'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Hello and welcome to Sportskeeda's latest transfer news and rumours roundup. Today's stories feature the latest update on some of the major happenings in world football which may change the complexion of a few clubs. So let's head right in and take a look at the major happenings across Europe that made headlines on December 4, 2017:
Premier League
Thibaut Courtois to reject a contract extension with Chelsea
London Evening Standard have claimed that Chelsea's number one goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is set to reject a new contract offer from the Blues due to family issues. It is reported that Courtois wants to spend more time with his children who are currently living in Spain.
Courtois has 18 months left on his current contract and earns £100,000 per week. Chelsea are ready to double his wages and also see him as a future club captain. But Courtois is keen on returning to Spain, preferably with Real Madrid who are monitoring him for quite a long time.
Jose Mourinho's January funds revealed
Manchester United owners are set to provide Jose Mourinho with a £80 million war chest to spend from in January, the Sun understands. It is also said that Mourinho wants to sign a left back and a winger in the winter market and is keen on offloading Luke Shaw and Matteo Darmian next month.
Serie A
Carlo Ancelotti rejected the Italian national team job
The former AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti has claimed that he recently rejected a chance to take over the reigns of the Azzurri. After Italy sacked Giampiero Ventura last month for failing to qualify the country for the next year's World Cup, Ancelotti was seen as a top target for the Italian FA.
But the recently sacked Bayern Munich manager turned down an offer to lead the national side. He said, "I would like to continue to train a club team. The national team? It would be like changing jobs. Italian football has problems and I do not think I can solve them on my own. It’s a federation problem.”
Alex Sandro keen on leaving Juventus in January
According to Tuttosport, Juventus have conceded defeat in their pursuit of keeping Alex Sandro at the club and have hence given him the permission to leave in January.
This is good news for Chelsea who have been on his lookout since the past summer and are expected to renew their interest. Juventus are set to demand at least €60 million for the left-back with Manchester City also monitoring the situation.
Bundesliga
Leon Goretzka to reveal his future club in January
January's hottest January target - Leon Goretzka has revealed that he is in the final phase of making his future decision and will decide his next club soon. The 22-year-old is a transfer target for almost all of the top European clubs with Schalke 04 having no choice but to let him leave in January as Goretzka is in the final six months of his contract.
Three Premier League clubs in race for Daniel Opare
Augsburg fullback, Daniel Opare is the subject of interest for as many as three English clubs, the Daily Mail understands. Everton, Swansea and West Ham United are looking to sign the right-back who is available for £3 million in January. Opare has made 12 appearances for Augsburg this season but is looking for a new challenge.
La Liga
FC Barcelona to block Javier Mascherano's exit plans
Spanish outlet, Sport has reported that FC Barcelona and Ernesto Valverde are set to foil Javier Mascherano's January plans. It was claimed that Mascherano is looking for a new club in January with a host of clubs interested in the Argentine defender.
But the recent injury to Samuel Umtiti and the brittle fitness of Thomas Vermaelen has made Barcelona rethink their transfer strategy. Valverde has reportedly told Mascherano that he will not be sold in January despite the player desperately wanting to move.
Arsenal want Steven N'Zonzi
The Gunners are looking to sign a commanding midfielder in January and have earmarked Sevilla's Steven N'Zonzi. The 28-year-old has a release clause of £35 million with Wenger being a long-term admirer.
N'Zonzi is keen on leaving Sevilla after having a fallout with manager Eduardo Berizzo last month during his team's 3-3 draw with Liverpool. The midfielder has not played for the club since and is now expected to hand in a transfer request in January.
Rest of Europe
Luis Suarez says that Neymar will never join Real Madrid
Neymar has been linked with a return to Spain as a number of tabloids have suggested him to be a Real Madrid transfer target. But his former teammate at FC Barcelona, Luis Suarez has revealed to Marca that the Brazilian will never think of doing the unthinkable.
Suarez revealed, "I know what Neymar is like, and the admiration he had for Barcelona and his colleagues here. I don't see him going to play for Real Madrid."
Newcastle United target Iker Casillas
Reports in Portugal have linked FC Porto custodian Iker Casillas with a January move to Newcastle United. It is reported that Rafa Benitez is on the hunt for a new goalkeeper to help his side have a solid last line of defence.
Casillas is also reported to be interested in trying himself out in the Premier League with the Magpies being a perfect place for the Spaniard to try out his luck.
