The transfer window is in full swing, with Newcastle continuing to dominate the press after last night agreeing to sign Burnley striker Chris Wood.
Elsewhere, there’s plenty to do – both inside and out – on opposite sides of the Premier League table.
Arsenal are looking for a new striker, while United are asking about Dean Henderson, Eric Bailly, Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard.
THAN: People unite , Arsenal , Newcastle turn circle
Follow Sporting News throughout the day for the latest transfer news, with the biggest January 12 stories below.
Zakaria received an offer from United
Manchester United have made an initial offer for Denis Zakaria, according to Bild.
Ralf Rangnick has identified Zakaria as a target, although no talks have taken place with Borussia Monchengladbach yet. The midfielder is out of contract this summer,
Defoe wants to go out
Jermain Defoe is leaving Rangers in the current window, according to The Athletic.
The successful central forward is a player-coach with the Scottish giants – and he is not looking to give up playing football just yet, despite the 39-year-old appearing in the Premiership for just nine minutes this season.
Coman signs new contract with Bayern
One person who’s not going anywhere is Kingsley Coman.
The winger – who scored the winning goal in the 2019/20 Champions League final against his hometown team PSG – has been with Bayern Munich for the next five years.
Digne joins the medical Villa
According to many sources, Everton full-back Lucas Digne is on his way to Birmingham to receive treatment for Aston Villa.
Digne is said to be leaving Merseyside since parting ways with new coach Rafa Benitez.
Now, the France international has agreed to join Villa, with the two clubs believed to have agreed on a transfer fee of $34 million.
A Ligue 1 and La Liga champion, Digne has made more than 30 appearances in each of his three full seasons with Everton, and now has the chance to become a key player in the revolution. Steven Gerrard’s Villa.
Completed deal: Balogun leaves Arsenal on loan
Middlesbrough have completed the signing of Folarin Balogun on loan.
The striker started this season in Arsenal’s starting line-up in the opening day loss to Brentford, but has since struggled to find opportunities, with an 11-minute appearance against Chelsea as the game. his only Premier League game.
Balogun is now set to play a key role for Boro in his promotion to the championship, under new coach Chris Wilder.
Arteta replies to Vlahovic links
Mikel Arteta refused to be drawn into Dusan Vlahovic’s rampant speculation during his Wednesday morning press conference, telling reporters: “I’m really sorry to let you guys down, but I do. will not discuss any rumors.”
However, the Arsenal manager went on to say of the club’s pull in the market: “Historically, this club has always aimed for the best players in the world, and the best players in the world have always been interested in the best players in the world. this.
“I can say that the situation remains unchanged. So whenever I speak to any player, they are very willing to come. I have not faced any other situation. That is one of our greatest strengths.
“Our ability to attract the attention of people coming and joining our club is a big plus for us.”
Gunners fans will be hoping Fiorentina striker Vlahovic is one of those players, having scored 16 goals in 19 games this season.
Mourinho attacks Arsenal again?
Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka is still wanted by Jose Mourinho, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Mourinho tried to bring Xhaka to Roma last summer, when the Swiss star’s relationship with Arsenal (and specifically the fans) seemed to have come to an end.
The 29-year-old has since recovered and enjoyed some good form alongside Thomas Partey, while Roma addressed the need in midfield by bringing in another midfielder from Arsenal, Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
However, Mourinho will have more talks with his old friends in North London next summer.
Dortmund set up talks in Haaland
Borussia Dortmund and Erling Haaland are set to negotiate next week, according to German newspaper Bild.
The star striker has been the subject of constant transfer rumors over the past two seasons, with both Barcelona and Real Madrid looking interested in his signature.
Father Alf-Inge and his agent Mino Raiola are currently planning to meet Dortmund leaders who want to resolve the crisis situation that is quickly turning into a crisis for the Bundesliga giants, as the 21-year-old has summer release clause of just $85 million.
Mourinho called Ndombele
Jose Mourinho doesn’t appear to be Tanguy Ndombele’s biggest fan when the pair are together in North London, but that shouldn’t be an obstacle in Roma’s transfer strategy.
Ndombele personally received a phone call from Mourinho, according to France’s Telefoot, in an attempt to convince the midfielder to accompany him to the Italian capital.
Roma are eyeing the 25-year-old on an initial loan deal, with one option being a permanent transfer in the summer.
Rashford uncertain ahead of contract talks
Manchester United and Marcus Rashford are preparing for contract talks before the summer, according to Daily mail.
Rashford is currently earning $270,000 a week and has 18 months left to run on his contract.
The England international is said to be worried about his form and future prospects at Old Trafford, so discussions will not go smoothly.
AC Milan approached Bailly
Eric Bailly is the subject of an approach from AC Milan, according to Sky Italia.
The Serie A giants are keen to sign a new centre-back by the January window, with both Manchester United’s Bailly and PSG’s Abdou Diallo both within sight.
Bailly has played just four Premier League games this season, for a total of 217 minutes.
Conte wants three signings
Spurs have set their sights on making a trio of moves in the January window, according to Time.
In a candid meeting with chairman Daniel Levy, new coach Antonio Conte asked for a full-back, a centre-back and a striker.
Arsenal defender Mari prepares to leave
Udinese is finalizing a deal for Pablo Mari, according to Sky Italia.
The Serie A club lost another Brazilian defender to Watford this month, in Samir. Mari has been identified as a temporary replacement, with a loan deal until the end of the season.
Mari has not been seen in the Premier League since day two of the campaign, when he simply couldn’t deal with Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku.
Spurs wait for Lingard
Jesse Lingard is a target for Spurs, but not in the current window, according to Evening Standard.
The Manchester United winger has been a longstanding target of the North London club, rather than manager in particular Antonio Conte, with an approach taken last summer.
Instead of returning to the England international this month, Spurs will wait until he becomes a free agent in June.
Lingard shone during his loan spell with West Ham last season, contributing 14 goals (5 assists and nine of his own) in just 16 games, as Irons secured a Europa League spot League.
