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With just days to go before the end of the winter transfer window, it is safe to say that the last twenty-four hours have been short of eventful. Several transfer stories reached their climax as a number of high-profile deals were completed by some major clubs across Europe.
Meanwhile, a number of developments in other rumours have also emerged, with clubs set to take on one another for transfer targets as we approach the end of the window. Today's top stories feature heavyweight clubs like Barcelona, Chelsea, AC Milan, Liverpool and Bayern Munich, among others.
They also feature some prominent player names who have been linked with moves this transfer window. On that note, here is a look at some of the top transfer stories, rumours, and updates for the day:
AC Milan sign Krzysztof Piatek
AC Milan have officially announced the signing of Krzysztof Piatek from Genoa on a long four-and-a-half year contract. The 23-year-old striker had gained plenty of attention due to his performances for Genoa. So far this season, Piatek has scored 19 goals in 21 matches for Genoa across all competitions. He also made his international debut for Poland in September 2018.
The star striker had reportedly caught the eyes of Real Madrid, who continue to search for a quality striker to spearhead their attack. However, the Italian giants, AC Milan, who just lost Gonzalo Higuain to Chelsea, have jumped at the opportunity and successfully snatched Piatek.
According to reports from Sky Sports, the move reportedly cost AC Milan €35 million and will see Piatek earn £1.7m per year (£34,000 per week). Notably, Genoa had initially demanded €40m, but seem to have given into Milan's negotiations.
Manchester United join Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City in race for Omer Faruk Beyaz
According to reports from Metro, Manchester United have now reportedly joined the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City in a potential race for Fenerbahce's 15-year-old sensation, Omer Faruk Beyaz.
TheTurkish star recently represented his country at the U-16 level at the Aegean Cup and was reportedly the stand-out star as scouts from the aforementioned teams watched on, as per reports from Fanatik - a leading Turkish newspaper.
The four Premier League sides will also have to fight off the likes of Bayern Munich, Juventus, and Dortmund, who are also believed to be interested in the teenager.
Liverpool to battle Bayern Munich for Chelsea's Callum Hudson-Odoi
Chelsea's Callum Hudson-Odoi has quickly become one of the most desired young footballers in European football. The 18-year-old has found it increasingly difficult to find playing time at Chelsea and has reportedly been seeking a move away from the club.
While Bayern Munich were believed to be leading contenders for the English star, latest reports from Bild (via The Daily Mirror), Chelsea's Premier League rivals, Liverpool, have reportedly held talks with the forward with a potential swoop in mind. The Merseysiders reportedly contacted the player's agent earlier this month as well.
Chelsea sign Gonzalo Higuain
Gonzalo Higuain is all set to represent Chelsea for the remainder of the season after the Blues officially completed his signing on an initial loan deal, with an option to buy (for a fee of €36 million) in the summer transfer window.
Higuain, whose current parent club is Juventus, was previously on loan at AC Milan before deciding to trade the Serie A for a stint in the Premier League.
As per reports from Goal.com, Juventus reportedly confirmed the possibility of an extension of the loan deal until June 2020 for a fee of €18 million.
Barcelona announce
the €75m
signing of Frenkie de Jong
FC Barcelona have confirmed the signing of Ajax star, Frenkie de Jong, for a reported fee of €75 million. The 21-year-old has frequently been linked with various big clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, among others.
The Dutch star has signed a long five-year deal and will remain at Ajax for the rest of the season, before joining the rest of the Barcelona squad in July, ahead of the next season.
Barcelona confirmed the news on their official club website. They also issued a statement which said
"De Jong is one of Europe's most promising midfield talents. At just 21 years of age, he is joining the club after proving himself as a multifunctional player with an excellent reading of the game and the ability to provide the killer pass."
