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Hello and welcome to Sportskeeda's Daily Transfer Roundup. The January transfer window is now officially open. The rumour bill has rarely seen busier days.
Clubs did not shy away from breaking the bank in the last winter transfer window and we expect more of the same with some of the biggest clubs in Europe rumoured to be seeking reinforcements in hope of bettering their prospects this season.
Without further ado, let's take a look at the top transfer news, rumours and updates that made headlines on 1 January 2019.
Manchester United asked to cough up £72 million for Lyon's Tanguy Ndombele
Manchester United have finally hit a green patch and have already transformed into a more entertaining team under caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Manchester United are looking to bring more young players to the club and have henced shortlisted Olympique Lyon midfielder Tanguy Ndombele.
However, according to Tutto Mercato Web, they will face stiff competition to sign the 22-year-old. Manchester United will have to battle it out with Barcelona if they are to sign him in January. The Red Devils' cross-city rivals Manchester City have also been credited with an interest in the Frenchman.
Inter Milan are also willing to splash the cash in order to secure his signing as they look to get back to their glory days. However, they are believed to have been put off by Lyon's £72 million valuation of the player.
Ndombele has been one of the brightest young prospects who made an impression in the Ligue 1. However, neither Manchester United or Barcelona are willing to meet the exorbitant rate that the French club has quoted. There is no certitude as to what is going to happen as deals have to get carried out over the course of one month and teams could get pressurized to give in to the demands.
Chelsea to bid for Marko Arnautovic as an alternative for Gonzalo Higuain
According to Bleacher Report, Chelsea are lining up a bid for West Ham striker Marko Arnautovic as an alternative for Gonzalo Higuain. The Blues have been heavily linked Gonzalo Higuain with a potential swap deal involving Juventus, AC Milan and Chelsea tipped to happen over the course of January.
Arnautovic who is currently recuperating after sustaining a hamstring injury in December has been quite impressive for the Hammers, netting 5 times in the league so far.
Chelsea expects Arnautovic to significantly improve their attack as he is expected to fit right into their system. However, West Ham are expected to do everything within their power to get the 29-year-old to stay.
AC Milan to battle Inter for Diego Godin
As per Calcio Mercato, Diego Godin is keen on moving to Italy. His agent has already offered him to a variety of clubs. Godin will be out of contract in the summer and has refused to renew his contract at Atletico Madrid.
The report claims that Inter Milan CEO Guiseppe Marotta wanted to bring the Uruguayan in the summer itself. They look at Godin as the ideal replacement for Miranda.
Meanwhile, AC Milan are looking to sign him for free in the summer when he becomes a free agent.
Godin reportedly wants to continue playing UEFA Champions League and therefore, it could lead to a battle on the ground between the two Milan sides for his signature.
Liverpool hold talks with Adrien Rabiot, set to beat Barcelona to sign him
According to L'Equipe (via Daily Star), Liverpool have held multiple talks with Adrien Rabiot who is one of Barcelona's top transfer targets. Rabiot will be out of contract in the summer and will be available for free.
Barcelona had been heavily linked with the Frenchman but they recently issued a statement where they denied reports of an illegal approach. However, they did not shy away from confirming their interest in him.
L'Equipe claims that there have been several meetings with Rabiot as they grow increasingly hopeful of signing him. Rabiot is reportedly demanding close to €10 million in annual wages, a huge signing on fee and long-term contract with droves on incentives.
Real Madrid agree personal terms with Brahim Diaz
As per Daily Express, Real Madrid have agreed a deal to sign Manchester City youngster Brahim Diaz in January. As per the report, Duncan Castle has claimed that City are lucky to not lose Diaz for free as his contract runs out in the summer.
Castles said,
"He's now agreed personal terms with Real Madrid and will join them.
"I think Manchester City have actually been quite lucky here because Diaz could go for essentially nothing when his contract expires in the summer.
"Madrid would be liable to pay FIFA training compensation of a few hundred thousands euros but Madrid and the player want to make the deal happen in January.
"Diaz wants to get out and he wants to play so he's pushing for the move to happen and Madrid, from their point of view, want to announce the transfer and have something to show in the January window.
"They've offered €10million as an immediate transfer fee to City, who have asked for €20m. It looks like it will be settled halfway between them.
"It's not determined yet but City are definitely going to get a reasonable chunk of money for a player who is extremely talented and who will probably be worth a lot more down the line.
