With the calendar soon turning over to the new year, the gossip ahead of the January transfer window is heating up. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest rumours.
Barca to finally land Di Maria?
Barcelona are moving ahead with plans to sign Angel Di Maria, with the offer from last summer to Paris Saint-Germain still standing at €45 million and €15m in bonuses.
Sport reports that the Argentina international may join the exclusive club of players to have played for both Real Madrid and Barca by moving back to Spain next month.
After Kylian Mbappe and Neymar’s arrival in the French capital, Unai Emery has made the former Manchester United man merely a squad player.
The 29-year-old’s arrival could spell the end of the Blaugrana’s pursuit of Philippe Coutinho, who may prove too costly due to Liverpool’s strong negotiating position.
Atletico make Carrasco available
Atletico Madrid have made Yannick Carrasco available next month with Spanish newspaper AS detailing personal issues have convinced Diego Simeone to sell the Belgian winger.
The 24-year-old has played 90 minutes just twice this campaign and with former Sevilla midfielder Vitolo officially arriving next month, Carrasco has been made dispensable in the eyes of El Cholo.
Chelsea, Arsenal and Bayern have all been linked with Carrasco, who is rumoured to have fallen out with teammates Koke and Gabi, plus fitness coach Oscar Ortega.
The La Liga giants will likely still hold out for a big fee, despite the wishes from Simeone for a divorce, two and a half years after moving from Monaco for £15m.
Moyes to launch £25m move for Mawson
West Ham will make a £25m bid for Swansea centre-back Alfie Mawson, sources have told ESPN FC.
David Moyes wants to strengthen his defence and the 23-year-old is now a prime target with the Hammers already seeing an £18m offer rejected.
Barnsley will command a 15 percent cut from the Swans’ sale, which has led to a £25m valuation — worth £3.75m to the Championship club.
West Ham will up their offer to £20m with £5m more in add-ons, which could tempt Swansea, as it will help boost their next manager’s transfer kitty.
Everton agree fee for Tosun
Everton have agreed a £25m fee with Besiktas for Turkey striker Cenk Tosun, reports the Guardian’s Ed Aarons.
Sam Allardyce has been vocal about the need for a No. 9 next summer with the club admitting failure in replacing Romelu Lukaku after selling him to Manchester United for £90m.
The 26-year-old has scored 13 goals this season, including four in six games in the Champions League.
Crystal Palace and Newcastle were also thought to be interested, but the Toffees appear to have won the race with Tosun set to move to Merseyside next month.
Understand Everton have agreed £25m fee with Besiktas for Cenk Tosun. Striker expected to move when transfer window opens #efc
— Ed Aarons (@ed_aarons) December 27, 2017
Tap-ins
– Watford are ready to resist Arsenal interest in Abdoulaye Doucoure by making him the club’s highest paid player on a five-year deal, according to the Mirror.
The 24-year-old will earn up to £70,000 per week to stay at Vicarage Road with manager Marco Silva describing him as the “heartbeat” for the Hornets.
– Valencia are keen to save Sandro from his Everton nightmare six months after the Toffees paid £5.2m to bring him to Goodison from Malaga, reports AS.
Los Che could take the 22-year-old on loan to boost their shock hopes of challenging for the title.
– Crystal Palace, Burnley and Everton will fight it out for Angers striker Karl Toko Ekambi, reports the Croydon Advertiser.
The Cameroonian forward has hit nine goals in Ligue 1 this season, while Brighton could reignite their interest from last summer.