Transfer news: Liverpool to ask for astronomical sum for Coutinho, Real Madrid abandon chase for Hazard and more - January 1st, 2018

A quick look at all the top transfer stories of the day

The January transfer window officially opened today; it is an opportunity for teams to plug holes in their squad. Clubs around Europe are looking to sign players who can help them to prosper in the second half of the 2017/18 season.

Here is a look at the transfer rumours that have emerged on 1st January 2017.

#5 Premier League

Liverpool will make Barcelona pay for Nike blunder

Nike made a blunder when they started marketing the opportunity to buy Coutinho's shirts before any official announcement of his transfer. Liverpool is reportedly very angry regarding this bizarre turn of events and might make the Catalan club pay for the mistake by Nike.

According to the Telegraph, Liverpool would ask for an astronomical fee to sell their prized asset. The English giants seem more open to the idea of selling the Brazilian playmaker now than they were in the summer transfer window.

Coutinho was dropped from the matchday squad that won at Burnley due to a slight injury but the news has only served as fuel for even more speculation regarding the Brazilian's future.

Manchester United keeping tabs on Lucas Moura

Manchester United are going through a bad run of results and the Red Devils have only won once in their last five matches in all competitions. United are keen to improve their squad in January transfer window and are reportedly keeping tabs on the situation of Lucas Moura at PSG.

According to Le 10 Sport, the Red Devils are interested in signing the Brazilian winger.

The 25-year-old is struggling to get game time at the Paris-based club and might urge his club to let him leave in an attempt to revive his faint hopes of making Brazil's World Cup squad.

#4 La Liga

Certain board members at Real Madrid fear Hazard's arrival would destroy Asensio's potential

Real Madrid board members kick against Eden Hazard move

Eden Hazard seems to be pushing to make a move to Real Madrid. His father; Thierry claimed that his son has declined signing a new contract at Stamford Bridge in order to make it easier for Real Madrid to sign him.

According to Marca, the Spanish giants may have abandoned the pursuit to sign the Belgian winger as certain board members believe that the potential signing of Hazard would inhibit the progress of Marco Asensio, hence they may have decided to pull the plug on any negotiations with Chelsea.

Mourinho wants Griezmann

Manchester United was constantly linked to Antoine Griezmann in the summer transfer window. But Griezmann decided to stay at the club as Atletico Madrid were given a transfer ban.

According to the Daily Express, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has asked the board to sign the French forward in January window instead of waiting for the summer. The Frenchman has a £88m release clause in his contract and Mourinho wants to start building for next season as overhauling Manchester City now seems like an impossible task.

#3 Serie A

A Croatian international, Brozovic's time at Inter seems to be over

Marcelo Brozovic being offered on a cut-price deal

Tottenham Hotspur has been keeping tabs on the progress of the Inter Milan midfielder for a long time. According to some reports in Italy, Inter Milan are ready to sell their prized asset on a cut-price deal.

According to the reports, the Milan based team is willing to sell the Croatian midfielder for less than £15m of the original estimate of £40m which would be a bargain for a player of his ability.

Cagliari not ready to part with Nicolo Barella

Nicolo Barella has been very impressive for Cagliari in Serie A this season. The 20-year-old Italian midfielder has made 17 appearances for the club, scoring 2 goals in the process. His impressive performances have attracted interested from various clubs.

Liverpool is said to be keeping tabs on the progress of the midfielder, while Serie A clubs like Juventus, Napoli, Inter Milan and Napoli have also shown interest in the Italy U-21 International. However, according to Sky Italia, Cagliari is in no mood to sell their prized asset in the January transfer window.

#2 Bundesliga

Goretzka's rumoured signing with Bayer Munich may not be true after all

Goretzka, not a deal done yet

Leron Goretzka has been immense for Schalke 04 this season. The 22-year-old German international attracted interest from clubs all around Europe and just a few days ago, many publications like Bild and Marca reported that the midfielder agreed to a free transfer to Bayern Munich.

Today, Schalke's sporting director Christian Heidel said that Goretzka has not informed the club about his decision. "Leon has not informed us so far that he has decided to leave us, I trust Leon and his agent, with whom I was in contact yesterday [Sunday]," Heidel said as quoted by Sport 1.

Moyes interested in Schurrle

Andre Schurrle had a disappointing start to the season. The World Cup winner has struggled with injuries and has only received 339 minutes of game-time this season, a development typical of his time at Borussia Dortmund so far.

According to Daily Star, West Ham is keeping tabs on his situation at Borussia Dortmund as manager David Moyes is said to want to add experience and drive in the frontline and is looking to make a move for the 27-year-old who needs to prove his fitness and talent once again if he wants to get selected for the German squad for the World Cup.

#1 Rest of the World

The Lemar saga may come to an end this month if Alexis Sanchez does leave the club

Arsenal to bid for Lemar again

Arsenal was constantly linked to Thomas Lemar during the summer transfer window. With Alexis Sanchez set to leave, Arsenal might again look towards the French winger to replace the Chilean.

According to Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol, Arsenal will try to sign Lemar in the January transfer window. "At the moment, it could be resurrected, Arsenal could be interested, Liverpool is interested as well. Would they go in January again?" Solhekol said as quoted by Sport Review

Mourinho interested in Ajax sensation

Ajax Sensation, David Neres has come into the limelight this season. The Brazilian winger has scored 9 goals and registered 12 assists in 22 matches this season. His brilliant form has attracted interest from the Premier League.

According to reports, teams like Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United are interested in signing the winger and Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho has been very vocal about the Red Devils needing signings to compete with Manchester City.

The youngster could cost up to £40m.