'%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 Daily Transfer Roundup. Let's take a look at the top transfer news, rumours and updates that made headlines on 21 January 2019.
Eden Hazard rules out Real Madrid move in January
Sarriball was well received at first at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea looked keen to adapt to a fashionable style of play without any hassles. However, over the past couple of months, cracks have started to appear and now it looks like some of the top players might look for an exit as they are continuously being played out of position.
Prominent among those stars is a certain Eden Hazard who has previously flirted openly with Real Madrid and teased a move to the Spanish capital.
However, now, according to The Mirror (via Marca), though Real Madrid has been his dream club since his days at Lille, he intends to reject offers from other clubs so that he can join Los Blancos next season. The report claims,
“The Belgian doesn't want to disrupt Chelsea's season and will wait until the end of the season before forcing a move; the Spanish giants also don't wish to go to war with the Blues by attempting to unsettle Hazard in January, even if they could do with an attacking reinforcement immediately.”
Hazard had previously confessed his love for Madrid and said,
"Real Madrid is the best club in the world. I don't want to lie, it is my dream since I was a kid.
"We will see. I don't want to talk about this every day. I don't have time, but we will talk about my future soon.
"In my head, sometimes I wake up in the morning and think I want to go. Sometimes I think I want to stay. It is a hard decision. It is my future. I am 27 and I will turn 28 in January.
"It is also when you have a dream and you want to make it happen. It is like I have said a lot of times: if I leave I will be happy, I know if I stay I will be happy."
Juventus interested in Isco and Ndombele
According to Sky Sports, Juventus are keen on signing out-of-favour Real Madrid midfielder Isco and Lyon midfielder Tanguy Ndombele.
Isco is in the doghouse at Real Madrid, having started only once in the last 9 games for Real Madrid as his troubling times at the Santiago Bernabeu look certain to continue under the tutelage of Santiago Solari. As a result, the Spaniard could be open to a move.
According to Sky in Italy, Juventus have already held talks with Isco's representatives. They will, however, have to fend off Manchester City who are also keen on signing the midfielder.
Juventus will also meet with Lyon ace Tanguy Ndombele's representatives in the coming days after being thoroughly impressed with the 22-year-old's performances this season
Arsenal contact Real Madrid for James Rodriguez
According to The Independent, the Gunners have made contact with Real Madrid over a potential deal for Colombian ace James Rodriguez. Rodriguez is currently serving his second year on loan at Bayern Munich and will return to the club if Bayern don't plan to make the deal permanent for €42 million.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid are hoping to use James Rodriguez in a swap deal to tempt Tottenham Hotspur into sending Christian Eriksen to Madrid. However, Arsenal are prepared to pip their North London rivals to the 27-year-old attacking midfielder.
Alvaro Morata will join Atletico Madrid on a loan deal with an option to buy as Gonzalo Higuain's move inches closer
According to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano and various other sources, Alvaro Morata will join Atletico Madrid on a loan deal with an option to make the move permanent at the end of the season.
Goal claims that Chelsea and Atletico Madrid reached an agreement today and Los Rojiblancos will onboard Morata straightaway on loan with the option of making the deal permanent for £48.5 million.
This is a major step for Chelsea in their pursuit of Gonzalo Higuain. According to Calcio Mercato, Gonzalo Higuain is closer than ever to securing a move to Chelsea.
It had come to light 4 days ago that Chelsea, AC Milan and Juventus had agreed on a deal for Higuain with the Argentine currently serving the Rossoneri on loan.
Yesterday, Gennaro Gattuso confirmed in a press-conference that Higuain wants to join Chelsea. The deal will be finalized as soon as AC Milan find a replacement for Higuain.
Real Madrid reach agreement with Militao to pay his €50 million release clause
The Porto defender who has been on the radar of top European clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea has now decided that Real Madrid is the club he wants to join. The club has reached an agreement with the right-back to pay his €50 million release clause, as per AS.
However, the signing will not happen in this transfer window and Real Madrid will sign him in the summer. Eder Militao has only played half a season in Europe but has already garnered interest from several top clubs.
Beyond June 31, 2019, Militao's release clause at Porto will increase to €75 million and hence Real Madrid are keen on wrapping up the deal as soon as possible.
