PREMIER LEAGUE clubs are looking to get last-minute deals over the line with the transfer window closing on Monday night.
Top-flight sides will need to get their business done before 11pm, or be left scouring the free agent list.
And one side who are really going for it this January are Aston Villa, who have reportedly had a £20m bid for Juventus midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur rejected.
Meanwhile, Frank Lampard is reportedly set to make Dele Alli his first signing if he is announced as Everton manager.
And we bring you the very latest from Stamford Bridge, where a number of stars could be coming and going over the weekend.
Follow ALL the latest transfer gossip and news with our live blog below…
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- Jake Lambourne
Brighton willing to sell Bissouma
Premier League clubs have been put on red alert with Brighton reportedly willing to sell star midfielder Yves Bissouma this month.
The likes of Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham and Aston Villa are all believed to be admirers of the Mali international.
And according to The Times, the Seagulls are ready to cash in on the 25-year-old.
Valued at around £50million, Bissouma has just 18 months left on his contract at the Amex Stadium.
The south coast outfit know that they may not be able to fetch that price in the summer when he enters his last year of his deal.
- Jake Lambourne
Chelsea duo enjoy dune buggying
Adrenaline junkies Timo Werner and Kai Havertz aren’t taking the Premier League’s winter break lying down.
The Chelsea pals have been pictured enjoying a spot of DUNE BUGGYING in the desert with their stunning girlfriends this week.
Prem stars have been given a fortnight off as the top flight presses pause after the hectic festive schedule.
And while the likes of Manchester United megastar Cristiano Ronaldo have been spotted relaxing on the beach, Werner and Havertz opted for a more high-octane approach.
Striker Werner posted a pair of snaps on his Instagram account from the full-throttle day out.
They show the Germany internationals beaming among the sand dunes alongside beautiful Wags Julia Nagler and Sophia Weber.
Werner accompanied the post with the simple caption: “Enjoying a short vacation!”
Read more HERE.
- Jake Lambourne
Feel the Bern
Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno will reportedly remain at the Emirates this month.
The German shot-stopper has been linked with a move to Newcastle with Aaron Ramsdale the No1 choice in North London.
But Sky Sport reporter Florian Plettenberg has declared that he will be staying until at least the summer.
He tweeted: He [Leno] won’t leave @Arsenal in winter, decision confirmed.
“A transfer in summer is more likely. #NUFC still with good chances if they stay in the PL.”
- Jake Lambourne
Liverpool pair set for exit
Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino will reportedly be allowed to leave Liverpool before the window closes.
According to the Athletic, the Reds are ready to sell the pair as they close in on the signing of Porto star Luis Diaz.
Both players are claimed to have been deemed surplus to requirements at Anfield.
Boss Jurgen Klopp will have Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota and Diaz to count on once the Africa Cup of Nations ends.
- Jake Lambourne
Three’s a crowd
Donny van de Beek has agreed terms with three clubs on a potential loan move, according to reports.
The MEN reports that the Dutchman and Man Utd will get to choose between Crystal Palace, an unnamed Premier League club and an unnamed foreign club.
Dortmund and Newcastle are believed to be among the other clubs interested.
But Van de Beek is currently dating Dennis Bergkamp’s daughter Estelle.
Bergkamp remains close with Palace boss and ex-Arsenal team-mate Patrick Vieira, which MEN claim could nudge him towards a move to South London.
- Jake Lambourne
Pennant wants Aubameyang at Everton
Former Arsenal forward Jermaine Pennant has urged Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to join EVERTON instead of Barcelona or Juventus.
He told BestofBets.com: “Although Pierre is a great footballer, something really bad obviously happened at Arsenal – serious enough to strip his of captaincy – and this may work as a deterrent for some clubs.
“But… there will be some teams out there, such as Everton, who require a big name striker to help them.
“So, that can play in his favour, because he’s a big name, and he can score goals.
“So, it might not be a top, top-tier team, but middle-tier, and he shouldn’t find a problem there, regardless of what’s gone on at Arsenal.
“If he comes out saying, ‘I just wanna play, I just want to prove, I want to get back into things,’ they should take him.
“And considering the problems Everton are faced with at the moment, Pierre-Emerick could be just what they need to help them out of relegation fears.”
- Jake Lambourne
I'll Tone it down
Ivan Toney has apologised to fans after a video emerged online showing him saying: “F*** Brentford.”
Brentford launched a probe on Firday, with a club spokesman confirming: “We’re aware and investigating.”
He tweeted: "I am aware of a video of me that was published on social media today, taken in Dubai where I have been on holiday during the winter break.
"In it, I used language that was unacceptable. The video was cut short and edited, but I have to accept the impact this has had and I realise I should not have put myself in that position.
"I have explained to the gaffer what happened and apologised to him but I also want to apologise to all Brentford fans.
"I respect the way you all support the team and I have to say how much I love playing for the club and for you.
"I'll be back at training next week, working hard to score more goals to win us more games for the rest of the season.”
- sstreet
Mis-ed opportunity
Burnley have suffered a big blow in the transfer market after Dinamo Zagreb confirmed winger Mislav Orsic will be going nowhere.
The 29-year-old, who scored a hat-trick against Tottenham last season, was a top target for the Clarets.
However, a Dinamo statement read: "In recent days, great interest of the public and fans has caused the possible transfer of player Mislav Oršić to the English club Burnley.
"Following this topic, GNK Dinamo informs the public that the decision has been made that Mislav Oršić will remain a Dinamo player and we are looking forward to participating in the continuation of the season together with his teammates and contributing to achieving the goal of winning a new Croatian title."
- sstreet
Lamps eyes Dele deal
Frank Lampard is reportedly on his way to Everton, and that means Dele Alli could be too.
SunSport can reveal that Lamps has already told Farhad Moshiri that he wants the Spurs midfielder to be his first signing.
The former Chelsea boss came through a second round of interviews this week to edge out former Olympiakos boss Vitor Pereira as the leading candidate for the Goodison Park gig.
- Jake Lambourne
Saliba eyed up by Real Madrid
William Saliba could reportedly be set for a shock summer transfer away from Arsenal without ever having played for the club.
Spanish media claim that Real Madrid are plotting a move for the 20-year-old centre-back once his loan spell at Marseille finishes.
He has yet again impressed in Ligue 1 from his 20 outings – helping the Stade Velodrome outfit reach third in the table.
It was said in November how Arsenal were preparing to hand him a new contract with his deal set to expire in 2024.
But according to Fichajes, Real are hoping to lure him to Spain as they look to bolster their backline.
It has been suggested that the player's age and potential is seen as an attractive option for the Spanish top-flight leaders.
- Jake Lambourne
Del me in
Frank Lampard will make a running start as the new Everton boss with Dele Alli his first target.
Lampard came through a second round of interviews to beat Vitor Pereira and current caretaker manager Duncan Ferguson to succeed sacked Rafa Benitez.
Yet while the ink will only be dry on a deal soon, the former Chelsea and Derby County boss has already told the Goodison hierarchy that he wants Alli on loan.
Lampard, 43, has at least one more target in mind following his meetings with majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri and chairman Bill Kenwright in London on Friday.
Read more HERE.
- Jake Lambourne
Transfer news
Liverpool are tipped to pip Spurs to £45million winger Luis Diaz – after Juventus beat Arsenal to £62m Dusan Vlahovic.
Porto’s Colombia superstar Diaz would reportedly prefer to join Jurgen Klopp’s second-placed Premier Leaguers than Antonio Conte’s stutterers.
And Serbia goal machine Vlahovic sealed his predicted switch to Juve from Fiorentina on his 22nd birthday.
The Gunners hoped to lure him with a huge salary and add-ons but he wanted to stay in Italy.
Meanwhile, midfielder Paul Pogba could stay at Manchester United – IF Ralf Rangick remains manager.
And Newcastle are expected to make THREE signings before the transfer window closes on Monday.
Lyon midfielder Bruno Guimaraes tops the list of targets, with Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah and Brighton defender Dan Burn also contenders.
Wolves are battling to keep hold of Red Devils and Gunners' target Ruben Neves.
United have bid £35m but Wolves hope to keep the Portugal midfielder until at least the end of the summer.
The Red Devils also believe Dutchman Donny van de Beek could switch to Crystal Palace on loan this weekend.
Finally, ex-England and Arsenal playmaker Jack Wilshere has attracted transfer interest from Championship and overseas clubs.
- Ian Tuckey
Red Devils linked to Dom
Could Manchester United muscle in for reported Arsenal and Newcastle target Dominic Calvert-Lewin?
That’s the speculation tonight over Everton’s England striker, 24.
But any move for Calvert-Lewin is unlikely to come before the summer.
The 11-cap star is under contract until 2025.
But the Manchester Evening News is among media outlets suggesting the Toffees might decide to cash in on one of the Premier League’s most reliable marksmen of the current decade.
The MEN claim the Toffees are ‘shackled’ by Financial Fair Play rules due to ‘reckless spending’ in recent years.
- Ian Tuckey
Lamps heading for Everton
Frank Lampard is closing in on a return to management after being offered the Everton job.
The Chelsea legend impressed Toffees owner Farhad Moshiri in his second interview and should be in charge in time for next Saturday’s FA Cup fourth round tie against Brentford.
Fans’ choice Lamps was preferred to Portuguese coach Vitor Pereira, who also had a second interview on Friday, and caretaker boss Duncan Ferguson.
Lampard has been out of management for a year after being sacked by Chelsea in January 2021.
His job offer came at a late night board meeting – and after Wayne Rooney revealed he’d snubbed the chance to manage his boyhood club.
Goodison chiefs also wanted to interview the Derby boss for vacant job following Rafa Benitez’s sacking.
But Rooney said: “Everton approached my agent and asked me to interview for the job, which I turned down.
“It was a very difficult decision for me, but that's where we’re at."
- Ian Tuckey
Wil he land deal?
Jack Wilshere has attracted transfer interest from various Championship clubs as well as teams from abroad after keeping fit with Arsenal.
In a bid to keep his fitness levels up, the 30-year-old has been working with the Gunners for the past few months and has also been involved in their warm weather training camp in the UAE.
According to reports from football.london, a host of Championship clubs are looking to secure his signature.
A move to Italy or Greece could also be on the cards with Serie B side Monza and AEK Athens among the former England midfielder’s admirers.
- Ian Tuckey
Ful of hope to keep Kop target Carvalho
Marco Silva revealed it has been “difficult” to encourage Fabio Carvalho to sign a new contract at Fulham amid increased interest from Liverpool.
But the Cottagers boss is confident the Portuguese whizkid, 19, will stay put this month despite the Reds being keen to hash out a January deal.
Fulham’s Fabio Carvalho scores wonder goal in U21 match
Carvalho, on seven goals and two assists this term, rejected an extension in November and will be a free agent when his deal expires at the end of the campaign.
Silva said: “Fab will be with us until the end of the season.
“I would like, except is not the right word, I would like to see him play for us at Fulham football club.
“I will not lie, it has been difficult for us to renew.
“Of course we are trying to do our best but it has been difficult. When you have a player of this talent and at this level last year of contract it is difficult to keep him with contract.
“Without a contract it is even worse. What I can tell you right now is that Fabio will be with us until the end of the season."
- Ian Tuckey
EXCLUSIVE: Pog happy to stay… if Ralf remains boss
Paul Pogba is open to staying at Manchester United – if Ralf Rangnick remains as boss.
The midfielder has been so impressed with the new Red Devils manager during a number of talks with him that he is ready to make u-turn rather than leave the club on a free in the summer.
France World Cup winner Pogba is yet to play for Rangnick due to a thigh injury picked up on international duty at the start of November.
But the manager’s vision of the future and the part Pogba can play in it at United has won over the player.
Former managers Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could not find the key to unlock Pogba’s best form for the Red Devils in the seasons following his then world record £89million move from Juventus in 2016.
Now Rangnick has started to convince the four-time Serie A winner that he can build a midfield and indeed a team around him.
Rangnick also believes Pogba could prove a galvanising force behind the scenes.
A number of cliques have started to develop in the squad but Pogba remains popular with all his teammates and he would be inspired by this new leadership role.
- Ian Tuckey
EXCLUSIVE: Zola fears Chelsea trio leaving
It is not often that a conversation with Gianfranco Zola brings Meat Loaf to mind.
But that truly awful song — even by the standards of dreary rock ballads — Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad, is what Zola thinks Thomas Tuchel should aim for from his defensive dilemma.
Loyal club captain Cesar Azpilicueta, aggressive campaigner Antonio Rudiger and silky Andreas Christensen are free to talk to rivals and could walk away come May, ripping the heart out of Tuchel’s back line.
Chelsea’s German manager has to juggle finances, emotion and the harsh world of professional football to pick a way out of the problem.
If Tuchel and the people above him do not move fast, Chelsea will be forced into a major reshuffle at the back with the squad on the cusp of something special.
Former Chelsea striker and assistant boss Zola admits finding a solution is one of the toughest challenges Tuchel will face in his time as head coach.
The man voted Chelsea’s best ever player by the fans said: “It’s a particular situation because they are three players from the same position.
“We are talking about two of them being key players and have been very successful at the club. Right now, they are playing all the time — that is Rudiger and Azpilicueta.
“The third one hasn’t played as much but is the youngest. At the same time you don’t want to lose a good prospect like Christensen."
- Ian Tuckey
Roo won't be at Derby for Ever
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has confirmed he turned down the chance to interview for the Everton job, but the Derby boss vowed to manage in the Premier League one day.
Rooney was heavily linked with an emotional return to Goodison Park following Rafa Benitez’s sacking.
And he revealed the Toffees did make contact to sound him out – but they were given a strong rebuff by the Rams chief.
Rooney said: “Everton approached my agent and asked me to interview for the vacant job which I turned down.
“I believe I will be a Premier League manager and am ready for that 100 per cent.
“I have a job here at Derby I am doing, which is an important job to me and that means me getting the team ready for Sunday.”
- Ian Tuckey
Toon trip ends in farce
Newcastle's winter break in Saudi Arabia ended in farce when Ciaran Clark was sent off for punching an opponent during a friendly.
The defender was shown a straight red after lashing out at Al-Ittihad striker Abdo Hamdallah, who was also shown his marching order following the “tangle”.
Toon won 2-1 thanks to goals from Allan Saint-Maximin and Ryan Fraser before they fly back to Tyneside on Saturday.
Magpies boss Eddie Howe had earlier said that the training camp in Jeddah had been a resounding success with the squad bonding in the Saudi desert and meeting with the new owners.
But they return to the UK on a sour note after Clark, 32, was shown red in front of co-owner Amanda Staveley, Saudi dignitaries and the UK’s Saudi ambassador Neil Crompton.
The Ireland defender was all smiles at the end as he was pictured beaming alongside Hamdallah.
And Howe said: “There is no need for the red card. The referee could have dealt with it in a different way, but by the book, it’s probably the right decision.”
- Ian Tuckey
Toon tipped to land Nketiah in triple swoop
Newcastle are expected to welcome THREE new faces before the end of the January transfer window, according to reports.
Eddie Howe has already brought in Atletico Madrid defender Kieran Trippier and Burnley striker Chris Wood.
But a lot more could be on the way.
The Telegraph are reporting that Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah, Brighton defender Dan Burn and Lyon midfielder Bruno Guimaraes are all close to joining the Magpies at St James’ Park.
Newcastle have quietly been working away on a deal for Nketiah – who is out of contract at the Emirates in the summer.
Talks are continuing with Arsenal, but a deal may not be agreed until Mikel Arteta can secure a suitable replacement.
Howe is keen to bring in a striker following Calum Wilson’s calf injury – which is expected to leave him sidelined until March.
Meanwhile, a first bid for Brighton man Burn was rejected by the south coast outfit.
However, Howe and Co have been encouraged to make another offer to prise the 29-year-old away from Graham Potter’s squad.
And 24-year-old Guimaraes, who has been capped three times by Brazil, will undergo a medical at Newcastle on Friday.
- Ian Tuckey
Wolves fight to keep Arsenal & Utd target Neves
Wolves are battling to keep Manchester United and Arsenal target Ruben Neves, reports say.
SunSport revealed the Red Devils have bid £35million for the Portugal midfielder.
But it’s claimed tonight Wolves want more and also believe they can keep the 24-year-old until at least the summer.
The former Porto superstar has two years left on his Molineux contract.
Credit: Alamy - Ian Tuckey
Bees probe Toney's alleged X-rated rant at club
Brentford are investigating a video of Ivan Toney appearing to say “f*** Brentford” on social media.
The £30million-rated forward is currently in Dubai with teammate Bryan Mbeumo during the Premier League's winter break.
Ivan Toney could be in hot water as Brentford probe video of striker apparently making X-rated outburst at club
The West London club told SunSport: “Brentford FC are aware of the video and are investigating.”
The video has gone viral on social media with some Bees fans fuming for a response from the highly-rated striker.
Toney, 25, became a fan favourite after breaking the Championship goal scoring record with 31 goals last term.
- Ian Tuckey
Juve fans swarm to welcome Dusan
Dusan Vlahovic has completed his Juventus move after rejecting Arsenal to seal a £62million deal from Fiorentina.
The Serbian striker was one of the Gunners’ top targets this month, as a replacement for the exiled Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The 22-year-old would have been offered a huge salary and add-on incentives to seal a move to Mikel Arteta’s side.
But he has snubbed a switch to North London to join the Italian giants and become their next superstar forward.
Vlahovic’s move to Juventus also includes around £6m in add-ons, including goal bonuses and appearance fees.
Dusan Vlahovic swarmed by fans as he arrives at Juventus for medical after rejecting Arsenal to seal £62m transfer
He has scored 20 goals in 24 appearances already this season and is one of the hottest strikers in world football at present.
Arsenal will have to look elsewhere for attacking reinforcements ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline day.
The Gunners were linked with PSV Eindhoven star Cody Gakpo, who has also attracted interest from Liverpool.
- Ian Tuckey
Klopp tipped to beat Conte to Diaz
Liverpool are rated favourites to land Tottenham target Luis Diaz.
It’s thought the Reds have nipped in with a £45milion bid for Porto’s Colombia winger.
And the 25-year-old would reportedly prefer to join Jurgen Klopp’s second-placed Premier Leaguers than Antonio Conte’s Spurs, who are stuttering in seventh.
Credit: Getty
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