Transfers

Wayne Rooney has revealed that he came very close to joining Manchester United's Premier League rivals before completing his fateful transfer to Old Trafford from Everton. The forward joined the Red Devils as a prodigious 18-year-old and went on to become a club legend, playing 559 matches and scoring 253 goals, but things could have been very different.

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has pointed to one major factor as to why Kobbie Manioo isn't getting much game time this season. Mainoo attempted to leave United in the summer but was blocked from leaving Old Trafford by Amorim, but the head coach understands the desire to play regularly with the World Cup looming on the horizon.

Benfica presidential candidate Joao Noronha Lopes has sensationally confirmed that he has been in talks with Manchester City star Bernardo Silva “for a long time” about a return to his boyhood club. Speaking during a campaign debate ahead of November’s decisive election, Lopes reiterated his promise to bring the Portuguese international back to Lisbon if elected.

Jordon Ibe, once one of English football’s brightest young talents and a £15 million Liverpool export, has joined eighth-tier side Sittingbourne as he looks to “rediscover the joy of football.” The 29-year-old winger, who previously starred in the Premier League with Bournemouth, has embarked on a new chapter in non-league football after his move to Sweden fell through earlier this year.

Bryan Mbeumo reportedly turned down four clubs in order to join Manchester United in the summer. The in-form Cameroon international has made a blistering start to life at Old Trafford following his £70 million (€79m/$92m) summer move from Brentford, playing a significant role in what has been a dramatic turnaround in fortunes for Ruben Amorim's side.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has opened up about the exact moment he started learning Spanish ahead of his blockbuster summer move to Real Madrid. The England international ended a 20-year association with Liverpool by joining Los Blancos for £8 million (€10m/$11m) in June, wowing football supporters as he fluently spoke the language during his unveiling.

Crystal Palace owner Steve Parish believes the club would have taken a "significant risk" by going through with Marc Guehi's proposed transfer to Liverpool. The England international was on the cusp of moving to the Reds on transfer deadline day, only for the Eagles to pull the plug at the last minute as they struggled to find a suitable replacement.

Former Premier League star Troy Deeney believes Bournemouth sensation Antoine Semenyo has what it takes to reach the very top — even suggesting the Ghanaian forward could one day line up for Real Madrid. The Watford legend hailed the 25-year-old as one of the Premier League’s most underrated stars and challenged him to maintain his stunning early-season form to fulfil his world-class potential.

Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid are circling Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck, with the German defender’s contract talks at a standstill. Bild reports that Schlotterbeck, whose current deal runs until 2027, has rejected Dortmund’s latest offer and is demanding a wage closer to €14 million per year, a figure the Reds are reportedly ready to offer him next summer.

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has addressed growing speculation linking him with the vacant Celtic job following Brendan Rodgers’ sudden resignation. The 39-year-old has made clear that he remains fully focused on his current role, insisting that there have been “no formal conversations” with Celtic despite being widely touted as a leading contender for the position.

Paris Saint-Germain are moving swiftly to extend the contract of club prodigy Senny Mayulu. The 19-year-old midfielder who scored in the 2025 Champions League final is being monitored by Premier League giants Manchester City and Chelsea as his current contract expires in 2027. However, the French champions are finalising a contract extension that could secure the future of one of Europe’s most exciting young talents.

Barcelona have identified Victor Osimhen as a potential successor to the ageing Robert Lewandowski, who is expected to leave the reigning La Liga champions at the end of the season. Osimhen joined Galatasaray permanently from Napoli ahead of the 2025-26 season in a record-breaking move, but he could return to one of Europe's big five leagues next season if Barca are serious about signing him.

Santiago Gimenez’s goal drought in Serie A has forced AC Milan to consider reinforcements ahead of the January window. The Mexico international hasn't been able to find the net in any of the opening nine games of the tournament, prompting CEO Giorgio Furlani and sporting director Igli Tare to start scouting alternatives. Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee has re-emerged as a prime target, while Roma’s Artem Dovbyk remains a fallback option if talks stall.

Scotland international Scott McTominay has moved to quell talk of him moving away from Napoli and returning to the Premier League or making a remarkable switch to Catalan giants Barcelona. McTominay has impressed in Naples since joining from Manchester United for £30 million ($39.6m) last summer, landing the Serie A title in his first season and becoming a cult hero.

Brazilian wonderkid Endrick is pursuing a January loan move away from Real Madrid and talks have already begun with a club outside of Spain. The 19-year-old hasn't made a competitive appearance this season and wants regular playing time to secure his place in Brazil's squad for the World Cup. Endrick has struggled with injury, but has also been overlooked by boss Xabi Alonso and a temporary move away from the Bernabeu is seemingly edging closer.

Vinicius Jr’s Real Madrid future is in serious doubt after a public fallout with Xabi Alonso during El Clasico and growing frustration over his stalled contract talks. The Brazilian is reportedly eyeing a move to Paris Saint-Germain, drawn by Luis Enrique’s playing style and leadership, as relations in Madrid reach breaking point despite his recent public apology.

Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich contract reportedly includes a €65 million release clause that can only be activated within a specific window — keeping Premier League clubs on alert. The England captain’s prolific form in Germany has strengthened Bayern’s stance, though speculation over a potential return to England refuses to go away.

Scott McTominay might be in line for a reunion with Marcus Rashford, as Barcelona have reportedly placed the former Manchester United star on a three-man transfer shortlist. The Scotsman has emerged as one of Europe’s most in-demand midfielders since leaving Old Trafford to take on a new challenge at Napoli in 2024, with top clubs now lining up for his signature.

Luciano Spalletti is set to return to club management with Juventus after reaching an agreement to replace the sacked Igor Tudor. The 66-year-old, who guided Napoli to the Scudetto in 2023, will sign a deal until June 2026, with an automatic extension triggered by Champions League qualification. His official unveiling is expected after Juve’s clash with Udinese.

Nantes boss Luis Castro has jokingly put his side's name in the hat of potential destinations for Vinicius Junior should the Real Madrid star opt to leave the club in the summer. The Brazilian winger has been under the eye of the media in recent weeks, with reports suggesting he is unhappy at the Santiago Bernabeu. And after Vinicius' fiery reaction to being substituted by Xabi Alonso during El Clasico, Castro humoured the idea of signing the forward.

Lucas Paqueta has spoken to clear the air amid reports he wants to leave West Ham in the January transfer window. It has been claimed that the Brazilian has been keen to leave the Hammers following his clearance from spot-fixing allegations in July. He was the subject of a long-running FA investigation and is now said to be eyeing a fresh start with a new club.

Ange Postecoglou is reportedly in the running for the Celtic hot seat following Brendan Rodgers' resignation, as the Australian is looking to land himself in his third club in six months. In the wake of the Northern Irishman's acrimonious exit, the club has turned to a familiar face for temporary stability in the form of Martin O’Neill, the legendary figure who guided the Hoops through one of their most glorious eras in the early 2000s.

Brazilian forward Richarlison has reportedly "given the green light" to a potential move away from Tottenham, with Flamengo making the striker their top target for the January transfer window as they look to bring the national team’s No.9 back home. The Rio de Janeiro natives have been struggling with injuries this season and are keen to explore a blockbuster move this winter.

Paris Saint-Germain are targeting Barcelona’s 18-year-old prodigy Juan Hernandez, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the season. The French champions, led by former Barca boss Luis Enrique, are monitoring the academy midfielder closely and believe he fits their strategy of building around Europe’s top young talents.

Bayern Munich have joined Barcelona in the race to sign Hoffenheim striker Fisnik Asllani, one of the Bundesliga’s breakout stars this season. The 23-year-old’s rise has attracted widespread interest across Europe, with both Bayern and Barca viewing him as a long-term successor to their current No.9s, Harry Kane and Robert Lewandowski.

Luciano Spalletti has addressed speculation linking him to the vacant Juventus managerial position following the sacking of Igor Tudor. Speaking at a public event in Milan, the former Italy and Napoli boss offered a cheeky but respectful response, praising Tudor’s work and admitting that “whoever replaces him will be lucky” to inherit a team ready to compete.

Former Manchester United first-team coach Benni McCarthy has claimed that he'd be willing to "chop a hand off" to bring Harry Kane to Old Trafford. The Red Devils were linked with the prolific striker throughout his record-breaking spell at Tottenham, but each summer ended with disappointment. Kane stayed loyal to Spurs until 2023, when he finally took the plunge and joined Bayern Munich in search of the silverware that had eluded him in England.

Stuttgart are exploring a surprise January loan move for Real Madrid prodigy Endrick, according to reports. The Bundesliga club hope to use coach Sebastian Hoeness' strong relationship with Madrid boss Xabi Alonso to secure the 19-year-old striker, with talks already underway ahead of the winter window.

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly shut down a potential move for one of the greatest goalscorers of all time, despite manager Ruben Amorim's interest. United made significant additions to their forward line in the summer and Ratcliffe has intervened, even though the striker in question - who is approaching the end of his career - is set to become available on a free transfer at the end of this season.