Premier League transfer news: Coutinho to Manchester United, Malcom to Spurs - December 30, 2017

Just. Two. More. Days. And then the transfer window finally opens and we have something concrete to show for. Not that we don't already as Liverpool sneaked Virgil van Dijk from Southampton for a world record fee.

I don't expect any signing reaching that range, but the January window promises a lot, especially because Manchester City are running away with the league and the other teams would like to catch up a little.

So without further ado, here are the best transfer rumours of the day...

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#5 West Ham and Southampton

Nico Gaitan in all his glory

West Ham are one of the active clubs in the rumours zone. Regardless of whether they actually sign someone or not, their fans could at least claim that they are the very significant in this regard [of being in the news].

According to the Mirror, Jonjo Shelvey has emerged as a target for the Hammers as Newcastle are also willing to sell him for a reported £12 million in a bid to recoup the money they had to while buying the former Liverpool player.

And then there is a report from AS that claim that the Hammers are also looking to sweep Nicolas Gaitan from Atletico Madrid.

Meanwhile, Stoke City manager, Mark Hughes wants to add more strength to his attacking line and has, according to the Daily Mail, targeted former Chelsea forward, Daniel Sturridge. Southampton were also another club who were previously reported to be keen on the Liverpool forward.

#4 Aston Villa and Liverpool

Lemar could finally be in the PL

It seems as though Liverpool have awoken from the slumber after spending £75 million on Virgil van Dijk. The Dutch will definitely add much-needed steel to the backline, something that the Anfield outfit needed desperately.

However, they are not going to stop just there as, according to L’Equipe, the Merseyside outfit have joined Arsenal in the race for Thomas Lemar and Monaco are willing to let him go for somewhere around £80 to £90 million.

Speaking of Liverpool, one of their players is on the radar of Aston Villa. According to Liverpool Echo, starlet Marko Grujic is on the radar of Aston Villa as they look to bring him to Villa Park on loan. The midfielder is one of the most highly rated players in the world but needs playing time to get to his potential—something which Aston Villa can provide.

#3 Crystal Palace’s march

His name is very difficult to pronounce

I see a pattern here. We began this space with a lot of Manchester United and West Ham United rumours, which still prevail above the other clubs, but Crystal Palace seem to have announced themselves big time.

According to Croydon Advertiser, Palace have set their sights on Ipswich Town goalkeeper, Bartosz Bialkowski, and the Tractor Boys are open to let him go in the winter.

On the other side of things, Basel winger Mohamed Elyounoussi is one of the major targets for Newcastle and Southampton, but it is being reported by Football Insider that Roy Hodgson’s side are now in the lead to sign the talented winger, who has 11 assists for Basel so far this season.

Seems like a great replacement for Wilfried Zaha, no? Hmmm…

#2 Everybody wants Malcom!

A future star

After being linked with Manchester United, it seems as though everyone and their mothers want Malcolm at their clubs. The Brazilian starlet has brought the Ligue 1 to storm with his dazzling performances this season.

As a result, it ignited interest and Red Devils were among the first ones to covet him. However now, according to Esporte, Tottenham Hotspur have made a £31 million offer to acquire the services of the youngster. However, Bordeaux aren’t intending to sell him January and have rejected the bid.

Meanwhile, Goal claim that Arsenal have also joined the race alongside their North London rivals and Manchester United as they are likely to place a bid sometime next month. The intention of Wenger is to replace Alexis Sanchez with the Brazilian.

#1 Manchester United's shock move for Coutinho

United bound?

And now for the other rumours. Chelsea are apparently leading the race to sign Ross Barkley in the winter, so say the Telegraph. While Spurs are one of the clubs highly interested in the England international, their intention to sign him in the summer may play into Chelsea’s hands.

Meanwhile. Theo Walcott wants to leave Arsenal in January, with a loan-out as a preferred move, according to Football London. He believes that he deserves to play for a top club and a good loan spell will attract the top echelons towards him.

A day without a random rumour from Don Balon is no day at all. According to them, Andre Gomes is close to joining Manchester United after the Red Devils have agreed a £31 million deal for the Portuguese.

They also claim that Manchester United have entered the race to sign Coutinho from Liverpool. Don’t know how to react to that because that’s absurd for even Don Balon’s standards (or lack thereof).