THE January transfer window is OPEN, and deals are being completed all across Europe!
Chelsea are aiming to make a big statement after reportedly making a £33.3m bid for Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong.
The Catalans are said to be holding out for £50m, but that price could drop to £41.75m if youngsters Nico Gonzalez and Gavi continue their excellent progress, according to reports in Catalonia.
And the Holland ace is ready to listen in what could prove a significant breakthrough in contract talks.
The Blues are also said to be interested in Inter Milan star Ivan Perisic.
Erling Haaland is a summer target for Real Madrid, who are confident they can land both him and Kylian Mbappe.
Plus we’ve the very latest with Everton sacking manager Rafa Benitez after yet another defeat, this time at lowly Norwich.
When does the 2022 January transfer window close?
The transfer window opened on January 1, and closes on the 31st at 11pm.
Clubs will be able to sign and sell players during that time, with the Premier League’s winter break due to take place while the final week of the window is going on.
Get all the latest transfer news, gossip and updates here…
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
-
Game of two laughs
Ivory Coast were left devastated after allowing Sierra Leone to score a COMICAL stoppage-time equaliser in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Goals from ex-West Ham striker Sebastien Haller and Arsenal man Nicolas Pepe looked to have secured a second successive victory for the Ivorians.
But in the 93rd minute keeper Badra Ali Sangare attempted to claim a poor defensive header back…and in doing so dropped the ball inside his own penalty area.
Former Tottenham and Cardiff defender Steven Caulker was there to mop up the pieces for Sierra Leone as he squared for Alhaji Kamara.
And he made no mistake, firing home to salvage a point for his country.
Incredible scenes ensued for Sierra Leone as the players, subs and coaching staff all celebrated by piling on top of one another in the corner.
Reacting to the goal, one social media user said: “Pitch conditions or just poor goalkeeping? It does look like a farmer’s field but the keeper is at fault there.”
While another added: “Competing with Martinez for the best howler of the season.”
-
Toon want Kenyon
Newcastle are keen to add the experienced Peter Kenyon to their management team as chief executive.
The former Manchester United and Chelsea supremo is a leading candidate to run the club off the field.
The new Toon owners want expertise and have already teed up Dan Ashworth for a top role.
But Kenyon is seen as ideal for CEO because of his organisational skills and to drive commercial expansion.
Kenyon has advised clubs since leaving Chelsea but this would be his first big post for some time.
The Toon have been trying to reshape their off-the-field team.
Nick Hammond has worked in a key role in deals since Lee Charnley left.
Kenyon oversaw transfers at both United and Chelsea.
And Newcastle have been inundated with players being offered by agents — and will need work on that area in future windows.
-
Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs ‘in for Perisic’
Inter Milan utility star Ivan Perisic is interesting Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham, reports say.
It’s claimed the Italian giants might be tempted to sell the 32-year-old Croat in this transfer window rather than let him leave for free in the summer.
But Perisic’s fortunes at Inter have been revitalised since he returned from his loan spell with Bayern.
-
Biela salutes Leeds desire
Marcelo Bielsa hailed Leeds’ ‘desire’ as Jack Harrison’s first ever hat-trick clinched a shock 3-2 comeback win at fourth-placed West Ham.
Jarrod Bowen. and Pablo Formals hit temporary levellers for the Hammers before Harrison chipped a fine winner on the hour.
And Leeds boss Bielsa said: “It is a triumph for the players because of the effort they put in. The desire to win was very, very big.”
-
Klopp still chasing title dream
Jurgen Klopp will keep believing Liverpool can overhaul Manchester City’s 11-point title lead.
Fabinho’s header, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and sub Takumi Minamino saw off Brentford 3-0.
And Red’s boss Klopp said: “We don’t have to convince anyone outside to believe. If they want to believe they can believe.
“If you are with us, you will enjoy the ride and we will go for everything. We are ready to go as much as we can.”
-
Sacked Benitez admits Everton job was a struggle
Axed Everton chief Rafa Benitez admits he was stunned by how hard his job was – to win people’s hearts after he previously bossed Liverpool as well as to get results.
Benitez said: “We knew it wouldn’t be easy. “It was a big challenge, both emotionally and in terms of sport.
“My love for this city, for Merseyside and its people, made me accept this challenge, but it is only when you are inside that you realise the magnitude of the task.
“From the very first day, my staff and myself worked as we always do, with commitment and full dedication. We didn’t only have to get results, but we also had to win over people’s hearts.
“However, the financial situation and then the injuries that followed made things even harder.”
-
Bayern and Barca eye Christensen
Andreas Christensen is wanted by European giants Barcelona and Bayern Munich, according to reports.
The Chelsea defender is out of contract in the summer and looks increasingly likely to leave, despite the Blues’ best efforts.
And Fabrizio Romano says the Denmark international will soon make his decision as Europe’s heavyweights prepare to swoop for a free transfer.
He said: “Barcelona and FC Bayern are both strongly interested in signing him – club sources confirm”
Christensen would be a huge loss to Chelsea, who are facing a defensive exodus with Antonio Rudiger and Cesar Azpilicueta also winding down their deals.
The 24-year-old featured in last season’s Champions League final win over Man City.
He has played a key role for Thomas Tuchel’s side this season, with 21 appearances and a goal in the FA Cup demolition of Chesterfield.
Chelsea want Christensen to stay but he has previously said that he has ‘no idea’ if he’ll still be in London next season.
-
Youri boost
Arsenal have been handed a huge boost in their transfer pursuit of Youri Tielemans as Brendan Rodgers admitted the midfielder has to ‘look at all options’.
And Rodgers knows he may have to think about preparing for a time without the influential Tielemans in his side – especially if Leicester miss out on European football next season.
The Northern Irishman said: “You always have to [plan for life without players], that is key. You always have to be looking ahead, that’s important.
“Youri is at an age and at a stage in his contract where he has to ensure he looks at every option.
“I would love it to be here at Leicester, that is natural, but I understand it’s a very short career.
“Once the player is committed, focused and professional it’s never a worry for me.
“With Youri you can see his joy of being here, he loves being here and you have to respect these guys’ careers are short.
“If we are going to lose one we have to be ready for the next one to come in.”
-
Martial: I’d never refuse to play
Unsettled striker Anthony Martial has denied interim boss Ralf Rangnick’s suggestion he was unwilling to play in yesterday’s 2-2 draw at Aston Villa.
Rangnick has already revealed the Frenchman wants to leave.
And Atletico Madrid are among the clubs linked with a January swoop for the 26-year-old
But Martial said: “I will never refuse to play a match for Manchester United.
“I’ve been here for 7 years and I never disrespected and will never disrespect the club and the fans.”
-
What makes Roo beautiful
One Direction star and Derby County superfan Niall Horan has hailed his club after they secured another victory on Saturday.
Wayne Rooney’s side are in danger of going out of business due to their ongoing financial crisis which has, so far, seen them deducted 24 points by the EFL.
They were also recently hit with a transfer embargo.
Yet despite their serious off-field issues, Derby have won four of their last five Championship games and are unbeaten in the league since the beginning of December.
And, following their 1-0 win over Blackpool on the weekend, Horan insists he has never been more proud to be a Rams supporter.
He wrote on Twitter: “There are towns up and down the country that live for their football on a Saturday and Derby is well and truly one of them. “A working class town with a solid football club since 1884.
“I have been a derby fan since I can remember and I’ve never been prouder to be.”
Horan has been a Derby fan since he was a child and currently has a season ticket at Pride Park.
And his post was well received by his social media following as they praised him for his diehard affection.
One said: “The love you have for this team since you were just a child is really special.”
Another added: “We know Niall. Love your passion. Hope all will work out.”
-
Dortmund stunned by Erling claim
Borussia Dortmund have been left ‘surprised’ by Erling Haaland’s claim he has been set a deadline to decide his future.
The 21-year-old Norwegian’s £64million release clause promises to make him one of the most sought after players in world football this summer – with Manchester United and City reportedly keen.
And earlier this week Haaland revealed Dortmund are applying pressure on him to make up his mind about where he wants to be next season – and want him to do so by the end of January.
He said: “Borussia Dortmund are now pushing me to make a decision about things… but I just want to play football.
“That probably means that I will soon have to get things started. I never spoke until now to respect the club.
“Dortmund have started to put lot of pressure on me. They want me to decide [my future] now. And so yes, things will happen now, even if I only wanted to focus on football and play football.”These quotes have stunned Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc – who has publicly insisted no such talks have taken place between the player and the club.
He told Kicker: “Haaland’s comments surprised us a bit. There is no deadline and there have not even been any talks yet.
“But we want to hold talks at some point.”
-
Ron’s stroke of luck
Cristiano Ronaldo chose to spend his Sunday relaxing in his pool wearing a pair of tiny swimming shorts as he recovers from injury.
The 36-year-old missed Manchester United’s 2-2 draw at Aston Villa with a thigh issue.
But he seemed happy enough as he posted an envious photo of him in a pool onto Instagram.
He simply captioned it ‘relaxing’ and gave the thumbs up, sporting his own branded shorts – although they might have been boxers.
SunSport exclusively revealed he left training early because of a new injury, and it saw him miss the trip to Villa Park.
Interim chief Ralf Rangnick said: “With Ronaldo, it’s unfortunate, it’s still the same problem.
“I had a conversation with him yesterday before and after training and he decided he’s not fully fit, but hopefully he’ll be available on Wednesday.”
Ronaldo was looked at by United’s medical specialists before driving home where he will make use of his own private oxygen chamber he has had put in his house.
-
Jess perfect for Tottenham
Spurs legend Clive Allen has urged his former side to sign Jesse Lingard to provide Harry Kane with some extra support.
Allen told talkSPORT: “He is a talented player and at the moment Spurs are looking for an injection. One, they need some creativity in that midfield area.
“Harry Kane is looking a little frustrated at the lack of opportunities created for him.
“Someone of Lingard’s quality would be a fabulous addition.”
-
Vlahovic latest
Arsenal have submitted a hefty new transfer bid for Fiorentina marksman Dusan Vlahovic, reports say.
The 21-year-old Serbian striker is ready to leave and the Gunners are desperate to replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
According to Corriere della Sera, Arsenal have submitted a fresh bid worth £50million PLUS Lucas Torreira.
It was said to be all over for Arsenal when a £58m price tag was placed on the Serbian international.
But the addition of Torreira in the deal has re-ignited excitement in the North London camp.
Torreira, 25, is currently on loan at Fiorentina and has become a crucial part of their midfield.
So Arsenal are hoping they can land Vlahovic by teasing a swap deal using the Uruguayan.
-
Simply the best
Twitter users blasted Crystal Palace captain Luka Milivojevic for praising fellow countryman Djokovic.
Following Djokovic’s removal from Australia, Milivojevic aimed a dig towards the media for pushing a false narrative about Djokovic alongside a post listing the world no.1’s achievements.
The Palace star also wrote ‘simply the best’ above his post to the dismay of several Twitter users who told him he should be more.
-
Chelsea told to increase De Jong offer
Chelsea will reportedly need to pay £50million to secure Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong this month.
Earlier this week it was claimed that the Blues had submitted a £33m offer to the Catalan giants for the creative Dutchman.
But the bid is expected to be rejected as Barcelona want a higher fee if they are to let the 24-year-old depart in the January window.
And, according to El Nacional, £50m is the asking price Chelsea will have to meet to secure his services.
-
No demands made
Borussia Dortmund have expressed dismay over Haaland’s remarks claiming that the German side were pressuring him to make a decision over his future.
Dortmund’s sporting director Michael Zorc insisted that they’ve made no such demands.
Zorc told Kicker: “Erling’s statements surprised us a bit.
“There is currently no deadline, no deadlines, and there have not even been any discussions. But that we want and have to have talks at some point is clear, understandable and only professional.”
-
Chelsea ‘interested in Perisic transfer’
Chelsea are interested in signing Inter Milan star Ivan Perisic, according to reports.
Thomas Tuchel is believed to be keen on signing a left wing-back amid the long-term injury to Ben Chilwell.
Perisic can operate in that role on either flank which is why Chelsea are considering a move, report The Mirror.
The Croatian, 32, has just six months left on his deal at Inter.
And that means the Serie A outfit will reportedly consider offers to sell him this month – rather than risk losing him on a free in the summer.
Tottenham and Arsenal are also said to be interested in Perisic but The Blues could offer him regular game time with only Marcos Alonso available.
-
Spurs should sign Lingard
Spurs legend Clive Allen has urged his former side to sign Jesse Lingard to provide Harry Kane with some extra support.
Allen told talkSPORT: “He is a talented player and at the moment Spurs are looking for an injection. One, they need some creativity in that midfield area.
“Harry Kane is looking a little frustrated at the lack of opportunities created for him.
“Someone of Lingard’s quality would be a fabulous addition.”
-
Newcastle defender Schar wanted by Bordeaux
Fabian Schar is a shock target for French side Bordeaux.
The defender, 30, is a Newcastle regular but the Ligue 1 side want to take him full time and on a long-term contract.
The Geordies are not in a rush to lose Schar but they may trade before the window shuts.
Schar is out of contract in the summer and can agree terms now.
They would like to have him on board immediately but would have to pay a nominal fee.
Bordeaux are fighting relegation and the move may not be there for Schar if he stays with Newcastle in the summer.
-
Sal about that
Mo Salah scored a sumptuous volley as Egpyt scraped a narrow Africa Cup of Nations win.
But once again there was plenty of VAR controversy as Guinea-Bissau had a goal of their own ruled out.
The Pharaohs lost their Group D opener to Nigeria but just about bounced back with a 1-0 win, despite another poor performance.
And they had captain Salah to thank for his winner.
With 69 minutes on the clock, Egpyt attacked down the left through the Liverpool ace.
The ball was worked infield before Amr El Solia played a reverse chip over the Guinea-Bissau defence.
Salah watched it closely on to his clinical left boot and struck a sweet hit from a tight angle that was too hot for Jonas Mendes to handle.
-
Ronaldo’s missus misses supermarket shopping
Georgina Rodriguez has admitted that she misses going supermarket shopping with her football star husband Ronaldo.
Georgina, asked how she coped with having cameras outside her door and the effect fame had on her daily life, told leading daily El Mundo: “That’s the part I find most difficult and miss the most with Cris.
“Things like wanting to go to a shop or supermarket like I see a lot of couples doing.
“At times I think we have a lot of good things, but it’s hard not being able to go to corner cafe, always having to go to restaurants well-organised so people don’t bother you, that you can’t go to school to pick up your kids.
“You lose a lot of everyday things that you had before, that Cris lost a long time ago and neither of us have now.
“We don’t live locked away at home all the time, Cris works and trains but we go to have dinner and buy things at quieter places.”
-
Juventus ‘want Partey in swap for Arthur’
Juve have asked for Thomas Partey in a swap transfer with Arthur, according to reports.
But it is understood Arsenal are unwilling to allow their Ghanaian star to be part of a deal.
According to Sky Sports Italy, though, the two clubs are still in negotiations over a potential transfer for Arthur.
The Gunners are in desperate need of bolstering their midfield and Mikel Arteta is a big fan of the former Barcelona man.
SunSport understands Juventus are happy for the Brazilian to leave but want to sign a replacement first with Aaron Ramsey also set to depart.
And that is why they wanted to try and get Partey as part of the deal.
-
‘Vlahovic signing would be massive’
Paddy Kenny reckons Vlahovic will be a great signing for Arsenal that will take them to the ‘next level’.
Kenny told Football Insider: “He’s only 21, and for club and country, he has one in two, I mean, wow.
“It would be one hell of a statement. It would be a massive statement for them.
“Arsenal have really picked up this season and putting a striker like that in the team might take them to that next level.
“I think they have been looking a bit toothless in front of goal at times.
“They are missing that top-quality striker that the other big six teams have.
“If they get this guy, and I think they can, it would be a massive, massive signing for them.
“He looks deadly and if he’s scoring that many goals in Italy there is a good chance he can do it in England as well.”
-
Bailly transfer in limbo
United are reportedly open to letting Eric Bailly join AC Milan on loan.
The defender has also given his consent to a switch to the Serie A side, according to sempremilan.
However, the proposed deal could fall through as United and Milan can’t seem to agree on the finer details of the move.
The two issues said to be holding up an agreement between the parties is the loan fee and potential buy-out clause, sempremilan claim.