Transfer news and rumours LIVE: Real Madrid interested in Ronaldo return

Arsenal are determined to win the race for Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic and have an €80 million (£68m/$90m) bid ready to go, claims <a href="https://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/mercato/l-arsenal-non-molla-vlahovic_42803366-202102k.shtml " target="_blank">Sport Mediaset</a>.The Gunners face serious competition for the prolific Serb, with arch-rivals Tottenham also keen, but Mikel Arteta wants to get another proven frontman through the doors at Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal ready €80m approach for Vlahovic (Sport Mediaset)

Liverpool have been long-time admirers of Brazilian starlet Rodrygo, with <a href="https://www.elnacional.cat/ca/esports/van-temptar-florenti-perez-amb-60-milions-i-va-rebutjar-l-oferta-pero-ara-tornen-amb-80-quilos_680666_102.html " target="_blank">El Nacional</a> claiming that the Reds are now mulling over a raid on Real Madrid.It is suggested that Premier League heavyweights would be prepared to pay €80 million (£68m/$90m) in order to add the talented 20-year-old to their ranks at Anfield.

Liverpool prepared to pay €80m for Rodrygo (El Nacional)

Chelsea are interested in Leicester City centre-back Wesley Fofana as they weigh up their transfer plans amid contract disputes with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.The 20-year-old is currently out injured after suffering a broken fibula and ankle ligament in a pre-season friendly against Villarreal.However, the France Under-21 international remains regarded among the best in his age group in world football, including by scouts behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea consider Fofana as Rudiger replacement

The European champions are braced for end of season deprtures

Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on Cristiano Ronaldo’s siaution at Manchester United and would welcome the opportunity to put a reunion in place with the Portuguese superstar, claims <a href="https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-real-madrid-plotting-sensational-move-for-man-united-superstar-ronaldo/ " target="_blank">Football Insider.</a>The Blancos believe that, with questions being asked of the forward’s future at Old Trafford following the arrival of Ralf Rangnick, an opportunity may present itself for a deal to be done in January.

Real Madrid interested in Ronaldo return (Football Insider)

Ralf Rangnick is eager to add another all-action midfielder to the squad he inherited from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United, claims <a href="https://www.espn.co.uk/football/soccer-transfers/story/4543126/rangnicks-man-united-masterplan-bellingham-haidara-phillips-are-key-targets " target="_blank">ESPN</a>.The German is said to have three top targets in his sights, with Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham, his England team-mate Kalvin Phillips of Leeds United and RB Leipzig’s Amado Haidara all registering on the Red Devils’ recruitment radar.

Bellingham, Haidara & Phillips on Man Utd’s wish list (ESPN)

Barcelona are keen on Manchester United star Marcus Rashford and believe they can pry him away from Old Trafford, claims <a href="https://www.elnacional.cat/ca/esports/el-manchester-united-canvia-d-idea-i-ofereix-a-joan-laporta-l-estrella-que-no-entra-en-els-plane_680306_102.html" target="_blank">El Nacional</a>.With his role in flux at United, the Blaugrana feel he may be tempted by a starring role at Camp Nou.However, his price tag could prove too much for a club deep in debt.

Barcelona keen on Rashford (El Nacional)

The Blaugrana are offering the England international the chance to be the lead star of their attack

Agent Jorge Mendes is hoping to facilitate a deal to get Joao Felix to Manchester City, report <a href="https://www.calciomercato.com/news/il-fattore-mendes-il-manchester-city-e-l-offerta-ecco-cosa-sta-s-77388" target="_self">Calciomercato</a>.Mendes has already been in contact with City, and Pep Guardiola is said to be a fan.City do already have a backup plan, though, in Milan's Rafael Leao, although the Serie A club would be difficult to persuade to sell.

Felix tipped for Man City move (Calciomercato)

Jorge Mendes wants to facilitate a Premier League transfer for the Portuguese star

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Some issues, I’m told by multiple sources, between Andy Najar and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DCU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DCU</a>. Club pick up his option and offered Najar a pay bump but the Honduran would still be the lowest-paid defensive starter on the team; other clubs sniffing around now, a pair of them in the Middle East.— Pablo Iglesias Maurer (@MLSist) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLSist/status/1469100121497513986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Najar and D.C. United reach contract impasse

Ivan Perisic likely won't return to Bayern despite rumours linking the winger with a return to the club, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/fabrizioromano/status/1469424010131910656?s=21" target="_self">Fabrizio Romano</a>.Perisic is out of contract this summer, but Inter could still come to terms on a new deal for the Croatia star.The winger, however, is undecided as he continues to mull over his own future.

Perisic unlikely to return to Bayern

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">RUMOR: Dan Steres is on the trading block Sources have indicated that Dan Steres is being shopped by the LA Galaxy around MLS. And there is an expectation that he won't be returning to the club. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LAGalaxy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LAGalaxy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MLS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MLS</a>— Corner Of The Galaxy (@GalaxyPodcast) <a href="https://twitter.com/GalaxyPodcast/status/1469162459789508613?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Steres set for Galaxy exit?

There will always be room for ageing European stars in North America but MLS is now a selling league that can produce quality young players.Several young stars are headed to Europe this season, with others surely on their way, as MLS is shedding its retirement league label.<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/how-mls-went-from-retirement-league-to-developing-top-young/blt52ef8ba56a3827fb" target="_self">Read the full story on GOAL! </a>

How MLS went from 'retirement league' to developing top young talent

Sebastian Giovinco wants to return to Toronto FC, the Italian told <a href="https://www.thestar.com/amp/sports/tfc/2021/12/10/i-want-to-come-back-sebastian-giovinco-reaches-out-to-toronto-fc.html" target="_self">the Star</a>.GIovinco became a star in MLS, winning the league MVP award while guiding the club to an MLS Cup, but is currently a free agent after departing Al Hilal.“I say no (to a) couple, maybe more than a couple, teams because I want to come back here to play here for TFC,” Giovinco said. “But now we are already four months. I think it’s enough to wait and to say no to the teams. We have to start to talk if we want to talk; if not, I have to figure out other options.“If I’m still without a team, still without (a) contract, it’s because I want to come back to play here, but I can’t decide by myself … we have to find a solution to figure out how I can come back here.”

Giovinco wants Toronto return

Celtic are set to sign Yosuke Ideguchi from Gamba Osaka, reports <a href="https://www.sponichi.co.jp/soccer/news/2021/12/09/kiji/20211208s00002179646000c.html" target="_self">Sponichi Annex</a>. A fee of £850,000 between the two clubs, with Ideguchi set for a medical in the near future. However, the midfielder still need to get a work visa, although his 15 caps for Japan should help his case.

Celtic near deal for Japan international

Barcelona have made a formal offer to River Plate to sign Julian Alvarez, reports <a href="https://www.ole.com.ar/river-plate/julian-alvarez-barcelona_0_UQIeAGgX2.html" target="_self">Ole</a>. Alvarez has been linked to Barca for months, but their interest has been taken to a new level after Sergio Aguero's recent health issues. Barca, though, still need to ease their salary commitments, opening the door for AC Milan, Inter and Bayer Leverkusen.

Barca make Alvarez offer

Mauro Icardi is, according to <a href="https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Article/Icardi-diallo-rafinha-les-joueurs-du-psg-sur-le-marche-des-transferts-cet-hiver/1304183 " target="_blank">L’Equipe</a>, one of several players that Paris Saint-Germain are looking to offload during the January transfer window.The Argentine striker has been linked with Juventus and Newcastle in the recent past, so could soon find himself lining up in black and white stripes.

PSG prepared to offload Icardi

<a href="https://twitter.com/SkyKaveh/status/1468646019256696839?s=20 " target="_blank">Sky Sports</a> claims that Arsenal are among those considering a move for former Liverpool star Georginio Wijnaldum.The Dutch midfielder has failed to make the expected impact at Paris Saint-Germain and could be offered the chance to return to England during the winter window.

Arsenal are an option for Wijnaldum

A lack of movement on the contract front at Chelsea ahs Juventus ready to pounce for Andreas Christensen, claims <a href="https://www.calciomercato.it/2021/12/10/calciomercato-juventus-milan-inter-christensen-chelsea-allegri/" target="_blank">Calciomercato</a>.The Danish defender is due to become a free agent in the summer of 2022 and has been unable to agree an extension to his terms at Stamford Bridge.

Juventus ready to pounce on Christensen

Barcelona have raised their bid for Manchester City forward Ferran Torres to €45 million (£38m/$51m) plus a further €15m (£13m/$17m) in variables, reports <a href="https://www.sport.es/en/news/barca/barca-pressing-for-ferran-torres-after-champions-league-exit-12958374 " target="_blank">Sport</a>.That figure should be closer to the asking price that Premier League champions are demanding for a promising Spain international.

Barcelona up their bid for Torres

According to <a href="https://www.sportevai.it/calcio/trani-mou-voleva-kane-ma-so-di-trattative-imbarazzanti.html " target="_blank">Sport Evai</a>, Jose Mourinho was keen on taking Tottenham striker Harry Kane to Roma over the summer.With the England international looking for a move, and Spurs reluctant to do business with Manchester City, a former coach in north London had hoped to take advantage of the transfer uncertainty.

Mourinho wanted Kane at Roma

According to <a href="https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20211210/1001723611/barca-buscara-salidas-enero.html" target="_blank">Mundo Deportivo</a>, Frenkie de Jong is one of the players that Barcelona boss Xavi has made available for transfer.Phillipe Coutinho, Samuel Umtiti and Sergino Dest are also considered to be saleable assets heading into the January window.

De Jong made available by Barcelona

Anthony Martial is looking to leave Manchester United during the January transfer window, the French forward’s agent has revealed, with regular game time being sought by a man that has been frozen out at Old Trafford.The 26-year-old has been with the Red Devils since 2015, and still has three years left to run on his current contract, but a lack of game time has led him to start seeking out a new challenge.<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/martial-leave-man-utd-january-agent-old-trafford-exit-plan/blte53c9240defd6010 " target="_blank">Check out the full story on GOAL!</a>

Martial wants to leave Man Utd

Eddie Howe has admitted it is up to Sean Longstaff whether he stays at Newcastle United beyond the summer.The young midfielder is out of contract in the summer and can talk to foreign clubs from next month, while Premier League sides have been linked with a free transfer at the end of the season.Howe told a press conference on Friday of Longstaff: "He can show to me and the club he has a long-term future here. It's in his hands as well not just our hands."

Howe makes Longstaff contract plea

Erling Haaland's agent Mino Raiola expects his client to be on the move this summer, with his preffered destination of Real Madrid on the table.Raiola told <a href="https://twitter.com/berger_pj/status/1469249327071731717" target="_blank">Sport1 </a>of Haaland: "He will take the next step. Bayern, Real, Barca, Man City - these are the big clubs he can go to. We all knew, as did Dortmund that the time will come."On when Haaland might move, he added: "Maybe this summer, maybe next. But there is a big chance he‘ll leave this summer.“

'Big chance' Haaland will move this summer - Raiola

Thomas Partey was supposed to solve Arsenal's midfield problems when he arrived amid much fanfare on summer transfer deadline day in 2020.There have been glimpses of his best form, but they have come amid injury absences and some performances that will be a serious worry to Mikel Arteta and the fans.So why has Thomas failed to spark the party into life? Charles Watts takes a look <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/partey-arsenal-struggles-whats-wrong-45m-midfield-star/bltfed9f699b09f363a" target="_blank">here</a>.

What's wrong with Partey?

<a href="https://www.elnacional.cat/ca/esports/joan-laporta-creuat-barca-cau-champions-bayern_680120_102.html" target="_blank">El Nacional</a> reports that Barcelona are willing to listen to offers for first-choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.The 29-year-old is among those to have seen his standards slip at Camp Nou, to the point that he could now be moved on if a suitable bid is tabled.

Barcelona open to offers for Ter Stegen

According to the <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10294231/Chelsea-Antonio-Rudiger-set-one-highest-paid-defenders-world-leave-club.html " target="_blank">Daily Mail</a>, Antonio Rudiger is set to overtake Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt as the best-paid defender in world football if he leaves Chelsea as a free agent in the summer of 2022.Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are among those to be closely monitoring the Germany international’s situation, with deals worth over £400,000-a-week said to be in the pipeline.

Rudiger to become the world’s best-paid defender

Former Liverpool and Barcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano will become manager of Argentina U20s in January.The 37-year-old will succeed Fernando Batista who leaves the role to join newly-appointed Venezuelan national team coach Jose Pekerman's backroom staff.Mascherano played in four World Cups for Argentina, including reaching the final in 2014, and was part of Pep Guardiola's all-conquering Barca side, winning five Liga titles and two Champions Leagues.

Mascherano named Argentina U20s manager

Newcastle made an inquiry about Birmingham defender Kristian Pedersen in the summer, according to Blues manager Lee Bowyer.Bowyer told <a href="https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/lee-bowyer-confirms-newcastle-transfer-22418254" target="_blank">BirminghamLive</a>: "I had a phone call from Steve Bruce – that was as far as it went. There was no contact from anything else, or offers or anything. It will be tough for Kristian.“I think that hurt him in the summer because maybe he thought he might get a Premiership move but now he just has to crack on and do his job."

Newcastle 'made Pedersen inquiry'

West Ham and Newcastle are reportedly competing for the services of Hellas Verona midfielder Antonin Barak, according to <a href="https://www.larena.it/argomenti/sport/il-derby-si-ma-per-barak-milan-e-inter-si-litigano-il-ceco-1.9060874?refresh_ce" target="_blank">L'Arena</a>.The 27-year-old has impressed in Serie A, with 11 goals last season and five strikes and three assists from 15 games so far in 2021-22.The two Premier League clubs are prepared to move in January for the Czech, with £17 million fee quoted for his services.

Newcastle and West Ham in race for Verona midfielder

Arsenal academy manager Per Mertesacker says young striker Folarin Balogun is likely to leave the club on loan in January."I think the closest, at the moment, to make that step [to the first team] is Flo Balogun,' Mertesacker said."He still plays Under-23s football and probably most likely will go on loan in January because you need extra exposure to get to that next level so he needs to make that transition."

Mertesacker confirms Balogun will leave on loan

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Vinícius Júnior: “My price? Better not to put anything… it’s better to stay here at Real Madrid”, he said to Marca. ⚪️🇧🇷 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RealMadrid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RealMadrid</a> Vinícius and his camp already decided to give the ‘green light’ to open talks with Real to extend his contract. Work in progress. <a href="https://t.co/33W5H0dx6Q">pic.twitter.com/33W5H0dx6Q</a>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1469155876497940485?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Vinicius Junior in Real Madrid extension talks

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Luís Neto renewed his contract until 2023! ✍<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SportingCP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SportingCP</a> <a href="https://t.co/GtuAJWNMpG">pic.twitter.com/GtuAJWNMpG</a>— Sporting CP English (@SportingCP_en) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportingCP_en/status/1468990015330004996?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Neto renewal with Sporting CP

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">⚒ FC Shakhtar has renewed the contract with Maycon! 🧡 The new deal with the midfielder expires on December 31, 2025. Learn more: <a href="https://t.co/Wg247GGARk">https://t.co/Wg247GGARk</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Shakhtar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Shakhtar</a> <a href="https://t.co/DMBom5kPag">pic.twitter.com/DMBom5kPag</a>— FC SHAKHTAR ENGLISH (@FCShakhtar_eng) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCShakhtar_eng/status/1468993730988417036?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Shakhtar re-sign Maycon

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Jamaica Football Federation confirms the departure of Theodore ‘Tappa’ Withmore from his role as Jamaica Senior Men’s Team Head Coach. .<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ReggaeBoyz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ReggaeBoyz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JFF_Football?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JFF_Football</a> <a href="https://t.co/aKugMlwUdl">pic.twitter.com/aKugMlwUdl</a>— Official J.F.F (@jff_football) <a href="https://twitter.com/jff_football/status/1469055406861426696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Jamaica dismiss manager

Gini Wijnaldum could move to Inter this January as part of a swap deal, reports <a href="https://www.calciomercato.it/2021/12/09/calciomercato-inter-wjnaldum-brozovic-psg/" target="_self">CalcioMercato</a>.Leonardo is an admirer of Inter midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, and would be happy to sign him during the January window.With the Croatian's deal expiring this summer, Inter are still hopeful of coming to terms, though, which could stall a potential swap.

PSG open to Wijnaldum swap

Palmeiras are hoping to sign Marcelo, reports <a href="https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/real-madrid/20211209/1001723309/palmeiras-quiere-marcelo.html" target="_self">Mundo Deportivo</a>.The Brazilian star's contract runs out this summer, and Palmeiras are preparing an offer to bring him back to his home country.The club intends to play Marcelo as a midfielder, not a fullback, though.

Palmeiras want Marcelo

Ajax and Juventus are interested in signing Kenan Yildiz from Bayern Munich, reports <a href="https://www.fanatik.com.tr/kenan-yildizi-ajax-ve-juventus-transfer-etmek-istiyor-2255310" target="_self">Fanatik</a>.The 16-year-old midfielder's contract runs out at the end of the season, opening the door for the two European giants to sign him from the German powerhouse.Yildiz has played for Bayern up to the U-19 level.

Ajax and Juve after Bayern youngster

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Transfer news and rumours LIVE: Barcelona keen on Rashford | Goal.com South Africa

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