The festive period is upon us but clubs up and down the land will already have an eye on the January transfer window.
There are plenty of deals already in the pipeline as the big boys look to flex their muscles and secure a spot in the top four.
However, there’s still plenty to play for at the bottom of the Premier League too as they slug it out for top-flight survival.
Clubs will have one month to plug in gaps, uncover new talent – or just worry about keeping hold of their best players
Arsenal to listen to Sanchez offers?
Arsenal are running out of patience with contract rebel Alexis Sanchez and are ready to listen to bids of around £35m for him.
The Chilean was the subject of a £60m bid from Manchester City in the summer, but the Gunners turned it down as they couldn’t get a replacement in time.
However they may be willing to listen to bids when the transfer window opens – a for a reduced prices, report MailOnline.
They believe the frontman has his heart set on joining on former mentor Pep Guardiola Manchester City.
But as he is available on a free at the end of the season the Chilean may prefer to wait until then to maximise his earning potential.
Tottenham eye England double
Mauricio Pochettino is ready to raid the bank in January and revive Tottenham’s top-four bid by signing two England stars.
Ross Barkley and Luke Shaw are understood to be at the top of the Spurs boss’ transfer wish-list.
According to a report in the Express, Pochettino will take on Chelsea for the signature of Everton midfielder Barkley.
The 24-year-old is on the comeback trail following surgery on a ruptured hamstring.
His move to Stamford Bridge collapsed on the August Deadline Day after he changed his mind on a £35million switch.
New Goodison Park boss Sam Allardyce could still cash in on the player with Tottenham ready to enter the race.
Spurs are also keen on Manchester United full-back Luke Shaw.
It is believed that Old Trafford chief Jose Mourinho is prepared to sell him at the right price – especially with his interest in Tottenham’s Danny Rose.
Shaw, 22, would welcome regular first-team football as he bids to prove himself to England boss Gareth Southgate ahead of next summer’s World Cup fiinal
Arsenal, Chelsea and Man United in race for £30m-rated Bundesliga ace
Arsenal are leading the chase for Bundesliga hot-shot Leon Bailey – and want to sign the £30million rated Bayer Leverkusen winger next month.
Chelsea and Manchester United are also hot on the heels of the 20-year-old Jamaican born star who has taken German football by storm with eight goals in sixteen games for Leverkusen this season.
But it’s Arsenal who are believed to be making significant moves to clinch a deal for Bailey after watching him TWICE in the last week.
Arsene Wenger dispatched scouts to watch Bailey at Hannover last Sunday and they came away hugely impressed after the winger scored twice in a 4-4 draw.
And Arsenal’s recruiting team saw him again on Wednesday as Baily scored the winner at Borussia Moenchengladbach to fire Leverkusen into the German Cup quarter-finals.
Chelsea had been heading the Premier League clubs chasing Bailey amid reports they’d had a £22m bid rejected by Leverkusen who paid Genk £12.4m for the youngster last January.
But it’s believed Arsenal are prepared to splash £30m on the winger with Wenger believing he needs reinforcements after the departure of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to Liverpool in the summer.
PSG name their price for Arsenal target Draxler
Arsenal have been told they must spend £40million to land Julian Draxler.
The Germany forward has been a long-term target for Arsene Wenger.
He joined PSG last year from Wolfsburg but the 24-year-old has failed to truly impress since.
Arsenal have long been admirers of Draxler and now they could be encouraged to make a move.
PSG are determined to rival Manchester City for the signature of Alexis Sanchez.
And with the Gunners reportedly ready to listen to bids of £35m for the Chile international in January, Draxler could head in the opposite direction.
City, however, are understood to be the favourite to sign Sanchez but won’t move for him until the end of the season.
That could open the door to PSG to swoop in under their noses, especially with Sanchez free to leave for nothing when his contract expires next summer.
Draxler, according to a report in The Sun, is open to a move to the Emirates.
Keita deal imminent?
Liverpool could still welcome Naby Keita next month with sources in Germany sure he’s trying to push through an early deal.
The coverted midfielder will officially join the Reds in the summer – but he’s said to be unhappy at current club RB Leipzig.
And this means he could join up with the Anfield club before his July 2018 arrival date, report the Daily Express.
With Leipzig out of the Champions League, Bundesliga expert Lee Price claiming the goal posts may have shifted in the deal.
Hodgdon makes Zaha admission
Roy Hodgson fears Crystal Palace will be forced to sell Wilfried Zaha next month.
The Palace boss has pulled the team clear of the drop zone since taking over from Frank de Boer in September.
Zaha has been the star player in the club’s revival but Hodgson knows that clubs are queuing up to tempt Palace with big money for him.
Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham are all sizing up a move for the 25-year-old and Hodgson admitted: “If Wilf continues as he is doing, then the club will be faced with a situation where someone wants to put a lot of money on the table in order to prise him away.”
United eyeing Bordeaux wonderkid
Manchester United are reportedly preparing a £33million bid to sign Bordeaux wonderkid Malcom.
The French club are holding out for £50m for the 20-year-old but United are working to try and get a deal done, according to the Daily Mail.
It is claimed the Red Devils want to secure the young gun next month before loaning him back to the Ligue 1 outfit.
However, they could face competition from Arsenal, who have also been keeping tabs on the starlet.
Malcom has scored seven times in 18 league games this season following his move from Corinthians last year.
Sparky eyeing January splurge
Mark Hughes is looking to spend in January to keep Stoke in the top flight.
Hughes is being backed by his board and has been told money is available.
We’ve got two or three viable targets which are encouraging and if we can do something we will,” said Hughes.
They can help us in the short term as well as the long term. There’s a will to do things, a recognition we need a couple more. Cash is available.
We hope to do something to make us more resolute when we lose key people because we need seven, eight, nine key players playing week in, week out.
If we lose one or two it affects us adversely. We just need a little more strength,
We’ve had injuries, bad luck, refereeing decisions in recent weeks. That’s why the pressure has risen.
It’s been edifying and reassuring that the ownership wants everybody to succeed. I’ve been in places where that hasn’t been the case and it’s a complete contrast.”
Fellaini targeted by Chinese Super League club
Marouane Fellaini is reportedly ready to leave Manchester United after rejecting a new deal.
The midfielder is out of contract in the summer and has no intention of penning an extension, according to the Express.
They claim the Belgium international is already on the lookout for a new club and has been approached by a club in China.
Fellaini can negotiate with clubs from overseas from January 1 – when he can sign a pre-contract agreement.
Benfica name their price for United target
Manchester United must pay up to £16million for highly-rated teenager Umaro Embalo.
United have been linked with the forward for a while with some reports claiming a deal had already been agreed for the Guinea-Bissau-born youngster.
Embalo is seen as one of the biggest stars coming out of the Benfica academy and the left-footed winger has drawn comparisons with former United stars Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Reports in November claimed United had offered £6million for the youngster, who has 15 goals in 19 games for Portugal’s Under-16 side.
Terriers make Toure bid
Huddersfield have made a £14million bid for Mali-born defender Almamy Toure.
The Monaco starlet played in the side which won last season’s Ligue 1 title.
And the Terriers are hoping to bolster their squad with the 21-year-old in the new year.
West Brom keen on Stoke ace
Alan Pardew is lining up a move to take out-of-favour Stoke defender Glen Johnson to West Brom next month.
New Baggies boss Pards wants a right-back with plenty of experience in the Premier League and Johnson fits the bill.
The 33-year-old former West Ham, Chelsea, Portsmouth and Liverpool defender is no longer in Mark Hughes’s plans and will be out of contract in the summer.
Stoke would be open to letting him go while they can still command a fee and West Brom are happy to pay a nominal fee to get him through the door.
Johnson joined Stoke from Liverpool in 2015 for a fee of around £18million.
He won 54 caps for England, making his debut against Denmark in 2003.
Palace and Watford eyeing Saints full-back
Crystal Palace and Watford are in the hunt for Southampton full-back Matt Targett.
Eagles boss Roy Hodgson is willing to sell Patrick van Aanholt next month, with Everton among the clubs interested in the Dutchman.
And Palace want England Under-21
defender Targett from St Mary’s to replace him.
Watford are also keen to take to Targett, who Newcastle tried to sign in the summer window.
Southampton are well stocked with left-backs with England’s Ryan Bertrand first choice and another U-21 international in the shape of Sam McQueen.
Hammers on Mawson’s tail
West Ham are in pole position to sign Swansea defender Alfie Mawson, according to Ladbrokes.
The young centre-back has caught the eye despite the Swans’ miserable form.
And the bookmaker have the Hammers at 6/4 favourites to secure his signature.
Everton (4/1), Crystal Palace (5/1) and Arsenal (6/1) are also in the mix.
Dortmund chief on possible move for Mkhitaryan
Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke is unsure the club can afford to re-sign Henrikh Mkhitaryan from Man United, even if they want to.
The Armenian has fallen out of favour at Old Trafford but his fee and wages make any transfer a daunting prospect
“I know the economic details of his transfer to Man United like nobody else,” Watzke told Bild am Sonntag.
“That’s why [his return] is only conceivable with a great deal of imagination.”
Manchester City are in the driving seat to sign Arsenal contract rebel Alexis Sanchez, according to Ladbrokes.
The Chilean star is out of contract at the Emirates in the summer.
And the bookmaker has City at 1/2 to clinch his signature.
Brighton to sign Moussa Dembele?
Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol claims Celtic have accepted a bid from Brighton for star striker Moussa Dembele.
The fee is reported to be £18m, which should be considered decent value given his scoring record and the extremely inflated match
United holding off handing Mourinho new contract
Manchester United are holding off handing Jose Mourinho a new contract.
Doubts are growing over whether he can take the club back to the summit of English football.
United’s bosses have been left stunned by the way Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have turned the Premier League title race into a procession with Mourinho seemingly unable to respond.
And while the sight City romping clear at the top of the table is tough enough for United to take, influential boardroom members are also unhappy about the ultra-pragmatic tactical approach still being taken by the Portuguese.
It’s Christmas!
It’s Christmas and Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar are among the stars to have shared photos of their family celebrations.
Ronaldo and Messi went head-to-head at the Bernabeu on Saturday but they are both now enjoying a week off over the festive period with La Liga set to resume in the new year.
Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo shared a picture of himself and his extended family, including the three new additions we met in 2016.
He wrote next to his photo: “Merry Christmas, peace, love God and health = family.”
See all the stars’ festive photos right here…
Mauricio Pochettino lined up by PSG as French giants look to replace Unai Emery
Mauricio Pochettino is on the shortlist to become the new manager at Paris Saint-Germain.
Current boss Unai Emery is leaving at the end of the season.
And the wealthy Parisian club are looking for a high profile replacement.
It has been noted how Pochettino has transformed Tottenham into a team that are challenging for honours on both the domestic and European fronts.
Liverpool target Stefan De Vrij ‘told he can leave’ in January transfer window
Liverpool target Stefan De Vrij has reportedly been told he can leave Lazio during the January transfer window.
Jurgen Klopp is keen to bolster his defensive ranks this winter, with Virgil van Dijk also on his radar.
De Vrij, who is valued at around £30million, has yet to sign fresh terms with the Serie A side.
And Radio Incontro Olympia claim Lazio chiefs have told the Dutchman he is free to move on in the new year if someone meets their valuation.
De Vrij has featured 21 times for club and country this season, scoring three goals.
Alexis Sanchez ‘shook hands on new deal’ – but changed his mind
Alexis Sanchez reportedly shook hands on a new Arsenal deal – then changed his mind.
The Chilean is out of contract next summer and looks set to join Manchester City.
Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in signing the forward.
But Sanchez is believed to have agreed a new deal 12 months ago but changed his mind when Arsenal were thrashed 10-2 on aggregate by Bayern Munich in the Champions League, according to The Times.
It is now up to Arsenal as to whether they hold on to an unhappy player or sell him to their Premier League rivals in January.
Manchester United are eyeing a January transfer move for Ajax star Justin Kluivert, according to reports.
The 18-year-old son of Netherlands and Barcelona legend Patrick has taken the Eredivisie by storm since breaking through last season.
Jose Mourinho saw the talented youngster play first hand when United beat Ajax in the Europa League final las season, and have now added him to their January wish list according to Yahoo.com.
The attacker has scored four goals in 10 league starts so far this season, and with United now 13 points behind Premier League leaders and rivals City they may look to strengthen their attacking depth.
Alli told to quit Spurs if Real Madrid or Barcelona come calling
Dele Alli has to quit Tottenham if Real Madrid or Barcelona make moves for him this summer.
That is the view of former Spurs star Jermaine Jenas, who thinks Alli will find it hard to turn down either Spanish club should they come knocking.
“Should he stay at Tottenham? I don’t know,” said Jenas, who spent almost eight years at White Hart Lane as a player.
“What he’s achieving at Spurs is brilliant and he’ll play the games there, that’s the guarantee.
“But you can’t ignore it if Real come or Barca come. And they are the two clubs, essentially, because I don’t see him moving within English football.”
Neymar’s ‘secret pact’ with Real Madrid that could see him leave PSG
Neymar’s father has made a pact with Real Madrid to sign his son in two years time, according to reports from Spain.
Los Blancos president Florentino Perez is a huge admirer of the Brazilian, and allegedly stepped up his interest following Real Madrid’s 3-0 defeat to Barcelona in El Clasico.
Neymar is reportedly keen on joining the Spanish giants in the future, despite having previously represented their bitter rivals Barcelona.
But according to Spanish publication Diario Gol, he is unlikely to sign for the club until the 2019/20 season as he wants to try and win the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain first.
Giroud’s agent set for Arsenal crunch talks
Olivier Giroud’s agent is due in London for crunch talks this week over the Arsenal striker’s future.
Giroud has started just one of the 15 Premier League fixtures he has been involved in this term.
And even though he has hit four top-flight goals – as well as three in the Europa League and one in a World Cup qualifier – he knows his lack of game time is hampering his hopes of starting for France in Russia in the summer.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has preferred to play Alexandre Lacazette, Giroud’s rival for the France No.9 shirt, through the middle for Arsenal.
Bilic taking time out
Slaven Bilic has distanced himself from an imminent return to management amid speculation over a series of vacancies.
The Croatian, who was sacked as West ham boss last month after almost two and a half years at the helm, has been linked with the Swansea and Scotland jobs in recent weeks and more recently, the post vacated by Garry Monk at Middlesbrough on Saturday evening.
However, asked on Goals on Sunday about his interest in the opportunities which currently exist, he said: “I know my position on the map of managers and coaches.
“I know that I can maybe wait a little bit to rest a little bit, but I’m aware that I’m not in the category of the biggest ones who can switch off their phone and wait for a year and then turn it on and say, ‘Here, I’m back’.
“If something really good comes up, I will really consider it at least because I already miss it a bit, of course, and it’s in your veins. “But I also need a rest.”
Liverpool and City going head to head for Van Dijk
It looks like it’s a two-horse race for Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk, according to Ladbrokes.
Liverpool have been on the tail of the centre-back since last summer, while Manchester City have also been strongly linked.
The Reds are 4/6 favourites to secure his signature, with the bookmaker offering odds of 5/2 for City to snare the Dutchman.
Liverpool eyeing £20m-rated whizz-kid
Chris Wilder fears losing £20million-rated Sheffield United whizz-kid David Brooks next month.
The Blades boss is bracing himself for a bombardment of bids from the Premier League for the richly-gifted Wales midfielder when the January transfer window opens up.
Liverpool , Tottenham and Everton , who have all monitored the 20-year-old consistently over the first half of the season, will lead the scramble for his signature.
Wilder is adamant he doesn’t want to sell, but admits the final decision will be made in the boardroom.
And, even though Brooks has only recently signed a new four-year contract, he will be off if the Blades are made an offer they can’t refuse.
Wilder admitted: ”There’s a lot of off-the-record conversations, whether it be agents, or even clubs themselves asking what we are doing.
“But nothing changes from my point of view. David is not for sale because he is part and parcel of what we are doing going forward.”
Giroud’s hopes of move ‘scuppered’
Olivier Giroud’s hamstring injury could rule the striker out of action until February, according to reports from France.
The muscle tear would also prevent the Arsenal forward from securing a move in the January transfer window.
Both Everton and West Ham have been among the teams monitoring Giroud’s situation at the Emirates, as he has struggled to secure regular first team football at the club, and has made only one Premier League start this season.
Although Mirror Sport understands that the north London club would be very much against selling the forward, even if he was fit.
Sunderland and Leeds eyeing Liverpool youngster
Sunderland boss Chris Coleman is hoping to be reunited with Wales star Ben Woodburn in the January transfer window.
The Black Cats boss also wants to bring in Sheffield Wednesday striker Jordan Rhodes as he looks to banish Championship relegation worries.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is prepared to allow 18-year-old Woodburn out on loan for the rest of the season, providing he is guaranteed substantial playing time.
Leeds have also enquired, but Coleman is hoping that the fact he gave the youngster his opportunity on the international stage with Wales will give Sunderland the advantage.
Pulis lined up by Boro
Tony Pulis is set to become Middlesbrough’s next manager.
Former Stoke and West Brom boss Pulis, 59, is in talks with Boro over a three year deal to succeed Garry Monk at Boro.
Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson will continue talks in the next 24 hours and is hoping to announce Pulis’s appointment by Boxing Day when they face Bolton.
Gibson is a big admirer of Pulis and believes he would offer a bigger guarantee of promotion this season as the club are desperate to go straight back up.
Roma ready to swoop for Mahrez
Roma are in pole position to sign Riyad Mahrez, according to Ladbrokes.
The bookmaker makes the Serie A side 2/1 favourites to land the Leicester ace.
However, Arsenal (7/2), Chelsea (11/2) and Monaco 6/1 are also in the mix.
United stalling on Mourinho deal
Manchester United are holding off handing Jose Mourinho a new contract.
Doubts are growing over whether he can take the club back to the summit of English football.
United’s bosses have been left stunned by the way Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have turned the Premier League title race into a procession with Mourinho seemingly unable to respond.
And while the sight of City romping clear at the top of the table is tough enough for United to take, influential boardroom members are also unhappy about the ultra-pragmatic tactical approach still being taken by the Portuguese.
Owls part company with Carvalhal
Sheffield Wednesday have parted company with Carlos Carvalhal after a dismal start to the season.
The Owls challenged for promotion last term but Saturday’s defeat with Middlesbrough leaves them languishing down in 15th spot.
Chairman Dejphon Chansiri said: “I would like to offer my sincere thanks to Carlos for the time, effort and commitment he has given Sheffield Wednesday over the last two and a half years.
“Both parties believe the time is right to go our separate ways.
“I maintain a huge amount of respect for Carlos as a coach and as a person and he will always be welcome at Hillsborough.
“I wish him every success in the future.”
Arsenal, United and Chelsea in chase for Bundesliga hot-shot
Arsenal are leading the chase for Bundesliga hot-shot Leon Bailey – and want to sign the £30million rated Bayer Leverkusen winger next month.
Chelsea and Manchester United are also hot on the heels of the 20-year-old Jamaican born star who has taken German football by storm with eight goals in sixteen games for Leverkusen this season.
But it’s Arsenal who are believed to be making significant moves to clinch a deal for Bailey after watching him TWICE in the last week.
Arsene Wenger dispatched scouts to watch Bailey at Hannover last Sunday and they came away hugely impressed after the winger scored twice in a 4-4 draw.
West Ham eye Everton midfielder
West Ham are ready to ramp up their move for Harry Arter – but have also sounded Everton out about Morgan Schneiderlin .
Mirror Football understands that new Hammers boss David Moyes has identified a midfielder as his top priority in the January transfer window.
He is believed to have a budget of around £20million to play with, with Bournemouth ace Arter possibly costing around the £15m mark if a deal is agreed.
West Ham do still have interest in Sporting Lisbon ace William Carvalho but it is understood they have enquired about Schneiderlin’s availability.
Liverpool target told he can leave
Liverpool target Stefan De Vrij has reportedly been told he can leave Lazio during the January transfer window.
Jurgen Klopp is keen to bolster his defensive ranks this winter, with Virgil van Dijk also on his radar.
De Vrij, who is valued at around £30million, has yet to sign fresh terms with the Serie A side.
And Radio Incontro Olympia claim Lazio chiefs have told the Dutchman he is free to move on in the new year if someone meets their valuation.
De Vrij has featured 21 times for club and country this season, scoring three goals.
Why Sanchez changed his mind over new Arsenal deal
Alexis Sanchez reportedly shook hands on a new Arsenal deal – then changed his mind.
The Chilean is out of contract next summer and looks set to join Manchester City.
Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in signing the forward.
But Sanchez is believed to have agreed a new deal 12 months ago but changed his mind when Arsenal were thrashed 10-2 on aggregate by Bayern Munich in the Champions League, according to The Times.
It is now up to Arsenal as to whether they hold on to an unhappy player or sell him to their Premier League rivals in January.
Sanchez’s teammate Mesut Ozil is also out of contract in six months but is more likely to stay in north London.
United ‘targeting Kluivert move’
Manchester United are eyeing a January transfer move for Ajax star Justin Kluivert, according to reports.
The 18-year-old son of Netherlands and Barcelona legend Patrick has taken the Eredivisie by storm since breaking through last season.
Jose Mourinho saw the talented youngster play first hand when United beat Ajax in the Europa League final las season, and have now added him to their January wish list according to Yahoo.com.
The attacker has scored four goals in 10 league starts so far this season, and with United now 13 points behind Premier League leaders and rivals City they may look to strengthen their attacking depth.
