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As we soldier on into the festive season, the top European leagues are all settling down and taking shape. Some of the frontrunners are flying while some others are struggling to keep up. Therefore, the winter transfer window is quite crucial for any team that's looking for a shot in the arm.
With just 5 days to go for the January transfer window, the rumour mill is abuzz.
If the rumours that are floating about are to be believed, we might witness a great deal of business in January. And we have compiled the top rumours that are doing the rounds as of 26 December 2018.
So, let's dive right in then.
Kovacic hints at permanent Chelsea stay
Mateo Kovacic left Real Madrid due to a lack of playing time and has been used extensively at Chelsea by Maurizio Sarri. The player seems to have revived his career at Chelsea under the former Napoli manager.
Naturally, he has been quizzed about his future and the Croat has been careful not to disrespect his parent club. Kovacic was asked whether he's enjoying his loan spell and he said,
"I think it was the most important thing I did for now in my career.
"It was a step I wanted a lot, I wanted to come here. I say thank you to my previous club, to Chelsea as well, who wanted me a lot. I am enjoying it and I like it a lot here. For now, I am happy here.
“The city is amazing, the club is one of the best in the world, and my team-mates are great.
"I need to respect my previous club, Real Madrid. I can imagine myself staying here, but I have a contract I need to respect, and that is what I will do.”
Neymar's release clause at PSG revealed
Spanish publication AS has revealed the release clause in Neymar's PSG contract. The winger joined Paris Saint-Germain in a world record €222 million deal in the summer of 2017.
Neymar lit up the Parc des Princes right away after joining and has been a standout performer for the Ligue 1 giants. Though his transfer fee was expected to rise to unbelievable levels, the new information has left us all a little surprised.
AS reveals that Neymar can be bought from PSG in 2020 for €160 million. In today's crazy transfer market, that is not a ridiculous sum of money for someone of Neymar's talents.
Wilfried Zaha receives stunning offer from China
The former Manchester United winger may have finally got his due. A lucrative offer has arrived from China, according to which Zaha will earn thrice as much as the £130,000 he currently gets at Selhurst Park, as per Daily Mail.
Chinese club Dalian Yifang are ready to make Zaha one of the highest paid players in the world. As per the offer, Zaha will receive £44 million over the course of 4 years should he choose to join Dalian Yifang.
Zaha also stands the chance to earn £2.5 million in bonuses in addition to regular first-class flights back home. Zaha is yet to reach his peak years and has quite a big decision to make in terms of his professional career.
Juventus give the go-ahead for Higuain's Chelsea move
Earlier this week, several reports had emerged suggesting that AC Milan and Chelsea were preparing to engage in a swap deal which would see Higuain going to Chelsea and Morata heading the other way. However, as Higuain's currently on loan from Juve, AC Milan needed the Old Lady's consent to pull off the deal.
Now, as per Calcio Mercato, Juventus have given the go-ahead for the deal. This would mean that the Chelsea flop Morata could join Il Rossoneri as early as January.
With Juve giving the greenlight, it looks as though Sarri will reunite with Higuain. The duo enjoyed a fruitful spell together at Napoli when Higuain had his most prolific season
Barcelona to offer €150 million + Philippe Coutinho for Kylian Mbappe
Barcelona, it seems, are desperate to lay the groundwork for their future and are not going to hold back from taking some extreme measures to ensure they enjoy smooth sailing in the years to come. According to Don Balon, the Cules will offer Paris Saint-Germain a whopping €150 million + Philippe Coutinho to sign the Frenchman.
The report also adds that PSG will need to sign someone like Coutinho to keep Neymar in their side as both Mbappe's and Neymar's future looks away from the Ligue 1 champions.
Barcelona have enjoyed a bright start to the season but that is in no small part owing to the outrageous form that's being showcased by Lionel Messi.
