Real Madrid eye Courtois, Iniesta praises Coutinho and much more: Transfer Round Up, December 24, 2017

Hello and welcome to Sportskeeda's latest transfer news and rumours roundup. Today's reports hint at a number of happenings that could impact some of Europe's biggest clubs. So, without further ado, here a few stories that may tickle your fancy:

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La Liga

Chelsea close to selling Courtois

Real Madrid have been courting Manchester United's David De Gea for a long time, but reports suggest that they have turned elsewhere in their search for a shot-stopper.

According to Guillem Balague, Los Blancos could swoop for Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois. “Courtois would like to go back (to Spain). I’ve got an impression that Chelsea will make a deal for next season," Balague said.

Steven N'Zonzi could return to the Premier League

Steven N'Zonzi reportedly had a falling out with now-former Sevilla manager Eduardo Berizzo and looked set to leave the Andalusian outfit.

According to the football insider, quite a few Premier League clubs are interested in signing the French International. There were even reports suggesting that he was in England for talks with Everton and Arsenal.

However, the departure of Berizzo means that N'Zonzi's future hangs in the balance.

Serie A

Is he ready to move to England?

Manchester City interested in Slovakian defender

Inter Milan have gotten off to a good start this season and find themselves third in the league standings. In fact, Luciano Spaletti's outfit have only lost once this season.

Milan Skriniar has been the anchor of Inter's defence and has caught the attention of many clubs outside Italy. According to Calciomercato, the Slovakian defender is close to a move to Premier League leaders Manchester City.

Inter Milan willing to take Henrikh Mkhitaryan on loan

Inter Milan are looking to add to their attacking options in the January window. According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, Inter Milan manager Luciano Spalletti is interested in signing Manchester United playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

The Milan-based club will struggle to afford him as they are tied down by FFP restrictions so they are only looking at a loan deal for the Armenian playmaker.

Bundesliga

A homecoming for the former German Footballer of the year

Homecoming for Mario Gomez

Mario Gomez has returned to where it all started for him. The German International made his Bundesliga debut for Stuttgart before he made a move to Bayern Munich in 2009. He went on to play for clubs like Florentina and Besiktas before joining Wolfsburg, who allowed him to join Stuttgart.

Manchester United interested in Pulisic

Christian Pulisic has been a shining light in an otherwise disappointing season for Borussia Dortmund. The 19-year-old is one of the brightest prospects in world football and has attracted the attention of many clubs around Europe.

According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United have been keeping tabs on the progress of the talented American winger who has scored 11 goals in 78 appearances for the German outfit.

Premier League

Will United snap up another wunderkind?

Manchester United close to signing Justin Kluivert

Ajax academy graduate Justin Kluivert has been on fire in the Eredivisie this season. Justin, the son of former Ajax legend Patrick Kluivert, has attracted interest from several top European clubs.

According to Yahoo Sports, Manchester United are plotting a move for the 18-year-old youngster as Ajax might be willing to listen to a good offer.

Iniesta full of praise for Coutinho

Barcelona have been chasing Coutinho for a long time now. They were strongly linked to the Liverpool and Brazilian playmaker in the summer when the two clubs failed to agree on a transfer fee.

Now, Andreas Iniesta has praised Coutinho and admitted that the former Inter Milan man would be a great signing for Barcelona.

“Coutinho is a great team player with lots and lots of talent, he would be fantastic for us," the Barcelona midfielder told a Spanish Daily,

Rest of the World

He's going to stay!

Thomas Lemar to stay in January

Lemar was linked to both Liverpool and Arsenal in the summer transfer window, and there were rumours that the French winger would make a move in January. However, Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev has now stated that Lemar is an important player for the Ligue 1 outfit, declaring that they have no plans to sell him.

"The sales of important players is not on the agenda. We have never spoken [to Lemar or his entourage] about the possibility of a January departure," Vasilyev told the sportsmole

Malcolm to leave in January?

Bordeaux teenage sensation Malcolm has been a revelation in Ligue 1 this season. The 18-year-old forward has scored 7 goals in 17 appearances for the club. According to the Manchester United Evening News, Jose Mourinho is interested in signing the Brazilian forward to bolster his plodding attack.