Manchester City are preparing to make an offer for Marc Gehi, while N’Golo Kante is also close to returning to Europe. Check out the latest transfer news and rumors from around the world.
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trending rumors
– Manchester City are preparing to make an offer for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi this month, according to TalkSPORT. The Premier League champions are said to be unwilling to meet Palace’s asking price of £35m, but it is possible that a bid could be made before the window closes in January. Gehi, 25, is set to become a free agent at the end of the season and has been linked with the likes of Liverpool and Bayern Munich in recent months. The defender is said to be “relaxed” about the prospect of his contract with Palace ending.
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– Bayern have a history of signing the best talent in the Bundesliga, and Sky Germany reported this summer that they could rival Premier League sides in signing RB Leipzig winger Yann Diomande. The Ivory Coast international is on Bayern’s shortlist alongside FC Köln wonderland Said El Mara. Bayern are said to be prioritizing strengthening their left wing position, regardless of what happens with Serge Gnabry, who is set to extend his contract with the club. Diomande, 19, only joined from Leganes last summer and has a contract with Leipzig until 2030, so it could be difficult to get him away.
– Roma are making a move for Aston Villa winger Donyell Malen in the final weeks of the transfer window, Sky Sports reports. The Serie A giants have “accelerated” their pursuit in recent days, while Atletico Madrid and Juventus are also keen. Roma are hoping to reach an agreement soon and if everything goes to plan, the Dutchman could head to the Italian capital this week. The proposal being considered would see Malen join on loan, giving Roma the option to make him a permanent transfer in the future.
– Al Ittihad midfielder N’Golo Kante is “very close” to agreeing terms with Fenerbahce following positive talks with the club, Fabrizio Romano reports. The French international’s contract is set to expire this summer after spending three seasons in the Saudi Professional League. According to Romano, negotiations between Al Ittihad and Fenerbahce over the transfer fee are continuing as the Saudi side do not want to lose Kante on a free transfer.
– Manchester United have no plans to bring Marcus Rashford back into the first team despite Ruben Amorim stepping down as head coach, TalkSPORT has revealed. The 28-year-old is on loan at Barcelona and has scored nine goals in 18 La Liga games. The Catalan giants are reportedly considering signing Rashford on a permanent deal this summer.
Transaction completed
To follow…
expert opinion
ESPN’s resident scout Thor Christian Carlsen explains why Marc Gehi is attracting so much interest this month:
It’s clear why Gehi is one of the most coveted players in this transfer window. In a sense, he is a centre-back who reveals the limits of data. Eye tests show that right-footed defenders control space, close passing lanes early, and often react to danger before it becomes serious, but these precautions barely register in most statistical models. His role at Crystal Palace has been disciplined, mostly playing wide on the left of the back three, further reducing the “noisy” numbers that tend to amplify more chaotic centre-backs who are always involved in tackling, blocking and last-minute action. Add in a passing profile that emphasizes efficiency rather than continued risk-taking, and Gehi’s numbers may seem normal. But in reality, much of what sets him apart from the rest of the pack happens in the moments that prevent a situation from unfolding in the first place. Palace used him heavily in their back three, but he also performed well in the back four for England. The change in formation hasn’t affected him too much, which is important for clubs looking for tactical flexibility in their centre-backs. With his contract expiring in the summer, it would be easy for Gehi to sign a player he can get at a reduced price.
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– Everton are considering the idea of signing Fenerbahce forward Youssef En-Nesyri this month. The Turkish club is open to a temporary or permanent release, and concrete negotiations are underway. (Sky Germany)
– The San Jose Earthquakes have finalized the transfer of RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner. A medical check is expected to be completed soon before the official debut at the MLS club. (Sky Germany)
– West Ham hope to sign Eric Dier on loan this month. However, the former England international is reluctant to leave Monaco. (Daily Mail)
– Giocomo Raspadori will undergo a medical soon at Atalanta after a €22 million deal was agreed between the Italian club and Atletico Madrid. (Fabrizio Romano)
– Leeds United midfielder Jack Harrison is on his way to Fiorentina after a deal has been completed between the two clubs. (Mateo Mollet)
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– Bradford City are set to sign Manchester United youngster Ethan Wheatley on loan until the end of the season. (male)
– Lazio are interested in Elche’s highly-rated midfielder Rodri Mendoza, who was previously linked with a move to Arsenal. (Niccolò Cilla)
– Chicago Fire and USMNT midfielder Kelly Acosta is on the verge of a move to Poland’s Pogon Szczecin after agreeing to a mutual release from his contract with Chicago. (Tom Bogart)
– Liverpool will ‘pull the plug’ on any potential transfer for defender Joe Gomez this month. (Football Insider)
– Stoke City are in talks to sign Cody Drameh from Hull City on loan. (Sky Sports News)
– Arsenal insist Ben White will not leave the club this month, despite rumored interest from Everton and Manchester City. (Team talk)
