Top transfer rumours of the day – January 22, 2015

The transfer window has almost reached the end of the third week and the rumour mill has not stopped surprising football fans. Some of these rumours have turned into reality while some others have been negated by officials or players. The most talked about rumour was regarding Messi’s transfer to Chelsea or Manchester City. The air was later cleared by the Argentine himself at the Ballon D’Or ceremony. Few major done deals of the year 2015 are – Wilfried Bony to Manchester City, Xherdan Shaqiri and Lukas Podolski to Inter Milan, Yaya Sanogo to Crystal Palace, Fernando Torres to Atletico Madrid, Martin Odegaard to Real Madrid. Let’s take a look at the rumours that are doing the rounds today and are audacious enough to link top players with reputed European clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Valencia, Juventus and Roma.

#1 Manchester United

Manchester United will wait until summer to launch a massive bid for Mats Hummels

Manchester United are planning an audacious bid of £112 million for PSG defender Marquinhos. The Brazilian was signed by PSG for €31.4 million in July 2013, which made him the fifth most expensive defender of all time. Sky Sports News reporter James Cooper said, "He is certainly somebody who is on United's radar."

Louis van Gaal willing to sign Wolfsburg midfielder Kevin De Bruyne. De Bruyne left Chelsea and joined Wolfsburg last January and has been performing exceptionally in the Bundesliga. The German star has scored three goals and assisted 10 in 17 appearances so far this season.

Manchester United are ready to wait until summer to sign Mats Hummels as a winter transfer for the Borussia Dortmund defender is highly unlikely. Van Gaal is expected to be given a huge transfer budget for the summer transfer window and Hummels is on top of his transfer list. Meanwhile, the Reds have denied making any move for the Valencia center back Nicolas Otamendi.

#2 Chelsea and Arsenal

Gabriel Paulista might switch to Emirates before transfer window closes

Wolfsburg are willing to sign Andre Schurrle for £27.5 million. The club had splashed big cash a year ago to sign Kevin De Bruyne from the Stamford Bridge and will repeat the move for Schurrle. The German’s exit would seal the highly anticipated move of Juan Cuadrado to Chelsea.

Chelsea are closing in to sign Manchester United target Paul Pogba for £40 million. The Blues are willing to offer a player plus cash deal to Juventus in order to sign Pogba. The midfielder left Old Trafford three years back and has been blooming at Juventus ever since.

Arsenal have initiated negotiations with Villareal over Gabriel Paulista. Arsene Wenger is reportedly ready to shell £10 million for the defender but Villareal are demanding that the player’s release clause of £15.25 million should be met. However, the Gunners will look forward to complete the transfer in January.

#3 Real Madrid and Valencia

David De Gea involved in a potential move to La Liga with Real Madrid

Manchester United star David De Gea reportedly agrees terms with Real Madrid over a potential switch to La Liga. The Red Devils are not willing to let go off the player but reports in Spain are suggesting that De Gea switch is inevitable. Real Madrid will have to pay around £50 million to seal the deal.

Valencia might beat Liverpool to the signature of Manchester City midfielder James Milner. The Englishman will be out of contract at the Etihad in the summer and Liverpool were looking forward to sign the player as Stevan Gerrard’s replacement but Valencia are more likely to make a deal to sign the player in January.

#4 Juventus and Roma

Simone Zaza to return to Juventus?

Juventus are reportedly interested in bringing back their former striker Simone Zaza. Sebastian Giovinco will be leaving Juventus in July as he signed for Toronto FC and Zaza will be brought back to the club as Giovinco’s replacement. The 23-year-old Zaza has scored seven goals in 14 Serie A appearances so far this season.

Roma striker Mattia Destro is reportedly wanted by Arsenal. Reports are suggesting that Arsene Wenger is set to open talks with Roma over a potential transfer. The 23-year-old is expected to fill the void left by Lukas Podolski and Yaya Sanogo. Chelsea and Liverpool are also said to be in pursuit of the striker in this transfer window.

#5 Others

Lazio are reportedly interested in signing Mario Balotelli on a loan deal

Newcastle United are all set to enter race with Arsenal for the signature of Ipswich defender Tyrone Mings. Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy is determind to not lose Mings despite interest from both the Premier League clubs. However, Newcastle are pressing hard to sign the player in this trasfer season as summer would invite more competition.

Swansea City are keeping an eye on Blackburn Rovers striker Jordan Rhodes. Swansea manager Garry Monk will reportedly launch a bid for the striker in summer. Blackburn on the other hand, will expect to make a healthy profit off the player who scored 62 goals in 122 appearances. He signed for Blackburn from Huddersfield Town in 2012 for a fee of £8 million.

Serie A club Lazio are willing to sign Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli on a loan deal. The Italian has failed to make a mark at the Anfield since his arrival from AC Milan for a fee of £16 million. Meanwhile, Brendan Rodgers is reportedly eager to part ways with Balotelli in order to focus on developing 3-4-3 formation.