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Hello and welcome to Sportskeeda's latest transfer news and rumours roundup. Today's stories feature the latest update on some of the major happenings in world football which may change the complexion of a few clubs. So let's head right in and take a look at the major happenings across Europe that made headlines on December 15, 2017:
La Liga
FC Barcelona monitoring Daley Blind
The Catalan club are looking for defensive reinforcements this January with injuries to Samuel Umtiti and Javier Mascherano making Ernesto Valverde sure about needing a cover in the backline. Marca has claimed that Barcelona are looking at the option to sign Manchester United's Daley Blind who is set to be a free agent in the summer.
Blind is a versatile player who can play at left-back, centre-back and as a defensive midfielder. Valverde is keen on signing a utility player to give his side adequate bench strength and has earmarked Blind for the role. The Dutchman has been a long-term target for the La Liga side with Barcelona being linked with him since 2014.
Diego Maradona wanted Real Madrid to sign Kylian Mbappe
Talking with the Spanish newspaper AS, Diego Maradona has revealed that he suggested club supremo Florentino Perez into replacing Gareth Bale with Kylian Mbappe last summer. Maradona wanted Los Blancos to get rid of the injury-plagued Welshman and replace him with what he considers as the future superstar of the game, Kylian Mbappe.
Serie A
Juventus keen on Fabinho
The AS Monaco man has reportedly told his current side that he is on the lookout for a new club and will change loyalties in the summer. Tuttosport claims that Juventus are the favourites to land the versatile midfielder who can also play at right-back with Manchester United also monitoring the situation. The Italian giants are reportedly ready to put in a €40 million bid for the Frenchman.
Lazio preparing a return for Stephan Lichtsteiner
Juventus fullback, Stephan Lichtsteiner joined the Bianconeri from Lazio and the Roman club are now in talks of re-signing the veteran on a two-year deal next summer. Lichsteiner will be a free agent in six months and can make a return to Stadio Olimpico next season.
Bundesliga
Borussia Monchengladbach want Reece Oxford on a permanent deal
If certain reports in Germany are to be believed, Borussia Monchengladbach are looking to make a loan deal for Reece Oxford a permanent one in the summer. The defender is on loan at the Bundesliga club from West Ham United but has made only one start this season.
Despite his low number of turnout, Max Eberl, Gladbach's sporting director has revealed to Kicker that the club is looking to sign him up on a permanent basis.
Renato Sanches will not return to Bayern Munich in January
Despite a number of reports claiming that Swansea City are looking to cut short a loan deal for Renato Sanches in January, Bayern Munich, his parent club has denied any such rumours. Jupp Heynckes has today revealed that the club will not recall Sanches back to the Allianz Arena and the 20-year-old will continue his stay in Wales.
Premier League
Manchester United ready to sell Henrikh Mkhitaryan for Mesut Ozil
Sky Sports have revealed that Manchester United are ready to offload Henrikh Mkhitaryan in January and are set to replace him with Mesut Ozil. It is rumoured that Mkhitaryan has fallen out of favour with Jose Mourinho with the manager keen on selling the Armenian and replacing him with Arsenal's Mesut Ozil.
Mkhitaryan has failed to make Jose Mourinho's 18-man squad for seven of United's last eight matches and is destined to be offloaded next month. Meanwhile, Ozil is desperate to end his Arsenal stay soon and is longing for a reunion with Jose Mourinho.
Liverpool to go back for Virgil van Dijk
The Reds' interest in the Southampton centre-back is well documented. And Jurgen Klopp is now set to go back for his number one defensive target next month. Liverpool Echo claims that Klopp is keen on testing Southampton's resolve by making a £60 million bid for the Dutchman.
Van Dijk is still desperate for a move to Anfield but the good folks at Goal have claimed that even Manchester City are looking at van Dijk as a potential addition to their backline.
Ligue 1
Chelsea to use Michy Batshuayi as a loan bate to lure Thomas Lemar
The Sun understands that Chelsea are desperate to land Thomas Lemar and have hence decided to use Michy Batshuayi as a loan bait in any dealing with the French club. Chelsea are looking at making a £90 million bid for Lemar and to convince Monaco, the Blues are ready to include Michy Batshuayi going the other way around to make Lemar a Chelsea player.
Thomas Meunier linked with Manchester United
A fullback is definitely on the mind of Jose Mourinho this winter and if the Daily Express are to be believed, the Red Devils are reportedly preparing a £30 million bid for PSG's Thomas Meunier.
The Belgian has reportedly fallen out of favour with Unai Emery and is looking for a way out of the French club. Meunier is also a Manchester United fan which may make the negotiations easy in the coming weeks for United.
