The transfer windows in Europe’s top leagues are closed, but it’s never too early to look forward to January. Click here to view the latest transfers, and keep up to date with the newest gossip below.
Ole to pip Klopp to Werner
Reports in the Mirror claim that Manchester United are planning to hijack Liverpool’s attempts to bring RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner to Anfield.
Werner signed a new long-term contract with Leipzig in the summer after failing to secure a dream move to Bayern Munich. However, the new deal includes a bargain release clause of just £27 million — a development that is set to spark a huge head-to-head battle with Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool in January.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is hoping that the lure of more regular first team football at Old Trafford will swing negotiations in their favour, with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial both struggling to fill the void left by Romelu Lukaku‘s departure to Inter Milan in the summer.
Werner, 23, has scored 11 goals in 16 appearances for club and country this season, and United have reportedly sent scouts to watch him play in every single match this campaign.
Spurs eye Onana as Lloris replacement
Tottenham Hotspur are on the lookout for a new goalkeeper to replace Hugo Lloris, and the Sun claims Mauricio Pochettino’s side have identified Ajax stopper Andre Onana as their number one target.
The 23-year-old first caught Pochettino’s eye during the Dutch side’s Champions League semifinal against Spurs back in April, and the north Londoners have been monitoring the Cameroon international ever since.
Current No. 1 Lloris is facing months on the sideline with an elbow injury, but reports claim there were already doubts over the Frenchman after a poor run of form at the backend of last season, and the club are now making provisions to fill the void should they decide to dispense of their World Cup-winning keeper at the end of the season.
It is believed Ajax value Onana at between £30m and £35m.
Rossoneri to reel in Rugani
AC Milan are set to revive their interest in Juventus defender Daniele Rugani, after failing to bring the Italian to the San Siro in the summer, according to reports at Calciomercato.
Juve have a bulging central defensive department, and with the likes of Matthijs de Ligt, Leonardo Bonucci and Merih Demiral ahead of Rugani in the pecking order, it is looking increasingly likely that the 25-year-old will leave Turin for pastures new at the turn of the year.
A move to Milan was in the offing in the close season, but the Rossoneri pulled out of negotiations after the Serie A champions demanded a fee of €40m, despite having made just 70 league appearances for Juventus in more than four seasons.
But Milan are now hoping that frustration in the Rugani camp about a continued lack of playing time, as well as Juve’s need to sell players to continue financing Cristiano Ronaldo‘s wages, will help drive the price down.
Tap-ins
– Leicester City are hoping to beat fellow Premier League side Newcastle United to the signing of Metz striker Habibou Diallo, according to reports in the Express. The 24-year-old is currently second in the Ligue 1 scoring charts, after netting 26 goals in the French second division last season.
– Liverpool are keeping tabs on Hertha Berlin winger Javairo Dilrosun, according to Calciomercato. The 21-year-old Dutchman has notched three goals and two assists in just six Bundesliga appearances this season, and has also caught the eye of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
– Juventus remain keen on Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo, and could intensify their interest after a strong start to the season from the 20-year-old. The former Inter Milan youngster has scored in each of his last four games across Serie A and the Europa League.
