Real Madrid ease pursuit of Liverpool’s Konate, United target Yarmolyuk, Newcastle eye Sancet
Real Madrid’s hierarchy are rethinking a potential move for Liverpool and France defender Ibrahima Konate, 26, whose contract at Anfield expires next summer.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have identified Crystal Palace’s French centre-back Maxence Lacroix, 25, as an alternative to their primary defensive target, England international Marc Guehi, also 25.
Manchester United have added Yehor Yarmolyuk, the 21-year-old Ukrainian defensive midfielder from Brentford, to their list of transfer priorities.
Out-of-favour United striker Joshua Zirkzee, 24, continues to attract interest from Juventus and AC Milan, while Serie A side Como are exploring a loan move in January.
United have also finalised a deal to sign Cristian Orozco, a highly rated 17-year-old Colombian midfielder from Fortaleza.
Tottenham and Manchester United lead Fulham in the race to sign Hayden Hackney, Middlesbrough’s 23-year-old English midfielder.
Newcastle United are plotting a move for Oihan Sancet, the 25-year-old Spanish attacking midfielder from Athletic Club.
Real Madrid are also weighing up Warren Zaïre-Emery, 19, of Paris Saint-Germain and France, as an alternative midfield target to Rodri, the 29-year-old Spain international currently at Manchester City.
Arsenal, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona are among several top clubs monitoring Gilberto Mora, a 16-year-old Mexican attacking midfielder from Club Tijuana.
Liverpool’s Italian defender Giovanni Leoni, 18, is not expected to return to action until the end of 2026 following knee ligament surgery.
Erling Haaland is growing increasingly frustrated with Manchester City’s situation, despite the 25-year-old Norway striker signing a lucrative new deal running until 2034.
Former Liverpool interim sporting director Jorg Schmadtke is set to take on the same position at Borussia Monchengladbach.
City midfielder Phil Foden, 25, is pushing for an England recall, while on-loan winger Jack Grealish, 30, currently at Everton, looks likely to miss out.
