Real Madrid set to beat Barcelona to €80 million top transfer target, Chelsea superstar set for explosive exit following disagreement with manager and more: Transfer Roundup, 8 February 2019

Hello and welcome to Sportskeeda's Daily Transfer Roundup. Despite the January transfer window being shut for over a week, there is no dearth of transfer news. The rumour mill keeps churning out exciting news ahead of the summer transfer window which will be upon us in a matter of a few months.

Without further ado, let's take a look at the top transfer news, rumours and updates of the day that made headlines on 8 February 2019.

Phil Jones agrees new deal at Manchester United

Manchester United's defensive ailments seem to have diminished significantly after the club decided to start attacking more under the tutelage of caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. A few players who were heavily blamed under Jose Mourinho seem to be stepping up to the challenge at Old Trafford and the Red Devils seem happy to reward them.

Prominent among the players that have stepped up under the new regime is Phil Jones who has formed a solid partnership with Victor Lindelof at the heart of the Manchester United defence. Now, Phil Jones has extended his contract at Manchester United by 4 years. Jones joined the club in 2011.

Speaking about the contract extension, Phil Jones said,

“I am delighted to have signed a new contract. Manchester United has been a big part of my life for eight years and I love everything about this club.

"I am excited about the challenges that lie ahead of us as we prepare for a very busy period in the season. I would like to thank Ole and the coaching staff for their continued support in my development."

Phil Jones is now tied to the club till 2023 and Manchester United will have the option of extending it by another year. Despite extending Jones' contract, United are expected to go into the transfer market and break the bank for a world-class centre-back to shore up their defence.

Arsenal and Spurs keeping tabs on Matthias Ginter

Arsenal and Spurs have a contrasting set of conflicts when it comes to their defence and are both monitoring Borussia Monchengladbach centre-back Matthias Ginter ahead of a potential deal in the summer, according to Sky Sports.

Arsenal's defence has come under much criticism after a spell of dismal performances by virtue of which they have now become the team that has let in most number of goals- a disappointing 36- among the top 6 in the Premier League.

Shkodran Mustafi, Lichsteiner and even Koscielny have evoked the ire of fans on occasion. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur have a distinct set of issues. Toby Alderweireld could very well leave the club in the summer as a clause in his contract will allow him to depart for a sum of £25 million.

Tottenham do not feel so secure in the defensive department despite exercising the option to extend both Vertonghen's and Alderweireld's contracts by a year.

Ginter has already won 23 caps for Die Mannschaft and is well on his way to becoming one of the best centre-backs in the world.

Bayern Munich and Juventus enter race for United goalkeeper Dean Henderson

Sheffield United v Queens Park Rangers - Sky Bet Championship

Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who is currently on loan at Sheffield United is being monitored by both Bayern Munich and Juventus in addition to Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, as per ESPN.

Dean Henderson is one of Sheffield United's standout performers as they continue to push for automatic promotion into the top flight, sitting at 3rd in the Championship Table. Henderson spent the last season on loan at Shrewsbury where he had an impressive campaign as well.

Now 21-years-old, Henderson who has kept 3 cleansheets in his last 5 appearances and 10 cleansheets all season, sees himself behind David de Gea, Sergio Romero and Lee Grant in the United first team. He is currently tied to Manchester United till the summer of 2020 with the Red Devils holding the option of extending his contract by another year.

Eden Hazard to leave Chelsea following disagreement with Maurizio Sarri

Eden Hazard has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid and now it seems he is all set to leave Chelsea in the summer following a disagreement with Maurizio Sarri, according to ESPN Transfer Window Podcast co-host Andrew Gundling (courtesy: The Daily Star).

“I believe it to be the case.

“All the elements of it. He’s not getting on particularly well with the manager right now, from what we understand.

“He doesn’t like the position or what the manager’s trying to change him into, almost like a Dries Mertens - you’ve got the wrong Belgian!

“He’s also at that stage in his career where he’s in big contract territory, because he’s two years shy of 30. This is the time to make that big move.

If that's the case, Chelsea better start preparing for life after Hazard before it's too late.

Matthijs De Ligt's agent offers him to Real Madrid

Real Madrid will not possibly get a better chance to upset their fiercest rivals off the field. In a shocking turn of events, as per Don Balon, Barcelona top transfer target Matthijs De Ligt's agent has offered the Ajax youngster to Real Madrid.

The report claims that Mino Raiola, De Ligt's agent, has offered him to Real Madrid for a price of €80 million despite Ajax quoting a price of €90 million. Mundo Deportivo had earlier claimed that Barcelona were close to bringing De Ligt to the Camp Nou in the winter.

Raiola has built a reputation for getting involved too closely with his clients and De Ligt is one of the most sought-after youngsters in the world right now. The 19-year-old has already proved on both the European and international stage that he has what it takes to make it big in the highest level.