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Good evening lads and welcome to Sportskeeda's latest transfer news and rumours roundup. The market has picked up pace after the transfer of Philippe Coutinho to FC Barcelona with the record-breaking deal now expected set to dictate the tempo of the remaining winter period. So, without further ado, let's take a look at the major transfer stories from around the globe which made headlines on January 8, 2018:
Serie A
Juventus enter Mesut Ozil race
The Italian giants are set to challenge Manchester United for the signing of Mesut Ozil. The Arsenal playmaker is in the final year of his contract and is looking to change loyalties in the summer. Juventus are eager to sign him up for a free transfer having monitored the World Cup winner for the past three years.
Calciomercato reports that the Bianconeri are preparing a big wage structure for the 29-year-old and are hoping to use Sami Khedira, Ozil's friend from his Real Madrid days to lure him to Turin.
Stefan Okaka keen on a return to Italy
Watford striker Stefan Okaka is eyeing an exit from Watford this month and has pleaded with Torino boss Walter Mazzarri to take him on board. The former Sampdoria and Parma striker has made just two starts for Watford this season with his last goal coming back in August.
Speaking to Gazzetta Dello Sport, Okaka said, "I just want to play. I’m 28 years old, I’m in the prime of my career, I can’t spend any more time in this limbo and I’m not happy at the moment. Torino are a great team, with a legendary history, which makes this club special. I have always got on well with Mazzarri because he’s fair."
Bundesliga
Usain Bolt to have a trial with Borussia Dortmund
The eight-time Olympics gold medalist has recently revealed in an interview that he will have a trial with Borussia Dortmund in March. Bolt is known to be a huge Manchester United fan and dreams of playing for the Red Devils at Old Trafford.
Speaking in the Bahamas at the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure, Bolt revealed, "In March we're going to do a trial with Dortmund and that will determine what I do with that career, which way it goes. If they say I'm good, and that I need a bit of training, I'll do it."
Liverpool attempting to bring Naby Keita to England this month
After Philippe Coutinho finalized his move to FC Barcelona, Liverpool have now set their sights on bringing forward Naby Keita's Anfield switch from the summer to this month. The Telegraph reports that Liverpool are keen on taking Keita on board in January and are ready to pay an extra sum to secure his services.
But RB Leipzig are set to resist any such attempts from the Reds as they see Keita as an integral member of their side with the club still in the Europa League and also fighting for Champions League qualification next season.
Premier League
Harry Kane reveals the condition in which he will stay with Spurs
Reigning golden boot winner and the current Premier League top scorer, Harry Kane has revealed that Tottenham Hotspur need to start winning trophies in the immediate future. Kane has also admitted that he has not started negotiations with the club over a new deal.
The Spurs goal-machine has four years remaining on his current deal and is currently earning £100,000 with the Lilywhites. Mauricio Pochettino recently admitted that it would be impossible to keep hold of the prolific striker if a bid like that of Coutinho's come in the club's way which has ignited the talks of Kane changing loyalties with Real Madrid interested.
Alexis Sanchez future update
Manchester City are now set to make an offer of £25 million for Alexis Sanchez this month. The Citizens were earlier reported of looking to sign the Chilean in the summer but have supposedly made a U-turn. Sanchez was absent from Arsenal's FA Cup squad last night which has further fuelled the rumours of him not being cup-tied for his new side.
La Liga
Zinedine Zidane under immense pressure at Real Madrid
According to the Daily Mirror, Zinedine Zidane is under mounting pressure after his side again dropped points in yesterday's 2-2 draw with Celta Vigo. The reigning champions dropped points for the eighth time this season and are now a staggering 16 points behind FC Barcelona.
It is believed that if Real Madrid fail to impress in the Champions League this season, Zidane will receive the sack at the end of the season. Ladbrokes, a betting site has put staggering odds of 5/4 for the Frenchman to receive the marching orders in May.
Ivan Rakitic backs Aleix Vidal to join Sevilla
Vidal has been tipped to join Sevilla this month after the fullback has found it tough to nail down a starting berth at FC Barcelona. Former Sevilla man and current Barcelona midfielder, Ivan Rakitic has called Vidal to join Sevilla for the second time in his career.
Following Barcelona's 3-0 win over Levante, Rakitic said, "If he decides to go to Sevilla then, as a team-mate and a Sevillista, I would that like very much. I wish him all the best. He already knows them very well, he is a player of the highest quality and Sevilla are among the best in Europe."
Rest of the world
Lucas Moura keen on joining Manchester United
The Brazilian winger has reportedly told his representatives and Paris Saint-Germain that he will leave the Ligue 1 side only for Manchester United. Telefoot understands that Moura is already dreaming of a move to the Premier League and is ready to reject advances from any other club. Real Betis and Malaga are the other sides interested in Lucas Moura at the moment.
Fred waiting for a phone call from Pep Guardiola
Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred has been linked with Manchester City in recent weeks. A midfielder is said to be a priority for City in the summer with Yaya Toure and Fernandinho set to leave the Etihad soon. Fred has now revealed that he is hoping to receive a call from the City manager and is ready to join Manchester City if an offer arrives.
