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.
TOP STORY: Frustrated Giroud could leave for Inter
Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud has found himself out of favour in the past month, and now Gazzetta dello Sport reports the 33-year-old could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge, less than two years after he signed for a fee reported to be £18 million from Arsenal.
Inter Milan are said to be interested in the French forward, with the Italian outlet saying that discussions are already taking place.
Giroud has not been a regular name on Frank Lampard‘s starting sheet, having made just 10 appearances this season and scoring four goals, with former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte said to be keen on securing Giroud as a backup option for Romelu Lukaku.
Pogba could at last exit Old Trafford in Rodriguez swap
Manchester United lead the race to secure the services of James Rodriguez from Real Madrid, but the completion of that move could in turn see Paul Pogba exit Old Trafford.
Spanish outlet Eldesmarque has reported that United chief Ole Gunnar Solskjaer leads the race to snap up Rodriguez, who has also attracted the interest of Tottenham and Wolverhampton.
It’s reported that the deal to bring Madrid’s attacking midfielder to Manchester would see Pogba sign for the Spanish giants, despite the Frenchman being heavily linked with a move to Juventus.
After spending last season on loan at Bayern Munich, Rodriguez, 28, promptly returned to the Bernabeu but has made only nine appearances in all competitions this term, with four of those coming from the bench.
Rodriguez’s six-year contract at Real Madrid reaches its conclusion at the end of this season.
Emery willing to splash the cash for Demiral
Unai Emery is interested in signing Juventus defender Merih Demiral, according to Turkish Football.
It has been reported that Arsenal have made contact with representatives of Demiral, who has played once for the Italian club this season in addition to his four European Championship qualifier appearances for Turkey.
Demiral moved to Juventus from fellow Serie A club Sassuolo in the summer and it has been reported that Maurizio Sarri fought off interest from Arsenal to secure the 21-year-old’s services at the time.
But Arsenal are now said to be willing to pay more than £25m for the youngster if the report is to be believed.
– When does the transfer window reopen?
– All major completed transfer deals
Tap-ins
– After watching Valencia defeat Lille 4-1 in the Champions League earlier this week, Manchester United are now reportedly interested in three of the Spanish club’s younger players. Plaza Deportiva has said that left-back Jose Gaya, midfielder Carlos Soler and striker Ferran Torres are all on Solskjaer’s watchlist ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.
– Newcastle boss Steve Bruce has declared he will move to bring in Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka on loan amid the midfielder’s off-field difficulties at the Emirates Stadium. The Guardian has reported that Magpies boss Bruce, whose side are four points clear of the Premier League relegation frame, is an admirer of the 27-year-old — in particular his running power.