January is just around the corner. Click here to view the latest transfers, and keep up to date with the newest gossip below.

TOP STORY: Liverpool’s Werner pursuit could foil Man United

Liverpool could land a stunning transfer double-blow in January, according to the Independent.

The outlet reports that Jurgen Klopp’s pursuit of Germany international Timo Werner hinges on RB Leipzig bringing in a suitable replacement for the striker — a certain Erling Haaland.

Yes that’s the same Haaland who lit up this season’s Champions League group stage, scoring eight goals in six appearances — the Haaland that Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been desperately courting for months.

Adding Werner to their already fearsome attack would already be a huge coup for Liverpool. Denying archrivals Man United of their major January target in the process? Well that would just be too sweet for Reds fans.

The Sun, however, does offer a ray of hope for Solskjaer, suggesting that a £76 million deal, plus a loan back to Salzburg for the rest of this season, will sway Haaland’s preference back in United’s favour.

LIVE BLOG

08.00 GMT: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has conceded there is no reason for Mikel Arteta to turn down the Arsenal job. Arteta is in talks about becoming the next manager at the Emirates and Guardiola admits it will be difficult for the Spaniard to reject the role to stay as his assistant at City.

“It is a good argument — why not?” said Guardiola, ahead of City’s trip to Oxford United in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday. “It is uncomfortable for me. It is a question for Mikel, I am not in his brain. We talk about it a little bit but his feelings are his feelings.

“If he decides to move I’ll wish him all the best, for him, his family and for his professional future. I will beat him — that’s a joke!”

Sources confirmed to ESPN that talks between Arteta and the club continued on Tuesday, with the Spaniard speaking to Josh Kroenke, the son of Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke, with things progressing well and the club hopeful Arteta can take charge for this weekend’s match against Everton.

Sources added that Arteta is keen to take the job but details need to be ironed out before that happens, including his compensation package which is still being discussed.

PAPER TALK (by Harry Kettle): Chelsea to trigger Ake clause

Chelsea are gearing up to trigger the buyback clause in the contract of Bournemouth centre-back Nathan Ake, the Express reports.

With the Blues having until the summer to trigger the clause before it’s no longer valid, it appears as if Frank Lampard is ready to commit to the idea of paying £40m to ensure the 24-year-old returns to Stamford Bridge.

The Cherries have done well to hold on to Ake up until this point, but now, Lampard is ready to stretch his legs in this managerial role and put forward a bid in January.

Palace hold firm on Zaha

Crystal Palace are set to hold firm in their £80m valuation of Wilfried Zaha, the Mail reports.

The Ivory Coast international has been heavily linked with a move away from the Eagles for more than a year, with numerous rumoured deals falling through — mostly due to the asking price. Now, though, they’re going to challenge Chelsea to see what sort of a bid they come forward with after reports came out suggesting that the Blues could go after him.

Regardless of what happens, Palace have no plans to lower the fee.

Tap-ins

– Barcelona’s own influence is one of the reasons why Manchester City are believed to be leading the race to sign Barcelona youngster Juan Larios, as reported by the Record. The 15-year-old, who is still a few years away from hitting a point where he could feature in the first team, has also been catching the eye of Manchester United and Liverpool — but Barca don’t want to see him head to Anfield, which is why City are in pole position.

– Chelsea are struggling to come to terms on new contracts for youngsters Tammy Abraham and Reece James, the Telegraph reports. The Blues have been able to lock down a number of their top stars to new deals as of late, but Abraham and James, who have both been catching the eye of clubs around Europe, are proving to be stiffer opposition with progress on them not being “as fast” as the club would’ve hoped.