The January transfer window is now less than a month away and some of the Premier League's biggest sides will be aiming to bolster their squads at the season's half-way point.
Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea are all expected to try and oversee some new additions at the turn of the calendar year, with all three having their eye on at least one high-profile, marquee signing. Liverpool will be out to do the same, but the Reds could find things more difficult.
That's because their ideal signing is Jude Bellingham, but he is unlikely to leave Borussia Dortmund until the summer transfer window at the earliest. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo will also be hoping to complete a free transfer to his next club after an acrimonious departure from United, with interest from Saudi Arabia mounting.
The Red Devils could soften the blow of his exit with a pursuit of West Ham skipper Declan Rice, or even reignite interest in an old target in Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong.
Follow all the latest transfer updates below...
Bye for now
Thanks for staying with us tonight on a busy evening for the World Cup and for transfer updates.
We'll be back with more tomorrow.
See you then.
Pavard's transfer warning
Bayern Munich CEO Oliver Kahn has warned Benjamin Pavard that the Premier League-linked defender won't be able to orchestrate his exit in public.
The French international, who has been in and out of the team under Julian Nagelsmann, has been linked with Manchester United among others.
"Nobody can start their departure with statements, especially not in public," Kahn told Sky Germany (via 90min). "We won't allow that.
"Benjamin knows what he has in Bayern. We also know what we have in him. We can classify and manage the emotions of the players, which sometimes go up and down."
Endrick prediction made
Brazil star Richarlison has set the bar high for Endrick - the youngster being tipped as the South American nation's next footballing superstar.
Teenage forward Endrick became Palmeiras' youngest-ever player when he made his debut at the age of 16 and scored his first goals for the club on October 25.
The youngster was linked with Manchester City and Liverpool in January, while Chelsea are among those mentioned in connection with him more recently.
Read more here
Felix advised to leave Atleti
Former Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan has urged Joao Felix to leave the Spanish club to advance his career.
Portugal star Felix joined Atleti in a club record move in 2019 but has blown hot and cold, with Manchester United among a number of clubs linked with a swoop.
"There are reports coming out about the possibility of him leaving Atletico and, if he leaves, he could even increase his performance," Forlan told reporters during the World Cup, per Goal.
"I believe in that. It happens a lot. It happened, for example, with Philippe Coutinho, who played very little at Inter and when he went to Liverpool he improved a lot."
Man Utd tipped to win Pulisic race
Manchester United have moved to the front of the queue for Christian Pulisic, according to Calciomercato (via football.london).
The American international has been tipped to leave Chelsea, with Arsenal and Juventus also linked, but United are said to be "destined" to win the race.
Pulisic, who joined Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund in 2019, scored his first World Cup goal on Tuesday to help send the US into the last 16.
Martinez on the market
Roberto Martinez has explained his situation after leaving his post as Belgium manager.
The Spaniard was out of contract at the end of the World Cup, and has left after his side's group stage elimination.
"My situation is very clear. This is the end for me," he told the media.
"Whatever the result of this tournament, I took the decision before the World Cup. It's all about long term. Since 2018, I could have taken many jobs. I don't resign, it's just ending like this."
Gvardiol responds to Chelsea links
Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol has dropped a hint about his future amid links with Chelsea.
The RB Leipzig star helped his country see off the challenge of Belgium to advance in the World Cup, and has been linked with a move to England more than once.
"About me and Chelsea? I don’t know," he told The Athletic. "You know what happened in the last few months. To be honest, I have no idea.
“My agent is taking care of this and we will see. Right now, I’m happy in Leipzig. I don’t know, we will see – you never know."
Gakpo 'starting point' set
PSV EIndhoven see €50m as a starting point if they are to sell Cody Gakpo, according to Voetbal International (via Sport Witness)
The Netherlands star was linked with a summer exit, with Manchester United among those linked before moving for Antony.
Gakpo has been his country's top scorer at the World Cup, and the asking price for the 23-year-old has now shot up.
Ronaldo tug-of-war anticipated
Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly received a proposal from Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal to rival an earlier bid made by their domestic rivals Al Nassr.
The Portuguese superstar ended his relationship with Manchester United by mutual consent last week, following his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan. However, any decision on a new club is unlikely to be swift as he has switched fully to international mode and is aiming to break multiple different World Cup records.
Read more here
Arsenal considering Tielemans 'alternative'
Arsenal are exploring the possibility of signing Hakan Calhanoglu as an alternative to Youri Tielemans.
That's according to Inter Live (via The Express), who report the Turkish star has also caught the eye of Aston Villa.
Tielemans, who is out of contract in the summer, came off the bench for Belgium as they drew 0-0 with Croatia to suffer World Cup elimination.
Keane could move in January
Michael Keane could leave Everton in January amid reported interest from West Ham, according to The Echo.
The England international has struggled for minutes under Frank Lampard this term, featuring just once in the league.
West Ham are after reinforcements with Kurt Zouma facing surgery, while veteran Angelo Ogbonna has been linked with a move away from east London.
Dortmund MD drops Bellingham hint
Borussia Dortmund MD Carsten Cramer has given Liverpool fresh hope in their pursuit of Jude Bellingham, reference the fact that his team and Reds boss Jurgen Klopp "both care about Dortmund".
"We have a high sympathy for Liverpool for sure," Cramer said, as reported by Goal.
"We are still in a good relationship with Jurgen and many others at Liverpool. So for me, it is my preferred club in the Premier League as well. But do not expect that we will make gifts to Liverpool."
Kovacic coy on Gvardiol links
Mateo Kovacic refused to be drawn on proposed Chelsea links to Josko Gvardiol.
Kovacic and Gvardiol are colleagues with the Croatian national team, where the latter has impressed, and the centre-back's form has prompted rumours of a move away from RB Leipzig.
Barca after Arsenal target Kudus
Barcelona chief Jordi Cruyff has hinted the club are keen on Mohammed Kudus, who has been linked with a Premier League switch.
Ajax star Kudus has impressed for Ghana at the World Cup, prompting links with Arsenal among others, and Cruyff revealed the Catalan club have been tracking the youngster for more than a year.
"We can’t say now that Barça want Kudus, but he’s attracting interest," Cruyff told RAC 1 (via HITC). "He’s scoring goals and in Holland they discuss a lot about his position, so yes, I know him well.”
'Agent' Alexander-Arnold hard at work
Liverpool fans are dreaming of a potential move for Jude Bellingham after Trent Alexander-Arnold spent the evening with the Borussia Dortmund midfielder on Wednesday.
Bellingham is believed to be the Reds top summer transfer target - and fans are hoping that Alexander-Arnold could help persuade his Three Lions teammate to make the switch to Anfield.
READ THE FULL STORY HERE!
Newcastle keen on South Korea starlet
Marca have claimed that Newcastle are keeping tabs on South Korea starlet Kang-in Lee.
The Mallorca winger racked up two goals and three assists in the first half of the LaLiga season to earn a call-up to the World Cup - and the 21-year-old's progress has not gone unnoticed elsewhere.
The report claims that his £14.6m (€17m) release clause would make a deal attainable for Newcastle, who are expected to strengthen their squad in the January transfer window.
Aston Villa eye Abraham
Aston Villa are ready to launch an ambitious bid to bring AS Roma striker Tammy Abraham back to the Premier League, according to CalcioMercato.
The Italian outlet claim that Jose Mourinho has been less than enthused with Abraham's form this term and would be willing to offload the former Chelsea striker.
The Blues do hold an option that gives them first refusal on any deal to re-sign Abraham.
Kessi 'happy' at Barcelona
Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie is 'happy' at Barcelona, his agent has confirmed.
George Atangana told Calciomercato that the midfielder, who has started just two games since arriving at the Nou Camp on a free transfer in the summer, is not angling for a move away from the Spanish giants.
Both Inter Milan and Aston Villa have been linked with a move for Kessie, who had an impressive stint at AC Milan.
Blues set to continue youth revolution
Chelsea are seemingly poised to continue their bid to snap up Europe's top talents with a £12million deal for Vasco de Gama teenager Andrey Santos.
The Evening Standard claim that the highly-rated 18-year-old is being courted by the Blues and Paris Saint-Germain.
It is expected that Santos will move on in January - and it appears as though Chelsea are in pole position to pip PSG to a deal for the coveted central midfielder, who is already a first-team regular.
Scholes identifies Ronaldo replacements
Paul Scholes has urged Manchester United to replace Cristiano Ronaldo in January - and the Old Trafford icon believes either Cody Gakpo or Christopher Nkunku could fill the void left by the veteran striker.
Ronaldo was released from the final six months of his contract with "immediate effect" last week by United - just days after the 37-year-old slammed the club hierarchy in a scathing, unsanctioned interview with Piers Morgan.
Ronaldo had been consigned to a bit-part role following the arrival of new boss Erik ten Hag, but his exit leaves the Dutchman light on attacking options ahead of the second half of the Premier League season. And Scholes believes United need to act sooner rather than later when it comes to bolstering their frontline.
READ THE FULL STORY HERE!
Ronaldo 'will reject' huge Saudi offer
Cristiano Ronaldo is willing to reject the huge £173million-a-year offer he has received from Saudi Arabia - if he can find a club willing to offer him Champions League football.
That's according to The Sun, who claim that Ronaldo is desperate to continue playing in Europe's elite competition.
The 37-year-old is a free agent after the final six months of his lucrative Manchester United contract were torn up last week.
Spurs enter Dumfries chase
Tottenham have reportedly entered the race to sign Denzel Dumfries, providing competition for Chelsea.
According to Tuttosport, Antonio Conte is keen to sign a right-back, with Dumfries emerging as a target. Both Chelsea and Spurs are said to be 'pushing' to bring in the Netherlands international.
Inter Milan have set a price tag in the region of £35m for Dumfries, who they signed for around £7.5m.
Rice issues come and get me plea
Declan Rice has issued a come and get me plea as it appears almost certain he will leave West Ham.
He has snubbed the offer of a new contract, with his current deal expiring in 18 months. And Rice has now dropped the biggest hunt yet that he wants to leave the Hammers.
"Yeah - one hundred per cent I want to play in the Champions League. For the last two or three years I've been saying that. I've been playing consistently well for my club and I feel like I really want to keep pushing," he said.
"I see my friends here (with England at the World Cup), who are playing Champions League and competing for big trophies.
"You only get one career and at the end of it you want to look back at what you've won and the biggest games you've played in. I really want to do that."
Battle brewing for Milinkovic-Savic
A transfer battle is brewing between Manchester United and Juventus over Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
According to Calciomercato, both teams are interested in the midfielder, with Juve said to have made him their 'main focus'.
Lazio are said to be demanding a fee of £89m, which is proving to be a stumbling block for Juve, with United also eyeing a potential move.
United 'in contact' with Gakpo
Manchester United are reportedly in contact with Cody Gakpo's representatives.
Gakpo has starred for PSV Eindhoven and attracted the interest of United boss Erik ten Hag. PSV have frequently insisted that he would not be sold in January, but reports in the Netherlands claim they could U-turn on that position.
It is also said that the Red Devils are in talks with Gakpo and his agents with the chances of a January move increasing.
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Gilmour attracting interest
Billy Gilmour could be given an escape route from his struggles on loan at Brighton.
The midfielder found life difficult at Norwich last season and has failed to rediscover his form at the Seagulls.
But according to The Times, Villarreal are preparing to make a move for him on loan in January.
Newcastle shelve Maddison plans
Newcastle United will reportedly shelve a move for James Maddison despite continuing to be interested in him.
Maddison was heavily linked with a move to St James' Park in the summer transfer window. But according to the Daily Telegraph, the Magpies are 'highly unlikely' to revive that interest in the midfielder.
Thuram available for cut-price fee
Borussia Monchengladbach are reportedly ready to sell Marcus Thuram for a cut-price fee in January.
Thuram has starred for the Bundesliga side this season, earning a call-up to the France squad for the World Cup. But his contract is set to expire at the end of the campaign, with Sport Bild reporting Gladbach have accepted they will be unable to bring in a large fee.
As a result, they are ready to instead accept a bid in the region of £6m, with a number of Premier League sides interested.
Ronaldo's eye-watering offer
Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly been offered an eye-watering £150m-per-season to move to Saudi Arabia.
According to the Daily Telegraph Al Nassr have submitted the incredible deal to Ronaldo, who is a free agent after leaving Manchester United.
It is the second time a Saudi side have tried to sign him, after a failed move in the summer. Whether he does move to the Middle East is uncertain, with the attacker thought to be keen to continue playing in the Champions League.
