Welcome to our daily transfer news roundup from across Europe. The big news, once again, is regarding the future of Lionel Messi.
Here are all the transfer news and rumours from 24th January 2017:
Serie A
Manolo Gabbiadini’s Napoli future in doubt
Premier League outfit Southampton continue to be in talks with Napoli for the transfer of forward Manolo Gabbiadini in the ongoing transfer window, if reports in Sky Sports are to be believed.
The Saints are willing to pay up to £13m for the services of the forward, however, the Naples outfit are holding out for a fee in the region of £17m. German outfits Schalke 04 and Borussia Moenchengladbach are also reportedly monitoring the situation of the Italian.
Ivan Perisic to replace Dimitri Payet?
According to Calciomercato.com, West Ham United want to sign Inter Milan midfielder Ivan Perisic as they prepare for life without Dimitri Payet, who is expected to leave the club in the ongoing transfer window for France – having refused to play for the Hammers.
Bundesliga
Borussia Dortmund striker joins Granada on loan
Out-of-favour Borussia Dortmund striker Adrian Ramos has joined La Liga outfit Granada on loan until the end of the season after which he is expected to move to the Chinese Super League.
Bayer Leverkusen interested in Leon Bailey
Bayer Leverkusen manager Roger Schmidt has admitted that the club are interested in Leon Bailey – who plays as a winger for Belgian side KRC Genk.
Speaking in an interview with Rheinische Post, Schmidt said: "He's got a lot of pace, he's technically skilled, and someone we are looking at in the long run. Everything else would be derelict."
Premier League
Arsenal legend unsure about Alexis Sanchez’s future
Arsenal legend Robert Pires, who is currently with the North London outfit in the capacity of a coach, has admitted that he is not sure whether superstar Alexis Sanchez will stay at the club or not – despite having spoken to the Chilean regarding his future. Sanchez has only 18-months left on his contract with the Gunners and is yet to agree on a new contract.
Speaking in an interview with La Tercera, Pires said: "I asked Alexis last week about his renewal. He told me that he didn’t know, that he only wants to play. He doesn’t know what is going to happen, he just wants to play and enjoy it.
"All we want is for Alexis to stay at Arsenal. I hope he re-signs because he is a wonderful player, the engine of the car. I hope he stays forever."
Premier League side joins Jese Rodriguez chase
According to Las Palmas president Miguel Angel Ramirez, the club’s move for out-of-favour PSG forward Jese Rodriguez could be scuppered by an English side. The former Real Madrid man has failed to establish himself at Parc des Princes following his big money move last summer and has been granted permission by the Ligue 1 giants to broker a move away from France.
Speaking in an interview with Marca, Ramirez said: "Today [Monday] I have been speaking with his representative and there is an English club that wants to pay all of it."
Liverpool want William Carvalho
According to Liverpool Echo, Liverpool have sent club officials to Portugal to broker a move for Sporting Portugal midfielder William Carvalho. The 24-year-old has previously been linked with a move to Premier League rivals Manchester United and Arsenal.
La Liga
Lionel Messi’s contract talks progressing well
Barcelona’s technical secretary Robert Fernandez has claimed that contract talks between the club and superstar Lionel Messi are progressing very well. There has been a lot of talk about the Argentine’s future in the recent weeks but according to Fernandez there is nothing to worry about. Messi’s current contract with the Camp Nou outfit expires in the summer of 2018.
Speaking in an interview with RAC1, Fernandez said: "Leo's renovation is going very well, very well. I'm very relaxed, as I was before with Mascherano, Busquets, Suarez or Neymar. And I am now with Messi, as I am with Iniesta or Ter Stegen. We're working and I'm convinced that they'll continue with Barca.
"It doesn't matter much who will be the first to renew. There will be people who want to poison the situation, but we've been working on this issue for a long time."
Ivan Rakitic wants to retire at Barcelona
Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has some great news for fans of the Catalan giants. The Croatian international’s future with the Camp Nou outfit has been subject to much speculation in recent weeks with European giants including Juventus and Manchester City reportedly interested in his services.
However, the 28-year-old has expressed his desire to remain at Camp Nou for the remainder of his playing career and has reiterated that his agent and the club are discussing terms of a new contract.
Speaking in an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Rakitic said: “My dream is to stay here forever. The [club] president and my representative Arturo Canales are in talks to reach the best thing for both [parties]. I have not been able to reject any offer because we are talking. I trust that I will stay – I trust in the president and in my representative Arturo Canales, who are in talks.”
Rest of the World
Marseille’s third bid for Dimitri Payet rejected
According to Sky Sports, West Ham United have rejected a third bid from Marseille, believed to be of £22.5m, for the services of superstar Dimitri Payet. The Hammers are holding out for their £30m valuation of the Frenchman and are unlikely to budge.
The report further adds that if the Stade Velodrome outfit fails to agree on a deal for the Frenchman they will take him on loan until the end of the season with an option to buy in the summer.
Chinese Super League outfit wants Dani Alves
According to reports, Chinese Super League outfit Shanghai SIPG are interested in signing Juventus full-back Dani Alves and are willing to make him one of their highest paid players.
The Brazilian moved to the Old Lady on a free transfer in the summer transfer window and has the opportunity to play with fellow Brazilians Hulk and Oscar at the Chinese outfit.
