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Transfer news live: Man Utd star wanted by Real Madrid, Tottenham consider shock Sterling move and Liverpool plot Upamecano swoop

All the latest news, gossip and rumours from the January transfer window

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The final days of the January transfer window put Premier League clubs up against it in the scramble for late additions to make a decisive impact at the business end of the season.

Raheem Sterling, now a free agent after his sad fall at Chelsea led to his contract being terminated, has been linked with Tottenham and seven other clubs.

The Blues have been linked to Jeremy Jacquet, with Liverpool and Bayern Munich reportedly keen to rival Liam Rosenior’s side in the summer should a January deal not materialise.

Premier League leaders Arsenal are plotting a bid for Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez, after Ethan Nwaneri completed his loan move to Marseille. Alvarez would cost up to £87m and Gary Lineker believes he is not happy with his situation at Atletico and could be in favour of the move.

Follow all the latest transfer news, gossip, rumours and done deals in The Independent’s live blog below

Transfer news - live updates

Raheem Sterling leaves Chelsea by mutual consent

Liverpool interested in Upamecano amid stalling Bayern talks

Julian Alvarez 'unhappy' at Atletico as Arsenal learn price

Man Utd draw up four-man shortlist to replace Casemiro

Liverpool join Chelsea in battle to sign French star Jacquet

Paqueta gets his West Ham exit

Dalot considered by Madrid and Bayern after United form

6 minutes ago

Dalot considered by Madrid and Bayern after United form

Man United star Diogo Dalot has been linked with a move to Real Madrid.

It’s not the most concrete of reports, with Fichajes detailing the loss to Benfica has pushed Los Blancos to make a move for the Portuguese full-back.

They add that Bayern Munich are also keen, and could spark a bidding war, with United holding a lot of negotiating power, with two years remaining on his deal and the potential for a one-year option.

Jack Rathborn30 January 2026 08:23

1 hour ago

Andrews gives assessment of Nelson's faltering Brentford loan

Keith Andrews has acknowledged Reiss Nelson's loan at Brentford has not yet gone to plan, but backed the Arsenal forward to make an impact.

Ahead of Sunday's trip to Aston Villa, Andrews told a press conference: "Reiss has had to overcome a couple of niggles that has just stifled the rhythm of his game and getting up to speed.

"I think anyone that watches us play really sees the levels of intensity that we play with, in terms of how we press and how get after teams, how we spring forward from wherever we are on the pitch, utilise the speed we have and attack with vengeance.

"It hasn't been ideal for Reiss that the fact it's been disrupted and he will feel he has not had enough opportunities. I have to accept that to a point, but equally I feel like some of the attacking players have played particularly well.

"Reiss as a young man, I'm really keen on him, I really like his qualities and really like his qualities as a person.

"I think he has fitted into the football club really well and we just need to get him to that level where he can really impact it consistently."

Will Castle30 January 2026 07:30

1 hour ago

Liverpool interested in Upamecano amid stalling Bayern contract talks

Liverpool are interested in Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano as the Frenchman continues to stall over a new deal at the German giants, per Sky Germany.

"Everyone is waiting for his commitment, his signature. His contract is ready. But Bayern Munich will not improve their offer," Florian Plettenberg said.

"Upamecano can sign it, [taking him until] 2030 or 2031. There's a release clause included from the summer of 2027. He can earn 20m Euros gross per year and receive a big signing feed, together with his agent.

"But Bayern is waiting for weeks, they want a decision soon. My opinion is he's waiting for Liverpool, for Real Madrid.

"Liverpool is interested in Upamecano, we can confirm that."

Dayot Upamecano of FC Bayern Munich celebrates against Koln

Dayot Upamecano of FC Bayern Munich celebrates against Koln (Getty)

Will Castle30 January 2026 07:00

1 hour ago

Why Raheem Sterling’s sad decline is symptomatic of a chaotic Chelsea era

A good day to bury bad news became a very good day to bury bad news. Chelsea FC announced Raheem Sterling’s departure two-and-a-half hours before kick-off on Wednesday. Later that night, they had beaten a man consigned to their past rather earlier, and after a rather more successful time at Stamford Bridge, in Antonio Conte.

Overcoming Napoli in Italy was the best result of Liam Rosenior’s brief tenure, and one of the finest since Sterling last kicked a ball for the Blues. It left Chelsea sixth in the Champions League standings: impressive, even for a club who have spent some £1.6bn in under four years.

Why Raheem Sterling’s sad decline is symptomatic of Chelsea’s chaos

Sterling’s four seasons at Chelsea featured six managers and a transfer outlay of £1.6bn – there may still be hope for the former England star’s career

Richard Jolly30 January 2026 06:30

2 hours ago

Tottenham rival Inter for Diaby

Tottenham are set to rival Inter Milan for former Aston Villa winger Moussa Diaby, The Independent understands.

Diaby left Villa Park for Saudi side Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2024, with the Villans bringing in a transfer fee of £50m for the Frenchman.

However, the winger is now open to returning to a Champions League club and is assessing his options.

Tottenham are exploring the possibility of signing Diaby in this window.

( Getty Images )

Miguel Delaney30 January 2026 06:00

3 hours ago

Farke gives nothing away over potential transfer target

Daniel Farke said Leeds bosses know "exactly what I think we need to do" in the transfer market before the current window closes on 2 February.

"The club knows exactly what I think we need to do, they are aware of this, but I'm not willing to give too much away before the window is ended,” Farke said.

"If I was to tell you we need another number eight - I use this as an example because we don't need an eight - a potential club in negotiations knows this and the price goes up.

"It makes no sense to mention the position we're desperate to do something in, there will be no public statements from me, the club knows my thoughts. I can give you an assessment after the window is closed. We're in a very relaxed and good situation."

The club have so far added only Argentina midfielder Facundo Buonanotte on loan from Brighton and appear to have missed out on signing Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen after a £50m fee was agreed with Crystal Palace.

Will Castle30 January 2026 05:00

4 hours ago

Aston Villa suffer major injury setback in blow to Premier League title hopes

Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans is facing an extended period on the sidelines after manager Unai Emery confirmed he is set to miss up to 10 weeks with an ankle injury.

The 28-year-old sustained the injury during Villa’s 2-0 victory over Newcastle at St James’ Park on Sunday that moved his side to within four points of Premier League leaders Arsenal, and was replaced by Lamare Bogarde in the 74th minute following a clash with Lewis Miley.

Tielemans’ absence exacerbates an already challenging injury crisis in Villa’s midfield. He joins Boubacar Kamara, who is expected to miss the remainder of the season, and John McGinn, who recently underwent successful surgery and is anticipated to be out for six to eight weeks.

Aston Villa suffer major injury setback in blow to Premier League title hopes

Youri Tielemans is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines

Chris Wilson30 January 2026 04:00

5 hours ago

Fulham agree Oscar Bobb deal as Manchester City include two key clauses

Fulham have agreed to sign Oscar Bobb from Manchester City for an initial £27m.

As part of the deal, City will also get a 20 percent sell-on clause and matching rights in case they want to bring the Norway international back to the Etihad Stadium.

Bobb is set to join Fulham as a replacement for fellow winger Adama Traore, who has signed for West Ham, and means they have more cover in case Harry Wilson, who is out of contract at the end of the season, leaves Craven Cottage.

Fulham agree Oscar Bobb deal as Manchester City include two key clauses

Bobb is set to complete a move to London for an initial £27m

Richard Jolly30 January 2026 03:00

6 hours ago

Patrick Dorgu out for months as Man United dealt worst case scenario for his injury

Patrick Dorgu is set for up to 10 weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring problem after Manchester United were dealt the worst case scenario for the player’s injury.

Dorgu went down with a thigh problem late into Sunday’s win over Premier League leaders Arsenal, a game in which the Dane starred and scored a spectacular half-volley to give his side the lead after the restart.

He was replaced by Benjamin Sesko in the 81st minute but interim United boss Michael Carrick was hopeful that the issue was just cramp, telling reporters in a post-match press conference: “He ended up coming off with a little bit of cramp, hopefully it’s nothing worse. At this stage it’s hard to tell so we’ll just have to wait and see, but we’re hoping it’s not too bad.”

Dorgu out for months as Man United dealt worst case scenario for his injury

Dorgu came off injured with a hamstring problem against Arsenal, having scored a stunning half-volley earlier in the game

Will Castle30 January 2026 02:00

7 hours ago

Kai Havertz urged to take Arsenal ‘to another level’ after goal against Kairat

Mikel Arteta has backed Kai Havertz to take Arsenal to “another level” after he scored and laid on two goals in the 3-2 Champions League win against Kairat at the Emirates Stadium.

Havertz, who was making his first start in 357 days following hamstring and knee surgeries, assisted Viktor Gyokeres’ second-minute opener.

Jorginho drew Kairat level from the penalty spot moments later before Havertz notched his first goal in almost a year to restore Arsenal’s advantage.

Kai Havertz urged to take Arsenal ‘to another level’ after goal against Kairat

The German notched his first goal in almost a year.

Chris Wilson30 January 2026 01:00

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