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Hello and welcome to Sportskeeda's Daily Transfer Roundup. The winter transfer window is open and Chelsea have already announced their first signing of the window.
Several top clubs across Europe like Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United are eyeing up moves in a bid to reinforce their ranks and the rumour mill is buzzing.
If the deals that went over the line in the last winter transfer window are anything to go by, clubs are no longer shying away from making big changes halfway through the season.
Without further ado, let's take a look at the top transfer news, rumours and updates that made headlines on 2 January 2018.
Trending
Manchester United to launch £34 million bid for Kostas Manolas
Manchester United are thriving under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. However, their defence still seems to be incapable of holding on to a cleansheet and as such, they are expected to go into the transfer window seeking reinforcements to bolster their defence.
Now according to Tutto Mercato Web, Manchester United are preparing to launch a £34 million bid for AS Roma ace Kostas Manolas. The Greek international has a £34 million release clause in his agreement and Manchester United are keen on triggering it in January.
Several top defenders have been linked with Manchester United. Kalidou Koulibaly is another Serie A ace who has been linked with the Old Trafford outfit. They were desperate to sign a centre-back last summer as well. However, Mourinho wanted experienced centre-backs to marshall the defence and this led to a disagreement between the board and the manager.
With the top brass having decided that they want to bring young players to the club, a deal for the 27-year-old Manolas could get okayed. But with a host of clubs being linked with him, Manchester United might want to act quickly.
Valencia want Chicharito
Valencia's poor form in front of goal has seen them score just 15 goals in 17 games so far this season. As a result, they are hoping to sign a striker in the winter and have identified West Ham's Javier Hernandez as the ideal man for the role, according to Marca.
Chicharito has impressed intermittently for the Hammers this season and has scored 4 goals from 14 Premier League appearances. However, West Ham will be reluctant to sell the Mexican international as they eye a finish in the top half of the Premier League table.
Valencia want Hernandez on a 6-month loan deal and are looking at him as a temporary solution to their goalscoring woes.
Chelsea accept Wolves' £18 million bid for Tammy Abraham
According to Metro, Chelsea have accepted an £18 million bid from Wolverhampton Wanderers. Chelsea's tradition of not sticking it out with their own academy products is set to continue.
Tammy Abraham spent the 2017-18 season away on loan at Swansea City and is currently enjoying a great run of form in another loan spell at Aston Villa. The striker has scored 16 goals from 20 appearances this term.
Wolves' attack is currently lead by Raul Jimenez who is on loan from Benfica. As there is considerable uncertainty over his future, Wolves want to sort the situation out and have identified Tammy Abraham as the ideal solution.
Chelsea announce Christian Pulisic signing
Christian Pulisic has now joined Chelsea on a £57.6 million deal. Pulisic has, however, been loaned back to Borussia Dortmund till the end of the season. He will move on to Chelsea in the summer, at the end of the season.
On joining Chelsea, Pulisic said,
"In summer of 2019, I move on to Chelsea and to a new competition, the English Premier League,
"It's a privilege to have signed for such a legendary club and I look forward to working hard towards being a contributor to their team of world class players.
"[I'm] looking forward to working with Maurizio Sarri and his technical team. But for six months, it's all BVB!
"Please do not doubt my passion, determination and my 110 per cent commitment to the team right until the last ball is kicked this season."
Lionel Messi wants reunion with Neymar Jr.
Lionel Messi would love to get Neymar Jr. back at Barcelona. According to Marca (via the Daily Express) Messi got vocal when asked about a potential reunion and quipped that he would love to have the Brazilian back at the Camp Nou though things are a bit too complicated.
Neymar has been linked with both LaLiga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona. It is in this context that Messi talked about a potential reunion. Here's what he said,
"Neymar back to Barcelona? I see it is complicated,
“We would love him to come back for what he means, both as a player and for the locker room.
"We are friends, we lived through nice moments and others not so nice, but we spend a lot of time together.
“However, I find it very difficult for him to leave Paris. PSG is not going to let Neymar go.”
