Goal takes a look at the biggest transfer stories from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and beyond
BARCELONA WATCH MARTIAL
Barcelona sporting director Robert Fernandez watched Anthony Martial during Manchester United’s Champions League victory over Benfica, reports Mundo Deportivo .
Fernandez travelled to Lisbon for the game and saw Martial produce a lively 15-minute cameo off the substitutes’ bench after the France forward replaced Marcus Rashford.
Speculation has recently claimed United would be willing to offer Martial in exchange for Barca midfielder Ivan Rakitic, while Arsenal are also reported to be admirers of the former Monaco youngster.
MADRID CLOSE ON BRAZILIAN TEENAGER
Real Madrid are closing in on a deal to sign Palmeiras’ teenage midfielder Alan, according to AS .
Alan has been impressing for Brazil at the Under-17 World Cup in India and has a release clause in his contract of €50 million.
However, Madrid are hoping to negotiate a lower fee to bring Alan to Spain in the summer of 2018 and pitch him into their Castilla side.
BARCA KEEN ON BILBAO DEFENDER
Barcelona have added Athletic Bilbao defender Unai Nunez to their list of centre-back targets, reports Sport .
Nunez has been in fine form in the early weeks of this season and the 20-year-old’s progress has prompted interest from Barca, who are exploring options to add a young, promising defender to their squad.
OZIL TELLS TEAM-MATES HE’S MAN UTD BOUND
Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil is so confident he’ll be transferring to Manchester United, he’s already begun telling his Gunners team-mates, according to The Mirror.
After Arsene Wenger admitted last week that the Gunners could end up selling Ozil in January, the 29-year-old feels he is set to join Jose Mourinho, his former manager at Real Madrid, at Old Trafford in 2018.
Ozil’s contract is set to expire at the end of the current season, so Arsenal could attempt to sell him in January to avoid losing him on a free.
PL TRIO TRACK FRENCH STARLET
France Under-17 international Lenny Pintor, who has been compared to Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele, has caught the eye of a trio of Premier League clubs, claims the Daily Mail .
Pintor has been in good form at the Under-17 World Cup in India, with the Brest winger’s performances piquing the interest of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City
JUVE JOIN WEIGL CHASE
Juventus have joined the hunt for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Weigl, according to CalcioNews24.com .
Weigl has also been watched by the likes of Barcelona and Manchester City, although the 22-year-old is likely to cost at least €50 million.
LIVERPOOL TO REJECT MILNER OFFERS
Liverpool will reject any offers for the versatile James Milner during the January transfer window, reports the Mirror .
Milner has struggled for regular starts this season and has attracted interest from other Premier League clubs, but Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has no plans to sell.
ARSENAL AND MAN UTD MONITORING REUS
Though he’s yet to play this season due to injury, Arsenal and Manchester United have still been monitoring Borussia Dortmund winger Marco Reus, according to The Sun .
The 28-year-old Germany international is currently rehabbing from a cruciate ligament injury, and is expected to return early in 2018.
With his contract set to expire after the 2018-19 season, both the Gunners and Red Devils will be keeping a close eye on Reus when he makes his return from injury.
MAN UTD TO HAND QUARTET NEW DEALS
Manchester United are to hand new deals to Marouane Fellaini, Juan Mata, Ander Herrera and Phil Jones, according to The Sun .
The Red Devils are reluctant to lose any senior stars on a free next summer and are working hard to retain the strength in depth at Jose Mourinho’s disposal.
BALE COULD RETURN TO SPURS
Gareth Bale could make a shock return to Tottenham if he leaves Real Madrid, Spanish outlet Don Balon claims.
It is said that Manchester United and Chelsea have both made attempts to sign the Welshman, who has repeatedly been linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu.
The report, however, claims Bale, who has been plagued by injuries during his time in Madrid, ‘wants to feel like a footballer again’ and could return to his former team to recapture his best form.
BARCA SCOUT SPURS DUO
Barcelona’s sporting director Robert Fernandez scouted Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen during Tottenham’s Champions League draw with Real Madrid, reports Mundo Deportivo .
Kane, who has also been linked with a move to Madrid, would reportedly cost €225 million – more than the world record Barca received for Neymar – and that is likely to dissuade any bids.
Denmark international Eriksen is a more viable option for Barca, although Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho remains the club’s number one target.
DE LIGT TOPS BARCA LIST
Barcelona have made Matthijs de Ligt their top transfer as they look to bolster their defence, Mundo Deportivo reports.
The 18-year-old centre-back has attracted interest from Europe’s top teams due to his outstanding performances for Ajax. The Catalan side will already bring Yerry Mina, 23, in from Palmeiras in January but they hope they have found a long-term central partner for him in the form of the Netherlands international.
PSG TO APPROACH MOURINHO
Paris Saint-Germain will attempt to convince Jose Mourinho to ditch Manchester United for the French capital at the end of the season, The Sun claims.
Although United are said to be preparing a new contract offer for Mourinho, who is in the second year of a three-season contract, but the coach said last week that he has no intention of retiring at Old Trafford .
PSG, though, are expected to let current coach Unai Emery go if he fails to win the Champions League this season and will turn to Mourinho as their top target.
BARCELONA TRACKING WOODBURN
Philippe Coutinho isn’t the only Liverpool player Barcelona have their eye on, according to Don Balon.
The Catalans have been tracking 18-year-old Ben Woodburn, who is widely tipped to become a star for both the Reds and for Wales.
Barcelona have already approached Woodburn’s representatives, with Liverpool determined to hang on to the player who made his first-team debut last season at age 17.
KOULIBALY WANTED BY BARCELONA
Barcelona are watching Kalidou Koulibaly, but fear the Napoli defender is likely to be too expensive, reports Mundo Deportivo .
Koulibaly is a target for Chelsea and reports have suggested that Napoli will be prepared to sell the centre-half at the end of the season for a fee in the region of €60 million.
He was scouted by Barca during last weekend’s game against Roma and, while sporting director Robert Fernandez is a huge admirer of Koulibaly, the price could be a sticking point.
€30M BRAZILIAN TEEN TARGETED BY BARCA
Barcelona are hot on the trail of 16-year-old Brazilian striker Lincoln, according to AS .
Lincoln is currently impressing at the Under-17 World Cup in India and has scored three goals in three appearances, with his value placed at €30 million.
He plays for Flamengo in Brazil and is a team-mate of Vinicius Junior, who has already agreed a deal to join Barca’s arch-rivals Real Madrid.
BARCELONA CHOOSE COUTINHO ALTERNATIVES
Barcelona will look to the Bundesliga if their January pursuit of Philippe Coutinho fails, according to Sport .
The Camp Nou side were unable to sign the Liverpool player during the summer, and have chosen their alternatives if they are rebuffed once again. Max Meyer of Schalke and Bayer Leverkusen’s Julian Brandt are top of their shortlist, with Barca already having made contact with both clubs.
RAMOS TO HELP MADRID SIGN BARCA WINGER
Real Madrid want to sign Barcelona winger Jose Manual Arnaiz Diaz, with the help of Sergio Ramos’ brother, according to Diario Gol .
Diaz joined Barcelona from Real Valladolid in the summer and he has been impressing for the club’s ‘B’ team.
His performances have not gone unnoticed in Madrid and president Florentino Perez will continue to monitor Diaz, who is represented by Real defender Ramos’ brother.
LEEDS CHASE MAN UTD STRIKER
Manchester United striker James Wilson is a January loan target for Championship rivals Leeds United and Reading, claims The Sun .
Wilson is nearing peak fitness after suffering a serious knee injury on loan at Derby last season and he hasn’t made a first-team appearance for United in almost two years.
MAN UTD TRACKING ESPANYOL LEFT-BACK
Manchester United are scouting 20-year-old Espanyol defender Aaron Martin, ESPN claims.
The Red Devils watched the Spain Under-21 international during the Barcelona side’s clash with Levante and will be keeping an eye on his development. Although Martin is contracted to the club until 2022, he could be snapped up if his €40 million release clause is activated.
