Transfers

Virgil van Dijk says it was “disrespectful” for Arne Slot to be asked about speculation linking Xabi Alonso with his job as Liverpool manager. The Reds boss laughed off what he described as “one of the weirdest questions” in the build up to his side’s Champions League victory over Marseille on Wednesday - but his compatriot has now criticised the journalist who asked it.

Arsenal wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri is set for an immediate baptism of fire in Ligue 1 after Roberto De Zerbi suggested the teenager could make his Marseille debut as early as Saturday. The 18-year-old is on the verge of completing a loan move to the French giants alongside Quinten Timber, with the Marseille boss confirming both "strong players" are ready to bolster his squad for the weekend clash against Lens.

Manchester United youngsters Harry Amass and Toby Collyer are set to depart Old Trafford on loan for the remainder of the season, joining Norwich City and Hull City respectively. The duo, who previously faced scrutiny regarding their development paths during Ruben Amorim’s tenure, will look to reignite their campaigns in the Championship after being recalled from previous spells earlier this month.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac are reportedly ready to set another new transfer record at Wrexham, with the Red Dragons tabling a £19 million ($26m) bid for Angers striker Sidiki Cherif. The 19-year-old is considered to be a long-term addition in North Wales that can make an immediate impact in the present - with Phil Parkinson’s side taking aim at promotion into the Premier League.

Chelsea icon Marcel Desailly has issued a stark warning to his former club, suggesting that talisman Cole Palmer could sensationally hand in a transfer request if he does not believe the Blues can win the Premier League within the next two seasons. The French World Cup winner has urged the Stamford Bridge hierarchy to establish a stable system built specifically around the England international, while simultaneously calling on Palmer to show "respect" and "humility" to the club's new management.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s dream move to Real Madrid has quickly turned into a nightmare, with it being reported that the ex-Liverpool defender has been told to find a new club. The England international headed to Spain in 2025 after running down his contract at Anfield, but has found the going tough at Santiago Bernabeu and is being deemed surplus to requirements.

Chelsea are on the verge of completing their first signing under new manager Liam Rosenior, with the Blues set to beat Premier League rivals Manchester United to the signature of teenage sensation Yisa Alao. The 17-year-old Sheffield Wednesday defender has reportedly opted for Stamford Bridge despite heavy interest from Old Trafford, with a structured deal worth potentially over £1 million now close to being finalised between the two clubs.

GOAL takes a look at the biggest transfer news and rumours from around the world.

Inter Miami’s pursuit of Monterrey striker Germán Berterame followed an unsuccessful $13 million bid for LAFC star Denis Bouanga, according to The Athletic. The Herons’ cash offer for the Gabon international was turned down by Los Angeles, prompting a swift pivot in their winter rebuild. According to the same report, Bouanga wants to extend his contract with his current club.

Ahead of the transfer window closing, GOAL grades the USMNT-related deals completed during January.

Jean-Philippe Mateta has reportedly told Crystal Palace he wants to leave Selhurst Park as the France striker believes the club do not match his ambitions. He is angry that promises regarding player recruitment and terms in a potential new contract have not been kept. It is believed the 28-year-old wants regular European football, and that he was recently the subject of an offer from Juventus.

Manchester United reportedly want to open talks with Bruno Fernandes over a new contract, but will ultimately let the captain decide whether he stays or goes. Fernandes' current deal runs until 2027 and though the club have the option to extend it by a further 12 months, they would like to discuss fresh terms.

Chelsea backed away from a potential deal for Marc Guehi in the January transfer window, allowing Manchester City to swoop in for the Crystal Palace and England defender in a deal worth an initial £20 million. The Blues have been hunting for a new centre-back to bolster their backline but opted against re-signing the 25-year-old due to several concerns.

Former Manchester United star Paul Pogba has been tipped to seal a shock transfer to Wrexham before he hangs up his boots. The 32-year-old has returned to football at Ligue 1 side Monaco, after a spell out of the game due to a doping ban, but former France and Manchester United striker Louis Saha thinks he could be a good option for Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac's side.

Liverpool have reportedly identified Micky van de Ven as a potential target in their search to bring in a new centre-back. The Reds remain shorthanded in defence and though they may not enter the January market for immediate reinforcements, they are said to be keen on the Tottenham star in the long term following an impressive two-and-a-half years in the Premier League so far.

Cole Palmer's future at Chelsea is under scrutiny amid speculation he does not really enjoy life in London and could be tempted to head back to former club Manchester City in the summer transfer window. Pep Guardiola has been tipped to part company with the Cityzens at the end of the season, potentially paving way for Palmer to make a shock return to the Etihad.

Manchester United have reportedly been offered the opportunity to sign Ruben Loftus-Cheek on loan from Serie A giants AC Milan. The England international joined the Rossoneri in 2023 after struggling to nail down a regular place at boyhood side Chelsea and has largely managed to shake off his worrying past of injuries, making 90 appearances for the Italian side. However, they are apparently open to the 29-year-old departing on a temporary basis during the January transfer window and have offered his services to United.