Transfer news and rumours LIVE: Arsenal consider Dortmund star Brandt as Aouar alternative

Barcelona interim president&nbsp;Carles Tusquets is confident&nbsp;Philippe Coutinho will leave in the new year, per&nbsp;<a href="https://www.elconfidencial.com/" target="_blank">El Confidencial</a>. The Brazil star has endured a tough time at&nbsp;Camp Nou since arriving over two years ago, spending last season on loan with Bayern Munich. Though he conquered Europe with the German side, he ultimately returned to Barca - but he would appear to not have long left with the club in La Liga.

Coutinho to leave Barca in new year?

Juventus are considering an attempt to secure a loan move for Paul Pogba with an option to buy, per <a href="https://www.calciomercato.com/" target="_blank">Calcio Mercato</a>. The Bianconeri wish to bring back the Manchester United playmaker to Turin, with the Frenchman having professed his frustrations at the Theatre of Dreams. But they face a tough financial situation to sign the star outright, and may instead attempt to explore other options to bring him to the club.

Juve mull loan to buy with Pogba

Bianconeri face financial hurdles for Frenchman

Julian Brandt is one of the players considered by Arsenal as the solution to their creative problems, reports&nbsp;<a href="https://theathletic.com/2280676/2020/12/26/rice-origi-saliba-messi-eriksen-alaba-january-transfer/" target="_blank">The Athletic</a>. Arsenal had been monitoring Dominik Szoboszlai but the Hungarian has joined RB Leipzig, while there is competition for Houssem Aouar. However, it remains to be seen whether the Gunners will be able to fund any moves in January.

Arsenal consider Brandt move

Mauricio Pochettino wants to bring Lionel Messi to PSG when he joins the Ligue 1 giants, according to <a href="https://www.leparisien.fr/sports/football/psg/psg-pochettino-a-paris-aussi-pour-attirer-messi-25-12-2020-8416079.php" target="_blank">Le Parisien</a>. The Argentine coach is set to confirmed the new leader of PSG imminently after Thomas Tuchel's sacking, and he is keen to bring&nbsp;his Argentine countryman across from Barcelona.

Poch wants Messi at PSG

Wolfsburg&nbsp;have promised Wout Weghorst he can join Tottenham if they bid&nbsp;€35 million (£32m/$43m), reports <a href="https://twitter.com/cfbayern/status/1342503498114621440" target="_blank">Bild</a>.&nbsp; Weghorst has been in fine form for the Bundesliga outfit this term, scoring 13 goals in all competitions.

Weghorst can join Spurs for €35m

Juventus are in the lead for the services of&nbsp;FC Dallas defender Bryan Reynolds, per <a href="https://romapress.net/2020/12/26/juve-in-the-lead-for-bryan-reynolds-following-christmas-day-contact/" target="_blank">Roma Press</a>. The Bianconeri are already home to one highly-rated United States talent in Weston McKennie. Now, they hope to add to their squad with the talented USMNT youth star from&nbsp;Fort Worth, though they face competition from other Serie A sides.

Juve lead Reynolds chase

Paris Saint-Germain would be happy to offer&nbsp;Leandro Paredes in part-exchange for Christian Eriksen, per <a href="https://le10sport.com/football/mercato/mercato-psg-pochettino-deja-pret-a-plomber-une-operation-colossale-531001" target="_blank">Le10Sport</a>. But incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino would not be open to bringing the Dane to the club if it meant offloading the Argentine. Eriksen is an unhappy figure at the Serie A outfit and would relish a reunion with his former Tottenham boss in Ligue 1.

PSG mull Paredes exchange for Eriksen

Schalke would be open to selling off Ozan Kabak in order to raise funds for a squad overhaul, says <a href="https://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/transfers/2020-2021/juventus-want-paul-pogba-in-january-real-madrid-not-out-of-race-inside-football_sto8045064/story.shtml" target="_blank">Eurosport UK</a>. The Bundesliga outfit are rooted to the bottom of the German top-flight, and are yet to win a league match this season. Kabak is highly rated however, with Liverpool and Manchester United interested - and his sale could be key for Schalke's own transfer plans.

Schalke open to selling Kabak

Atletico Madrid are weighing up a loan raid on Arsenal for Ainsley Maitland-Niles. The Spanish side need a replacement for the suspended Kieran Trippier and the <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9085721/Atletico-Madrid-weighing-loan-Arsenal-right-Ainsley-Maitland-Niles-January.html" target="_blank">Mail</a> claims the Gunners full-back is an option.

Atletico looking at Maitland-Niles

Declan Rice to Chelsea feels like&nbsp;a matter of when rather than if, according to David Ornstein of the <a href="https://theathletic.com/2280676/2020/12/26/rice-origi-saliba-messi-eriksen-alaba-january-transfer/" target="_blank">Athletic</a>. Ornstein claims Frank Lampard is committed to the transfer and will look to push a deal for the midfielder through.

Rice to Chelsea when rather than if

Nantes have appointed Raymond Domenech as their new coach as replacement for Christian Gourcuff. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Le FC Nantes annonce ce jour la nomination de Raymond Domenech au poste d’entraîneur de l’équipe première jusqu’à la fin de la saison 2020-2021. — FC Nantes (@FCNantes) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCNantes/status/1342887902284378114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Nantes appoint Domenech as new coach

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has said it would be a dream to manage Liverpool in the future. Speaking to the <a href="https://theathletic.com/2278314/2020/12/26/gerrard-interview-rangers-liverpool/" target="_blank">Athletic</a>, Gerrard said: "Would I love to be the coach of Liverpool one day? Is it a dream? Of course."

Gerrard says Liverpool is his dream job

Mauricio Pochettino would rather sign Dele Alli than Christian Eriksen as Paris Saint-Germain boss, per <a href="https://le10sport.com/football/mercato/exclu-mercato-psg-dele-alli-plutot-que-eriksen-531003" target="_blank">Le10Sport</a>. The Argentine is expected to take the reins at Parc des Princes and has already been linked with the Tottenham player as a priority pick. But Alli would be even higher up the new manager's priority list than Eriksen, the ex-Spurs playmaker poised to become an Inter outcast following a botched Serie A stint.

Alli over Eriksen for Poch at PSG

Folarin Balogun will likely leave Arsenal as a free agent following a contract dispute, with Liverpool set to move for the teenager, says <a href="https://theathletic.com/2280676/2020/12/26/rice-origi-saliba-messi-eriksen-alaba-january-transfer/?source=emp_shared_article" target="_blank">The Athletic</a>. The New York-born England youth star has been with the Gunners since he was eight, and previously caught the eye of Sheffield United and Brentford. Now, it appears his days at the Emirates Stadium are numbered, and that he will head out without them collecting a fee for whoever he lands at.

Balogun to leave Arsenal a free agent?

Marseille have offered a new contract to Morgan Sanson as they look to tie the midfielder down, per <a href="https://le10sport.com/football/mercato/exclu-mercato-om-une-nouvelle-offre-pour-morgan-sanson-530999" target="_blank">Le10Sport</a>. The 26-year-old has attracted attention from a host of England clubs, reportedly including Arsenal, Wolverhampton, Newcastle and West Ham. But the Ligue 1 outfit hope to keep him on-board for the future and have tabled fresh terms to convince him to stay.

Marseille offer Sanson new deal

Stefano Pioli is confident Hakan Calhanoglu will sign a new contract with AC Milan. The midfielder has been a key performer for the club this term and Piolo told DAZN (h/t <a href="https://www.milannews.it/le-interviste/pioli-esalta-calhanoglu-hakan-e-fantastico-non-lo-cambierei-per-nessun-altro-394932" target="_blank">Tutto Mercato Web</a>) that talks are taking place and have been positive.

Calhanoglu Milan talks positive

Rangers are the latest club to express interest in Peterborough forward Siriki Dembele. Posh chief Barry Fry told <a href="https://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/sport/football/peterborough-united/rangers-and-celtic-are-among-clubs-chasing-peterborough-united-phenom-siriki-dembele-bids-clubs-youngest-stars-are-batted-away-3077317?__hstc=113132251.a1a7c2a61d57ce6bfc8c970af1cd1f62.1607341283459.1608711131389.1608730218618.7&amp;__hssc=113132251.1.1608730218618&amp;__hsfp=1723993655" target="_blank">Peterborough Today</a> that Rangers had posted scouts to watch the forward.

Rangers keeping tabs on Dembele

Real Madrid are leading the chase for Bayern Munich defender, according to the <a href="https://theathletic.com/2284088/2020/12/26/transfer-news-live-rumours/" target="_blank">Athletic</a>. Manchester United and Liverpool remain in the hunt, but Real are ready to offer a bumper contract to secure the Austrian's signature.

Madrid lead race for Alaba

Tim Krul has signed a new contract at Norwich. The Dutch goalkeeper has put his name to a deal that <a href="https://www.canaries.co.uk/News/2020/december/tim-krul-new-contract/" target="_blank">ties him to the club </a>until 2024.

Krul commits to Norwich

Yannick Bolasie is seemingly unsure whether he will leave Everton in January. The winger had been close to a loan move to Middlesbrough at the end of the summer window and the Championship side are expected to make a move when the window reopens. “I did want to go because I know the gaffer (Neil Warnock) and I know what the gaffer can do for me,” Bolasie told <a href="https://twitter.com/Podcast_TBG?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" target="_blank">The Beautiful Game Podcast</a>. “I know that I was flying because I played the pre-season games and knew what I did in pre-season. “I don’t know if it’s 100 per cent there now, now it’s a total different picture. That was before, it’s a total different picture now.”

Bolasie unsure on Everton exit

Ajax defender Perr Schuurs, who has been linked with a number of top clubs around Europe, has ruled out a move away from the Eredivisie giants. He said:&nbsp;"I am now a starting player which was my goal beforehand. I am very happy about that. I feel at home here. "I’m not really in favour of going abroad early. I feel at home here so I want to play here for a few more seasons."

Ajax defender Schuurs rules out move

Former France manager Raymond Domenech will be formally appointed as head coach of Nantes this afternoon, claims&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/mohamedbouhafsi/status/1342796262433841157" target="_blank">RMC</a>. Domenech managed France from 2004-2010 but his last spell in charge of a club side was at Lyon - a spell which ended in 1993.

Domenech to be confirmed as Nantes boss

Real Madrid have identified Sporting CP's 18-year-old left-back Nuno Mendes as a potential long-term replacement for Marcelo, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/real-madrid/20201226/491279403332/el-madrid-y-su-estrategia-en-el-mercado-de-fichajes-invernal.html" target="_blank">Mundo Deportivo</a>. The youngster&nbsp;is said to be under assessment from Juni Calafat, one of Madrid's global transfer chiefs. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/nuno-mendes-wonderkid-left-back-ronaldinho-skills-man-utd/1t3oajpz9nogv1bzx6to8ng2t6" target="_blank">Read our NxGn profile on Nuno Mendes here!</a>

Madrid mark Mendes as Marcelo replacement

Bruno Fernandes says his move to Manchester United in January has been a dream come true - but he isn't happy to be trophyless after his first 12 months at the club. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/fernandes-i-dont-have-trophies-at-man-utd-and-im-not-happy-about-/rl13foeo90np1xg74w35ptawt" target="_blank">Read what he had to say here on Goal!</a>

Fernandes: Man Utd move was a dream come true

Juventus have been repeatedly linked with a move for Real Madrid left-back Marcelo in the past but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.calciomercato.com/news/marcelo-e-la-juve-a-volte-ritornano-la-verita-per-gennaio-e-quel-19928" target="_blank">CalcioMercato</a>&nbsp;reports there is no prospect of such a transfer going ahead in January. Marcelo has found himself on the bench this season with Ferland Mendy establishing himself at left-back but Madrid aren't expected to be active in the January window.

No chance of Marcelo to Juventus

David Moyes said he considered making a move to take former Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck to West Ham. "I am really pleased for Danny because I enjoyed working with him at Manchester United, he is a great boy and enthusiastic," Moyes said. "He has had a few injuries and he was someone who I did consider and I was probably just a little concerned about his injuries in the past more than anything else. "I have got to say I am really pleased for him because he is a good boy, a good footballer who has worked hard on his game and been doing well for Brighton."

Moyes: I considered Welbeck reunion

Barcelona have long been linked with a move for Lautaro Martinez but agent Beto Yaque says the forward is happy at Inter. "Lautaro is happy&nbsp;at Inter," Yaque told <a href="https://www.ole.com.ar/futbol-internacional/italia/lautaro-racing-inter-yaque-italia_0_bc9zL0jBh.html" target="_blank">Ole</a>.&nbsp; "He is growing and learning because he is a boy with enormous potential, I would say without limits. He can become an elite player."

'Barca target Lautaro is happy at Inter'

Manchester United did hold talks with Kieran Trippier over a potential move over the summer, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://theathletic.com/2280676/2020/12/26/rice-origi-saliba-messi-eriksen-alaba-january-transfer/?source=emp_shared_article" target="_blank">The Athletic</a>. Talks didn't progress past that initial stage but United may still look to add competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back.

Man Utd held Trippier talks

Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool 'can't force anybody to stay' amid speculation linking Mohamed Salah with a move away. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/klopp-liverpool-cant-force-players-to-stay-but-why-would/jlkwjxm3952j1j7f6x2jyv53g" target="_blank">Read the full story here on Goal!</a>

Klopp: Liverpool can't force players to stay

Villarreal and Valencia could compete to sign Etienne Capoue in January, claims&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superdeporte.es/valencia/2020/12/25/emery-quiere-capoue/483548.html" target="_blank">Superdeporte</a>. Capoue had been widely expected to leave Watford following their relegation but new manager Xisco Munoz could try to convince him to stay.

Villarreal & Valencia consider Capoue

Jose Mourinho wants to sign RB Leipzig midfielder Marcel Sabitzer, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/cfbayern/status/1342500573992656901" target="_blank">Bild</a>. The Bundesliga side may look to offload the Austrian as he is reportedly the highest-earning player left at the club.

Mourinho wants Sabitzer at Spurs

Mauricio Pochettino will make Dele Alli his first transfer target if he takes over at PSG, reports the <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/13573964/pochettino-spurs-dele-alli-psg-transfer/" target="_blank">Sun</a>. Alli was a key player under the Argentine at Tottenham but has fallen out of favour this season under Jose Mourinho.

Pochettino eyes Alli as first target

Chris Wondolowski has signed a one-year contract extension to remain with San Jose Earthquakes in 2021, reports <a href="https://www.centerlinesoccer.com/2020/12/25/22200015/chris-wondolowski-re-signs-san-jose-earthquakes-2021-season" target="_blank">Centerline Soccer</a>. Speculation had been rife that the 37-year-old striker was considering retirement, but he has decided to continue for at least one more season.

Wondolowski re-signs with Earthquakes

Getafe are looking to bring in a pair of high-profile loan signings this winter, reports <a href="https://as.com/futbol/2020/12/24/primera/1608815081_676311.html">AS</a>. The Spanish side are hoping to sign Takefusa Kubo from Real Madrid and Barcelona's Carles Alena, and both clubs are open to potential deals. Kubo has struggled to get into Unai Emery's side on loan with Villarreal, which could prompt a different move for the young Real Madrid starlet.&nbsp;

Getafe want Kubo and Alena

Club-less Socceroo midfielder Jackson Irvine is training with Harry Kewell's Oldham Athletic but will not be signing for the League Two club, reports <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamGMillington/status/1342147968674181122" target="_blank">Adam Millington</a>. Irvine has been without a club since being released by Hull City at the end of last season.

Irvine training with Oldham Athletic

Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil could confirm his free transfer to Fenerbahce as soon as January with the Turkish giants revealing to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/mesut-ozil-arsenal-fenerbahce-transfer-23220304" target="_blank">Sport Digitale</a> that a move was nearly complete. The German international has not played for the Gunners since March but will remain with the club until the end of his contract at the conclusion of the season&nbsp;- even if the Fenerbahce transfer is confirmed.

Arsenal outcast Ozil close to confirming Fenerbahce move

Socceroos striker Adam Taggart has completed his transfer from Suwon Bluewings to Cerezo Osaka. The 27-year-old - who won the K-League top scorer award in 2019 - had&nbsp;been edging toward the J-League move over the past few weeks. Taggart has scored five goals in 18 appearances for Suwon this season.

Taggart makes move from Suwon to Cerezo Osaka

PSG have shown an interest in signing Barcelona-linked striker Memphis Depay. The Lyon attacker nearly joined the Catalans in the summer but the move to join his Dutch coach Ronald Koeman fell through at the last minute. According to Mundo Deportivo, as per <a href="https://barcauniversal.com/psg-enters-the-race-with-barcelona-to-sign-memphis-depay/" target="_blank">Barca Universal</a>, PSG have made enquiries for Depay but Barca are still the favourites.

PSG enter race for Depay

Western United forward Max Burgess is set to return to the club after a stand off over the last few months. The&nbsp;25-year-old remained in NSW during the pre-season - keen for a move elsewhere - but is now set to head to Victoria with Western United refusing to grant him a release, according to the <a href="https://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/resolute-western-united-force-contract-rebel-burgess-to-abandon-exit-strategy?cid=football:socialshare:twitter" target="_blank">World Game</a>. Burgess is expected to be in the frame for selection when Western United play Melbourne City on January 17.

Burgess to return to Western United

Liverpool have received a boost in their chase for Lille midfielder Renato Sanches with Fabrizio Romano revealing the Portuguese international wants to quit the Ligue 1 club. While negotations between the Reds and Lille are yet to commence, Romano said on the 'Here We Go' podcast that Sanches wanted to leave his French employers. “We have a lot of rumours - I’m told there’s nothing advanced with Liverpool," Romano said as quoted by <a href="https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/12/25/fabrizio-romano-has-good-news-for-liverpool-fans-about-renato-sanches/" target="_blank">HITC</a>. "He’s on the list of all top clubs because he’s having an amazing season with Lille. Between Liverpool and Lille, there is no agreement. "Renato Sanches wants to change [clubs]. He wants to change to go to the top level.”

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Transfer news and rumours LIVE: Arsenal consider Dortmund star Brandt as Aouar alternative | Goal.com Uganda

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