Transfer news and rumours LIVE – Barcelona fearful of Messi exit, Man Utd want Ligue 1 defender

Updated 19/01/2021 at 23:16 GMT

Transfer news and rumours LIVE - Join us throughout the day as we bring you the biggest breaking news and the best emerging rumours from across European football, with Manchester United reportedly targeting Lens defender Facundo Medina and Barcelona increasingly fearful that Lionel Messi will leave the club at the end of the season.

Lionel Messi was sent off for the first time in his Barcelona career against Athletic Bilbao

Image credit: Getty Images

23:00 - Inter set to sign Irish teenager

Inter Milan have been linked with plenty of players in the January transfer window, but none younger than 15 (that we know of).

The Irish Indepedent is saying that Shamrock Rovers' 15-year-old forward Kevin Zefi is set to join the Serie A giants in the coming weeks.

Transfers

Man Utd want £50m-rated Alaba from Real Madrid - Paper Round

02/01/2024 at 11:13

Zefi turns 16 in February and will relocate along with his family to Italy.

22:00 - Parma on brink of Vazquez deal

Parma are closing in on a deal to bring in Franco Vazquez from Sevilla.

Sky Sport Italia is reporting that negotiations with the midfielder are at an advanced stage over a two-and-a-half-year contract.

21:10 - Inter enter race for Torreira

The Lucas Torreira plot has taken a fresh twist, with Inter Milan now expressing an interest.

The Uruguayan is on loan at Atletico Madrid but is unhappy with a lack of playing time and is looking for a route out.

Valencia are keen, Atletico do not want to let him go, and now La Stampa is claiming Inter have contacted Arsenal to say they are keen on the midfielder.

20:30 - Eriksen 'offered to' Man Utd

Christian Eriksen is one of the stories of the transfer window.

The Dane has had a miserable time at Inter Milan and is keen on kickstarting his career elsewhere.

A return to Tottenham has been talked about, as has a link up with his former manager at Spurs, Mauricio Pochettino at PSG. However, Manchester United can now be added to the mix.

Journalist Ian McGarry has told the Transfer Window Podcast that: "It is our understanding, while he has been linked heavily with a return to Tottenham Hotspur, he has in fact been offered to Manchester United. "It would be a loan deal until the end of the season with no option to buy as far as it goes at the moment.”

19:50 - Palace on brink of Mateja deal

Crystal Palace are close to boosting their attacking options with the signing of striker Jean-Philippe Mateta on loan from Mainz.

The Eagles have struggled in front of goal at times this season, and according to the BBC, Roy Hodgson is set to add the Frenchman on an 18-month deal with an option to buy inserted into the contract.

19:20 - Feyenoord complete Balde deal

Feyenoord have completed the signing of teenage winger Aliou Balde.

A host of clubs were keen on the 18-year-old, but Feyenoord won the chase and have committed him to the club until 2025.

18:50 - Odegaard asks to leave Real Madrid

Martin Odegaard could be on his way out of Real Madrid in January after asking to be sent out on loan.

The Norwegian forward is unhappy with his lack of playing time at the club and Marca says he has submitted a request to be allowed to secure a move in January.

18:30 - Manchester United-linked Medina - Expert View

Lens defender Facundo Medina has been linked with an £11 million move to Manchester United.

Is he worth the investment? Eurosport's French football expert Vincent Bregevin has had his say.

18:20 - Alaba's father denies Real deal done

David Alaba’s father has denied reports that claimed his son had struck a deal with Real Madrid.

The Austrian’s contract is winding down at Bayern Munich and a scrum of clubs are keen.

Marca reported on Monday that a deal had been struck, and that the player had already undergone a medical, but Alaba’s father has denied the claim.

"A decision has not yet been made, and David has not signed a deal with Real,” his father George told Sport1.

17:50 - Klaas is back at Schalke

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has returned to Schalke after signing a deal until the end of the season.

The forward, who is due to retire at the end of the season, answered an SOS with the club struggling at the bottom of the Bundesliga.

He has turned his back on a title challenge with Ajax to aid his former club.

17:30 - Simeone digging in over Torreira

Lucas Torreira’s situation is no clearer with less than a fortnight of the transfer window remaining.

The midfielder is on a season-long loan at Atletico Madrid, but he is frustrated by his lack of playing time and his parent club Arsenal would be happy for him to move on.

Valencia have expressed interest in taking the Uruguayan, but Atletico boss Diego Simeone wants to keep the midfielder as they continue their bid for the Liga title and Plaza Deportiva states the coach is not in any mood to have his arm twisted.

16:45 - Spurs latest on Eriksen and Sabitzer

Dean Jones has the latest on the situation regarding a potential return to Tottenham Hotspur for Christian Eriksen and a move for Marcel Sabitzer by the North London club.

Any return to Spurs for Eriksen would likely be only on a short-term basis, probably a loan deal, but the club intends to make an offer for RB Leipzig's Sabitzer in the summer.

The Austrian's versatility and intelligence would make him a very good signing. This is one Tottenham should definitely explore further, although competition for Sabitzer's signature could be stiff.

Marcel Sabitzer / RB Leipzig

Image credit: Getty Images

16:15 - Man Utd lining up bid for Lens defender

Manchester United are monitoring Facundo Medina with a view to making an offer for the Lens defender before the January window closes.

The Old Trafford have been linked with a number of potential centre back options this month and Medina is the latest believed to be on their radar.

La Voix de Nord claims United are preparing a £11m offer for Medina who has caught the eye of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as a ball-playing central defender in Ligue 1 this season.

There's no doubt Man Utd need better options at the back, but would Medina be better than what they already have? Solskjaer needs starters, not just more depth options.

15:50 - Dele deal could go to the wire

Dele Alli has been a staple of the transfer window gossip column this month, with the midfielder's future up in the air as Paris Saint-Germain circle.

Dean Jones reports that a proposed deal to send Dele to the Parc des Princes could go down to the final week of the transfer window as Daniel Levy holds form.

Tottenham Hotspur have made clear they don't want to include an option to buy in any loan deal that sends Dele to PSG, with the French club initially hopeful of including such a clause in an 18-month loan agreement.

Dele is far too good to be exiled from the Spurs first team and so please Mr Mourinho, this live blogger is asking you to have some compassion. Let Dele join oil-rich PSG so he can live in the fashion capital of Europe and have fun with Mauricio Pochettino again. It's meant to be!

15:20 - Why Haaland should bide his time

Erling Haaland has recently been linked with a move to Chelsea, but Justin Cole of The Beautiful Game Podcast believes the Norwegian should bide his time at Borussia Dortmund.

"I liken it to the situation with Jadon Sancho: I was always of the opinion that he should just stay put," said Cole on on the first Eurosport vodcast in partnership with The Beautiful Game Podcast.

Big-money Chelsea move is 'too early' for Haaland

"You are playing regularly, you have got some consistency with that team and you're still a young player.

"You look at all the top teams in Europe, there are a number of different clubs you could move to, so there is no rush for him to have to make the move now. The best thing for him to do is to stay put."

14:40 - Diallo to make United debut soon?

Amad Diallo is Manchester United's only new signing of the January window so far and fans might not have to wait long to see the teenager in action for the club.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been speaking about how Diallo has settled in his new surroundings and how quickly the winger could make his debut for the Old Trafford side.

"He can handle the ball, he's enjoyed training, he makes a difference in training, which is quite remarkable at his age," Solskjaer said.

Amad Diallo

Image credit: Getty Images

"There's some adjustment to settle into the hustle and bustle and the physical part of the Premier League but I can't see it being too long until he's in the squad.

"It might be quicker [than four or five weeks], who knows? He's definitely settled down well, the players have taken to him, he's a very good character, a very polite, smiley boy who works really hard."

Diallo could help Solskjaer find some balance in his squad. That lack of balance was evident in the performance against Liverpool on Sunday, with Paul Pogba deployed on the right instead of a true winger.

13:50 - Atleti make new contract proposal to Simeone

Atletico Madrid want to tie down Diego Simeone to a new contract that will keep the Argentine manager at the capital club until the summer of 2024.

Spanish sports newspaper AS claims Atleti want to make sure Simeone doesn't leave the club when his current contract expires next year and have already informed him of their desire to renew.

Simeone is already the highest-paid football manager in the world. Of course, it could be argued he is worth that sort of money. Is there a manager as important to a club as Simeone is to Atletico Madrid? Apart from Sean Dyche...

13:30 - Turkish club make offer for Rose

Trabzonspor want to sign Danny Rose with the Turkish reportedly lodging an offer with Tottenham Hotspur for the England international left back.

Rose has been out of favour at Spurs since returning to the club from a loan spell at Newcastle United last season, making just two Premier League appearances this term.

Danny Rose

Image credit: Getty Images

Turkish outlet Sabah claim Trabzonspor are interested in signing Rose, who is expected to leave North London this month with his contract set to expire in the summer.

Rose needs to play football again. For a player of such pedigree, it's surprising he doesn't seem to have many offers this January. Trabzonspor could be his best option.

13:10 - Ozil tweets ahead of official confirmation

Mesut Ozil has taken to his Twitter account again to tease his impending move to Fenerbahce as we continue to wait for official confirmation that the German has finally left Arsenal.

The 32-year-old has posted an illustrated an image of him in an Arsenal shirt shaking hands with him in a Fenerbahce shirt. Edu is probably breaking out in a cold sweat at the thought of two Ozils!

12:45 - Why are Chelsea letting Tomori leave?

Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori is reportedly on the brink of signing for AC Milan on loan until the end of the season with an option to buy, but Dotun Abijoh of the The Beautiful Game Podcast is confused by the move.

"I'm surprised by this, because this is a player that is an England international and there is an option to buy, which means he is not in Chelsea's plans," said Abijoh on the first Eurosport vodcast in partnership with The Beautiful Game Podcast.

'I'm baffled!' - Why Tomori's Milan move makes no sense

"I'm baffled because he looks really good at centre back and he's still a young defender, so this transfer baffles me and it looks like he's going to be heading to AC Milan."

12:15 - Inter win race for Leeds and Liverpool target

Inter have reportedly won the race to sign Udinese midfielder Rodrigo de Paul after the Argentine was linked with a move to a number of Premier League clubs.

De Paul was reportedly on the radar of both Leeds United and Liverpool, but Tuttosport (via Team Talk) now claim Inter have the player "in their hands."

That Liverpool would enter the market for another midfielder just six months after they signed Thiago Alcantara always seemed a bit farfetched, but there was a lot of smoke around Leeds' interest for there to be no fire.

11:45 - Why Eriksen return to Spurs wouldn't work

Christian Eriksen has been linked with a return to Tottenham Hotspur only a year after he left for Inter, but Dotun Abijoh of the The Beautiful Game Podcast doesn't see that move working.

"I don't see the logic behind this," said Abijoh on the first Eurosport vodcast in partnership with The Beautiful Game Podcast.

'There's going to be bad blood' - Why Eriksen can't go back to Spurs

"How much has Christian Eriksen got left? We saw him at the end of his spell with Spurs and, let's be honest, he wasn't pulling up trees. He wasn't that impressive.

"I can't see it. I think Spurs have moved on from Christian Eriksen, and Christian Eriksen needs to move on from Spurs. I just can't see this transfer working."

11:25 - West Ham bid for Ligue 1 striker rejected

West Ham have reportedly had an offer for Montpellier striker Gaetan Laborde rejected as David Moyes continues his efforts to add a new centre forward to his squad this month.

The Hammers have been linked with a number of attackers, but the Evening Standard reports the London club have had a loan offer for Laborde (which included an option to buy in the summer) rejected.

Laborde has six league goals this season and very much has the look of a future West Ham striker. He just has that air about him. He'll spend 18 months with the Hammers and then join Lens on loan. Probably.

11:10 - Spurs line up summer move for Ings

Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing a summer move for Danny Ings with Jose Mourinho keen to add the Southampton striker to his squad.

Dean Jones reports there is some concern at the St Mary's Stadium that Ings might not put pen to paper on a new contract, alerting Spurs to the possibility of signing the England international at the end of the season.

Ings was on Tottenham's radar last summer before they moved to sign Carlos Vinicius on a season-long loan from Benfica and the North London club could reignite their interest in the Saints striker.

Danny Ings of Southampton celebrates with Theo Walcott after scoring their team's first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary's Stadium

Image credit: Getty Images

There's no doubt Ings would improve Tottenham's attacking options. He is after one of the best goalscorers in the Premier League right now.

But would he really want to play second string to Harry Kane having been a depth option at Liverpool for a number of seasons?

10:55 - Mandzukic is an AC Milan player

It's official - Mario Mandzukic has signed for AC Milan as a free agent, putting pen to paper on a deal until the end of the season with an option to stay for another season.

This is a move that had been rumoured for some time, so it comes as little surprise. It could prove to be an important moment in Milan's season as they chase their first Scudetto for over a decade.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been a revelation for Stefano Pioli's side this season, but the Swede has suffered from injury. Mandzukic will be an able deputy and will allow AC Milan to play the same way even when Ibrahimovic is unavailable or being rested.

It might not be a blockbuster move, but it could be a smart move. One that helps AC Milan get over the line in the Serie A title race.

10:45 - Barcelona fear Messi exit

Barcelona are increasingly fearful that Lionel Messi will leave the club at the end of the season amid speculation that Paris Saint-Germain are hovering.

Catalan newspaper Sports reports Camp Nou chiefs are scared Messi will depart the Catalan club with the mere mention of a transfer causing "earthquakes" in the boardroom.

Of course, speculation around Messi's future is nothing new, but there was a quiet confidence at Barcelona not so long ago that they would be able to convince their best player to stay. That confidence seems to have dissipated.

10:20 - United among clubs still in race for Alaba

This morning has seen strong reports from Spain surface of a Real Madrid agreement for the signing of David Alaba, but there are contradictory claims being made about the Austrian.

Despite's Marca's reporting that Alaba has agreed to sign for Real Madrid, Sky Deutschland journalist Max Bielefeld claims no decision has been made on the player's future.

In fact, he claims Alaba won't make a decision on his future until the Spring and Manchester United are among a number of clubs very much still in the pursuit of the 28-year-old.

Alaba would certainly improve United's options, but it's not a central defender like the Austrian they need. They need a fast and imposing player to mask Harry Maguire's shortcomings. And that ain't Alaba.

10:05 - Derby block Carson transfer to City

Manchester City have been left unhappy after Derby County blocked their permanent signing of Scott Carson as their third choice goalkeeper.

Carson has been on loan at the Etihad Stadium for the last two seasons, but City want to sign the former England international permanently.

Scott Carson has penned a deal at Derby

Image credit: PA Sport

However, the Daily Mail claims City's approach for Carson has been blocked as Derby need the £500,000 loan fee to pay their players' wages this month. And this has apparently left City furious.

What exactly are they furioius about? Derby are entirely within their rights to reject City's offer to sign Carson permanently! They signed the loan agreement! Back in your box, Begiristain.

09:45 - Monaco are interested in Marcelo

Monaco want to sign Marcelo with the Ligue 1 club willing to offer the Real Madrid left a three-year contract with an annual salary of €6m.

Marcelo remains an important part of Zinedine Zidane's squad at the Santiago Bernabeu, but Ferland Mendy is now seen as Real Madrid's first choice at left back.

According to beIN Sports (via AS), Juventus are also keen on the Brazilian defender who is currently on a contract of €9m a year until the summer of 2022 at Real Madrid.

Getting Marcelo off the wage bill could help Real Madrid rebuild their squad (and their stadium). Letting him go before the end of his contract might make some sense.

09:30 - Villa in talks over £15m midfielder

Aston Villa are reportedly in talks to sign Marseille midfielder Morgan Sanson for a fee of around £15m according to the Telegraph's John Percy.

Villa have been linked with a number of midfielders this month, including Bournemouth's David Brooks. The club has done some solid business of late and this would be another sign of the direction they are heading in.

Sanson has two goals and three assists in Ligue 1 this season, is always looking to create and is capable of playing on the left, on the right and through the middle. Remind you of another Aston Villa midfielder?

09:10 - Spurs want to sell Dele

It has become the defining saga of this January transfer window, but a conclusion could be in sight if Le Parisien's reporting that Tottenham Hotspur want to sell Dele Alli to Paris Saint-Germain is to be believed.

Dele has fallen down the pecking order at Spurs this season leading many to suggest he could leave the club on loan this month.

Dele Alli

Image credit: Getty Images

The arrival of Mauricio Pochettino at PSG only added to the fuel that Dele could end up in the French capital and indeed the Ligue 1 champions are, by all accounts, interested in the Englishman.

Le Parisen now reports Spurs would prefer to sell Dele rather than loan him out, although they are open to the idea of a loan with a purchase option. They want at least €50m for the player. Which seems a lot in this climate.

08:45 - Good morning!

Here we go, as it were. Graham Ruthven will be here shortly to bring you all the latest transfer stories. However, there is a big one early: David Alaba looks set to join Real Madrid on a free. The Guardian report that this will bring a 13-year association with Bayern Munich to an end. The deal is said to be worth €230,000 after tax. Read further details on that here.

We will have further analysis on that deal throughout the day.

Alli confident of PSG move, Pogba’s apology to team-mates – Paper Round