Premier League transfer news: Messi doesn't want Premier League forward as Suarez replacement, Arsenal looking to sign duo worth £65 million and more -  December 11, 2018

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#5 Ndombele on moving

Tanguy Ndombele was a subject of interest from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer. However, the Londoners couldn’t grab him and now, most of Europe’s top clubs are eying a move for him.

Meanwhile, the young midfielder has revealed that he could have left Lyon in the summer but the club were adamant about keeping him. He, however, stated that he could turned out well at another club as well.

“I could have gone [in the summer], maybe things would have worked out well,” he said.

He then added that not only were the club firm in their stance, he also didn’t have the feeling to leave and believes that it was a good decision on his behalf as he is playing a lot of football and has earned a call-up from the national team.

“The club was firm, they didn’t want me to leave. I didn’t feel like leaving, and I think that today you can see that it was the best decision for me.

“Things are going well, I am playing a lot of games, and I am in the French national team. So, I think for the moment it was the best decision.”

Finally, he stated that he doesn’t dream about playing for a specific big club. He, instead, prefers to live it rather than dream of it. Ndombele did, however, add that he always keeps the door open for any top club.

“I don’t imagine how my career will go, I live it instead.

“When I was young I didn’t dream of being in this or that club, whether it is Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City, I have never dreamed of being in a specific club like that.

“Of course they are big clubs, I don’t close the door to anyone.”

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#4 Solanke to Newcastle

Interest in Solanke is high

Liverpool striker Dominic Solanke is a man in demand as a plethora of clubs want to sign him on loan in January. Given that his way to the first team is currently blocked by Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino, he could do well with some minutes outside.

And according to former Scotland international Charlie Nicholson, the youngster could move to Newcastle United as they are one of the clubs that are in the market looking for a forward.

“It is not a surprise because most of the teams at the bottom end of the English Premier League are looking to bring in at least one striker. I wouldn’t even be surprised if a club like Newcastle United tried to get him on loan,” Nicholas said.

Rangers, managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, are also interested but, according to Nicholson, it depends on whether Gerrard can convince him.

“When you are getting offered the chance to play in the Premier League then a lot of people are asking, ‘Why would he go to Rangers?’.

“It is up to him if he wants to play for Steven Gerrard because it will be him and not Rangers that is the pull if he comes up here. That is the reality of where they are.”

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#3 Spurs and City

Tottenham Hotspur Training and Press Conference

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has refused to speak on rumours linking Barcelona prodigy Riqui Puig. The Lilywhites have been linked with the player but the former Espanyol manager played down the stories, stating that talking about youth players of other teams is not something helpful.

“I don’t like to talk about rumours. I don’t want to talk about youth players. It doesn’t benefit anyone,” he said.

Meanwhile, Manchester City superstar Leroy Sane has spoken about the possibility of signing a new deal with the Etihad outfit. According to the player, there is a good chance that he signs a new deal with the team because he feels like home at the Etihad.

“I said from the beginning I am really happy here. The coach and players are amazing. I feel at home here. Of course, it is possible,” Sane was quoted as saying.

#2 Arsenal

Arsenal are interested in Pepe

Arsenal are currently undergoing a period of rising under Unai Emery. Despite starting with defeats, the Spaniard has not only managed to bring them back to winning ways but also sustain their unbeaten run.

He, however, realizes that he needs more quality players in order to be able to close the gap with the table-toppers. As a result, Arsenal have been linked with quite a few players.

According to Cadena Ser, via Sports Mole, the Gunners are interested in signing Real Valladolid defender Fernando Calero. The defender has a release clause of only £10 million.

Meanwhile, according to France Football, via Inside Futbol, Lille are willing to sell their star man Nicolas Pepe – linked with Arsenal – if they receive an offer in the region of €60 million.

The forward has been on fire so far this season in Ligue 1, scoring 11 goals in 17 games for his team.

#1 Messi’s rejection and Pep’s hint

On the radar of Barcelona

Barcelona are aware of the fact that Luis Suarez is aging and that they need someone to fill in his boots somewhere down the line. As a result, they have been linked with a plethora of stars.

And the newest addition to that list is Everton’s Richarlison. According to Don Balon, Barcelona are interested in bringing the Brazilian but Messi doesn’t want it since he wants someone to be a backup for Suarez and not a replacement right away.

Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola might have given away hopes of retaining Brahim Diaz. While addressing Phil Foden’s renewal, he stated: "I'm delighted and happy. It would have been our desire for Jadon [Sancho] and Brahim [Díaz] to stay here, but with Phil we convinced him.”

So, does this imply that he has given up on Diaz already?

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