Antoine Semenyo during Bournemouth vs Burnley
Antoine Semenyo is in high demand heading into January
It's Christmas Eve, and that can only mean one thing. That's right, just eight days until clubs can start opening presents of their own when the transfer window opens.
will be hoping star man Antoine Semenyo doesn't end up gift-wrapped for one of their rivals. The clock will soon be ticking on the Ghana international's £65million release clause, and .
entered and withdrew from the race in double-quick time, but that doesn't mean they'll necessarily have a quiet window. The Blues have been linked with players in a number of positions, while out-of-favour defender Axel Disasi is expected to leave Stamford Bridge.
Manchester United's hunt for a new midfielder might end up waiting until the summer, but Alex Scott is the latest name to join their most wanted list. United boss also appears reluctant to let leave, at least until after the club's AFCON stars return towards the end of January, but there is interest in the academy graduate.
Premier League leaders had a busy summer but manager Mikel Arteta hasn't ruled out further spending. Reigning champions , meanwhile, may well be more in need of reinforcements after .
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Barcelona loanee Marcus Rashford is keen to stay at the club beyond this season.
The England international joined on a year-long loan from Manchester United, but the move could become permanent for a reported £26million
“Of course, what I want is to stay at Barca," Rashford told Sport (via ).
"It’s the ultimate goal, but it’s not the reason I’m training hard and giving my all.
"The purpose is to win. Barca is a huge, fantastic club, built to win titles.”
Marcus Rashford playing for Barcelona against Villarreal (
Image:
David Aliaga/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
West Ham and Sporting's Guilherme decision
Portuguese giants Sporting CP want West Ham winger Luis Guilherme, according to Record (via ).
There have reportedly been significant recent developments when it comes to the young Brazilian, who hasn't featured for the Hammers since their November defeat to Liverpool.
However, Sporting are said to want a permanent move while West Ham prefer a loan, so this one might end up falling down on the details.
Luis Guilherme has been used sparingly by West Ham (
Image:
Getty Images)
which will allow them to sign Marc Guehi in the summer, according to Sky Sports.
However, it remains to be seen whether a January bid for the Crystal Palace captain would complicate things.
Barcelona in particular could be tempted to pounce after Ronald Araujo was granted a leave of absence and Andreas Christensen suffered a knee ligament injury.
Marc Guehi is out of contract in the summer (
Image:
Getty Images)
Could Bournemouth really lose Semenyo *and* Scott?
In addition to the Semenyo saga, it emerged yesterday that Alex Scott is on Manchester United's shortlist as they chase a new central midfielder.
Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton are among the others to be linked, but would Bournemouth really sanction exits for two of their star men in the mid-season window?
Perhaps a summer move is more likely, with United midfielder Casemiro out of contract at the end of the season.
Alex Scott during Man Utd vs Bournemouth (
Image:
Getty Images)
Semenyo's preference
Yesterday was a busy day as far as Antoine Semenyo was concerned.
The Bournemouth star was a target for Chelsea, then he wasn't, and as we all went to bed we'd learned his preference is to join Manchester City.
A reminder that Semenyo's £65m release clause becomes active at the start of January but expires in the second week of the month, so City will need to act quickly.
Antoine Semenyo during Bournemouth vs Burnley (
Image:
Getty Images)
Good morning!
Hello and welcome to Mirror Football's transfer blog.
We'll have all the latest for you throughout the day, with just over a week until the window opens.
The perfect accompaniment to some last-minute present-wrapping, we're sure you can agree.