Transfer rumours: Dro Fernandez, Vasilije Kostov and Jeremy Jacquet
The January window has finally kicked into gear with Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool all on the lookout for impactful new signings. Arsenal are believed to be keen on Serbian wonderkid Vasilije Kostov, who is being compared to Barcelona star Pedri, while they continue to be linked with the likes of Arda Guler, Anthony Gordon, Kenan Yildiz, Breno Bidon, Igor Tyjon and Tino Livramento, among others.
Chelsea could now beat Arsenal to a deal for Jeremy Jacquet as they accelerate plans to sign a new defender for Liam Rosenior, with Jacobo Ramon also in their sights along with Barca starlet Dro Fernandez - AKA the ‘next Lamine Yamal’. Manchester United have reportedly been offered Ruben Loftus-Cheek amid "secret talks" with a mystery midfield target, while they also want Carlos Baleba and Murillo having rejected approaches for Harry Maguire.
Tottenham are said to have shock interest in Omar Marmoush as Manchester City aim to complete their move for Marc Guehi, with Crystal Palace battling to stop Jean-Philippe Mateta's exit as they bid for Sidiki Cherif. Liverpool are still eyeing Yan Diomande as West Ham try to keep hold of Lucas Paqueta. Follow the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip live below!
Chelsea leading race for 'next Yamal' Dro Fernandez
We've already heard that the new Pedri could be heading to Arsenal - how about a player tipped as the ‘next Lamine Yamal’ ending up at Chelsea?
It seems that highly-rated teenage Barcelona winger Dro Fernandez will be leaving the Camp Nou soon in a transfer twist that is said to have shocked the LaLiga giants and head coach Hansi Flick.
talkSPORT claim that Chelsea and Manchester City are leading the way in the race for his signature, with Borussia Dortmund mentioned as another potential suitor alongside clubs in France.
Other reports suggest that Barcelona's players expect Fernandez - who has a release clause valued at just £5.1m - to end up at Paris Saint-Germain, whom Fabrizio Romano says have already made their move.
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Arsenal want 'new Pedri' Vasilije Kostov
Arsenal are among the clubs watching Red Star Belgrade starlet Vasilije Kostov, according to reports.
Despite being just 17, the attacking midfielder has made a significant impression with his club and has already represented Serbia at senior international level.
The Sun claims that Arsenal are now keeping tabs on a player apparently nicknamed the 'Serbian Pedri', in a nod to the similarities to a certain Barcelona and Spain star.
However, Barca and Bayern Munich are also both said to be interested in Kostov, who could be available for close to the £17m mark.
Sounds like a bargain...
AFP via Getty Images
Bayern to battle Chelsea for Jacquet
Bayern Munich will go toe-to-toe with Chelsea for Jeremy Jacquet’s signature.
Max Eberl is known to be keen on the 20-year-old, but is less impressed by his price tag.
Sky Germany report it could take at least £43.3m to pry him away from Rennes.
Why Paratici left Spurs?
Fabio Paratici’s departure from Spurs may have been down, in part, to a difference of opinion regarding Thomas Frank.
The club wanted to be patient with Frank, which Paratici reportedly found frustrating.
The Italian is reported by the Times to be an admirer of Marseille’s Roberto De Zerbi.
Spurs maintain his departure was due to “personal circumstances.”
Mateta in Juventus talks
Jean-Philippe Mateta has held talks with Juventus over a potential loan with an obligation to buy.
So reports Fabrizio Romano, who adds Premier League sides also admire the player.
Crystal Palace hold the cards, though. The Frenchman will not move unless they approve the deal.
Heskey gets loan move
Jaden Heskey, son of England legend Emile, has been sent on loan from Man City to Sheffield Wednesday.
The 20-year-old midfielder has made one first-team appearance for City this season, playing 15 minutes in a 2-0 defeat of Huddersfield Town in September.
He will spend the remainder of the campaign on loan with the Championship strugglers, who are still on negative points and 32 points adrift of safety with 21 matches remaining.
Casemiro to trigger contract extension?
There is a clause in Casemiro’s Man Utd contract which could see his stay at Old Trafford extended by a year.
According to a report from The Athletic, he would need to start 35 matches this season for the extension to be triggered.
That would mean, with United not playing in Europe and already out of both domestic cups, he would need to start every match from now until the end of the season to activate the clause.
Leicester eye Lehmann
Leicester women are in talks to sign Alisha Lehmann from Como, according to BBC Sport.
The Switzerland international, formerly of West Ham, could move either permanently or on loan.
She is the most followed women’s footballer in the world, with 16 million Instagram followers.
Glasner prepared to sell Mateta
Oliver Glasner said Jean-Philippe Mateta could be sold for the right price this month, or in the summer.
The Frenchman is under contract until the end of next summer but is understood to be keen on joining a Champions League club. Juventus are thought to be interested in the striker.
Glasner said: “There will be a price. We will do a deal if JP wants and if nobody pays the price, JP will stay.”
Mateta has eight goals in 21 Premier League appearances this season.
More Palace departures inbound
Tottenham are preparing a ‘very significant’ bid for Adam Wharton, TeamTalk report.
Spurs reportedly explored a move for the metronomic midfielder in the summer, but are ready to step up their interest in the new year.
They have been caught dithering before, but know they must act fast if they are to secure the England international’s signature.
Palace, though, are reluctant to sanction more departures, with Oliver Glasner and Marc Guehi both set to depart in the coming months.
Jean-Philippe Mateta has also been linked with a move away from Selhurst Park.