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December is upon us and there's a lot of football happening all around. January is less than a month away and this time, we expect a lot of high-profile deals to go over the line in the winter transfer window.
We certainly do not expect the Premier League clubs to shy away from splashing the cash in January. As such, we have some very exciting updates on the transfer front and we have gathered the best ones of the day for you.
Without further ado, let's take a look at the top Premier League transfer rumours and updates that made headlines on 4th January, 2018.
Inter not ready to offer any discounts for Manchester United target Milan Skriniar
Manchester United, in their desperate attempt to sign a reliable centre-back, has knocked on more doors than one can shake a stick at. Now as per, FcInterNews.it via Inside Futbol, Inter Milan are not willing to cut their asking price for Milan Skriniar.
Inter Milan want an amount between €100 million to €120 million for the Manchester United and Barcelona target. Skriniar is growing in reputation as one of the finest young centre-backs in the game right now.
Manchester United are understood to have made a move for him in the summer but the Nerrazurri rebuffed their move. Skriniar was not keen on moving either after having spent only one season at the San Siro at the time.
However, the factor that keeps Manchester United optimistic in their hunt is that Milan Skriniar and Inter Milan are yet to agree on a new deal with Inter deeming the Slovakian internationals' wage demands a bit exorbitant.
However, that has not coerced the Serie A giants to lower their asking price for the young defender. Manchester United are reportedly still monitoring his situation.
Fabinho insists he is not leaving Liverpool amid PSG interest
Fabinho only joined Liverpool this past summer but has already been linked with a move away. PSG who are growing resigned to losing Adrien Rabiot at the end of this season is looking at possible replacements and have reportedly shortlisted the Liverpool midfielder.
However, Fabinho has, however, played down those claims and insists that he hasn't even thought about moving away from the club, whilst speaking to UOL Esporte (via The Independent),
“I was told that there was something in the media, but I have never said that I wanted to leave Liverpool,
“I was aware that I would need to have patience and wait for my moment. I am happy at Liverpool, I don’t have a single reason to leave.”
Arsenal and Tottenham receive boost as Rabiot refuses new deal at PSG
Adrien Rabiot has decided against signing a new deal with the Ligue 1 champions. North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, who have been monitoring the Frenchman's situation, have thus been handed a major boost as Rabiot will be available for free in the summer.
Rabiot has not enjoyed as much first team action as he would have liked this season and did not start for PSG against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League or in their recent clash against Marseille.
It is claimed by RMC Sport via Daily Mail, that the midfielder has decided to not renew his contract. Barcelona are yet another big club that is interested in signing Rabiot. He can enter into a pre-contract agreement from January.
Chelsea make official offer for Christian Pulisic
Chelsea have been monitoring Christian Pulisic's situation for a while now. They have now finally launched a bid for the United States international, according to Evening Standard.
According to the report, Chelsea have held talks with Pulisic's camp and are keen on getting him aboard in January. Pulisic has 18 months left in his contract and is unlikely to extend it as he has fallen down the pecking order at Borussia Dortmund following the emergence of Jadon Sancho.
Dortmund want £70 million for their player but they also insist that Pulisic will not leave in January. With Eden Hazard's future hanging in the balance and the duo of Willian and Pedro walking into the twilight of their careers, the Blues are in desperate need of reinforcements on the flanks.
The report also claims that Borussia Dortmund are getting prepared for life without Pulisic as well with Eden Hazard's younger brother Thorgan Hazard being on top of their wishlist as the youngster's replacement.
Brahim Diaz agrees £60,000 a week deal with Real Madrid
The Manchester City starlet who has grown frustrated at Manchester City as a result of not featuring for the Cityzens even once this season in the Premier League has agreed to join Real Madrid, according to The Sun.
Brahim Diaz's current contract runs out next summer and is unlikely to extend after having restricted to playing just 3 games in cup competitions this term. Guardiola, on the back of losing a top talent in Jadon Sancho to Borussia Dortmund, is said to have pleaded Diaz to sign a new deal.
Before Manchester City's weekend match against Bournemouth, Pep had said,
“We want him, we want to extend his contract four or five years - we will do absolutely everything, but it's in his hands.
"My advice if he doesn't want to stay he has to leave. It's simple.
"We protect him - the same with Jadon, Phil - but he has to decide. It's no more than that."
The report further adds that Real Madrid are willing to push the deal to happen as early as January in the hopes that Manchester City would rather cash in now than let Sancho leave when his contract runs out.
Real Madrid are also keen on wrapping up the deal with memories of Jadon Sancho's snub fresh in their memory. Sancho reportedly wanted assurances of game time and Real Madrid were not willing to give him a clear picture and as a result, Sancho ended up joining Borussia Dortmund.
Los Blancos are trying to ensure it doesn't happen again.
