Manchester United and Roma at impasse over Joshua Zirkzee, Barcelona track Pau Torres, Crystal Palace target Sacha Boey and AC Milan open talks for Niclas Füllkrug
Manchester United and Roma remain some distance apart in negotiations for Joshua Zirkzee, with United valuing the 24-year-old Netherlands striker at around £35m and unwilling to consider a loan arrangement.
Barcelona are keen to extend Hansi Flick’s contract until 2028, despite the 60-year-old German only signing a deal with the La Liga champions through to 2027 in May.
The Catalan club are also assessing options to strengthen at left-sided centre-back, with Aston Villa’s 28-year-old Spain defender Pau Torres and Borussia Dortmund’s 26-year-old Germany international Nico Schlotterbeck both under consideration.
Chelsea have identified central midfield as a key area for reinforcement in the summer, with Manchester United’s 20-year-old England international Kobbie Mainoo and Crystal Palace’s 21-year-old Adam Wharton among the names being discussed.
Crystal Palace are exploring right wing-back options for the January transfer window following an injury to Daniel Muñoz that could sideline the 29-year-old Colombia international for a prolonged period.
One player on Palace’s shortlist is Bayern Munich’s Sacha Boey, with the 25-year-old French full-back expected to depart the Bundesliga club next month.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner believes England defender Marc Guéhi, 25, will see out his contract and remain at the club until the end of the season.
AC Milan are in discussions with West Ham over a move for Germany striker Niclas Füllkrug, 32, with the Serie A side proposing a loan deal that includes an option to buy.
Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær has revealed he pushed for the signings of Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice during his time at Old Trafford, but the club instead brought in Donny van de Beek, Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Leeds United are reluctant to commit around £25m to sign AC Milan and Mexico striker Santiago Giménez, 24, and are more likely to pursue a short-term loan for a new forward in January.
Germany striker Nick Woltemade says Bayern Munich were interested in him last summer before he joined Newcastle United from Stuttgart, with the 23-year-old adding that “in hindsight, I’m happy it worked out this way”.
Newcastle United midfielder Alfie Harrison, 20, who joined from Manchester City last year and is yet to make his senior debut, is attracting interest from two Championship clubs.
