Transfer Tales and Premier League Drama
Manchester United are exploring options for left-back Alvaro Carreras, who triggered a £25m buy-back clause in January last year, sparking concerns about the club's financial health.
The Red Devils have reservations over activating the buy-back clause, but the Dutch side is believed to be open in negotiating a deal. Meanwhile, Premier League clubs are weighing their chances of signing Barcelona's Dani Olmo on a short-term basis ahead of the player's contract expiration at Turin.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has called for a 'survival mode' approach as his team slipped to defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier in the week, marking their fourth loss from five games. The loss saw Antony clear out to prevent an attacking threat from a corner, highlighting Manchester United's vulnerability at left-back.
An Antony departure is looking increasingly likely given that his agent has made it clear he wants a move. However, Antony is currently contracted and this could be the decisive factor in keeping him at Old Trafford when January transfer window reopens next week.
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe confirmed that he was seeking to recruit Portuguese defender Marlon Santos as "target number one", aiming for an immediate impact with signings during the January window on arrival.
Barcelona are now more open to selling stars such as Eric and Andrea Christensen, but these players have long-standing ties in their respective clubs. Juventus are also looking at Andreas Christensen ahead of the January transfer window but may face strong competition from AC Milan.
The Reds also received confirmation that Pep Guardiola's Manchester City would be taking their time in terms of their signings but confirmed to remain proactive throughout the month that is about to unfold.
Sport claim Barcelona manager Xavi has a significant list which he should aim at completing before February as he tries to improve his side. However, only Eric Garcia could make it past Manchester United this term with Premier League transfer targets waiting in the wings like Dani Olmo on their shortlist.
Meanwhile, Manchester City will likely prove to be major forces in signing top players when it comes to January this year. With a long way from finished business before the New Year, he has outlined plans as clear as day that all things are good regarding the future for the club with some big signing possible on his radar.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta may finally give Wolves' winger Matheus Cunha a second chance - or the 23-year-old Brazilian player could face another January deadline. The prospect of Manchester United landing £20m-£25m playmaker is all but gone this window but would cost significant wages, while it remains to be seen whether or not the Brazilian international can shake off his fitness issues.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola admitted that the club needs signings to strengthen and add creativity in their attack at the back end of the window. One potential long shot who has caught his eye is the talented Croatian defender Borna Sosa, although there have been some doubts surrounding player's abilities recently.
Chelsea have not got rid of one player despite getting £130m for another star forward yet they are expecting to make a few last transfers before January. Their biggest hope however would be winning a second place finish in the league this term which could give players such as Hakim Ziyech and Kai Havertz some game time.
Lyon boss Rudi Garcia has ruled out making more signings this January, claiming that his team will need a "very small budget" to compete at Ligue 1 level. The decision is coming after recent concerns expressed over the team's financial position.
Another European star targeting loan moves are Premier League clubs are Chelsea and Aston Villa who have both asked Lyon on loan for the deal of Wilfried Zaha before the Brazilian leaves with just a month and half left to complete his season at club.
However, the striker does not want go somewhere where he has no chance of making as much starts which put some doubts on Everton keeping him past January deadline unless a transfer is given a serious boost. Crystal Palace have reported they could also get a second loan this term for winger Wilfried Zaha in the January window but would face some new challenges after getting their 6th tier player signed recently at last week.
Everton boss Dominic Robinson is waiting anxiously to see Wilfried's return on loan but should have some bigger issues regarding Jordan Pickford goalkeeper who was left out by the manager for a few matches as his future at Goodisson Park hangs in balance.
Newcastle are keen to sign winger Marlon Santos after 2023 summer acquisition Raphinha joins Barcelona, however this could be only if Brazilian player wants to leave the Premier League and join European club. The Magpie boss confirmed that they also asked about goalkeeper Dusan Vlahovic as backup in case of injury on key Dutch International keeper, who is expected return before last month.
Dutch superstar 22-year-old left-back Jordan Holsgrove has been targeted by promotion chasers this January which include Ipswich, West Bromwich Albion and others.