With the January window on the horizon, there’s plenty brewing in the transfer market. All the latest deals and potential deals can be found here.
Shaw set to leave Man United
Manchester United are ready to cut their losses on Luke Shaw with the left-back failing to force his way into Jose Mourinho’s first-team plans, reports the Daily Mail.
Shaw has endured a frosty relationship with Mourinho since the Portuguese boss arrived at Old Trafford in 2016, and it’s thought a fresh challenge could suit all parties.
Newcastle have enquired about the 22-year-old and may be encouraged by speculation that United will accept offers of £20 million — £11.5 million less than they paid Southampton for Shaw’s signature in 2014.
The England international is keen to remain in the Premier League and a January loan move to St James’ Park — with a view to a permanent transfer — is now on the cards.
Arsenal back in for Evans
Arsenal are set to return for Jonny Evans in January despite having a £25 million bid for the defender rejected in August, reports the Daily Mirror.
After selling Gabriel Paulista to Valencia in the summer, Arsene Wenger remains keen to recruit another centre-back with Evans leading the Gunners’ list of targets.
The 29-year-old is also being tracked by Manchester City as new West Brom boss Alan Pardew prepares to hold crunch talks over the Northern Irishman’s future.
De Bruyne on Real Madrid radar
Kevin De Bruyne’s recent performances for Manchester City haven’t gone unnoticed, with Real Madrid stepping up their interest in the midfielder according to City Watch.
The Manchester City fan site quotes a source close to the player as confirming that the La Liga champions have contacted De Bruyne’s agent Patrick De Koster over a potential transfer.
The Belgium international has reportedly outlined his intention to stay at the Etihad Stadium, but Real Madrid are eager to make a high-profile signing after a period of relative inactivity in the transfer market.
Should the Spanish giants make their move, it may also reignite Paris Saint-Germain’s long-held interest in De Bruyne.
Tap-ins
– Mourinho has told his Manchester United scouts to find him a “magician” in January, claims The Sun. The United boss hasn’t given up on the title race despite his team trailing Manchester City by eight points, and believes a key creative signing in January could make the difference in the battle at the top.
– Valencia are plotting a January loan move for Everton misfit Sandro Ramirez, according to the Daily Mail. The 22-year-old joined the Toffees from Malaga in the summer, but has scored only two goals in 13 appearances.
– Barcelona are eyeing Chelsea midfielder Willian as an alternative to Philippe Coutinho, reports the Daily Mail. The Catalan giants hope to conclude a deal for Coutinho in January, but will turn to his compatriot at Stamford Bridge if they fail to strike an agreement with Liverpool.
– Barcelona are also chasing Mesut Ozil and plan to offer Arda Turan in part-exchange to push through a transfer in January, reports the Daily Star. Turan has been told he has no future at the Nou Camp and could be used as a makeweight to persuade the Gunners to let Ozil leave six months before his contract expires.
Matthew Stanger covers European football for ESPN and is the editor of The Set Pieces. Twitter: @MatthewStanger