Transfer news and rumours LIVE: Klopp wants Hazard at Liverpool

The Danish midfielder is one of the few senior Spurs not to sign a new long-term deal and has previously been linked with&nbsp;moves to Real Madrid and Barcelona. “Football is so dynamic. It changes every day, every season. It depends not only on your decision, but it is always a player's decision,” said Pochettino. "A decision is going to happen at the end of the season or [maybe] a decision will happen in the next few days, in January.&nbsp;Football is so dynamic, always you need to move on." <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/eriksens-future-remains-unclear-as-pochettino-offers-cryptic/190qowutr8ul81xl0ptm8xo2vo">Read the full story on Goal.</a>

Pochettino remains coy on Eriksen future

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has implied Christian Eriksen could leave the club at the end of the season.

According to the <a href="https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/749983/Liverpool-transfer-news-Thorgan-Hazard-deal-gossip-rumours-latest?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+daily-star-football+%28Daily+Star+%3A%3A+Football+Feed%29">Daily Star</a>, Liverpool are planning to bid for Borussia Moenchengladbach winger Thorgan Hazard. Hazard is said to be considering his options and has no plans to sign a contract extension with the German side, despite his current deal running out in 18 months. The Reds could pounce on any disturbances at Gladbach and launch an £31m (€34m/$39m) offer in January. Jurgen Klopp plans to loan the Belgian international back to Gladbach for the end of the season, but could face competition from Atletico Madrid and Roma for his signature.

Klopp wants Hazard at Liverpool

Eden's brother could be on his way to the Premier League

A trio of top clubs are keen on signing Lyon attacker Nabil Fekir, according to various newspaper reports. <a href="https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/749917/Chelsea-Maurizio-Sarri-Watford-Premier-League-Alvaro-Morata-Nabil-Fekir">The Daily Star</a> claim Chelsea are pursuing the French international’s signature, but Arsenal are also keen on the 25-year-old. However, <a href="https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2018/12/24/5c1ffb9e22601d62798b457b.html">Marca</a> believe Fekir has been offered to Real Madrid, who could sign the World Cup next summer.

Fekir being courted by Europe’s top sides

The Frenchman was linked with a big money move to Liverpool last summer.

Neymar has a release clause in his contract that would allow him to leave Paris Saint-Germain for €160 million (£143m/$182m) in 2020, according to as. The Brazilian superstar arrived in Paris in August 2017 when the Ligue 1 giants paid his release clause at Barcelona, but his stay in France could be short-lived with the rest of Europe's elite interested in bringing him on board. Neymar will be 28 in 2020 and has regularly been linked with a return to Camp Nou.

Neymar's €160m release clause revealed

The Portland Timbers have traded right back Alvas Powell to FC Cincinnati for $250,000 in general allocation money, according to <a href="https://www.oregonlive.com/timbers/2018/12/portland-timbers-trade-alvas-powell-to-fc-cincinnati.html" target="_blank">The Oregonian.&nbsp;</a> Powell, 24, spent six seasons in Portland, where he was a regular starter for much of that run.&nbsp; The Timbers will retain a&nbsp;25% sell-on fee if Cincinnati transfers the Jamaica international.&nbsp;

Timbers trade Powell to FC Cincinnati 

Saint-Etienne are hoping to sell striker Robert Beric in January, <a href="https://le10sport.com/football/mercato/exclu-mercato-asse-faut-il-croire-a-une-prolongation-de-beric-424565" target="_blank">Le10Sport</a> claims.&nbsp; The Ligue 1 side are not planning on extending Beric's contract, which expires in the summer, and will instead look to cash in on the&nbsp;Slovenia&nbsp;international.

Saint-Etienne looking to sell Beric in January

Rangers have made contract offers to&nbsp;Matt Polster and Andrew Gutman, reports <a href="http://www.americansoccernow.com/articles/thoughts-on-de-boer-and-updates-on-guttman-polster-perez-amp-sonora" target="_blank">American Soccer Now.&nbsp;</a> The two Americans have impressed while on trial with Steven Gerrard's side in recent weeks, though neither have decided whether to sign with the club. Polster, 25, is out of contract after four seasons with the Chicago Fire, while Gutman is a highly rated left-back prospect coming out of Indiana University.&nbsp;

Rangers offer contracts to American duo

Former Brazil international right-back Maicon has signed with Brazilian second-division side&nbsp;Criciuma. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">Maicon Sisenando é do Tigre <a href="https://t.co/UFqBGXXrgx">https://t.co/UFqBGXXrgx</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VamosTigre?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VamosTigre</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CriciumaEC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CriciumaEC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MaiconSisenando?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MaiconSisenando</a> 👊🐯⚽️— Criciúma E.C. (@CriciumaEC) <a href="https://twitter.com/CriciumaEC/status/1076277149928169473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> The 37-year-old has represented Monaco, Inter, Man City and Roma during his club career.&nbsp;

Maicon signs with Criciuma

The LA Galaxy have reached a multi-year&nbsp;agreement with&nbsp;Guillermo Barros Schelotto to become the club's new manager, the <a href="https://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/la-sp-galaxy-barros-schelotto-20181226-story.html" target="_blank">Los Angeles Times </a>reports.&nbsp; Schelotto recently left Boca Juniors, whom he led to two Argentine league titles and a Copa Libertadores final appearance earlier this month.&nbsp; The&nbsp;45-year-old is familiar with Major League Soccer, having&nbsp;played&nbsp;four seasons&nbsp;with the Columbus Crew between 2007 and 2010.

Galaxy to name Barros Schelotto manager

Juventus are eyeing a deal for Golden Boy winner Matthijs de Ligt, according to <a href="https://www.calciomercato.com/news/juve-de-ligt-il-barcellona-si-tira-fuori-42017">Calcio Mercato</a>.&nbsp; Barcelona have been regarded as the front-runners, but the Spanish side is said to have pulled out of the race for the Ajax star. With Barca focusing on Frenkie de Jong instead, Juve are ready to pounce and sign de Ligt ahead of Manchester City, PSG and Bayern Munich.

Juventus prepare bid for de Ligt

Atlanta United have reached out to Josef Martinez to discuss a new contract, reports the <a href="https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-united-has-reached-out-martinez-about-new-contract/ivigZBveNMlLH4IkXDOhGJ/">Atlanta Journal Constitution</a>. Martinez won the MLS MVP award in 2018 while breaking the league record for goals in a single season en route to an MLS Cup crown. The Venezuelan&nbsp;has three years remaining on his current contract

Atlanta United reach out to Martinez regarding new deal

Unai Emery admitted that discussed Real Madrid rumours with Neymar during his time at Paris Saint-Germain, but the current Arsenal manager insists he didn't offer any advice. Neymar has been linked with a move back to Spain for quite some time, but Emery insists that Neymar is someone that "does not need advice". <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/emery-admits-to-discussing-madrid-with-neymar-but-offered-no/7bcdva2617lp16mxfymhackhx">Read Emery's full comments on the situation on Goal!</a>

Emery admits to discussing Madrid with Neymar

Timothy Weah has been linked with a loan move to Celtic, but Amiens are making a late push to sign the PSG winger, according to <a href="http://www.culturepsg.com/news/mercato/amiens-a-appele-weah-pour-le-convaincre/24651">Le Courier per Culture PSG</a>. Amiens boss&nbsp;Christophe Pelissier personally called the American international in an effort to convince him to join his side on loan. Celtic remains favourites, though, as Weah is expected to join the Scottish side after confirming on Christmas that he will embark on a loan move in January.&nbsp;

Amiens make late push for Weah

Julian Weigl is in negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/romaincg75/status/1077959665407934468?s=21">Canal</a>. PSG have opened discussions with Borussia Dortmund over the midfielder, who has appeared in just four Bundesliga matches this season. The French club are set to lose a midfielder of their own in Adrien Rabiot, whose contract expires this summer.&nbsp;

Weigl linked with PSG as negotiations open

Gennaro Gattuso has met with&nbsp;Leonardo and Paolo Maldini after AC Milan settled for a 0-0 draw away at Frosinone on Wednesday, according to <a href="https://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/ac-milan-gattuso-meets-leonardo-and-gattuso-the-latest-developme-55655">Calcio Mercato</a>. The trio discussed Gattuso's future&nbsp;as well as&nbsp;the future of some AC Milan players like&nbsp;Hakan Calhanoglu, who struggled on Wednesday. Calhanoglu is likely to be sold in January while the lack of effort from the players is concerning to the club.&nbsp;

Gattuso meets with Milan brass following loss

Virgil van Dijk has more than justified his record-breaking transfer fee, according to Georginio Wijnaldum. Liverpool paid a record-breaking £75 million ($95m) in the Netherlands international, but van Dijk is now counted among the world's top defenders. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/van-dijk-form-has-ended-talk-of-75m-fee-wijnaldum-hails/12yc42p3fzk8o1xeowlnioa4u2">Read his full comments on Goal!</a>

Wijnaldum: van Dijk more than justifies his fee

Imanol Alguacil will take charge of Real Sociedad's first team, replacing&nbsp;Asier Garitano, <a href="https://www.realsociedad.eus/es/noticias/detalle/imanol-alguacil-sera-el-entrenador-del-primer-equipo">the club announced</a>. Garitano was dismissed on Wednesday after originally being hired in May, with Alguacil taking over after previously leading the first team earlier this year. Alguacil had been managing the second team before the appointment and played for the club from 1990-98.&nbsp;

Alguacil to take over at Real Sociedad

Matteo Kovacic says he "can imagine" remaining at Chelsea following his loan stint at the club. The Croatian star is on loan from Real Madrid, who will have the final say on Kovacic's future. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/kovacic-can-imagine-chelsea-stay-but-will-respect-real/97etco3mny961ajy3ama9zemj">Read his comments on his time at Chelsea on Goal!</a>

Kovacic 'can imagine' Chelsea stay

PSG have had a bid for Abdoulaye Doucoure rejected, according to <a href="https://parisunited.fr/article-fr/accord-doucoure-psg-premiere-offre-refusee-par-watford/">Paris United</a>. The French side have agreed to a potential move, but the Watford is not looking to part with the midfielder, who signed a five-year deal this summer. Arsena also&nbsp;see Doucoure as a player that can replace Aaron Ramsey in the heart of midfield, but they'll face competition from both the French giants and Everton, who are managed by the midfielder's former boss in Marco Silva.

Arsenal, PSG and Everton chase Watford's Doucoure

Rafael Benitez is hoping to add Fabio Borini to his ranks in the January transfer window. The Italian, who previously represented Sunderland, Chelsea and Liverpool, currently plays for AC Milan, but has started just three Serie A games so far this season. For that reason, <a href="https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/tmw-milan-borini-e-cedibile-sondaggio-del-newcastle-1187850">Tutto Mercato</a> are reporting that the 27-year-old could join the Magpies next month. Should he returned to the north east, it could cost Newcastle as much as £11m ($14m).

Newcastle former Sunderland striker

<a href="https://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/exclusive-juventus-send-strong-message-to-man-city-and-united-ab-41649">Calciomercato</a> are reporting that Juventus have turned down Manchester United’s £54m ($68m) offer for Douglas Costa. <a href="http://www.raisport.rai.it">Rai Sport</a> claimed earlier in the week that the Red Devils had launched the audacious bid, which now appears to have been rejected. Neither Juve nor Costa fancy the move - the Brazilian is considered a vital player at the Juventus Stadium and has played 16 games in all competitions this campaign. Costa joined the reigning Serie A champions permanently in the summer following a season-long loan last year.

Juventus reject United bid of £54m for Costa

Fiorentina midfielder Bryan Dabo has attracted interest from Montpellier and Saint-Etienne. The Ligue 1 clubs are interested in taking Dabo on a short-term loan until the end of the season, according to <a href="http://www.footmercato.net/flash-mercato/info-fm-bryan-dabo-propose-en-ligue-1_243920">Foot Mercato</a>. The Burkina Faso international is yet to start a game for Fiorentina this campaign, but has made seven appearances off the bench

Ligue 1 sides monitor Dabo situation

Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian could end his nightmare spell at Old Trafford with a return to Serie A in January. The full-back moved to the Red Devils in 2015 and has struggled to ever hold down a regular spot in starting XI. <a href="https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1063689/Manchester-United-transfer-news-Nikola-Milenkovic-Jose-Mourinho">T</a><a href="https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1063689/Manchester-United-transfer-news-Nikola-Milenkovic-Jose-Mourinho">he Express</a>&nbsp;are reprting that&nbsp;Darmian has a number of suitors in Italy, despite Juventus’ interest cooling in the 29-year-old.

Darmian to return to Serie A?

Lyon have set their sights on Anderlecht defender Alexis Saelemaekers, claim French news outlet <a href="https://www.foot01.com/equipe/ol/ol-une-pioche-a-un-poste-inattendu-au-mercato,305557">Foot01</a>. The Belgium under-21 international has been in impressive form for Anderlecht this season and has also attracted the interest of Arsenal. In his breakthrough campaign, Saelemaekers has played 18 league games so far this year and has prove four assists. Should Lyon sign the teenager in January, it would likely see one of their current right-backs Rafael, Leo Dubois or Kenny Tete leave the club.

Lyon to battle Arsenal for Belgian right-back

Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has admitted everyone wants to play for Real Madrid, but hopes the Blues hold onto their key man. "Hazard is one of the best players in the world,” he said. “The interest of Real Madrid, I only hear from people in the media. But I mean when Real Madrid come calling… every player would love to play for them. “He’s happy at Chelsea though and hopefully we can keep him.” <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/hazard-warning-sounded-by-chelsea-legend-everyone-wants-to/jt714wwjw2lb1svyo4mcilw2t">Read the full story on Goal.</a>

Essien hopes Hazard remains at Chelsea

<a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6529103/Steven-Gerrard-insists-Alfredo-Morelos-not-sold-January-despite-interest.html">The Daily Mail</a> are reporting that Rangers manager Steven Gerrard won’t allow Alfredo Morelos to be distracted when the January transfer market opens next week. The striker has been in red hot form this season and has netted 19 goals so far, leading to Gerrard’s acceptance that there will be offers for the Colombian next month. “I'm not resistant to bids,” said the Rangers boss. “But I won't have his head turned in January, that's simple. He won't be going anywhere. The player knows what I think on that situation. “I understand and respect that there will be bids. But there will be bids for all top players around the world. There's nothing you can do as a manager.”

Gerrard admits ‘there will bids’ for Morelos in January

Unai Emery hopes to bring his former midfielder Ever Benga to the Emirates in January, claims Argentinian broadcasters <a href="https://www.rosario3.com/amp/deportes/El-volante-EverBanega-cerca-de-un-equipo-ingles-20181225-0035.html">Rosario3</a>. The pair worked together for two seasons at Sevilla, and Emery believes it could take as little as £18m (€20m/$22m), to secure his services. Benga is an Argentina international and played three of his national’s four matches at last summer’s World Cup.

Arsenal preparing £18m bid for Banega

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has admitted he is unsure whether Jermain Defoe will remain the Vitality beyond the January transfer window. According to the <a href="https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/17319731.cherries-boss-eddie-howe-to-hold-talks-with-jermain-defoe-over-future/">Bournemouth Echo</a>, when asked whether the former Tottenham and Portsmouth striker will stay at the club for the rest of the season, Howe said: “It’s a difficult one to answer. I couldn’t give an absolute clear black and white answer to a lot of the players in the squad. “I will have to sit down with Jermain and have that conversation,” he added. Defoe has played just 22 minutes of Premier League football this season and has been linked with loan moves to Crystal Palace, Sheffield United and his former side Sunderland.

Howe to have ‘conversation’ with Defoe over his future

Manchester United are interested in signing Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic, who Jose Mourinho went to watch during an international break earlier this season. And despite the Portuguese boss’ sacking last week, the Red Devils are still said to be keen on the 21-year-old. However, with Milenkovic expected to cost around £45m (€50m/$57m), United could wait until the summer to sign the centre-back. <a href="https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1063689/Manchester-United-transfer-news-Nikola-Milenkovic-Jose-Mourinho">The Express</a> also report that new manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is not expected to be given huge funds to spent in the upcoming January transfer window.

United target defensive reinforcements

The sister club of Manchester City, Australia's Melbourne City, is close to poaching talented Australian defensive utility Kyle Rowles from the Central Coast Mariners. According to Goal.com's Covert Agent, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-au/news/the-covert-agent-melbourne-city-set-to-poach-kye-rowles/1aumdt6lmpsvp1mkw2uxxvhk2z" target="_blank">Rowles will likely join Melbourne City at the start of the next season after a dispute between his management group and current club</a> about the transfer of now Sydney FC playmaker Daniel De Silva. The 20-year-old, who as impressed in a variety of defensive roles under Mike Mulvey this season, will be hoping the move south can help pave the way for a successful career abroad. Four Australian players have completed the move from Melbourne City to Manchester City, with Aaron Mooy now one of the most reliable Premier League midfielders at Huddersfield Town while potential star Daniel Arzani is on loan at Celtic. Luke Brattan and Anthony Caceres are both back at Melbourne City after struggling in their initial loan moves away from Etihad Stadium.

City Football Group set to snare promising Australian defender

Chinese Super League side&nbsp;Dalian Yifang&nbsp;are set to offer Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha a four-year deal worth&nbsp;£44m, according to <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6529029/Wilfried-Zaha-receives-staggering-44m-offer-China.html" target="_blank">The Daily Mail</a>. The bold bid would see Zaha's&nbsp;weekly&nbsp;salary tripled and include first-class travel back to the UK. Yifang&nbsp;are currently coached by&nbsp;former Real Madrid man&nbsp;Bernd Schuster with a formal offer for Zaha&nbsp;expected in January. Currently contracted with Palace until 2023 however, it's unlikely the club would allow their star player&nbsp;to leave this summer.&nbsp;

Chinese club tables crazy offer for Zaha

Tottenham could be about to splash some cash in January with <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/8059799/mauricio-pochettino-says-christian-eriksen-contract-uncertainty-will-not-distract-his-high-flying-tottenham-side/" target="_blank">The Sun</a> reporting that they&nbsp;are considering a £15&nbsp;million&nbsp;bid for Norwich right-back Max Aarons. Spurs have reportedly been extensively scouting Aarons as they look to add some defensive&nbsp;depth to their squad. The Canaries will take some convincing to sell their defender however and could demand the player be loaned straight back to the Championship&nbsp;club&nbsp;if they were to consider&nbsp;cashing in.&nbsp;

Tottenham circling £15m-rated Championship defender

Monaco are considering a January move for Tottenham midfielder Mousa&nbsp;Dembele, reports <a href="https://le10sport.com/football/mercato/exclu-mercato-asm-monaco-sur-un-joueur-de-tottenham-424366" target="_blank">Le10Sport</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp; The 31-year-old will see his Spurs contract expire at the end of the season, and Tottenham could look to cash in on the Belgium international rather than lose him for free in the summer.

Monaco looking at Dembele move

Barcelona&nbsp;midfielder Arthur has said he is praying that Neymar&nbsp;will return to the Camp Nou.&nbsp; Neymar&nbsp;departed Barcelona to join PSG in the summer of 2017 in a world-record €222 million deal.&nbsp; But there have been persistent rumours that the 26-year-old is unhappy in France and could make a sensational return to Spain.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/arthur-im-praying-neymar-comes-to-barcelona/fd01uedhqk091t9tz89neo31m" target="_blank">Read what Arthur had to say about his international team-mate right here</a>

Arthur: I'm praying Neymar comes to Barcelona

Timothy Weah has confirmed he will leave PSG on loan for the rest of the season. The USMNT striker has only played twice in Ligue 1 in 2018-19 and is eager to gain more first-team experience. Celtic have been linked with the 18-year-old and could make a January offer. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-ie/news/weah-confirms-loan-move-away-from-psg/v6yw4syfd3j7126mgonoeloww" target="_blank">Read the full story on Goal</a>.

Weah set to leave PSG on loan

Fabio Quagliarella has signed a new contract at Sampdoria, which will keep him at the club until the end of the 2019-20 season. The 35-year-old remains a key part of the Sampdoria first team, and has captained the side this season, appearing 17 times in all competitions. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">📄 La <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sampdoria?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sampdoria</a> brinda a capitan <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Quagliarella?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Quagliarella</a>, blucerchiato fino al 2020 ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/3VUpD1APFZ">https://t.co/3VUpD1APFZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/N5nQEsv1G8">pic.twitter.com/N5nQEsv1G8</a>— U.C. Sampdoria (@sampdoria) <a href="https://twitter.com/sampdoria/status/1077497038244331520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Quagliarella signs Sampdoria extension

AC Milan and Chelsea are working on a deal that will see Alvaro Morata head to Serie A and Gonzalo Higuain move the other way, according to <a href="https://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/calcio/milan/higuain-milan-l-addio-e-inevitabile_1252907-201802a.shtml" target="_blank">Sport Mediaset</a>. It has been widely reported that Maurizio Sarri wanted Higuain before the start of the season but a deal failed to materialise. Now, however, it is claimed that Sarri could get his man as Morata and fellow frontman Olivier Giroud continue to struggle for goals at Stamford Bridge.

Morata and Higuain to trade places

Arsenal are considering a January swoop for Chelsea's Gary Cahill, according to <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/8054642/arsenal-gary-cahill-transfer-chelsea-january/" target="_blank">The Sun</a>. While the Gunners have a raft of defensive injuries, Cahill has featured sparingly under Maurizio Sarri this season and a winter swap could suit both parties.

Arsenal considering Cahill move

Jurgen Klopp&nbsp;is yet to consider his future at Liverpool beyond the expiry of his current deal in 2022. "I don't want to think that far ahead," he said, before stressing that he is fully focused on winning silverware for the Anfield club. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/jurgen-klopp-premier-league-liverpool-future-2022/vf8k9rrx8vir1twfs2odfcw45" target="_blank">Read Klopp's full quotes on Goal</a>.

Klopp not considering future

Atletico Madrid have told Bayern Munich that defender Lucas Hernandez will not be sold in January, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://as.com/futbol/2018/12/24/primera/1545682632_174263.html?m1=cG9ydGFkYV9wb3J0YWRh&amp;m2=QUNUVUFMSURBRA%3D%3D&amp;m3=MQ%3D%3D&amp;m4=bm9ybWFs" target="_blank">AS</a>. The Bundesliga champions were reportedly ready to pay Lucas'&nbsp;€80 million release clause as they aim to close the gap on current leaders Borussia Dortmund. But Atletico have made it clear that the World Cup winner will not be allowed to depart until the summer at the earliest.

Atletico rule out selling Lucas

Barcelona are losing hope in their pursuit of Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20181225/453739068762/barca-de-ligt-ajax-fichaje-raiola-mino.html" target="_blank">Mundo Deportivo</a>. Though the Blaugrana remain confident of signing De Ligt's club-mate Frenkie de Jong, they are struggling to make a breakthrough when it comes to agreeing a move for the centre-back. Mino Raiola's presence as De Ligt's agent is complicating matters further, and they may now look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements.

Barca pessimistic over De Ligt deal

Bologna are set to challenge Sampdoria in pursuit of Patrik Schick, according to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.1000cuorirossoblu.it/news/59-bologna/22773-il-resto-del-carlino-sansone-si-puo-schick-forse-la-roma-interessata-a-pulgar">1000 Cuori Rossolu</a>. Schick is expected to leave Roma in January after failing to truly crack the club's lineup. Sampdoria are interested in a return, but Bologna could take Schick on loan as Roma look to build a relationship for moves to sign&nbsp;Erick Pulgar and Ilias Koutsoupias.

Bologna join race for Schick

AC Milan are looking to make a move to Hirving Lozano, according to <a href="https://www.goal.com/it/notizie/calciomercato-milan-lozano-e-il-sogno-servono-40-milioni-di/txx6tjxepsmn1iia8xp1le6ig">Tuttosport</a>. The Mexican international has drawn interest all over Europe after shining for PSV in the Champions League and for El Tri at the World Cup. Milan has reached out to Mino Raiola regarding the winger, who has a contract through 2023.&nbsp;

Milan after Mexican star Lozano

Barcelona are willing to offer Philippe Coutinho as a makeweight in a deal for Kylian Mbappe, according to <a href="https://www.donbalon.com/noticia/detalle/132479/barca-tienta-psg-ofrece-estrella-150-millones-mbappe">Don Balon</a>. Neymar would be willing to forego a move to Spain if his Brazil teammate were to join him in Paris. The move would kill two birds with one stone for Barca, who would sign Mbappe while also preventing Neymar from joining rivals Real Madrid.&nbsp;

Barca offer Coutinho in deal for Mbappe

Midfielder Edwin Cardona has signed with Pachuca, <a href="https://twitter.com/Tuzos/status/1077318933638729729?s=19">the club announced</a>. The Colombian midfielder will join the club for the Clausura campaign after previously featuring for Boca Juniors on loan from Monterrey.&nbsp; Cardona has appeared 33 times for Colombia, scoring five time.&nbsp;

Cardona signs with Pachuca

Former Montreal Impact and LAFC defender Laurent Ciman is set to return to MLS, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/nikmartineauTVA/status/1077268671335153665">TVA Sports</a>. The defender has departed Dijon after joining the club earlier this year in a move from expansion side LAFC. Ciman would be subject to the MLS Allocation Process, and Toronto FC are one team that have been linked with the Belgium international.&nbsp;

Ciman set for MLS return

Bacary Sagna will return to the Montreal Impact in 2019 after signing a one-year contract with the club, <a href="https://www.impactmontreal.com/en/post/2018/12/24/impact-comes-terms-bacary-sagna-one-year-contract">the team announced on Monday</a>.&nbsp; Sagna featured nine times for the Impact in 2018 as the club won five matches with him in the lineup. “I am very satisfied that Bacary carries on with the club,” said Impact head coach Remi Garde. “He played a big role in our good second half to the season in 2018 and I am sure he will once again be an important part of the Impact in 2019.” “I’m very happy to be back with the Impact for one more year,” said Bacary Sagna. “I hope we have a good season and make it all the way.”

Sagna signs one-year contract with Impact

After recently admitting frustration with playing time, Thomas Partey says his comments were misconstrued while adding that he's happy at Atletico Madrid. The midfielder made 21 appearance last season, but has stated his frustration at missing key matches. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/atleti-is-the-club-where-i-want-to-be-thomas-denies-being/1omov5kyqneqf191w217gleieg">Read Partey's comments on Goal!</a>

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