accepted any, which is a little odd given he wants the Netherlands international to leave on loan. “He has never appeared on the subs bench so it would be better for him and the club if he moved on, just on loan, because maybe next season he might be good enough,” Allardyce said. Klaassen was signed for £23.6m from Ajax in the summer and has made three starts in the Premier League. He was substituted after 60, 45 and 55 minutes of his three league starts and has featured in only one match-day squad under Allardyce, and that the Europa League dead-rubber at Apollon Limassol. Napoli have expressed interest but, as is the case with Boro and Besic, they have a long way to go to land the out-of-favour midfielder.
2:17′ David Hytner’s full story on the Giroud/Batshuayi/Aubameyang triple-swoop will be online very shortly, but starts thus:
Olivier Giroud is primed to join Chelsea from Arsenal in a deal worth £17.5m, which will pave the way for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to move from Borussia Dortmund to Arsenal. Michy Batshuayi is set to complete the interlocking transfers with a loan from Chelsea to Dortmund. Dortmund gave Aubameyang permission to travel to London on Tuesday in order to undergo a medical at Arsenal and complete the finer details of a deal that is valued at £60m. But they had made it clear that they would not sign off on the transfer until they had sourced a replacement.
Chelsea have wanted to offload Batshuayi but they, too, had refused to do so without a replacement – a player to lighten the load on the first-choice centre-forward, Alvaro Morata. They turned to Giroud and he is set to smooth the wheels of the deals.
2:16′ So it goes like this: Dortmund are willing to sell Aubameyang to Arsenal, but only if they can source a replacement – and they want Michy Batshuayi; Chelsea are willing to sell Batshuayi to Dortmund, but only if they can sign a replacement; Giroud is that man, and thus makes everything possible.
@Simon_Burnton how does Giroud to Chelsea pave the way for Auba to Arsenal? It’s BVB who still need a replacement, no?
2:16′ I have news from Watford, who are about to snap up the Belgium Under-21 winger Dodi Lukebakio. It’s a slightly curious deal: the player is currently on loan from Anderlecht to Sporting Charleroi, where he has started 15 league games this season, with three goals and three assists to his name. But that deal came with a pre-negotiated option to make the deal permanent, at a cost of €2m at the end of the season, or a bargain €1.5m this month. So Charleroi will pay Anderlecht the €1.5m, immediately sell him again, and pocket as pure instant profit the difference between that and whatever Watford are offering.
The player’s agent, Mogi Bayat, also worked with Watford on their purchases of Stefano Okaka – who could leave the club on loan in the next 24 hours, perhaps to Fulham – and Sven “Saturday” Kums, who joined the Hornets in August 2016, spent a season on loan at Udinese, never played for Watford and moved on to Anderlecht in the summer. Bayat – who apparently is in London at the moment, working on the Lukebakio deal – has considerable influence at Anderlecht, and Watford are also being linked today with a move for their midfielder Leander Dendoncker. Got that? Good.
2:15′ Olivier Giroud set to join Chelsea for £17.5m
Well this has turned into an interesting day after all. Reports now that Riyad Mahrez has handed in another transfer request in an effort to force through his move to Manchester City. Not the first time he has tried that tactic of course but will it work on this occasion?
2:14′ Our colleagues at Get French Football have a Newcastle transfer line but sadly it’s a potential outgoing. Turkish side Sivasspor are said to be in talks with midfielder Henri Saivet about a possible loan.
2:13′ Another line from Swansea, who are in desperate need of reinforcements. They are hoping to complete a loan deal for Liverpool’s Lazar Markovic, although West Brom and Wolfsburg have also shown an interest in the Serbia international.
2:13′ The predictable news of Roque Mesa’s loan move to Sevilla will be greeted with dismay by many Swansea City supporters, especially given that the Welsh club has yet to make a signing in this transfer window. Mesa joined from Las Palmas for £11m last summer and was viewed by the club (there’s a notable distinction to be drawn there) as a long-term successor to Leon Britton. However, Paul Clement, Swansea’s manager at the time, never seemed truly convinced by Mesa and was reluctant to play him.
Carlos Carvalhal, Clement’s replacement, reached the same conclusion. As for Mesa, he will probably be grateful to escape, not least because he is swapping a relegation battle for Champions League football. A final thought on the goings on at the Liberty Stadium: Swansea have spent £30m-plus on four players – Mesa, Borja Baston, Jefferson Montero and Jordi Amat – who are currently all out on loan. That is a criminal waste of money for a club with their resources.
2:12′ Olivier Giroud update!
Talks between Arsenal and Chelsea over Giroud have accelerated today. Agreement expected on 20m euro permanent transfer #afc#cfc
2:11′ Leicester are insistent that they have not received any offers for Riyad Mahrez, despite Manchester City’s interest in the player. That’s not to say that enquiries haven’t been made, or that conversations haven’t taken place between the respective parties, but there’s certainly been nothing concrete.
Furthermore, Leicester are not keen on selling and the word from inside the club is that it would take a “mind-blowing” offer, in line with current market trends (i.e. Coutinho/Van Dijk), for the club to be persuaded to let the Algerian leave. In other words, it’s hard to see City signing Mahrez unless they are prepared to make a huge bid.
2:11′ The latest from West Ham is that they don’t think a £15m deal for Russia striker Fyodor Smolov is going to happen. But you never know…
2:10′ Blimey that moved quickly. The reliable Nabil Djellit from France Football saying City have lodged a £59m bid for Mahrez.
2:09′ Farewell, rocky table
We can confirm that @RoqueM26 has joined @SevillaFC on loan until the end of the season.
2:08′ My current understanding is that City have yet to bid for Riyad Mahrez but this may change. The extent of the injury suffered by Leroy Sané has triggered a change of heart from Pep Guardiola, with the German now expected to miss up to six.
Mahrez has made no secret of his desire to leave Leicester, although it is likely to take an offer approaching £60m to tempt them into doing business.
2:06′ Manchester City interested in Riyad Mahrez
Now this is a surprise. Having been gazumped for Alexis Sánchez, City have now turned their attention to the Algeria international. Here’s our man Jamie Jackson with more….
2:06′ Some interesting info from Nick here, a reminder that Stoke are expected to complete the £15m signing of Ndiaye from Galatasaray in the coming hours.
Common thread between Badou Ndiaye (soon Stoke), Pape Souare and Idrissa Gueye – all came through the Diambars academy, co-founded by Patrick Vieira, whose hit rate is very good these days.
After more than 30,000 people tracked his flight to Luton, the latest update from Sky Sports News says Aubameyang and his family have now arrived at Arsenal’s London Colney training ground.
He is expected to have a medical but there is still no news on whether Dortmund have found themselves a replacement so don’t get too excited just yet Gooners…
2:05′Pep Guardiola has spoken of how he would respond to critics of his more than £400m spend since taking over in summer 2016.
“I would tell them I understand,” he said. “Some clubs spend £300- £400m on two players. We spend it on six players. We had a problem last summer with six players out of contract. When you want to compete at the highest level, you need to spend. Maybe one day this clubs will spend £100m or £130m on one player but we decide not to do it. We understand the inflation of the market. It is what it is. We accept criticism but what matters is our signings perform well and fit in at this club.”
2:04′More from Antonio Conte’s press conference earlier, when the Chelsea manager seemed to suggest that he did not know much about new signing Emerson Palmieri, who is expected to complete his move from Roma tomorrow.
Asked if he remembered him from his time in Italy, Conte said: “No, I don’t remember Palmieri because he only came to Italy last season, when he had an important season for Rome. Then he had a bad injury. He broke his ligaments. Now he’s recovering. I don’t know if he’s ready to play. I know that he played only one game in the Italian club against Torino.”
He was similarly dismissive of Chelsea’s chances of signing any more players before the end of the window.
“I can hope for everything. But the most important thing is reality. Now the reality is this. I have to prepare the game in the right way with these players, and I’m very happy to do this. As you know very well, I always say that I would be happy in both cases: if the club decides to add players (or not). Otherwise I’m very happy to work with these players because they show me every day great behaviour and great commitment. My only hope is this transfer window finishes very soon, especially because that means you can change this line of questioning for me.”
You get the sense that Conte can’t wait for February…
2:03′ Someone claiming to be the pilot from Aubameyang’s private jet appears to be up for a laugh . FlightC25A has just posted a picture apparently showing the man in question on his way to Luton airport from Dortmund. Hmmm…
2:02′ Wolves can confirm that the club will be exercising their option to ensure Diogo Jota’s loan move from Atletico Madrid is to be made permanent this summer. #WWFC
Wolves can confirm that the club will be exercising their option to ensure Diogo Jota’s loan move from Atletico Madrid is to be made permanent this summer. #WWFC
2:00′ We are back with latest of the transfer window this early morning. For some of you that are still asleep, we hope you catch up when you wake.
14:05′ We are going off now to freshen and and make some more free things… very important, we will return by 2:00am WAT.
14:00′ Now this is a statement from Athletic Bilbao. They have responded to the sale of Aymeric Laporte by reportedly paying the €32m release clause of Iñigo Martínez, who was also on City’s radar. Given that he plays for Athletic’s big rivals Real Sociedad, that is big news in the Basque country.
Oumar Niasse will be staying at Everton. Palace, WBA and Brighton had all been interested – with Everton having quoted £13m for him – but they have now said he has to stay #efc
That puts paid to the question of whether Auba was flying easyJet or Ryanair then! Although with all those bags it would have cost a fortune.
14:44′ Here’s an interesting one. Nottingham Forest are not budging over their young defender Joe Worrall. Burnley have bid £12m but the player is not pushing to leave and Forest have held firm so far. Palace are also understood to be interested in the 21-year-old, who has played twice for England Under-21s.
14:42′ Some more info on Laporte’s move to City. “It means a lot that the club have shown faith in me and I am excited to get started,” he said. As one door closes…
We want to make Africa a better, fairer place. We want to keep the powerful honest. And we believe that doing so means keeping society informed by producing quality, independent and all round journalism, which discovers and tells readers the truth from all sides.
But it’s difficult and expensive work. While more people want to read Bloomgist and get informed with the latest around them, it is difficult reaching them due to financial challenges to advertise and send stories to more people.
So if you read us, if you like us, if you value our perspective – then become a Supporter and help make our future more secure.
You can support our project by joining our supporters club or by placing advert on The Bloomgist and reaching our large and fast growing African audience seeking for new ways to better their lives and getting quality information.
Visit our advert page to see why advertising with Bloomgist gives you an edge over your competitors.
14:24′ On Olivier Giroud, Conte added: “As I said before, I gave my opinion to my club. Then the club is trying to do the best in the transfer market. I can speak about specific characteristics of the players, or the role that we can improve. But we are talking about the players of another team. I think it’s right to continue to have respect for other players.”
14:21′ Something from the Chelsea side
Antonio Conte has been speaking about potential transfers and Michy Batshuay remains in the building despite being linked to Borussia Dortmund to replace Aubameyang. The Chelsea manager has revealed Batshuayi trained today and is in contention to face Bournemouth tomorrow.
Asked if he is expected to move to the Bundesliga, where the transfer deadline is at 5pm rather than 11pm in England, Conte said: “I don’t know. But now he’s a Chelsea player. For this reason, he’s in contention for tomorrow’s game. Also because I have [Alvaro] Morata injured and I don’t have other options. Especially as Willian is also injured. Hazard can play No9, so I’d need to find another No10.”
14:16′ They’re flooding in. As discussed earlier, Watford have now confirmed the arrival of Gerard Deulofeu from Barcelona. He looks suitably thrilled.
2:16′ Very interested to see how Laporte fits in at the Etihad. He has still yet to win a senior cap for France despite being one of the best defenders in La Liga over the past few seasons but could be a long-term partner for John Stones in City’s defence. Please let me know your thoughts via email or Twitter.
14:14′ Manchester City sign Aymeric Laporte
At last – some actual news! As reported yesterday, City’s record transfer is now complete, meaning they have now spent an estimated £1bn on new defenders
14:14‘ Looks like Bloomgist Live transfer blog will run a little more longer than we expected, it’s past 2 and deals are still coming in. Hang in there…
2:04′Bloomgist Sports have a breaking news on the desk
Breaking: @BBCSport retains the rights to show Premier League highlights for a further 3 years. Great news.
14:03′West Ham update from Jacob Steinberg: “West Ham are still looking for that elusive forward after selling Diafra Sakho to Rennes yesterday, but a move for FC Krasnodar’s Fyodor Smolov is up in the air at the moment,” he says. “They’ve been linked with the Russian forward all month, but they’re unsure whether the Russian is the right fit – and that could put an end to Andre Ayew’s hopes of a return to Swansea, even though the Ghanaian wants to leave West Ham in order to get more games.
“Danny Ings is another name who’s been mentioned, but his injury record is a concern for West Ham and Liverpool have already loaned Daniel Sturridge to West Brom.”
13:57′ Aubamayang update klaxon!
Big news from Dortmund, where Pierre Emerick Aubamayang has been spotted rolling up to the airport in a gold 4×4 Chelsea tractor. Where on earth could he be going, eh?
13:43′ Another stop is Italy, where Inter are understood to be interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Javier Pastore on loan. Pink paper the Gazzetta dello Sport PSG are happy to loan the Argentinian to the Serie A side, but will want a large fee to grease the wheels. Pastore has made 21 appearances in all competitions for the Ligue1 leaders this season, scoring four goals. Born in Crodoba, Argentina to a family with Italian roots, Pastore has previous in Serie A, having spent two years with Palermo.
Javier Pastore is wanted by Inter. Photo: Anthony Dibon/Icon Sport via Getty Images
13:32′A small update on Palace: sources have confirmed they are in talks with Preston over Jordan Hugill but he is one of several options they are considering. Meanwhile, negotiations over a move for Ibrahim Amadou are continuing, with Lille asking for almost £18m. Lee Chung-yong looks set to leave Selhurst Park for Bolton, although the winger is a part of the Palace squad who face West Ham at the London Stadium tonight.
13:32′ West Ham United have an interest in Morgan Schneiderlin but Everton appear unlikely to sell the midfielder to David Moyes’ club in this window. The former Southampton and Manchester United player impressed at Goodison Park following his arrival last January in a deal worth up to £24m. This season, however, he has had a shocker.
Even so, Schneiderlin has featured regularly under Sam Allardyce and with James McCarthy’s season over due to a broken leg, plus midfield replacements difficult to get over the line, there seems little appetite at Everton to sanction a permanent exit to West Ham. At present, that is.
Since you are here
We want to make Africa a better, fairer place. We want to keep the powerful honest. And we believe that doing so means keeping society informed by producing quality, independent and all round journalism, which discovers and tells readers the truth from all sides.
But it’s difficult and expensive work. While more people want to read Bloomgist and get informed with the latest around them, it is difficult reaching them due to financial challenges to advertise and send stories to more people.
So if you read us, if you like us, if you value our perspective – then become a Supporter and help make our future more secure.
You can support our project by joining our supporters club or by placing advert on The Bloomgist and reaching our large and fast growing African audience seeking for new ways to better their lives and getting quality information.
Visit our advert page to see why advertising with Bloomgist gives you an edge over your competitors.
13:31′ Swansea’s pursuit of André Ayew looks set to go right to the wire. West Ham are happy to let Ayew leave but only if they can find a replacement – and that is the biggest barrier to any deal being agreed right now, not the transfer free, which will be around £18m.
Swansea’s situation is desperate – this window was viewed as an opportunity to try and address the mistakes made last summer, yet with less than 48 hours to go, they have failed to make a single signing and Roque Mesa is on the verge of joining Sevilla. West Ham are interested in Ki Sung-yueng but Swansea would be reluctant to allow the midfielder to leave, especially with Mesa moving on. Ki, however, is out of contract in the summer and Swansea will have a dilemma on their hands if West Ham insist on Ki being part of any deal involving Ayew.
For the moment, West Ham say that their primary concern is strengthening in the attacking positions. Either way, Swansea are resigned to a frantic deadline day and the alarming possibility of the transfer window delivering Ayew or nothing.
13:30′ Stoke are getting ready for a busy day by the looks of things and Paul Lambert has already allowed Josh Tymon to leave.
#SCFC teenager @JoshuaTymon has joined @MKDonsFC on loan for the remainder of the season. We wish him every success with the League One side.
13:29′ The departure of Daniel Sturridge will not alter Jürgen Klopp’s view that Liverpool must remain “cool” in the final days of the transfer window. Cool can be interpreted as “quiet” in this instance. Klopp confirmed Philippe Coutinho would not be replaced this month before Sturridge had completed his move to West Bromwich Albion, but knew the deal was unfolding when he spoke on Monday. The striker’s exit changes nothing.
As Klopp said: “We need results to reach our targets, we know that, but the solution is not out there in the transfer market in this moment. We always have open eyes but it is not like there is something out there for us to get because we really think we have to use, first of all, our players. Unfortunately in the moment when Phil left Adam (Lallana) got an injury. That was unlucky but that cannot be the reason for getting nervous and going out to try to do something. In the long term we will do a lot, in the short term I don’t think a lot will happen.”
13:29′ We have movement in Manchester! Here’s Aymeric Laporte getting into a car…
Exclusive: Aymeric Laporte is in Manchester to complete club record £57m #Transfer to Man City today. Latest @SkySportsNews#SSN#MCFC
13:28′ There was a familiar sense of hopes being dashed on Tyneside yesterday as West Brom hi-jacked/gazumped Newcastle’s proposal to take Daniel Sturridge on loan from Liverpool. It leaves Rafa Benitez without the prolific striker he needs to help be sure of avoiding relegation and it will be interesting to assess the Newcastle manager’s mood during his press conference this lunchtime to preview tomorrow night’s all important home game against Burnley.
With Newcastle’s pursuit of Feyenoord’s Denmark striker Nicolai Jorgensen having also come to nothing – the Premier League club offered £15m but were not prepared to go any closer to the £20m asking price – time and options are fast running out.
Benitez is, of course, not the first Newcastle manager to be disappointed by Mike Ashley’s transfer window parsimony and there will almost certainly be a real sense of deja vu at today’s press conference…..
If no one arrives – and Watford’s Troy Deeney and Leicester’s Islam Slimani remain two attacking possibilities – the prospect of Benitez departing in the summer will become a near certainty.
More immediately, avoiding relegation is the priority. Avoiding it will be a minor miracle for what is essentially a Championship squad. Benitez was desperate to sign a new goalkeeper, a left back, a no10 and a centre forward this month but, so far, only Kenedy, the Chelsea reserve left wing back has arrived on loan.
1:28′ There has been lots of speculation over Thomas Lemar’s future since his proposed move to Arsenal in the summer but it seems the versatile Frenchman will not be going anywhere for now.
“He will stay at Monaco until the end of the season 100%,” vice-president Vadim Vasilyev told French radio station RMC. “If Liverpool or Arsenal come with a big offer before the end of the market? This is not relevant.”
13:27′ Some interesting transfer lines from the reliable and well-sourced Get French Football News:
PSG winger Lucas Moura arrived in London late last night and is expected to undergo a medical with Tottenham Hotspur today ahead of signing a 4.5 year contract with Spurs. The deal is worth £25m excluding bonuses, brokered in part by Pini Zahavi, and represents good business for PSG in their FFP predicament.
Despite concrete efforts from Brighton and Crystal Palace, Celtic striker Moussa Dembélé is currently not close to leaving the club this month.
L’Équipe report this morning that Chelsea & Arsenal have yet to agree a fee for Olivier Giroud, despite the Gunners having been willing to accept an offer worth £15m plus bonuses, but the North London club missed Chelsea’s deadline to respond to the offer.
Meanwhile, AS Monaco, in the hunt for another striker before the deadline, enquired for Giroud last night.
Bordeaux’s new manager Gus Poyet is currently encouraging club representatives to pursue a deal with Rosenborg for 29-year-old striker Nicklas Bendtner.
13:25′ Manchester City’s final two days of the window are about the expected arrival of Aymeric Laporte from Athletic Bilbao, and the club’s interest in Shakhtar Donetsk’s Fred may well having to be put on hold until the summer.
Regarding Laporte, the Basque club’s €65m (£57.2m) release clause for the centre-back was met on Monday so providing a medical and other formalities go to plan he could officially be signed at some point today.
On Fred, there remains a possibility the midfielder could join Laporte though the chance is understood to be less than 50-50. At Manchester United it is a case of “never say never” regarding a second signing to follow Alexis Sánchez from Arsenal, but at the moment there is a sense it is unlikely.
If Laporte does sign for City then Tosin Adarabioyo may be allowed out on loan – maybe to a Championship club, with Sheffield Wednesday among those interested. The hope would be that if he does sign temporarily the centre-back will play regularly and that the style of play is approximate to City’s.
13:24′ We have our first done deal of the day…! Ahmed Musa, who has never really shown what he can do in the Premier League, has returned to former club CSKA Moscow on loan until the end of the season. That comes as no surprise with Musa’s participation at the World Cup in jeopardy given that he hasn’t played a single minute in the league for Leicester this season.
13:23′ Yesterday was a big loan day, with Daniel Sturridge opting for West Brom, Charly Musonda Jr heading to Celtic and Gerard Deulofeu joining Watford from Barcelona. As you do.
Elsewhere, Tottenham look like they’ll be dusting off the cheque book a few ours earlier than usual after agreeing a £25m fee with PSG for Lucas Moura, while Tim Cahill has ‘come home’ to Millwall 14 years after leaving the club.
1:23′ As always seems to be the case during the January window, there’s so much to be resolved in transfer land before tomorrow night’s deadline. A quick summary of what we can perhaps expect today….
Arsenal’s move for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang rests on a complicated chain of events that could yet involve Olivier Giroud moving to Chelsea. Reports in France this morning suggest that
Giroud had agreed terms with Antonio Conte’s side only for the offer to be withdrawn. L’Equipe says he now faces “the longest 48 hours of his life”. What drama!
The other players involved in this striker swapshop appear to be Michy Batshuayi and Fernando Llorente, with Conte not exactly enamoured with the Belgium striker. Chelsea are willing to allow him to join Borussia Dortmund but also want a replacement before that happens (still with me?). While the move for Giroud could still happen, Conte tried to sign Llorente in the summer before he ended up at White Hart Lane and is thought to be available for a cool £18m.
Elsewhere, the sides battling relegation are on the hunt for bargains, with Stoke reported to be have lined up a move for Galatasaray midfielder Badou N’Diaye. The 27-year-old Senegal international will now fly to England to discuss personal terms and complete a medical.
13:20′ Preamble
Hello and welcome to the second day of the Bloomgist’s transfer blog … and it’s LIVE!
If you can handle all of the excitement, I’ll be bringing you news of rumours, gossip and actual done deals throughout the day (well, until 8:45pm WAT), courtesy of the Bloomgist’s crack team of reporters and partners, as well as via anything I spot on the internet that looks interesting. Think of me as a less funny but equally annoying live update ned.
Day one summary
Arsenal agree club-record £55.5m fee for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Athletic Bilbao have confirmed Aymeric Laporte is on his way to Manchester City
Zlatan Ibrahimovic can leave this season if he wants, says José Mourinho
West Brom set to beat Newcastle to loan signing of Daniel Sturridge
Chelsea have agreed a €20m deal for Emerson Palmieri
That won’t have any knock-on for their pursuit of Edin Dzeko, which has stalled over personal terms
Chelsea and West Ham are keen on Olivier Giroud, who is also a possible replacement for Aubameyang at Borussia Dortmund
Tottenham and PSG are still negotiating over the transfer of Lucas Moura
Goodnight everyone. We’ll see you again tomorrow.
6:37′ Gerard Deulofeu is on his way to Watford
That’s the word from the ever-reliable (and incredibly hard-working) Fabrizio Romano. The Barcelona winger, who has played in the Premier League for Everton, is having talks with the Vicarage Road club right now with both parties expecting few hitches.
6:37′ Chelsea agree deal €20m deal for Emerson Palmieri
The Roma full-back is on his way to Stamford Bridge in a deal that includes €6m in add-ons.
Emerson was initially part of a double transfer that would also see Edin Dzeko move to Chelsea but that particular part of the transfer has stalled over the Bosnian’s personal terms. That does not effect Emerson’s move, however, according to Fabrizio Romano.
6:37′ West Ham are keeping an eye on Olivier Giroud. The French striker has been out of favour this season and he’ll be even lower down the pecking order if Arsenal can complete the signing of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. As reported already, Chelsea have also been linked with the Frenchman, but would Arsenal really do business with one of their rivals? Hard to see the logic there. West Ham would love to get Giroud on loan and he’d walk straight into their team.
6:36′ Aymeric Laporte is on his way to Manchester City
Athletic Bilbao have confirmed that the French defender’s release clause, believed to be worth €65m, had been paid. The 23-year-old could now join City as early as Monday evening, although at some point on Tuesday appears more realistic.
6:18′ Another exclusive update from Get French Football News:
Barnsley have concluded an agreement with Ligue 2 side RC Lens for the signing of 22-year-old central midfielder Thomas Ephestion. He is due to have his medical with the Oakwell club, who are currently 19th in the Championship, on Tuesday.
6:18′ Roy Hodgson has spoken regarding Crystal Palace’s pursuit of Getafe goalkeeper, Vicente Guaita. “No update on that, but he’s a player we like and are still pursuing,” he said. “It would be nice if he could come in during the January window, and it’s something the chairman and Dougie Freedman are trying to do.”
Regarding a loan move for Lille defender Ibrahim Amadou, Hodgson said: “Another name we’ve talked about, but it’s a deal or a decision or a situation being dealt with by the chairman and the sporting director.”
The Palace manager added: “On 12 September, when I inherited the squad, the obvious thing for me was we are desperately short of centre-forwards who are natural centre-forwards. We have plenty of wide players who can fill in there. So a successful window would be if we get cover in the areas we’re talking about: goalkeeper and centre-forward.
“We’ve been short from the offset, when I joined the club. Right from the beginning we’ve spoken about areas in our team where we think we’re short of cover and players to help us out if anyone gets injured. We lost [Christian] Benteke for a long period and didn’t have a recognised centre-forward to come in. The same applies to goalkeepers. We should really have three in case one gets injured, and we still only have two.
“Nothing has really changed in those areas since 12 September, which is why we continue looking and continue our work. We’d like to add players to our squad to get stronger and better cover. I’m not unhappy with the XI I can put on the field, and the two or three subs. Tomorrow [for the match against West Ham United] we have literally 19 players to choose from, and one of those could go out on loan. So that would be 18. That’s unusual.”
Since you are here
We want to make Africa a better, fairer place. We want to keep the powerful honest. And we believe that doing so means keeping society informed by producing quality, independent and all round journalism, which discovers and tells readers the truth from all sides.
But it’s difficult and expensive work. While more people want to read Bloomgist and get informed with the latest around them, it is difficult reaching them due to financial challenges to advertise and send stories to more people.
So if you read us, if you like us, if you value our perspective – then become a Supporter and help make our future more secure.
You can support our project by joining our supporters club or by placing advert on The Bloomgist and reaching our large and fast growing African audience seeking for new ways to better their lives and getting quality information.
Visit our advert page to see why advertising with Bloomgist gives you an edge over your competitors.
6:17′ Daniel Sturridge set to join West Brom on loan from Liverpool
Yes, that’s right. The 28-year-old is heading to The Hawthorns after WBA agreed a £1.5m loan fee with Liverpool.
Sevilla, Internazionale and, as of earlier, Newcastle United had been in the running for Sturridge but the Birmingham-born player is returning to the Midlands for a few months at least having fallen out of favour with Jürgen Klopp.
6:15′ Now it’s José Mourinho’s turn to get on board the transfer train, with the Manchester United manager saying Zlatan Ibrahimovic can leave the club if he wishes.
This is in response to rumours that the Swedish striker, who is still recovering from a long-term knee injury, could join LA Galaxy.
“If Zlatan wants a future in another club in another country we are here to help and create conditions to help, not to make his life difficult,” said Mourinho on Monday afternoon. “But the last thing Zlatan told me was he wants to recover totally and help the team.”
Mourinho has also declared his desire to see Marouane Fellaini remain the club. The Belgian’s contract with United ends in the summer and he has yet to agree to an extension.
“It is my desire, it is the board’s desire, it is his desire,” said Mourinho. “Are we going to agree? I don’t know.”
Could Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marouane Fellaini both be about to leave Manchester United? Possibly, according to José Mourinho. Photo: Darren Staples/Reuters
6:13′ Jürgen Klopp has spoken and it’s more bad news for Liverpool fans: Philippe Coutinho will not be replaced during this window.
The manager made the admission during his press conference on Monday afternoon, and ahead of the trip to Huddersfield on Tuesday. “Coutinho is not to replace in this transfer window. It’s pretty rare, we can stop thinking about it,” Klopp said. “It’s about using our own opportunities, tools, players, tactics, formations.”
As you can imagine, this has not gone down well with a fanbase still reeling from a shock FA Cup defeat to West Bromwich Albion and the news that Daniel Sturridge could be on his way to Newcastle United on loan this month with a replacement for the striker also unlikely to come in.
6:11′ This from Ruth Purdue on the Daniel Sturridge to Newcastle rumours:
“If Sturridge is serious about playing, he should leave England. It will do him some good and he will develop still because of the different styles, especially in Italy. Staying in ‘comfort’ won’t do him any good.”
A solid point. Personally I’d love to see Sturridge go to Internazionale, who have been linked with the 28-year-old, and test himself in Serie A.
6:10′ Some exclusive transfer lines from the reliable and well-sourced Get French Football News:
Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain are continuing to negotiate the finer points of a potential deal for Lucas Moura. The player has already agreed personal terms with Spurs, having visited the club’s facilities last week and met with both Daniel Levy and Mauricio Pochettino. Tottenham initially entered negotiations seeking a loan agreement with PSG, but for Financial Fair Play regulations reasons, PSG are insisting on a permanent transfer that, if talks reach a successful conclusion, is expected to be worth €25m excluding bonuses. The player’s agents remain in touch with Arsenal, according to L’Équipe.
Chelsea had representatives at the Parc des Princes on Saturday to watch 20-year-old Montpellier defender Nordi Mukiele.
Javier Pastore is seeking to push through a move to Internazionale, but the Serie A side and PSG are not close to an agreement, with the former seeking a loan deal and the latter wanting to sell, again for FFP reasons.
Bolton & Stoke City are monitoring the contract situation of 19-year-old Bordeaux attacking midfielder Yassine Benrahou, according to France Football.
Since you are here
We want to make Africa a better, fairer place. We want to keep the powerful honest. And we believe that doing so means keeping society informed by producing quality, independent and all round journalism, which discovers and tells readers the truth from all sides.
But it’s difficult and expensive work. While more people want to read Bloomgist and get informed with the latest around them, it is difficult reaching them due to financial challenges to advertise and send stories to more people.
So if you read us, if you like us, if you value our perspective – then become a Supporter and help make our future more secure.
You can support our project by joining our supporters club or by placing advert on The Bloomgist and reaching our large and fast growing African audience seeking for new ways to better their lives and getting quality information.
Visit our advert page to see why advertising with Bloomgist gives you an edge over your competitors.
6:10′ Well, well, well, what’s this – Newcastle United are interested in signing Daniel Sturridge on loan from Liverpool. That’s the word, anyway, from a few sources, including the Newcastle Chronicle.
Sturridge had been linked with a loan move to Sevilla or Internazionale this month having well and truly fallen out of favour with Jürgen Klopp, so this news doesn’t come as a huge surprise. Nevertheless, its noteworthy that he could be on the move to another Premier League club.
Fitness permitting, Sturridge will undoubtedly get a game at Newcastle given their chronic lack of goals. It could be a good move for him, especially as he looks to get back into the England squad ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
6:09′ Aubameyang update: Several sources are reporting that Borussia Dortmund have made contact with Chelsea in regards to signing Michy Batshuayi on loan, a deal which would all but secure Aubameyang’s transfer to Arsenal.
Among those sources is the respected Belgian football journalist Kristof Terreur
6:08′ Everton have received several loan enquiries for Sandro Ramírezand Davy Klaassen, Sam Allardyce has confirmed, but “nothing sufficient for us to allow the player to leave”.
The Spanish striker and the Holland midfielder, who was signed for £23.6m in the summer, have barely featured under Allardyce and will be allowed to depart should the right offer materialise before Wednesday’s deadline. The Everton manager has also dismissed reports that young winger Ademola Lookman will be allowed to depart on loan this month. “Not after Aaron Lennon went,” he explained. “The club got a good deal financially for Aaron [from Burnley], who was coming to the end of his contract.”
Since you are here
We want to make Africa a better, fairer place. We want to keep the powerful honest. And we believe that doing so means keeping society informed by producing quality, independent and all round journalism, which discovers and tells readers the truth from all sides.
But it’s difficult and expensive work. While more people want to read Bloomgist and get informed with the latest around them, it is difficult reaching them due to financial challenges to advertise and send stories to more people.
So if you read us, if you like us, if you value our perspective – then become a Supporter and help make our future more secure.
You can support our project by joining our supporters club or by placing advert on The Bloomgist and reaching our large and fast growing African audience seeking for new ways to better their lives and getting quality information.
Visit our advert page to see why advertising with Bloomgist gives you an edge over your competitors.
Since you are here
We want to make Africa a better, fairer place. We want to keep the powerful honest. And we believe that doing so means keeping society informed by producing quality, independent and all round journalism, which discovers and tells readers the truth from all sides.
But it’s difficult and expensive work. While more people want to read Bloomgist and get informed with the latest around them, it is difficult reaching them due to financial challenges to advertise and send stories to more people.
So if you read us, if you like us, if you value our perspective – then become a Supporter and help make our future more secure.
You can support our project by joining our supporters club or by placing advert on The Bloomgist and reaching our large and fast growing African audience seeking for new ways to better their lives and getting quality information.
Visit our advert page to see why advertising with Bloomgist gives you an edge over your competitors.
6:06′ Rennes sign Diafra Sakho from West Ham United
Sakho, who joined West Ham from Metz in 2014 and scored 18 goals in 62 appearances for the London club, passed a medical at Rennes on Sunday and has a signed a two-half-year-deal.
6:03′ All this talk of January signings has reminded me of a fun piece the Guardian did on the back of Paul Scholes returning to Manchester United in January 2012: Which former player would you bring back to your club?
We ask supporters from each of the 20 clubs that were in the Premier League at the time – some of them Guardian journalists – and each provided an interesting answer. Given relatively recent events, my favourite is probably Evertonian Martin Rose wishing Wayne Rooney would return to Goodison Park. Enjoy:
6:02′ Arsenal have reached agreement in principle with Borussia Dortmund over the club record €63m (£55.5m) signing of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, though the Bundesliga side will only sanction the completion of the deal once they have secured a replacement.
Full story to follow …
6:02′ According to Get French Football News, Rennes have called a press conference for this afternoon in which they are likely to unveil West Ham’s Diafra Sakho on a permanent move that will be worth up to just under €10m.
6:01′ Aubameyang update: There are reports coming from Germany that Borussia Dortmund do not plan on signing either Anthony Modesteor Olivier Giroud as a replacement for Aubameyang, which could hold up his departure to Arsenal. However, there are supposedly interested in taking Michy Batshuayi on loan from Chelsea instead, with Antonio Conte expressing some openness to the player leaving the Premier League champions on a short-term deal this month if they too can sign a replacement before the close of the window, following Sunday’s 3-0 victory over Newcastle United.
6:00′ Calling all hipsters: According to the Spanish publication Depor, Denmark midfielder Michael Krohn-Dehli is close to completing a move from Sevilla to Deportivo La Coruña.
Krohn-Dehli, who is 34 and has 57 caps for Denmark, is set to undergo a medical at Deportivo on Tuesday afternoon.
5:59′ In non-transfer related news, here is Paolo Bandini’s latest Serie A blog, containing a photo of Gennaro Gattuso that is the most Gennaro Gattuso photo you’ll ever see:
5:58′ Reece Oxford was due to return to Borussia Mönchengladbach on loan this week, but it’s sounding like West Ham United will stop that deal happening after Pedro Obiang’s injury. Oxford replaced Obiang against Wigan.
5:57′ Daniel Gefen has been in touch…
“As a Liverpool fan, I would really love to see Jürgen Klopp try and get a proper defensive midfielder who sees it as his job to predict what will go wrong at the back (see Emre Can relaxing at just the wrong moment the other night to let in Jay Rodriguez, with Jordan Henderson having the same tendency.) Who can they get? Is Naby Keita earmarked for that job? I hope not.
“On the bright side, maybe teams will leave a bit more space to attack them in the Champions League.”
Liverpool play Porto in the last-16 of the Champions League, with the first leg, at the Estádio do Dragão, taking place on 14 February.
5:57′ Brighton complete loan signing of Leonardo Ulloa from Leicester
Ulloa returns to the Amex Stadium three-and-a-half years after he left Brighton. The 31-year-old scored 26 goals in 58 appearances for the Seagulls and secured the club a record transfer fee received – £8m – when he moved to the King Power Stadium in July 2014.
“We’re delighted to welcome Leo back to the club,” said Brighton manager, Chris Hughton. “He’s scored goals at Premier League level and will further strengthen our attacking options.
“I wasn’t here during his first spell at the club, but I know he was very well thought of by all concerned, including the club’s supporters. He’s achieved a great deal since he left, including winning a Premier League title, and his experience at this level will be hugely beneficial to us.”
5:56′ Charly Musonda is in Glasgow undertaking a medical prior to completing a loan move from Chelsea to Celtic for the rest of the season.
Before Celtic fans get too excited, it’s worth pointing out that Brendan Rodgers has a patchy record with Chelsea loanees: Josh McEachran and Victor Moses were (relatively) underused by him at Swansea City and Liverpool respectively.
Chelsea had other offers for Musonda, from Leganes in Spain and, apparently, Nottingham Forest. Their instinct was to find him Premier League football but there were no takers from rival top-flight clubs. They deemed Celtic the next best scenario.
Musonda, a 21-year-old Belgian midfielder, has made three substitute appearances for Chelsea in the Premier League this season and most recently supplied an assist for their fourth goal at Brighton.
5:56′ Justin Moyse has been in touch…
“With Monsieur Wenger’s current taste towards all things Borussia, will Arsenal make a last minute move to hire Herr Klopp in a capacity as defensive coach perhaps..?”
Liverpool have conceded seven goals in their last three games, so I’m guessing not, Justin.
5:5′ Arsenal fans are rightly getting excited about their club’s increasingly likely signing ofPierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Yes, his attitude can stink worse than a piece of trout that’s been lying in a sweaty shoe for a fortnight, but he’s undoubtedly a talented striker.
Better still, he already has a decent track record of scoring against English teams, and better-better still; against Tottenham Hotpur in particular, as this compilation video shows:
5:55′ Jacob Steinberg
West Ham United are desperately looking for reinforcements after Pedro Obiang joined their massive injury list during the weekend defeat to Wigan Athletic and Arthur Masuaku brainlessly got himself sent off for spitting.
Unfortunately things are moving slowly in east London. West Ham did bring in Joao Mario on loan from Inter last week – and will be paying the Portuguese midfielder’s £100,000 a week wages in full – but they had a bid knocked back for James Maddison last week(Norwich want £20m for the young midfielder, who scored a peach in the win over Brentford) and Fulham have told them they’ll have to pay a lot more than £15m for Tom Cairney.
Anderlecht’s Leander Dendoncker is another midfielder on West Ham’s list, but will they meet the £20m asking price? No guarantees there. But time’s running out and the squad is stretched. At the moment all that seems certain is that Diafra Sakho will be on his way out today – a move to Rennes is close – and that means West Ham will lose another body.
With former Chelsea target Andy Carroll out with a foot injury, they’re looking for a target man on loan. But who? Graziano Pelle’s wage demands are eye-watering. Daniel Sturridge’s injury record makes him a risk. But they need someone and the crowd’s mood at when West Ham host Crystal Palace on Tuesday will be interesting.
5:55′ Fabrizio Romano
As expected, Aymeric Laporte should complete a move from Athletic Bilbao to Manchester City today. As reported on Friday, the Premier League leaders have agreed a £57m deal for the 23-year-defender and he is expected to sign a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium.
An agreement is close for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to join Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund. According to Fabrizio, a deal in the region of €65M (£57.1m) has been sorted between the clubs and, all going well, Aubameyang will sign a contract until 2021 at the Emirates Stadium, worth €10m a season.
Roma have confirmed that they have an agreement in place with Chelsea for the double transfer of Edin Dzeko and Emerson. However, Dzeko has not personally agreed to the move – he wants a three-a-half-year contract from the current Premier League champions but they are reluctant to offer him that given a deal until 2021 would mean committing themselves to the forward past his 34th birthday.
5:54′ Hello and welcome to day one of the Bloomgist’s transfer blog … and it’s LIVE!
Yes, that’s right, I’ll be bringing you news, as it happens, of rumours, gossip and actual done deals throughout the day (well, until 6:45pm WAT), courtesy of the Bloomgist’s crack team of reporters and partners, as well as via anything I spot on the internet that looks interesting. Think of me as a less funny but equally annoying live update ned.
It’s highly likely that we’ll see Manchester City complete a deal for Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte today, and Arsenal could well make significant progress in their pursuit of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund. Elsewhere, Liverpool seem set to sign absolutely no one despite their fans spending every waking minute since Saturday’s FA Cup defeat to West Bromwich Albion calling on Jürgen Klopp to do some transfer business. If you’ve missed the clamour, let me summarise it with one handy phrase: “SPEND THE COUTINHO MONEY, WILL YOU!!!”
Since you are here
We want to make Africa a better, fairer place. We want to keep the powerful honest. And we believe that doing so means keeping society informed by producing quality, independent and all round journalism, which discovers and tells readers the truth from all sides.
But it’s difficult and expensive work. While more people want to read Bloomgist and get informed with the latest around them, it is difficult reaching them due to financial challenges to advertise and send stories to more people.
So if you read us, if you like us, if you value our perspective – then become a Supporter and help make our future more secure.
You can support our project by joining our supporters club or by placing advert on The Bloomgist and reaching our large and fast growing African audience seeking for new ways to better their lives and getting quality information.
Visit our advert page to see why advertising with Bloomgist gives you an edge over your competitors.
Algeria international Nabil Bentaleb has joined German side Schalke 04 on a season-long loan from English Premier League side Tottenham.Continue reading →
Whenever Arsène Wenger is asked how Calum Chambers ended up at Arsenal, he simply shrugs his shoulders, shuffles his feet, claims he doesn’t know and attempts to direct his interrogator’s gaze towards Rob Holding.
Could Monaco’s Marcel Tisserand be about to become Arsenal’s very own Marcel Tisserand? Photograph: Andre Ferreira/Icon Sport via Getty Images
Isn’t Holding just the cutest? But so he never has to play Chambers in central defence again, or remind people that he parted with actual cash money for the former Southampton starlet, Wenger is on the lookout for a new centre-back.
Problem is, however, Valencia aren’t willing to play ball and let Arsenal have Shkodran Mustafi in exchange for a signed Igors Stepanovs sticker, a used copy of Gilles Grimandi’s autobiography, a Yaya Sanogo figurine, a Marouane Chamakh wig and Gunnersaurus’s phone number. What a deal! The Mill would snap Wenger’s hand off. But Valencia have other ideas – they’d prefer £50m instead. Curses! Have they no shame? Apparently not.
Nor do West Bromwich Albion. They’re after £25m for Jonny Evans and all this greediness means that Arsenal will have to look elsewhere. So now they’re eyeing Monaco’s Congolese defender, Marcel Tisserand, whose prospective move to Espanyol might just be on the rocks once he discovers that there’s an opportunity to see Aaron Ramsey’s new haircut first hand.
In other defensive news, Plain Old John Terry could be about to become England’s Brave John Terry again. The Chelsea captain could be a part of Mr Big Sam’s first squad despite showing his age last season. Meanwhile he could be joined at Stamford Bridge by Torino’s Nikola Maksimovic.
Speaking of players who definitely aren’t past it, meanwhile, what’s the latest with Wayne Rooney? Apparently Major League Soccer bosses are willing to throw “big dollars” at the striker in an attempt to lure him to America, which won’t seem like such a bad offer once José Mourinho begins to faze Wazziesta out of the Manchester United side, a process that is expected to begin in a couple of months.
West Ham United have also turned up in Manchester in search of a new striker. They’re locked in talks with Manchester City over a potential loan move forWilfried Bony. But if they can’t get Big Wilf, they’ll go for Simone Zaza, who’s been moved out the picture at Juventus by Gonzalo Shipperley. The Hammers are also considering a swoop for Daryl Janmaat, although they face competition from Watford for the Newcastle United right-back.
Ronald Koeman’s side are also in talks with Deportivo La Coruña striker Lucas Pérez Martínez, but they reckon that Joe “Ha Ha” Hart is too expensive. Happy now, Pep?
Offer for striker worth an initial £23m with a further £7m in add-ons
Palace set to offer Zaha, Puncheon and McArthur new contracts
Liverpool have rejected Crystal Palace’s latest bid for Christian Benteke, worth an initial £23m with a further £7m due in add-ons, with frustration steadily mounting on all sides of what have proved protracted negotiations.
Palace made contact with the Merseyside club once again on Monday and subsequently tabled an offer which, in principle, matched Liverpool’s valuation of the Belgium international forward.
However, such was the nature of the proposed add-on clauses which would have swollen the fee to the required £30m that the bid was rejected out of hand. It is understood the clauses were not considered realistically attainable, with Liverpool therefore seeking more money up front for the player.
It seems likely Palace, whose initial offer worth £25m was tabled during Euro 2016, will attempt to return to the negotiating table to put forward a restructured package. An offer worth an initial £28m with £4m of realistic add-ons would most likely prove sufficient to land the striker.
However, time is ticking down towards the transfer deadline and it is unlikely the 25-year-old, who clearly has no future at Anfield after only one season at the club following a £32.5m switch from Aston Villa, will wait much longer before turning his own attentions to other potential moves as he attempts to revive his career.
West Bromwich Albion would be willing to meet Liverpool’s valuation, and other clubs from around Europe have sounded out his representatives, though Benteke’s preference had been a move to London with Palace. Alan Pardew has long made him his priority attacking signing in the wake of Dwight Gayle’s sale to Newcastle and the release of both Emmanuel Adebayor and Marouane Chamakh under freedom of contract.
Palace’s latest bid came on the day they sold Yannick Bolasie to Everton for an initial £25m, potentially also rising to £30m. Pardew still wants to sign two strikers, including Benteke, and direct replacements for Bolasie and Mile Jedinak, who is expected to complete a £4m move to Aston Villa later today.
Meanwhile, Palace are expected to offer new contracts to Wilfried Zaha, James McArthur and Jason Puncheon in the coming weeks. Zaha, who re–signed for the club from Manchester United in 2015, had hoped to sign an extension at the end of last season but is now likely to be offered an improved five-year deal.
