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.
Man United plot bumper swap deal to sign Alex Sandro
Manchester United are plotting an extravagant deal to bring Juventus star Alex Sandro to Old Trafford next month. The Red Devils aim to edge rivals Chelsea by offering a player in exchange, but the Sun believes the Old Lady are not keen at present.
Jose Mourinho has given up on Henrikh Mkhitaryan after rowing over his positional game recently, meaning the Red Devils will sanction his departure.
But the Serie A champions do not want the Armenian in return for Sandro; instead, they will demand Daley Blind and cash to part with the Brazil international.
Chelsea will also attempt to engage in negotiations after making an extensive effort to pry Alex away from Turin last summer, with Juve likely more willing to sell due to the former Porto star’s refusal to extend his deal and inconsistent form.
Allardyce to offer Walcott January escape
Sam Allardyce is keen to take Theo Walcott to Everton next month to continue the revival he has started after replacing Ronald Koeman.
Walcott could be tempted, according to the Mirror, with a move likely to reignite his career ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
The Gunners star has struggled with injuries this season but has also been surplus at times, with Arsene Wenger omitting him from several match-day squads.
The 28-year-old has 18 months to run on his £140,000 per week contract and has yet to start a Premier League game this term.
Elsewhere, the Toffees will push ahead with plans to reunite Steven N’Zonzi with Big Sam after the France international had a falling out with Sevilla.
Dortmund emerge as contenders for Emre Can
Jurgen Klopp could lose one of his key men to former club Borussia Dortmund, with the Liverpool Echo claiming the Bundesliga giants have entered the race to sign Emre Can.
The Reds midfielder will become a free agent next summer and has so far refused to pen terms on an extension, with a lucrative deal lined up to move abroad.
Juventus, like BVB and any foreign club, can agree a pre-contract agreement next month to join on a free transfer in July. While the Italians are seen as the frontrunners still, BVB sporting director Michael Zorc has hinted they could now compete for Can’s signature.
“An excellent player,” Zorc told Sky Deutschland. “He is in the sights of the very, very large clubs of Europe.”
Tap-ins
– Newly-appointed Arsenal scout Sven Mislintat has identified his first top target, with RMC reporting the Gunners will move for Mainz star Abdou Diallo.
The former Borussia Dortmund transfer guru wants the 21-year-old centre-back after a series of impressive displays in the Bundesliga since moving from Monaco for €6m.
– Another Gunners target could be Hirving Lozano, with Mexican outlet Super Deportivo claiming El Tri’s next big thing is being monitored at the Emirates.
The 22-year-old has starred for PSV since moving from Pachuca and a £42.3m bid has been floated, which would make “Chucky” the most expensive Mexican player of all time.
– Leicester are tracking Benfica full-back Andre Almeida, according to the Leicester Mercury, with the 27-year-old likely sought after to compete with Danny Simpson.
The Foxes would have previously needed to pay the €30m buy-out clause, but the Portugal international penned a new deal without the new figure released.
Hoffenheim defender Pavel Kaderabek is said to be another option next month for Claude Puel.