CHELSEA have announced the signing of Benoit Badiashile from Monaco on a seven-and-a-half year deal.
The French defender has been handed a contract until 2030 as the Blues hope to have secured their heir to Thiago Silva.
Upon joining the club, Badiashile said: "I'm very happy to be here at Chelsea. I' m so excited to start playing for this club."
Elsewhere, Benfica boss Roger Schmidt has launched an attack on the Blues for their pursuit of Enzo Fernandez.
Speaking to the press, the head coach said: "There is a club that wants him, they tried to attract him, but they know that they can only have him if they pay the clause.
"It's disrespectful to all of us, to Benfica, they're driving the player crazy, they pretend they want to pay the clause and then they want to negotiate."
Talks have COLLAPSED over a move as things stand.
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- Kiro Evans
The Fight for Felix
Manchester United have reportedly made a loan offer for Arsenal target Joao Felix, according to reports.
The two Premier League giants are tussling over the Portuguese forward who looks ready to jump ship from Atletico.
Relovo report that United have lodged a loan bid to bring him to Old Trafford until the summer, without the obligation to buy.
But the report adds Atletico were not happy with the financial arrangements of the offer and Arsenal remain in the frame.
- Kiro Evans
Eyes on Axel
Manchester United could be set to spring a surprise move for Monaco defender Axel Disasi, according to reports.
The 24-year-old has been linked with the club but also has the attention of Tottenham and West Ham.
The Frenchman was part of his country's World Cup squad and the Mail report initial negotiations have taken place with United.
Disasi joined Monaco from Reims in 2020.
- Kealan Hughes
Blues want bad pair day
Chelsea landed the first major-money deal of the Prem's transfer window – and hope to steal in for an even bigger one.
France defender Benoit Badiashile, 21, was "very happy" to seal his £35million move from Monaco to "the best league in the world".
Now the Blues hope to beat favourites Arsenal to Shakhtar winger Mykhailo Mudryk
The £85million-rated Ukraine star has reportedly given his word to the Gunners he'll join.
But Shakhtar are thought to be holding talks with both London clubs this week.
Barcelona's Memphis Depay and in-form Bayern Munich hotshot Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting are being mentioned as Manchester United seek a new striker.
And it's claimed the Red Devils have “held negotiations” with Monaco over three-cap France defender Axel Disasi, 24.
United are bringing in Crystal Palace's Jack Butland as back-up keeper to David de Gea, who insists he hopes to sign a new contract.
Finally, Arsenal are rated strong favourites to land Atletico Madrid wideman Joao Felix, with the Red Devils understood to be backing out of the hunt for the Portugal ace.
- Ian Tuckey
Joao joining Arsenal 'just a matter of time'
Arsenal will definitely sing Joao Felix, according to Spanish transfer expert Fernando Kallas.
He believes the Portugal star’s relationship with his Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has ‘broken down’ and become ‘toxic’.
Kallas made the claim via The Transfer Show on Sky Sports News.
Earlier today it was suggested Manchester United are looking elsewhere due to Atletico’s demands for a large loan fee and the 23-year-old’s wages to be paid in full for the season.
But the Gunners’ interest is thought to remain strong as Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus could be out for up to three more months following knee surgery.
- Ian Tuckey
'Kane not good focal point for Utd'
Manchester United would make a major blunder if they signed Harry Kane.
So says former Old Trafford defender Paul Parker as boss Erik ten Hag openly seeks a new striker this month
Parker told MyBettingSites: “I would never want Harry Kane in Man Utd.
“They need to sign a centre forward and not a midfield player which is what Harry Kane is.
“It would be a totally pointless signing. All he would do in Man Utd would be to drop down to the midfield and play with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes.
“I saw the rumours on social media and some people wanted him to come, but if they really do that I don’t believe that they have ever watched Harry Kane play.
“He is not a good focal point for a team… so the answer is a very clear no.”
- Ian Tuckey
Red Devils 'in Axel talks'
Manchester United have reportedly “held negotiations” with Monaco over a transfer deal for Axel Disasi amid Harry Maguire’s uncertain future.
The 24-year-old defender was part of the France squad that suffered World Cup heartbreak against Argentina last month.
He has already been linked with a move to the Premier League with both Tottenham and West Ham interested.
Now the Daily Mail states that “multiple top-flight clubs are tracking” Disasi and “initial negotiations have taken place” with United.
Disasi came through the ranks at lowly Paris FC before heading to Reims in 2016.
His displays there, which included helping them to Ligue 2 title glory, earned him a move to Monaco in 2020.
Despite not being capped, Disasi replaced the injured Presnel Kimpembe in France’s World Cup squad and appeared twice at the tournament.
He remains under contract at Monaco until 2025.
- Ian Tuckey
De Gea hopes to extend Utd contract
David De Gea is reportedly set to accept a pay cut to remain at Manchester United.
De Gea, 32, penned a new four-year contract with United back in 2019 for a mega £375,000-a-week.
That expires this June, and even though the Red Devils have the option to extend it by 12 months, they have allegedly opted against it.
The Telegraph claim that is due to his huge salary – and United “will instead enter into discussions” with the player and his representatives “in an attempt to persuade him to pen fresh terms on reduced wages”.
And this fresh report states that the stopper is prepared to accept the salary cut in order to stay.
When asked whether he would finish his career at the Theatre of Dreams, De Gea replied: “I hope so.
“I was saying this is my club, I’ve been here many, many years and it’s a huge honour to be here and I’m so happy here.
“Yeah, I’m very relaxed [about the contract], just focussed on training, performing as best as I can. But, for sure, it’s going to end in a good way.”
- Ian Tuckey
Long's short deal with Brum
Burnley defender Kevin Long is "excited" to join "massive" Championship rivals Birmingham for the rest of the season.
Long, 32, has not been picked by the table-topping Clarets since Vincent Kompany took over as boss following relegation last term.
And his short-term deal with struggling Brum replaces the last six months of his Burnley contract.
Long said: "It has been a tough season for me personally at Burnley
"It has just felt like the right time to move on.
"Birmingham is a massive club and I am really excited to be here."
- Ian Tuckey
'Toffees must show big balls'
Frank Lampard demanded his flops start showing “big balls” to get Everton out of trouble — and keep him in a job.
The Toffees boss is fighting for his future ahead of Friday's FA Cup third-round clash at Manchester United but insists he will not seek assurances over his position.
Lampard said: “Sometimes you have to show big balls to get a result.
“As a player, I always took personal responsibility.
"I’m not being a saint in saying that but you hope your players are always looking to get better.
“I’m not silly, we need to get results — and I’m not walking away from that.
“I want to be a success at this club and whatever challenges that come, I’ll take them head on.
“We’ve slipped into the bottom three, that’s not my major concern — and I’m not talking away from that.
“I’m just saying we’re in and around this area, that’s the reality, and if we win our next game we’ll probably be out of the bottom three.
“But, above all, we’ve got to be up for a fight.”
- Ian Tuckey
Mudryk might cost over £85m
Arsenal look like they will have to fork out over £85million for Mykhailo Mudryk – and it could be Manchester United’s fault.
The Premier League leaders have been chasing Shakhtar Donetsk’s wonderkid, 22, for several months.
Arsenal have submitted an offer worth £62m, but it was well below the Ukrainian side’s asking price.
Chelsea have also registered an interest in the Shakhtar winger in recent days.
However, now both clubs have been offered an insight into what it will take to get the winger this month.
Shakhtar Donetsk’s sporting director Carlo Nicolini has hinted that United, who splashed out £85m to Ajax for Antony, are to blame for lengthy negotiations as Mudryk is “stronger” than the Brazilian.
Nicolini told CalcioNapoli 24: “Given that we have no need for transfers, we said in due time that we evaluate the player stronger than some other profiles, such as Antony. This is the benchmark.
“The problem is that Italian clubs don’t take advantage of opportunities, like Milan with Enzo Fernandez, who is now worth over £100million.
“When you arrive in time on a player you have to sink the shot, otherwise the prices change.”
- Ian Tuckey
Maxim-um attention
Manchester United are increasingly keen on Bayern Munich striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.
So says Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg as the Cameron star enters the last six months of his contract.
The former PSG ace, 33, has hit 14 goals in 16 goals this season.
Manchester United have reportedly decided Atletico Madrid striker Joao Felix is too expensive.
The Portugal star, 23, has also been linked with Arsenal.
But Atletico are said to want a £13.3million loan fee for the rest of the season plus his £5.3m wages remaining wages for the campaign.
United are now thought to be looking at other strike options.
- Ian Tuckey
Ten Hag CONFIRMS Butland deal
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has confirmed his first signing of the January transfer window.
Goalkeeper Jack Butland is set to join the Red Devils on loan until the end of the season.
Erik ten Hag has moved for a new backup for David De Gea and Tom Heaton after Martin Dubravka was recalled by Newcastle early.
And Crystal Palace goalie Butland, 29, will be the Dutchman’s first winter signing.
Ten Hag said: “We need three experienced goalkeepers. We have some young ones and they do well but we have so many games so you need three good goalies in training but also when problems are coming you need experience in goal to get what you are aiming for.
“I’m really happy with David, it’s quite clear, he’s our No.1, he’s a really good performer but there’s always something that can happen with David as well and you have to be prepared for that.
“Last year I had a situation with Ajax where we had three goalies injured and you don’t want a position that you play for trophies and you have to put in a young keeper.
“It can kill your season. That’s what you have to be prepared for.”
- Ian Tuckey
Signing Kane 'pointless for Utd'
Harry Kane would be a "pointless" signing for Manchester United and "not the focal point" in attack they need.
That's the bold view of former Old Trafford defender Paul Parker as boss Erik ten Hag openly seeks a new striker this month
Parker told MyBettingSites: “I would never want Harry Kane in Man Utd.
"They need to sign a centre forward and not a midfield player which is what Harry Kane is.
“It would be a totally pointless signing. All he would do in Man Utd would be to drop down to the midfield and play with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes.
“I saw the rumours on social media and some people wanted him to come, but if they really do that I don’t believe that they have ever watched Harry Kane play.
“He is not a good focal point for a team…so the answer is a very clear no."
- Ian Tuckey
Di cast as new Utd target
Manchester United have reportedly “held negotiations” with Monaco over a transfer deal for Axel Disasi amid Harry Maguire’s uncertain future.
The 24-year-old defender was part of the France squad that suffered World Cup heartbreak against Argentina last month.
He has already been linked with a move to the Premier League with both Tottenham and West Ham interested.
Now the Daily Mail states that “multiple top-flight clubs are tracking” Disasi and “initial negotiations have taken place” with United.
Disasi came through the ranks at lowly Paris FC before heading to Reims in 2016.
His displays there, which included helping them to Ligue 2 title glory, earned him a move to Monaco in 2020.
Despite not being capped, Disasi replaced the injured Presnel Kimpembe in France’s World Cup squad and appeared twice at the tournament.
He remains under contract at Monaco until 2025.
- Ian Tuckey
Red Devils linked to Depay and Choupo-Moting
Memphis Depay and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting are tipped as contenders if Manchester United bring in a new strike this month.
The Red Devils are in the hunt for a new striker following Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit from the club after his interview with Piers Morgan.
Manager Erik ten Hag had been interested in signing Coday Gakpo from PSV, but the Dutch forward instead opted for a move to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
Now United are having to look elsewhere, and Depay and Choupo-Moting have been “mentioned as realistic targets”, according to The Athletic.
The club will be familiar with Depay after he spent two years at Old Trafford between 2015 and 2017.
He never showed his true potential on a consistent level at the club and eventually left for Lyon in 2017.
United’s other option Choupo-Moting also has his contract set to expire with Bundesliga side Bayern Munich at the end of the season.
The former Stoke City striker has become one of Europe’s best backup strikers since leaving the Potters for PSG in 2018.
- Ian Tuckey
Blind joy at shock Bayern move
Bayern Munich have confirmed the surprise signing of ex-Manchester United defender Daley Blind on a free transfer.
The 99-cap Dutchman, 32, terminated his contract with boyhood club Ajax last month and was linked to Belgian giants Antwerp.
But Blind is joining a Bayern team looking to win an 11th consecutive league title.
They sit four clear at the top of the Bundesliga after a tricky start to the season, and can also look forward to a huge clash against French giants PSG in the Champions League next month.
On the move, the player said: "I can't wait to play here.
"We're now facing the most important part of the season which is about the titles – and a club like #FCBayern can win any trophy. Der Hunger for titles here was key to my decision."
- Ian Tuckey
Shakhtar director in Chelsea box
Chelsea have stepped up their pursuit of Ukrainian wonderkid Mykhailo Mudryk with Shakhtar Donetsk director seen in Todd Boehly's plush personal box.
Shakhtar director, Darijo Srna, is in London to discuss the future of the 22-year-old with Arsenal also interested.
Arsenal have already seeing an offer worth £62million knocked back.
Srna also had dinner with former Shakhtar and Arsenal players Willian and Eduardo, before heading to Chelsea vs Manchester City.
But at Stamford Bridge, Srna was sitting in Blues owner Boehly's personal box for the Premier League clash.
Chelsea are attempting to hijack Arsenal's move for Mudryk with Boehly willing to back boss Graham Potter in the transfer market this month.
- Ian Tuckey
Villa close on £15m Moreno
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is closing in on a £15million swoop for Real Betis left-back Alex Moreno.
The 29-year-old is regarded as the best uncapped left-back in LaLiga and is highly rated by Emery who admires his defensive discipline as well as his attacking qualities.
Villa have informed Betis of their interest and sources in Spain have reported talks between the clubs are ongoing, with Betis already sounding out potential replacements if Moreno does leave.
The defender was surprisingly left out of Betis' 4-1 victory against Ibiza in the Copa del Rey yesterday, with fans fearing Moreno could be Villa bound.
Moreno came close to joining Nottingham Forest for £9m in the summer, only to perform an 11th hour U-turn after fans begged him to stay.
However, the chance to work with Villa's high-profile Spanish coach Emery is more appealing to the vastly experienced defender who won the Copa del Rey with Betis last season.
- Ian Tuckey
Mudryk might cost over £85m
Arsenal look like they will have to fork out over £85million for Mykhailo Mudryk – and it could be Manchester United’s fault.
The Premier League leaders have been chasing Shakhtar Donetsk’s wonderkid, 22, for several months.
Arsenal have submitted an offer worth £62m, but it was well below the Ukrainian side's asking price.
Chelsea have also registered an interest in the Shakhtar winger in recent days.
However, now both clubs have been offered an insight into what it will take to get the winger this month.
Shakhtar Donetsk's sporting director Carlo Nicolini has hinted that United, who splashed out £85m to Ajax for Antony, are to blame for lengthy negotiations as Mudryk is “stronger” than the Brazilian.
Nicolini told CalcioNapoli 24: “Given that we have no need for transfers, we said in due time that we evaluate the player stronger than some other profiles, such as Antony. This is the benchmark.
“The problem is that Italian clubs don’t take advantage of opportunities, like Milan with Enzo Fernandez, who is now worth over £100million.
“When you arrive in time on a player you have to sink the shot, otherwise the prices change.”
- Ian Tuckey
Felix tipped to arrive soon
Joao Felix joining Arsenal is just 'a matter of time'.
Spanish transfer expert Fernando Kallas made the claim over the Portugal Madrid wideman via The Transfer Show on Sky Sports News.
Kallas believes Felix's relationship with his Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has ‘broken down’ and become ‘toxic’.
Earlier today it was suggested Manchester United are looking elsewhere due to Atletico's demands for a large loan fee and the 23-year-old's wages to be paid in full for the season.
But the Gunners' interest is thought to remain strong as Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus could be out for up to three more months following knee surgery.
- Ian Tuckey
De Jong 'not for sale'
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has insisted Frenkie de Jong is "not for sale" in a blow to Manchester United.
The midfielder was heavily linked with a switch to United over the summer but stayed put in Spain before a sensational recent report claimed he was open to leaving the Camp Nou.
But Barca chief Laporta has rubbished any rumours of the Dutchman leaving the club this month.
He revealed "several clubs" are keen on De Jong, 25, who has been a regular for boss Xavi this season.
But, as well as goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Laporta confirmed that the Dutchman is not for sale in January.
He also appeared to suggest De Jong will remain on his current contract – following claims Barcelona wanted to sell him in the summer to get his wages off the books.
De Jong then hit back at critics in October who claimed he was refusing to have his wages cut.
Laporta told Cadena SER this week, via Sport: "We will not do anything with the inherited contracts. We will respect them.
"Ter Stegen and De Jong? We are very happy with both. None are for sale.
"Frenkie has significant value, several clubs are interested in him, but he is not for sale."
- Ian Tuckey
Shakhtar director dines with
ex-Gunners amid Mudryk talkShakhtar Donetsk's director dined with ex-Arsenal stars Willian and Eduardo before attending Chelsea vs Manchester City with Mykhailo Mudryk's future set to be discussed.
Mudryk, 22, is a transfer target for both London clubs, with Premier League leaders Arsenal already seeing an offer worth £62million knocked back.
Arsenal aren't expected to give up on their pursuit of Mudryk despite seeing an opening offer knocked back, with further talks set to take place with Shakhtar's director, Darijo Srna, in London.
Srna sat down for dinner with former Shakhtar and Arsenal stars Willian and Eduardo before attending Chelsea's Premier League clash with defending champions Man City on Thursday night.
Willian also has ties to the Blues having spent seven years at Stamford Bridge.
According to Fabrizio Romano, a deal for Mudryk "has been and will be discussed in the next days again in England".
- Ian Tuckey
'No one will pay £112m for Fernandes'
John Barnes has scoffed at Enzo Fernandes' reported £112million valuation.
Chelsea are confident of a deal for the Manchester United target as Benfica fear losing their Argentina midfielder this month.
And former Liverpool wideman Barnes told BonusCodeBets: “I don’t think anyone will be paying £112m for Fernandez.
"I’m sure it will be cheaper than that.”
“I don’t know if he was on Liverpool’s radar or not but what I don't like teams doing is signing players because they had a good World Cup.
"Four or five good games at the World Cup doesn't make you a good player. Especially if that team has Lionel Messi.”
- Ian Tuckey
Nunes 'cheaper alternative to Enzo'
Wolves' Matheus Nunes would be an effective, bargain-buy alternative for Liverpool to Manchester United and Chelsea target Enzo Fernandes.
That's the view of Anfield legend John Barnes as Benfica brace themselves for large bids for Argentina midfielder Fernandes.
Ex-England winger Barnes told BonusCodeBets: “Nunes will certainly be much cheaper than Fernandez.
"They are both good players but does Fernandez even want to come to Liverpool if he had already agreed terms with Chelsea?”
“Nunes would be a fantastic signing.”
- Ian Tuckey
Utd 'pushing' for Choupo-Moting
Manchester United are increasingly keen on Bayern Munich striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.
So says Sky Sports' Florian Plettenberg as the Cameron star enters the last six months of his contract.
The former PSG ace, 33, has hit 14 goals in 16 goals this season.
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