Chelsea prepared to increase Enzo Fernandez bid to complete January transfer from Benfica - Paper Round

Chelsea have returned to transfer talks with Benfica in a late attempt to complete a deal to sign Enzo Fernandez before the transfer window closes on Tuesday night. The west London club saw a bid worth around £70 million, plus add-ons, rejected by the Portuguese club earlier in January but have now reignited negotiations. Chelsea are keen to add some depth to their midfield options after bringing in Mykhaylo Mudryk, Joao Felix on loan, Benoît Badiashile and Noni Madueke to Stamford Bridge this month.

The Telegraph report: "Chelsea have made two new proposals for Fernandez, one that would see them pay around £85 million and allow a player to move to Benfica and another to meet the £105 million release clause but pay the fee in instalments.

"Benfica have always insisted that they would only sell Fernandez this month if his release clause was triggered in one payment, which Chelsea had privately claimed they were not prepared to do. Fernandez is known to want a move to Chelsea this month, so convincing the player and agreeing personal terms so late in the transfer window would not be a problem."

Barcelona have enquired about Atletico Madrid's long-term plans for Joao Felix, following the 23-year-old's January loan move to Chelsea. The highly-rated youngster joined Diego Simeone's side for €126 million back in 2019, but has since fallen out of favour in the Spanish capital - which led to his loan to the Premier League.

Spanish media outlet Sport report: "Joao is expected to return at the end of the season and may look for a permanent move away. Atletico extended his deal until 2027 before the loan move.

"His agent is Jorge Mendes, who also has a good relationship with Barcelona. Mendes might look for a formula to bring Felix to Barca under conditions that the club could meet. It would need to involve players going the other way most likely, so it won't be easy."

Sporting CP are closing in on the loan signing of Hector Bellerin from Barcelona, which would open the door to Pedro Porro to join Tottenham Hotspur. Porro has been the target of transfer talks this week and it is expected that he will be allowed to leave now Sporting have signed a replacement right-back.

The Standard report: "Spanish full-back Porro trained in Lisbon on Sunday ahead of a move to north London which follows weeks of talks between the clubs over his £39million release clause. Key to the deal has been Sporting’s ability to bring in a replacement defender on their right flank. Former Arsenal player Bellerin is on the verge of filling that hole in a loan switch from the Camp Nou.

"Spurs signing Porro, 23, will likely see Djed Spence allowed to leave on loan."

Newcastle United have opened negotiations with Sheffield United regarding midfielder Sander Berge. The Magpies are in the market for a new central midfielder as Jonjo Shelvey is edging closer to a move to Nottingham Forest. Fulham have already opened talks with Sheffield United in a bid to sign the 23-year-old, but Newcastle have joined the battle for Berge.

The Mail report: "Newcastle are exploring a deal for Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge, but would prefer to make a loan signing before Tuesday’s transfer deadline. Sportsmail can reveal that the Norwegian is on the shortlist of targets Eddie Howe and the club are considering as a replacement for Jonjo Shelvey, who is likely to join Nottingham Forest.

"We understand Newcastle would prefer a loan arrival and, whether that is possible for Berge given the Blades are under a transfer embargo, remains to be seen."