Transfer news LIVE updates: Man Utd mocked; Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Barcelona, Spurs

Transfer news LIVE updates: Man Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool gossip PLUS updates from around the leagues

Tuesday January 23

Motherwell troll Man Utd

20:48: Motherwell have expertly trolled Manchester United over their Alexis Sanchez signing video - by doing one themselves!

Sanchez was unveiled yesterday in a video on Manchester United’s Twitter feed.

The Chilean was seen playing a piano before donning an ‘Alexis 7’ shirt and walking out onto the Old Trafford pitch.

United love a hashtag when launching new transfer campaigns and they went with #Alexis7 yesterday.

And Motherwell have brilliantly produced their own video to announce Peter Hartley’s deal.

Check out the video above!

Liverpool transfer latest

19:50: Phil Thompson says Liverpool midfielder Emre Can has already decided to join Juventus.

He told Sky Sports: “The Emre Can situation is a blot on the copybook as I think he has already agreed a move to Juventus. 

“Players are running the contracts down to get the big payday, like Sanchez did, and if it drags on beyond January then he is definitely not going to sign a new deal at Liverpool.

He added: “I can't really see any other business being done as the target has to be signing quality and that is tough to find in the final week of the winter window, unless we could convince Leipzig to let us have Naby Keita early.

“I don't see that happening, though, but with Adam Lallana getting back to fitness and Virgil van Dijk already signed, Liverpool should still have enough for a top-four finish.”

Arsenal improve Aubameyang offer

19:00: Arsenal have made an improved offer for Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang.

However, the new bid still falls short of Borussia Dortmund’s evaluation.

Arsenal have increased their offer from £48.3million to £50.9m, Bild claim.

But Dortmund want more for their star striker and talks are set to continue.

Arsenal yesterday lost Alexis Sanchez to Manchester United and Aubameyang is their No 1 choice to replace the Chilean.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan joined the Gunners in the swap deal for Sanchez but the Armenia international is not a like-for-like fit in Sanchez’s position.

Chelsea done deal

18:23: Chelsea midfielder Kenedy has joined Newcastle on a loan until the end of the season.

“I’m so happy with this opportunity at Newcastle. They’ve opened the door to me to come here, show my potential and come and play for Newcastle.

“It’s a traditional club and Rafa Benitez is a fantastic, amazing coach. Christian Atsu, as well – we trained together at Chelsea and know each other, and he said good things about the club. So it was easy to take this decision.”

Rafael Benitez added: “Kenedy is a player that we have been following since the summer. The reason we are interested is that he can play in several positions – as a winger, a wing back and also as an offensive left full back, so he gives the team many options.

“He has a great left foot and good energy. He is still a young player but he has some experience already in the Premier League and that will help with his adaptation. We welcome him to Newcastle United.”

Rashford going nowhere

18:17: Dwight Yorke says Marcus Rashford is not guaranteed an exit from Manchester United now Alexis Sanchez has arrived.

Yorke his refused concerns Rashford could get little game time at Old Trafford or even be dropped.

“No, not at all (you shouldn’t worry about Rashford),” Yorke told Sky Sports.

“We all know what Rashford can do, I wouldn’t worry about it too much. He still has a little bit of time. 

“What it does do it does makes him think and realise that he has to continue to work harder to get into the team, that can only be a good thing. 

“When you have quality players coming to the football club you want to try and improve these players. 

“These players, although they’re working hard already, they will work even further when they see the kind of quality they bring in.”

Jose loses out to Pep…

18:00: Manchester City have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred.

Fred, 24, has impressed this season for Shakhtar and his performances have caught the eye of Man City and Man Utd.

And according to Arab News, City have won the race ahead of United and agreed a deal with Fred.

The report claims Fred will cost around £35million with the final stumbling block being whether he joins in the January transfer window or in the summer.

City’s preference is to add the midfielder to their squad now to help in their pursuit of the quadruple.

But Shakhtar would like to keep Fred until the end of the season as they look to progress in the Champions League knockout stages.

Done Deal: Eagles sign Jach

17:45: Crystal Palace have announced the signing of Poland defender Jaroslaw Jach from Zaglebie Lubin.

The 23-year-old has signed a three-and-a-half year contract and moves for an undisclosed fee.

Jach earned his two Poland caps to date in friendlies against Uruguay and Mexico in November.

Sturridge to Inter Milan

17:15: Liverpool will give Daniel Sturridge the choice of whether or not to accept a loan move to Inter Milan.

Sturridge is set to remain an outcast at Liverpool, used only when needed by Jurgen Klopp.

Inter have offered a loan move until the end of the season and are negotiating the possibility of making the transfer permanent in the summer, the BBC claim.

But the final word on the decision will rest with Sturridge, who has also attracted the attention of Sevilla.

Mascherano to leave Barca

17:00: Barcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano will leave the club after seven and a half years at the Nou Camp.

The Argentinian made 334 appearances for the Catalan side, lifting 18 major honours, including two Champions League triumphs in 2011 and 2015 and four La Liga titles.

Spanish media have reported that Mascherano will link up with compatriot Ezequiel Lavezzi at Chinese side Hebei China Fortune, who are coached by former Real Madrid and Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini.

"Javier Mascherano is leaving FC Barcelona after seven and a half seasons. The Argentinian will be receiving an institutional farewell from the club on Wednesday," Barcelona said in a statement.

"The club president, Josep Maria Bartomeu and the first team squad will be present. The player will say goodbye to the fans on the pitch ahead of the club's King's Cup tie against Espanyol on Thursday."

Done Deal: Sean Dyche signs new deal

16:45: Burnley manager Sean Dyche has extended his stay at Turf Moor by signing a new four-and-a-half-year contract.

The 46-year-old, who has been in charge of the Clarets since October 2012, had been linked with a number of Premier League jobs this season, most notably Everton when they sacked Ronald Koeman.

Assistant manager Ian Woan and first-team coach Tony Loughlan have also put pen to paper on deals running to June 2022.

"I am quite young in management terms. I am still learning and still improving, I believe, so for my personal reasons, as well, I think it's the right place to be," Dyche said.

"It's a very good environment and I enjoy it and I enjoy the connection I've had with this area. There's lots of work to be done, but I'm definitely 'in' for the work to be done."

Aubameyang to Arsenal delay

16:30: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s move to Arsenal may not be completed until next week.

Aubameyang is due to speak in a Germany court on Monday.

He will give evidence in a trial against the man suspected of carrying out the Borussia Dortmund coach bombing last April.

Aubameyang and Marc Bartra are expected to speak in the morning of Monday, January 29.

And Bild claim the judge is worried neither will be contactable if they complete moves away from the club prior to that date.

Sturridge odds-on to join Inter

16:00: Daniel Sturridge is odds-on to sign for Inter Milan in the January transfer window, according to the bookies.

Bookmakers Coral have priced Sturridge at 10/11 to join the Serie A outfit as he continues to be linked with a move away from Anfield.

The England international is 6-4 to jet out to Spain to join Sevilla and 8-1 to transfer to Roma.

“Daniel Sturridge will surely be pushing to leave Liverpool this month in order to get some first team football to help him push for a place at the World Cup in the summer.

“Inter Milan are currently leading the race to sign the striker according to the betting where it does look like the Englishman will be moving abroad,” said Coral’s John Hill.

Dzeko to start

15:30: Eusebio Di Francesco has confirmed Edin Dzeko will start for Roma in tomorrow’s Serie A clash at Sampdoria, despite rumours of an imminent transfer to Chelsea.

The former Manchester City striker is a target for Blues boss Antonio Conte as he looks to bolster his attack, with Alvaro Morata struggling for form and Belgian forward Michy Batshuayi used sparingly in the starting line-up.

Recent reports have suggested a double-deal for Dzeko and left-back Emerson Palmieri is close to a conclusion, but the Giallorossi boss insists the Bosnian forward will lead the line.

Di Francesco said: "As things stand at the moment, he will start. Obviously I'm going to have to assess things and see what frame of mind he's in. I'll speak to him about it.

"I have to make sure everyone is ready for it - including the players whose names are in the papers. As things stand, all the players who are here are available for this hugely important match we have to play in 36 hours' time."

Kenedy to Newcastle

15:00: Antonio Conte says he is ready to sign a new player after confirming Kenedy is set to leave for Newcastle.

Asked about Kenedy, Conte said: “I think he is going on loan to Newcastle.

“He needs to play regularly and to go to Newcastle is a great challenge for him.

“It is a great way for the club, we used same way for Christensen. Now he starts for Chelsea.

“It is a great opportunity but he knows that he has to be ready to fight to play for Newcastle.

“Last season in the first six months for Watford he struggled to play, but now he is more ready. He played with us many games and he can show his potentiality.”

Conte was then asked if a replacement would come in.

He replied: “As you know very well after this question about Kenedy, if the club decides to loan a player then it decides to bring in another player, or work with a young player like (Dujon) Sterling. I am ready for both options.”

Mkhitaryan squad number revealed

13.45: Arsenal have confirmed Henrikh Mkhitaryan's squad number after his move to Arsenal.

The former Manchester United ace will take Alexis Sanchez's old shirt - number 7 - after the swap deal involving the pair.

The move to see Mkhitaryan join Arsenal and Sanchez join Manchester United was announced last night.

Both players needed to pop to Liverpool to get their immigration papers signed off.

And both players have been training with their new team-mates today.

Sanchez transfer demands

13:35: Alexis Sanchez has wasted little time making transfer demands at Old Trafford, claim Don Balon.

The website reckons Sanchez, who joined Manchester United on Monday, has requested the club sign Barcelona’s Samuel Umtiti.

Umtiti, 22, is excelling at centre-back for Barcelona but has a £50million release clause that has caught the eye of a number of clubs.

The report claims Sanchez is keen for the France international to join United before a rival club snap him up.

Asensio happy to join Chelsea

13:15: Marco Asensio is willing to join Chelsea if Real Madrid agree a deal to sign Eden Hazard.

A cash-plus-player deal for Hazard is supposedly being considered at the Bernabeu.

Real have chased Hazard for months and were linked with him last summer.

There have been mixed messages coming out of the Hazard camp over where the player’s future loyalty lies.

Chelsea are desperate to keep Hazard but Diario Gol claim they would welcome Asensio as part of a deal, while the player is also willing to move to London.

Man Utd eye three more

12.40: Manchester United are eyeing three more signings after the sensational capture of Alexis Sanchez.

The Chile ace finally completed his move to Old Trafford yesterday with Henrikh Mkhitaryan going the other way.

Manchester United were after a winger, forward and a marquee signing, but the Independent say Sanchez ticks all three boxes meaning they will now focus on midfield.

It is claimed they are now looking at deals for three players with Fred from Shakhtar Donetsk the top target along with Julian Weigl and Valencia youngster Carlos Soler.

United have been linked with moves for Antoine Griezmann, Gareth Bale, Christian Pulisic and Paulo Dybala but Sanchez's arrival has put them on the back burner for now.

But with Maurouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick set to leave in the summer Jose Mourinho wants to add midfielders to his squad.

Wenger wants recruits

11.50: Arsene Wenger wants more signings this month - even if he lands Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Arsenal are closing in on a deal for the Gabon star despite Wenger claiming the move it not close.

Arsenal chiefs have been in Germany this week trying to make a breakthrough.

Dortmund are keen to get a replacement in before signing off on the sale, with Olivier Giroud their No 1 target.

The Gunners have snapped up Henrikh Mkhitaryan from Manchester United in the deal to send Alexis Sanchez the other way, but Wenger is eyeing more deals this month.

"We have other things in mind as well and we have plenty of opportunities in different positions," he said. 

"We can buy players. We are busy on all fronts, so overall I think we are open-minded. Every opportunity we have to strengthen our squad, we’ll take.”

Madrid eye €450 Kane deal

10.50: Real Madrid are ready to shock the world with a £400m package to sign Harry Kane.

Florentino Perez has made Kane his No 1 transfer target for the summer as he looks to replace Karim Benzemza.

Kane has been in stunning form for Tottenham and reported circulated over the weekend claiming Real Madrid were set for a £200m swoop in the summer.

And reports in Spain today, from Don Balon, say the whole package of the deal could cost just under £400m.

It is claimed the transfer fee of £200m plus the wages on a long-term contract could take the value of the deal to £3.95m (€450m).

Manchester United had plans before Sanchez

10.30: Manchester United were planning to sign Bordeaux star Malcom before they opted to pursue Alexis Sanchez, reports say.

Manchester United wrapped up a deal for Sanchez yesterday, with the 29-year-old moving to Old Trafford from fellow Premier League giants Arsenal.

But the Manchester Evening News say United were eyeing a deal for Bordeaux hotshot Malcom prior to the capture of the Chile international.

Wenger offers Aubameyang update

09:40: Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal are NOT close to signing Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

"Confident or not confident, I don’t know," he said.

“We are not close to a deal for Aubameyang with Dortmund or anybody else.

“He is one of our possible movements but there are others."

Aubameyang contract agreed

09.00: Arsenal have agreed a contract package with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - but the deal is stalling over Borussia Dortmund's search for a replacement.

Arsenal have made their move for the Gabon star and want him to lead the club forward after selling Alexis Sanchez to Manchester United.

Gunners chiefs have been in Germany this week trying to thrash out a deal and have reportedly agreed terms on a contract with the player.

According to the Mirror Arsenal have agreed to pay Aubameyang £200,000 a week, making him the highest-paid player at the club.

But the deal is yet to be signed off by Dortmund as they look for a replacement.

Olivier Giroud is their first choice although another swap deal for Arsenal is likely to drag into next week.

Why Liverpool snubbed Sanchez

08.45: Liverpool opted against battling Manchester United for Alexis Sanchez for two reasons.

The Liverpool Echo say they thought he was too old.

And they also supposedly thought he was too high-risk.

Mourinho approves Barca plan

08:15: Jose Mourinho has approved Manchester United’s plans to sign Andre Gomes.

Don Balon say the 54-year-old is keen to lure Gomes away.

And, should he sign for the Red Devils, he will become their second winter signing after Alexis Sanchez.

Courtois to Real Madrid

08:05: Chelsea are concerned Thibaut Courtois will NOT sign a new deal at the club and could leave for Real Madrid.

Courtois had been in contract talks over a new deal at Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea believe Real Madrid are interested again.

Madrid are keen on landing a new keeper and a deal for Kepa fell through last week meaning they are still on the lookout.

Courtois appears to be leading the race over David de Gea to replace Keylor Navas as the No 1 at the Bernabeu.

City eye £60m Laporte

07.15 Manchester City are ready to pay Aymeric Laporte’s release clause as they look to bolster their defence.

Pep Guardiola missed out on Alexis Sanchez this month with him choosing Manchester United instead.

And he is keen to add to his backline with Vincent Kompany still struggling with injury and Eliaquim Mangala out of sorts.

And the Sun claim City will pay Laporte’s £60m release clause to land him this month.

Aubameyang transfer leaked?

06:00: Henrikh Mkhitaryan has been seen appearing to leak Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s move to Arsenal. 

The Gunners are seemingly on the verge of completing a stunning move for Borussia Dortmund striker Aubameyang.

And Mkhitaryan, who played alongside Aubameyang for three years at Dortmund, has seemingly dropped a huge hint about the Gabon international’s imminent arrival at Arsenal.

In a video posted on Arsenal’s YouTube channel, Mkhitaryan can be shown mouthing something that is almost inaudible.

But Arsenal fans have latched onto the clip and are convinced Mkhitaryan made an open plea to his former team-mate.

The 29-year-old is believed to have said: “Yo Pierre, you wanna come out here?”

Man Utd rule out Cristiano Ronaldo deal

05:00: Manchester United will not pursue a deal to re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid because of his age, according to La Liga expert Guillem Balague.

The Portugal international is said to be ready to turn his back on the Bernabeu outfit because of club president Florentino Perez.

Ronaldo feels he is in line for a new contract but, having scored just six La Liga goals all season, Real are refusing to bow to his demands.

And Sky Sports’ La Liga expert Balague claims Manchester United are not interested in a return - simply because of his age.

“So could he re-join Manchester United?” he pondered. 

“His people have put the word out about a possible return but the reality is that United do not want to get involved.”

Chelsea Dzeko/Palmieri swoop

04:15: Chelsea are closing in on a double swoop for Roma duo Edin Dzeko and Emerson Palmieri, but it is reported 

Antonio Conte has been desperate to further bolster his squad in the January transfer window following the acquisition of Ross Barkley earlier this month.

Andy Carroll, Peter Crouch and Ashley Barnes are some of the names banded around as possible targets for Chelsea.

However, it seems Dzeko has emerged as the preferred choice with Roma seemingly willing to do business.

His fellow Roma team-mate Emerson could also be set to join him in moving to Chelsea.

However, Gianluca Di Marzio claims the deal could hinge on Michy Batshuayi heading in the opposite direction.

It is said the Serie A giants want £44million paid up front with £9m in add-ons for both Emerson and Dzeko.

Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho response

03:30: Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has warned that Philippe Coutinho’s sale should only be judged at the end of the season.

A number of supporters were questioning Liverpool’s decision to sell Coutinho halfway through the season without bringing in a replacement.

But Carragher has hit back and thinks that the deal should only be scrutinised come the end of the year - not on the back of one defeat.

“I think it’s wrong on the back of one game saying it’s a nightmare without Coutinho,” Carragher told Monday Night Football.

“I said a couple of weeks ago, you judge the sale of Coutinho at the end of the season.”

Arsenal Aubameyang frustration

02:45: Arsenal have reportedly hit a speed bump in their bid to secure a deal for Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Express Sport understands negotiations are likely to drag on for Aubameyang, with £55million being demanded for the Gabon international.

Olivier Giroud is on Dortmund’s radar, and the Bundesliga outfit have supposedly made clear a move for the Frenchman is not linked to Aubameyang.

Gunners chief executive Ivan Gazidis was spotted in Dortmund along with head of recruitment Sven Mislintat as they try to thrash out a deal.

However, according to the Daily Mail, Aubameyang’s transfer has been slowed down with the club unwilling to sanction his exit until they have signed a replacement first.

Lionel Messi Real Madrid fury

02:00: Lionel Messi is said to be furious at Argentina team-mate Paulo Dybala after he made a major decision regarding his future.

The Juventus forward has apparently told his good friend Messi, of Barcelona, that he wishes to move to Real Madrid.

The 24-year-old is being closely monitored by the two La Liga giants who are both expecting to strengthen their forward line in the summer.

Diario Gol add that Messi was already disappointed that Neymar left to join Paris Saint-Germain.

And he is now gutted to see Dybala wanting to join his arch-rivals.