Live Football Transfer Blog: EPL, La Liga and Rest of Europe (12th January)

Follow all the biggest and best transfer news and rumours around Europe, LIVE!

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Mourinho on his feud with Conte: "The first time he insulted me I had a response - a response that I know touched the point where he really feels hurt. Then he insulted me for a second time but now I change and, for me, contempt means end of the story."

"We’ve got four or five strikers and the competition is tough for all of them." pic.twitter.com/dW6jzjIoq2
— West Ham United (@WestHamUtd) January 12, 2018

JOSE ON ALEXIS

After Manchester United joined the race to sign Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez according to Sky sources - this is what Jose Mourinho has said regarding his reported interest in the Chilean.

“I don’t think it is ethical or correct to be speaking about players of other clubs. If somebody speaks about one of my players, to say we are interested or not I wouldn’t be very happy.

“Sanchez is an Arsenal player. I don’t know for sure but probably this weekend he is going to wear Arsenal colours. I don’t think it is correct to say things about Alexis Sanchez.

“At a general level what I can say is that with the Manchester United board we do not believe a lot in the January market. We don’t believe in signing a player just to do something.

“What we believe is there are some players in the football world where if you have a chance to sign them then you have to try. All I can say is that Sanchez is a phenomenal player, apart from that, an Arsenal player, and I feel I shouldn't say much more than this."

✍️ We're delighted to announce that @JackSimpson99 has signed a new contract, keeping him with the club until 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣0️⃣!#afcb 🍒https://t.co/KNjWIi59hw
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) January 12, 2018

Chelsea have given Newcastle a deadline of the end of next week before they learn whether Kenedy will be allowed to leave the Blues and join them on loan.

✍️ | #watfordfc can confirm Brice Dja Djédjé has joined @RCLens on loan until the end of the season.

➡️ https://t.co/x23nEAzqGy pic.twitter.com/qQ6GtKWnGh
— Watford FC (@WatfordFC) January 12, 2018

✍🏻 Brighton & Hove Albion have completed the signing of Republic of Ireland under-19 international Warren O’Hora from @bfcdublin.#BHAFC 🔵⚪️

Read more 👉🏻 https://t.co/RLJJlUhVON pic.twitter.com/0rij0WypAt
— Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽️ (@OfficialBHAFC) January 12, 2018

Quique met Espanyol DoF, Jordi Lardin. He confirmed his agents are discussing a move to Stoke. But still lots to iron out: €4m buy out clause, contracts of his assistants... Espanyol expect him to be on bench on Sunday. Stoke want it all done sooner. No deal if all not agreed pic.twitter.com/UtgWxOFofX
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) January 12, 2018

Manchester City believe that Sanchez is keen to join them and link up with Pep Guardiola once more, having been managed by the Spaniard at Barcelona.

The Premier League leaders are unwilling to go beyond £20m for Sanchez when there’s a chance they could get him for nothing at the end of the season.

It’s thought Sanchez is keen to leave Arsenal in the current window, and City’s reluctance to meet the asking price could allow Manchester United to swoop.

City are ready to walk away from Sanchez deal - even if it means watching him join #mufc
— James Robson (@JamesRobsonMEN) January 12, 2018

Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez says he talks about potential transfer targets every day, but remains uncertain about how much money he has to spend.

We've just spoken to Francis Coquelin - make sure you give this a readhttps://t.co/rehxgZIgAQ
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) January 12, 2018

Working hard... 💥⚽️ @ChelseaFC pic.twitter.com/G53egvBOQT
— Ross Barkley (@RBarkley20) January 12, 2018

Talks between Palace and Fiorentina over Senegal striker Khouma Babacar are still ongoing. Fee likely to be around £15m #cpfc
— Ed Aarons (@ed_aarons) January 12, 2018

West Brom's Jonny Evans has been linked with Arsenal and Manchester City this January but manager Alan Pardew says his skipper will feature against Brighton afternoon.

"Nothing has changed on Jonny," Pardew said. "He is fit this weekend, so you can expect to see him on the teamsheet tomorrow.”

The choice of Alexis is clear. City will offer £20m or wait in the summer. He likes the idea of playing under Pep. United will pay him bigger wages but have not approached Arsenal yet. So... Pep or money? pic.twitter.com/Q5VroabkI7
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) January 12, 2018

Hearing that Axel Tuanzebe is likely to join Aston Villa on loan from Man United
— Dean Jones (@DeanJonesBR) January 12, 2018

Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are interested in Stevenage defender Ben Wilmot.

All four clubs sent scouts to evaluate the 18-year-old centre-back during Stevenage's FA Cup match against Reading last weekend.

Andres Iniesta has rejected speculation that Philippe Coutinho's arrival at Barcelona could push him into the shade.

“There will never be a player that can make me retire or kick me out of here. At 33 years of age, that isn't the issue. Coutinho has come here to improve us.”

Javier Hernandez is seriously considering a move to MLS expansion side Los Angeles FC.

West Ham manager David Moyes has reportedly told the striker he can leave the club this winter, and Chicharito is tempted by the possibility of joining Mexico team-mate Carlos Vela at LAFC.

BREAKING: @ChelseaFC head coach Antonio Conte says "anything is possible" in response to reports he could leave at the end of the season. #SSN pic.twitter.com/bq6ffhyDZY
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 12, 2018

#PEP: @gabrieljesus33 was in Barcelona yesterday with Dr Cugat. I think he could be ready in two or three weeks for Basel in the Champions League. #mancity
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 12, 2018

BREAKING: @LFC manager Jurgen Klopp says Mo Salah is fit to face @ManCity on Sunday. #SSN pic.twitter.com/jDehfPWLdp
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 12, 2018

Tottenham have not given up hope of beating Arsenal and Manchester United to the signing of Bordeaux sensation Malcom.

Arsenal have held talks with Malcom’s representatives this week over a potential January deal as Wenger searches for a replacement for Sanchez.

United are also set to make a £40 million bid for the Brazilian in January, but Spurs remain keen to capture the winger, even if Arsenal are favourites to agree a deal.

Cristiano Ronaldo has grown frustrated by Real Madrid's signings.

The Portuguese star is said to be disillusioned by president Florentino Perez's activity in the transfer market, with Madrid failing to sign upgrades after the exits of James Rodriguez, Alvaro Morata and Pepe.

Inter have proposed a swap that would see them send Joao Mario to Atletico Madrid in exchange for Nicolas Gaitan.

That move could be a coup for Atletico manager Diego Simeone, who has given Gaitan just one start in La Liga this season.

For all you FPL manages out there. Don't miss the video!

Need a pointer picking your captain?#FPL Daily's @DannyJamieson is here to help... pic.twitter.com/SG1wKyeM12
— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) January 12, 2018

Nottingham Forest manager Aitor Karanka has targeted Chelsea forward Charly Musonda.

The Championship side are reportedly looking to sign the 21-year-old on loan for the rest of the season, though they'll have to fend off interest from Bournemouth, Newcastle and Watford.

👋 Welcome to Camp Nou, Yerry Mina! 👋
🔵🔴 pic.twitter.com/yokydRkmnP
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 12, 2018

Manchester United have passed Manchester City in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Weigl.

While a swap involving Henrikh Mkhitaryan seems unlikely, United's willingness to send the midfielder to Dortmund could help facilitate talks to sign Weigl.

✅ Bet we had you guessing! We’re delighted to announce that @pritch_93 joins #htafc from @NorwichCityFC for an undisclosed fee, signing a three and a half year deal 📝 https://t.co/bRkfG5Jwkx (AT) pic.twitter.com/SQ30ClNv4U
— Huddersfield Town (@htafcdotcom) January 12, 2018

Ryan Giggs has been interviewed for the vacant Wales national team manager’s job. Wales have been without a manager since Chris Coleman stepped down in November to take over at Sunderland.

Giggs has been working in the media since he left his position as Manchester United assistant manager in 2016.

BREAKING: Ryan Giggs interviewed for Wales manager's job, according to Sky sources. #SSN pic.twitter.com/W7pRMSehKE
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 12, 2018

West Ham have been offered the chance to sign Newcastle's Chancel Mbemba.

Newcastle would want to make sure they have a replacement before sanctioning a move for Mbemba. West Ham would be happy to include Diafra Sakho as part of any potential deal for Mbemba.

Chelsea and Manchester United are monitoring Gremio midfielder Arthur as a potential move to Barcelona stalls.

Barcelona are interested in signing the 21-year-old over the summer, but recent moves for Philippe Coutinho and Yerry Mina mean the Catalans must sell players to balance the books first.

That development has apparently opened the door for the Blues or Red Devils to sign Arthur, who is valued between £30 million and £35m.

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Arnau Puigmal has got that #FridayFeeling, after signing his first professional contract with #MUFC!

Full details of the 17-year-old's new deal: https://t.co/VPxvqfcu6d pic.twitter.com/J7L6SNCLvj
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 12, 2018

Chelsea have identified Massimiliano Allegri and Luis Enrique as potential managers should Antonio Conte leave at season's end.

Diego Simeone is a long-shot candidate, while Carlo Ancelotti seemingly has been ruled out. Napoli's Maurizio Sarri in consideration as well.

Manchester United are targeting Jamie Vardy and Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez in addition to Alexis Sanchez.

Hernandez could return to Old Trafford if West Ham can recoup the £17m they spent to sign the Mexican striker last summer.

Vardy reportedly would be the most expensive option as the Red Devils look to bolster their attack, with Leicester City seeking a £35m fee.

Read more about it HERE

Stunning @IAmJermainDefoe strike claims Carling Goal of the Month for December

➡️ https://t.co/EzurLe46Sr pic.twitter.com/V6jgFGcYsp
— Premier League (@premierleague) January 12, 2018

Pep Guardiola named @premierleague Manager of the Month for a record fourth successive time! #mancity https://t.co/o8b2CYdCJA
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 12, 2018

Another 🏆 for the collection. Congratulations @HKane, the #PL Player of the Month for December! @premierleague

SBC 👉 https://t.co/DOfUkSlSpS pic.twitter.com/Q7vJKXkVmU
— EA SPORTS FIFA (@EASPORTSFIFA) January 12, 2018

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde is not looking to let Andre Gomes leave in the January transfer window.

Gomes reportedly wants a winter move to secure regular first-team football, and he has been linked with Manchester United and Tottenham.

Pep Guardiola named @premierleague Manager of the Month for a record fourth successive time! #mancity https://t.co/o8b2CYdCJA
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 12, 2018

Liverpool are prepared to sell Daniel Sturridge this month.

It is reported that the 28-year-old has informed the Reds that he wants to leave in a bid to play regular first-team football ahead of the World Cup.
However, Liverpool want £30m for the striker. As it stands Sturridge isn’t available for loan.

Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri has requested the signing of Manchester City Leroy Sane.

The 59-year-old asked president Aurelio De Laurentiis, during talks over a new contract, to attempt to lure the Germany international away from the Etihad Stadium.

De Laurentiis, however, instantly rebuffed the request, maintaining that the winger would prove too expensive.

BREAKING: Sam Allardyce confirms @Everton's interest in signing Theo Walcott from @Arsenal on permanent deal. #SSN pic.twitter.com/pKc1hx4PxV
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 12, 2018

BREAKING: Quique Sanchez Flores expected to tell Stoke today whether he will accept offer to take over as manager, according to Sky sources. #SSN pic.twitter.com/w2QOK7V7Sd
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 12, 2018

Leicester winger Riyad Mahrez has opened talks with Liverpool over a potential January move to Anfield.

The Reds are looking to bolster their ranks after losing Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona and see the Algeria international as a suitable option.

It is claimed that Mahrez is open to the idea of playing under Jurgen Klopp although would prefer a move to Arsenal, with whom there has been no contact thus far.

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