Transfer news and rumours LIVE: Juventus to make move for Isco

Juventus are set to make a move for Real Madrid playmaker Isco, according to <a href="https://www.calciomercato.com/news/isco-la-juve-e-l-ossessione-di-allegri-il-retroscena-di-quella-p-76284" target="_blank">Calciomercato</a>.&nbsp; The 26-year-old has fallen out of favour&nbsp;at the Bernabeu under new manager Santiago Solari, which has set off interest from several clubs across Europe.&nbsp; Juve have now joined the race for the Spain international, with manager&nbsp;Massimiliano Allegri&nbsp;having coveted the player for several years.&nbsp;

Juventus to make move for Isco

The Serie A champions have been alerted by the playmaker's lack of minutes in Madrid

U.S. national team and&nbsp;Columbus Crew&nbsp;goalkeeper Zack Steffen has finalized his transfer to&nbsp;Manchester City&nbsp;after completing his medical and signing his new contract on Thursday, multiple sources have confirmed to&nbsp;Goal. The 23-year-old goalkeeper will join the&nbsp;Premier League&nbsp;champions for a transfer fee of $7.5 milion&nbsp;(£6m)&nbsp;that could rise to $10m if Steffen reaches certain incentives.&nbsp; With Steffen unlikely to succeed in his quest to secure a UK work permit, the American goalkeeper is expected to be sent out on loan, with&nbsp;La Liga&nbsp;side&nbsp;Girona a leading candidate to be his next destination. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/sources-usmnt-goalkeeper-zack-steffen-completes-10m-transfer/l3kup5mq56831kirwmveojmuy" target="_blank">Read the full story on Goal!</a>

Sources: Steffen completes Manchester City move

Mario Balotelli is unlikely to return to&nbsp;Nice&nbsp;next season as the club is not prepared to offer him a contract&nbsp;extension, according to president Jean-Pierre Rivère. The striker missed Nice's pre-season and has yet to score a goal this term, tallying just one assist in 10 Ligue 1 appearances. But while the Nice president believes Balotelli will improve, he said it is unlikely the Italy international will continue with the club beyond this season. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/it-will-be-over-balotelli-unlikely-to-receive-contract-extension-/1lnk9yfkyeyre11a2zhh2nf36r" target="_blank">Read the full story here on Goal!</a>

Balotelli unlikely to receive Nice extension

Wales star Harry Wilson is unlikely to be recalled by Liverpool from his loan spell at Derby County in January, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/jpercytelegraph/status/1070771413680832512?s=21" target="_blank">The Telegraph</a>. Rams boss Frank Lampard fuelled speculation that the exciting youngster could return to Anfield in the new year when he revealed that the Reds have an option to recall Wilson next month. But The Telegraph's John Percy says Liverpool have no plans to recall the winger&nbsp;any time soon and are happy with the way he is progresing at Pride Park.

Liverpool unlikely to recall Wilson from Derby loan

Fulham, Newcastle and West Ham United are all interested in signing Cardiff City centre-back Sol Bamba, report <a href="https://www.calciomercato.it/news/324823/cardiff_city_esclusivo_tre_club_sulle_tracce_di_bamba" target="_blank">Calciomercato</a>. Bamba, 33, has been in good form for the Bluebirds in recent weeks and was famously labelled a better defender than Virgil van Dijk by manager Neil Warnock last season. The report claims that a bid of around £3 million ($3m) could be enough to lure Bamba away from the newly promoted side in January.

Cardiff defender attracts interest from Premier League rivals

Willem II forward&nbsp;Donis Avdijaj claims the likes of&nbsp;Juventus, Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool were interested in signing him during his time at former club Schalke. The 22-year-old was once tipped as the next big thing in the Bundesliga, having scored&nbsp;17 goals for Schalke’s U-19 side in just 17 games during the 2013-14 season. But the ex-Germany youth international, who now represents Kosovo, struggled to deal with the attention surrounding his name and eventually moved to the Eredevisie last summer. “Not going crazy in such a phase is much harder than going crazy," Avdijaj said. "Before signing for&nbsp;Schalke, I had offers from Juventus, Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool. No matter what game or tournament, scouts were&nbsp;always&nbsp;there to watch me." <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/i-had-offers-from-manchester-united-and-liverpool-former-schalke-/1u99pk24osrgs1o435w8sg6abf" target="_blank">Read Avdijaj's comments in full on Goal.</a>

‘I had offers from Man Utd and Liverpool’ claims former Schalke youngster

Rafa Benitez is hopeful Newcastle owner Mike Ashley does not hold up a move for Atlanta United attacker Miguel Almiron, according to the <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6466957/Newcastle-deal-place-Miguel-Almiron-Rafa-Benitez-faces-anxious-wait.html" target="_blank">Daily Mail</a>. Almiron is set to move on loan in January with a&nbsp;£15 million ($19m) purchase option at the end of the season, with Benitez landing one of his top targets. However, the manager is unsure whether Ashley will sign off on the move, or if the advanced takeover talks could prove troublesome in landing new players.&nbsp;

Newcastle owner could hold up Almiron move

A host of Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester City, Crystal Palace and Newcastle are interested in Real Betis left-back Junior Firpo, according to <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/7897012/arsenal-man-city-newcastle-crystal-palace-real-betis-junior-firpo/">The Sun</a>. The 22-year-old is the highest-scoring defender in La Liga so far this season and has notched three times in his last four games, including in the historic 4-3 win over Barcelona. He is also tall for a full-back, standing at six feet, and appears well-suited to the physicality of the Premier League.&nbsp;

Premier League clubs circle Firpo

Marko Grujic has admitted that if Hertha Berlin qualify for the Europa League next season he could stay on loan from Liverpool for another year, according to <a href="https://sportbild.bild.de/">SportBild</a>. The central midfielder is spending his second successive season away from Anfield, having been on loan at Cardiff City last term.&nbsp; However, the 22-year old's temporary club are currently seventh - just one place and one point of the Europa League qualifying places, and the Serbian is keen to be involved in the next step of Hertha Berlin's journey.

Another year in Berlin for Grujic?

Reported Chelsea target Denis Suarez admits that he is frustrated by a lack of playing time at Barcelona and could leave if his situation does not improve, according to <a href="https://www.marca.com/futbol/barcelona/2018/12/06/5c08588e268e3e922e8b46be.html">Marca</a>. The midfielder turns 25 next month and has made just two Copa del Rey starts this season, playing 10 minutes off the bench in the Champions League and making no league appearances.&nbsp;&nbsp; He has been strongly linked with a move to&nbsp;Chelsea, although Barcelona appear to value their asset at around&nbsp;£45m.&nbsp;

Chelsea eye unsettled Suarez 

Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel&nbsp;Petit has tipped Arsene Wenger for the Bayern Munich job should Niko Kovac get the sack.&nbsp; The 1998 World Cup winner spent three seasons under Wenger at Arsenal and believes the 69-year-old still has plenty to offer in a managerial capacity. Wenger ended a 22-year association with Arsenal at the end of last season and has been out of work since.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/does-bayern-role-beckon-for-wenger-petit-tipping-imminent-return-/3v1yahoa724616679vd6j260x">Read the full story right here on&nbsp;Goal!</a>

Wenger to Bayern - Petit

Liverpool are plotting an approach for Bristol City defender Lloyd Kelly, according to <a href="https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/lloyd-kelly-liverpool-bristol-city-2251821" target="_blank">Bristol Live</a>. The 20-year-old full-back is generating plenty of interest after breaking into the England U21 squad this season.

Liverpool like the look of Kelly

Juventus will not be discussing Daniele Rugani's future again until January, claims <a href="https://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/exclusive-rugani-and-the-farewell-juventus-decision-52978" target="_blank">Calciomercato</a>, with contract talks put on hold. Goal recently revealed that <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/juventus-ready-to-block-january-departures-for-benatia/v8nig8dvz0m01oobopmmfk10p" target="_blank">the Bianconeri have no intention of parting with the defender during the winter window</a> despite interest from Chelsea and Roma.

Juventus put Rugani talks on hold

West Ham are hoping to land Antonio Valencia as a free agent once his Manchester United contract expires, claims <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/7911880/manchester-united-antonio-valencia-west-ham/" target="_blank">The Sun</a>. The 33-year-old will see his current terms with the Red Devils come to an end in the summer of 2019, with clubs from Spain and Italy also closely monitoring his situation.

West Ham want Valencia on a free

Mario Balotelli has accused some AC Milan fans of lacking respect and gratitude following their derisory response to rumours linking him with a return to San Siro. It would appear that a switch to the Rossoneri from Nice is now not on the cards. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/balotelli-rules-out-milan-return-in-blast-at-disrespectful/h63972pqkbrd1a3vh7f0ghhow" target="_blank">Read the full story on Goal!</a>

Balotelli rules out Milan return

Cardiff City are considering bringing Crystal Palace midfielder Jordon Mutch back to Wales, according to <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/7904330/cardiff-jordon-mutch-crystal-palace-january/">The Sun</a>. Mutch has not played for Palace since January 2017 and is currently on loan at MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps, where he has struggled with injury. However, the 27-year-old was part of the Cardiff side that won promotion to the Premier League for the first time in their history in 2013 and would likely be available for a cut-price fee.

Cardiff to re-sign Mutch

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has ruled out Burnley's Tom Heaton and Newcastle's Freddie Woodman as potential January deals, according to the <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/marcelo-bielsa-makes-key-decisions-13690488">Mirror</a>. Chelsea loanee Jamal Blackman broke his leg while playing for the U23s side and his injury has left Leeds short of cover for Bailey Peacock-Farell in goal.&nbsp; However, despite strong links with Heaton in particular, Bielsa has ruled both names out. The Burnley shot-stopper has fallen behind&nbsp;Joe Hart in goal and will be forced to compete with Nick Pope upon his return from injury.

Bielsa rules out Heaton and Woodman

Reading have sacked manager Paul Clement after a terrible run of form that has left them outside the relegation zone on goal difference alone, via <a href="https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2018/december/club-statement--royals-part-company-with-paul-clement/">the club's official website</a>. Just four wins all season and one win from their last seven games has seen the Royals slip down the table at an alarming rate, and a 2-2 draw at home to Stoke City proved to be his final match in charge. Reading host Sheffield United next in a tricky&nbsp;fixture as they look to secure their&nbsp;Championship status for another season.&nbsp;

Reading sack Clement

Wolverhampton Wanderers are plotting a bid for Japanese winger Shoya Nakajima, who currently plays for Portimonense in Portugal, according to <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6463979/Wolves-make-enquiry-Japan-winger-Shoya-Nakajima.html">the Daily Mail</a>. After starting&nbsp;the campaign well, Wolves have hit a poor patch of form, going six league games without a win before their suprise victory against Chelsea. And the Wolves hierarchy are keen on Japan international Nakajima, 24, who has scored five goals and notched four assists in 10 league appearances this term to lift them in the second half of the season. The winger has a £35m release clause but could be available for less.

Wolves eye Nakajima

Internazionale are set to offer Manchester United full-back Matteo Darmian a route out as they come back for him in January, according to <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/7906805/matteo-darmian-man-utd-manchester-united-inter-milan/">The Sun</a>. They made a loan offer in the summer that was rejected and turned their attention instead to Sime Vrsaljko, but the Atletico Madrid loanee has thus far failed to impress as Inter have slipped 11 points behind league leaders Juventus. And the Italian side&nbsp;are keen to land their first choice target this winter, who continues to be frustrated by a lack of playing time at Old Trafford.&nbsp;

Inter come back for Darmian

Real Madrid are continuing to monitor Roma defender Kostas Manolas, according to <a href="https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/tmw-real-madrid-emissario-per-roma-inter-due-gli-osservati-speciali-1187146" target="_blank">TMW.</a> The Greek centre-half, who has been linked with the Blancos for some time, is reported to have a&nbsp;€36 million (£32m/$41m) release clause in his contract.

Manolas remains on Real's radar

Lyon want a decision to be made on the future of Nabil Fekir in January, according to <a href="https://www.leprogres.fr/rhone-69/2018/12/05/ol-jean-michel-aulas-va-rencontrer-nabil-fekir-pour-discuter-de-son-contrat" target="_blank">Le Progres</a>. The France international was wanted by Liverpool and Chelsea over the summer and may&nbsp;yet secure a switch to the Premier League.

Lyon ready to make Fekir call

Tottenham are looking to fend off interest from north London rivals Arsenal and land Roma star Cengiz Under, reports <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/tottenham-ready-go-up-under-13694244" target="_blank">The Mirror</a>. Spurs are said to have already had a £30 million ($38m) bid for the Turkish striker knocked back, but are prepared to go higher in order to land a top target.

Spurs looking to beat Arsenal to Under

Sporting Kansas City forward&nbsp;Khiry Shelton is "unlikely" to be back with the MLS club in 2019.&nbsp; The 25-year-old is set to try his hand in Europe, with Sporting boss&nbsp;Peter Vermes telling the <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/sporting-kc/article222657820.html" target="_blank">Kansas City Star</a> "he has an opportunity" in Europe, which has always been a dream for the player.&nbsp;

Shelton likely leaving Sporting KC for Europe 

Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player Josef Martinez says he'll be staying with Atlanta United for as long as the club will have him.&nbsp; The forward set an MLS record for goals in a season with 31 in 2018, and will have the chance to cap his remarkable year with a title as his side is set to take on the Portland Timbers in the MLS Cup final on Saturday.&nbsp; “I’ve said it before that I am going to be here as long as they want me,” Martinez is quoted as saying on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/12/05/2018-mvp-josef-martinez-ill-stay-atlanta-long-they-want-me" target="_blank">league's website</a>&nbsp;after picking up his MVP award. “I am happy here, I feel like I’m at home." <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/ill-be-in-atlanta-as-long-as-they-want-me-mls-mvp-josef/1keo6eqkn396g1bsghgyrwvjkb" target="_blank">Read the full story right here on Goal&nbsp;</a>

MLS MVP Martinez staying with Atlanta 

The Wellington Phoenix have&nbsp;signed 43-year-old goalkeeper Ante Covic&nbsp;as injury cover.&nbsp; <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">👐 Our shot stopper Filip Kurto is unavailable this weekend against <a href="https://twitter.com/SydneyFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SydneyFC</a> as we bring in experienced goalkeeper for short term cover. Read more here 👉 <a href="https://t.co/qOna16VddK">https://t.co/qOna16VddK</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StandUpWithYourNix?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StandUpWithYourNix</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CreateHistory?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CreateHistory</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SYDvWEL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SYDvWEL</a> <a href="https://t.co/kfAZ6nZopz">pic.twitter.com/kfAZ6nZopz</a>— Wellington Phoenix (@WgtnPhoenixFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/WgtnPhoenixFC/status/1070483123098411009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> The club's starter&nbsp;Filip Kurto&nbsp;has been ruled out of this weekend's match against Sydney FC with a concussion.

Wellington Phoenix sign 43-year-old goalkeeper

Santos forward&nbsp;Rodrygo&nbsp;does not believe he will move to&nbsp;Real Madrid in January, rather than July as agreed.&nbsp; Madrid&nbsp;agreed a fee reportedly in the region of €45 million (£39.3m/$52.2m) in June&nbsp;to sign the 17-year-old Brazilian forward&nbsp;from Santos. There were reports that the striker may move to the Bernabeu&nbsp;early, but it appears he's set to stay put until next summer. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/rodrygo-i-wont-be-joining-real-madrid-in-january/1o9sirztws72g1ig7n13b83mvy" target="_blank">Read what the teenager said about his future on Goal right here!</a>

Rodrygo: I won't be joining Real Madrid in January

Ipswich owner Marcus Evans has put the club up for sale for £35 million ($45m), according to <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/7906127/ipswich-sale-35m-marcus-evans-write-off-100m-debt/" target="_blank">The Sun.</a> Evans has owned the Championship side for 11 years, but is now prepared to walk away. However, Evans has refused to write off the nearly £100m&nbsp;($127m) debt that's owed to him, which is putting off potential buyers.&nbsp;

Ipswich owner puts club up for sale

Arsenal and Tottenham are following the progress of River Plate star&nbsp;Juan Quintero, claims <a href="https://www.donbalon.com/noticia/detalle/132087/juan-quintero-tiene-tres-ofertas-es-equipo-espana" target="_blank">Don Balon.&nbsp;</a> The 25-year-old Colombia international playmaker&nbsp;has starred&nbsp;at River, where he is currently on loan from Porto.&nbsp; Quintero could make a return to Europe soon, with Valencia also keenly tracking the midfielder.&nbsp;

Arsenal and Spurs following Quintero

Manchester United are keeping an eye on Galatasaray centre-back&nbsp;Ozan Kabak, according to <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/7909053/manchester-united-man-utd-ozan-kabak-galatasaray/" target="_blank">The Sun.</a> The 18-year-old made his professional debut in May, and has since drawn attention from Roma and Inter among other European sides.&nbsp; Galatasaray&nbsp;are understood to be looking for £20 million (€22m/$25m) in exchange for the Turkey youth international.&nbsp;

Man Utd interested in Galatasaray teenager

PSG star Neymar has hinted at a possible move to the Premier League in the future.&nbsp; The 26-year-old has been linked with a return to Spain with either Barcelona or Real Madrid, but has now suggested he could one day play in England.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/psg-star-neymar-hints-at-premier-league-move/17gphvfc9otme18fqwpfvlvbh0" target="_blank">Read what the Brazilian star had to say about the Premier League right here!</a>

Neymar hints at Premier League move

Chelsea have begun talks with Napoli over purchasing right-back&nbsp;Elseid Hysaj&nbsp;in January, <a href="http://www.calciomercato.it/news/324674/calciomercato_napoli_esclusivo_chelsea_torna_in_pressing_su_hysaj_i_dettagli" target="_blank">Calciomercato</a><a href="http://www.calciomercato.it/news/324674/calciomercato_napoli_esclusivo_chelsea_torna_in_pressing_su_hysaj_i_dettagli" target="_blank">.it</a> reports.&nbsp; Chelsea manager&nbsp;Maurizio Sarri&nbsp;has been eyeing a player he knows well from his time coaching Napoli, and wants to complete a deal as soon as possible with a potential transfer ban looming for the Blues. Hysaj&nbsp;currently has a release clause of €50 million (£45m/$57m), but Chelsea are attempting to negotiate that fee down.&nbsp;

Chelsea in talks to buy Hysaj in January 

Arsenal are weighing up a January move for Club Brugge&nbsp;striker Wesley Moraes, <a href="http://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/7907998/arsenal-boss-unai-emery-joins-15m-race-for-club-brugges-star-wesley-moraes/" target="_blank">T</a><a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/7907998/arsenal-boss-unai-emery-joins-15m-race-for-club-brugges-star-wesley-moraes/" target="_blank">he Sun</a> claims.&nbsp; The 22-year-old Brazilian has generated interest from big clubs all over Europe with his form in Belgium, having scored 10 goals in all competitions this season. Wesley has a contract until 2023 with Brugge, and is rated at around £15 million (€17m/$19m).

Arsenal consider January move for £15m Wesley 

Ireland boss Mick McCarthy is set to make a last-ditch effort to keep Declan Rice from switching to England, according to <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/12/05/mick-mccarthy-will-make-last-ditch-attempt-convince-declan-rice/" target="_blank">The Telegraph.</a> The new manager will hold talks with the 19-year-old, who was born in England but has represented Ireland three times at senior level.&nbsp; England boss Gareth Southgate has made a major push to land Rice, who is believed to be leaning toward representing the Three Lions.

McCarthy to make last-gasp effort to keep Rice with Ireland

Goalkeeper Tom Heaton wants to leave Burnley in January and has interest from Aston Villa, reports the <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/tom-heaton-wants-january-transfer-13691781" target="_blank">Mirror</a>.&nbsp; The 32-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at Turf Moor, with&nbsp;Joe Hart and Nick Pope both ahead of him on the depth chart.&nbsp; Villa are seen as the favourites to land Heaton, with manager Dean Smith unconvinced by current starter&nbsp;Orjan Nyland.

Heaton wants to leave Burnley in January 

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Transfer news and rumours LIVE: Juventus to make move for Isco | Goal.com UK

Goal takes a look at the biggest transfer news and rumours from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and beyond