Live Football Transfer Blog: EPL, La Liga and Rest of Europe (16th January)

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

That's all for today folks. Join us tomorrow. Ciao!

Manchester United are now favourites to sign Sanchez after Oldham Athletic club confirmed that they have not made any offer for the player!

The club can confirm that no offer has been made for Alexis Sanchez.

Grow up, Ryan. https://t.co/fAEiEpFBox
— Oldham Athletic AFC (@OfficialOAFC) January 16, 2018

There's been no further contact from Arsenal or Manchester City about Jonny Evans. The longer the saga drags on, the more reluctant West Brom would be to sell the defender as they would want time to spend the money.

REVEALED: Arsene Wenger said to referee Mike Dean after West Brom draw - “You’re not honest... you’re a disgrace”, it has been claimed. #AFC More on #SSN
— Bryan Swanson (@skysports_bryan) January 16, 2018

Real Madrid have officially informed Athletic of their interest in signing goalkeeper Kepa.

The Liga champions have been inactive so far in the transfer window, but have been plagued by poor form throughout the current season. And with Keylor Navas coming in for criticism from some sectors, a move for Kepa could yet take place in the current window.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has turned his attentions to young Real Madrid star Marco Asensio.

The Citizens have given up their chase of Alexis Sanchez, having started January as favourites to sign the Arsenal man. And Asensio, who has struggled for playing time in recent weeks at Madrid, would be a more than acceptable alternative, as Pep is a big admirer of the forward.

Emre Can has suggested that he could yet sign a new contract at Liverpool.

The Germany international midfielder is out of contract this summer and has consistently been linked with a move to Juventus.

📸 Welcome to the Potteries, Paul Lambert! #SCFC 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/Az8Z6lwAkJ
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) January 16, 2018

Bayern Munich have been scouting Sporting Lisbon winger Gelson Martins with a view to a potential summer move.

Martins has been repeatedly linked with a move to Liverpool, but now Bayern are stepping up their interest as the Bundesliga club search for long-term replacements for Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery.

The 22-year-old has a €60m release clause in his contract, but Sporting want to increase that figure to €100m and delay a sale until at least the end of the season.

SKY SOURCES: Theo Walcott having @Everton medical. #SSN pic.twitter.com/J7aTk2fecU
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 16, 2018

Paris Saint-Germain’s Lucas Moura has emerged as an option for Napoli.

Simone Verdi of Bologna is Napoli’s primary target, but a January deal is looking unlikely, while a move for Barcelona’s Gerard Deulofeu is also proving difficult.

Now Lucas, who is keen to leave PSG and has been linked with Manchester United, is a possibility due to his availability, with Napoli exploring a loan deal with a view to a €25 million permanent transfer.

RB Leipzig have made contact with Ajax regarding a possible deal to sign teenage winger Justin Kluivert.

Kluivert is a target for Barcelona and Manchester United. However, Leipzig are keen to win the race for the 18-year-old and have been in touch with the player’s representatives and Ajax.

Arsenal teenager Reiss Nelson is being chased by Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.

The 18-year-old is out of contract next year and there has yet to be agreement over a long-term deal for the winger to stay at the Emirates Stadium. The situation has led to PSG and Madrid taking an interest, while rival Premier League clubs are also keeping a watching brief.

Manchester United are yet to trigger the one-year option on Juan Mata’s contract, but the playmaker wants to stay at Old Trafford.

Mata’s current deal expires at the end of the season, and he has been linked with summer moves to Inter Milan and former club Valencia. United have a 12-month option on Mata’s contract and the club are still expected to exercise the deal to keep the Spaniard for at least another season.

Manchester City are working on a deal to sign Brazil midfielder Fred from Shakhtar. Not considered a priority in this window but the cost has been creeping up since talks began last year and they’d like a deal in place with a view to him joining before the World Cup.

Sky Sources: Deal involving Alexis Sanchez and Henrikh Mkitharyan would be a straight swap with no fee. #SSN pic.twitter.com/fUpuOgYzuH
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 16, 2018

Theo Walcott is at Everton for talks over proposed £20m+ move from Arsenal. Medical under way - #EFC run lengthy checks so sensible to start it while negotiations ongoing in hope that if/when agreement reached medical already done. Still hurdles to overcome, outcome in next 24hrs
— David Ornstein (@bbcsport_david) January 16, 2018

Kevin Gameiro is not looking to leave Atletico Madrid in the January transfer window amid reports of interest from Swansea.

Swansea are rumoured to be preparing a club-record £25 million bid for Gameiro, who has previously been linked with a move to Everton.

Real Madrid have identified Mauro Icardi as their top summer transfer target and are ready to meet the Inter Milan striker’s €110m release clause.

Madrid president Florentino Perez wants to sign a new No.9 at the end of the season due to the disappointing form of Karim Benzema this term.

Arsenal have offered midfielder Jack Wilshere a new contract, but on a lower salary than he currently earns.

Wilshere is out of contract at the end of the season and is not expecting to sign a new deal during the January transfer window.
The Gunners have made moves to keep the England international, although the fresh terms would put the 26-year-old on a reduced basic salary, but with heavily incentivised clauses.

Asked if the club are trying to sign Alexis Sanchez, Conte says: 'I don't think so.'
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 16, 2018

Huddersfield, Bournemouth and Villa all interested in Chievo midfielder Samuel Bastien.

BREAKING: Theo Walcott at Everton training ground to discuss possible move from Arsenal. #SSN. pic.twitter.com/eRPFdkAuOd
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 16, 2018

Simon Mignolet is considering his Liverpool future due to what he described as an "unhealthy" goalkeeper situation at the club.

Loris Karius, whose appearances this season have largely been restricted to the Champions League, started ahead of Mignolet for the FA Cup tie with Everton and Sunday's dramatic 4-3 win over Manchester City.

Paris Saint-Germain will make a big-money offer for Cristiano Ronaldo if Real Madrid president Florentino Perez can assure the French club that he will give up his pursuit of Neymar.

Ronaldo has made it clear to club officials that he wants to leave the Santiago Bernabeu, but will not accept a move to a perceived 'smaller league' such as China or MLS.

Perez, it is said, is NOT willing to cooperate with PSG's wishes.

As suggested elsewhere, Theo Walcott's proposed move to Everton has moved closer. Am told it isn't done yet - personal terms, fee structure being finalised - but transfer could total £25m once add-ons are sorted.
— James Olley (@JamesOlley) January 16, 2018

Agent Mino Raiola “Manchester United is not going to sign Sánchez unless Mkhi agrees to join Arsenal. Sánchez is part of the Mkhi deal, not the other way around."

Liverpool and Arsenal have been quoted a price of £100million to sign Riyad Mahrez by Leicester boss Claude Puel.

The 26-year-old was free to leave the King Power Stadium for a fee closer to £40m, but Puel insists Mahrez would cost closer to £100m now.

Pep Guardiola will consider a move for Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann after being promised by Manchester City’s hierarchy that he will be able to sign an alternative to Alexis Sanchez.

Griezmann has a €100m (£89m) release clause and is expected to leave Atletico at the end of the season. Barcelona have also expressed an interest in signing the 26-year-old and reports claim that the La Liga leaders are working towards a summer deal.

Arsenal will make an official offer today for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of €55M to Borussia Dortmund.

⚽️📰 #Arsenal hará una oferta oficial hoy por Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 🇬🇦 (28) de 55M€ al #BorussiaDortmund. pic.twitter.com/tPK2rRaPeD
— Pipe Sierra (@PipeSierraR) January 16, 2018

Newcastle are considering a move for Crystal Palace left-back Papa Souare, according to Sky sources.

Rafa Benitez is keen to bring in competition for Paul Dummett, and he is one of a number of players on his left-back list. Newcastle are still to add anyone in this transfer window, with the Spaniard saying he still doesn't know his transfer budge

Crystal Palace remain in talks over a deal for striker Khouma Babacar, with Fiorentina asking for £15m for the Senegal international.

Eagles boss Roy Hodgson wants to add another striker to his squad this month and is also interested in the Celtic forward Moussa Dembele.

Bordeaux president Stephane Martin on Malcom: "We did not sign him to an extension to let him go this winter. We have never had a discussion with Arsenal. They can always try, but they will struggle to take him from us."

Everton close to agreement with Arsenal to sign Theo Walcott for in excess of £20m. #EFC football/financial offer beat rivals. Likely played last #AFC game (397 apps, 108 goals). Money to go towards transfers - Aubameyang/Malcom + Mkhitaryan (Sanchez swap), unlikely to get all 3
— David Ornstein (@bbcsport_david) January 16, 2018

No agreement in place or close for Mkhitaryan to join Arsenal from Man Utd in Sanchez swap. He holds key & still mulling over #AFC / other clubs / staying #MUFC - if agrees to Arsenal, can happen quickly. Doesn’t see eye to eye with Mourinho but not desperate to go at all costs pic.twitter.com/n95zzQzYdg
— David Ornstein (@bbcsport_david) January 16, 2018

West Brom are interested in signing Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney, but only if there are outgoings in this January window.

Manchester City have ended their interest in signing Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal because the cost of the deal has become too expensive.

Pep Guardiola had talks with Man City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak today and both agreed that it would be too much to pay for a player who would be available on a free transfer in the summer.

Speaking to Sky Sports after Manchester United's victory over Stoke, Jose Mourinho spoke about the possibility of Henrikh Mkhitaryan joining Arsenal, with the Armenian said to be part of a swap deal for Alexis Sanchez.

"He's a player that I like, of high quality. Is he going to be involved in one deal in leaving us? It's possible. But it's also possible that he stays."I'm just trying to protect him and the team, so let's make sure he stays with us or that he leaves us. The market is open."

Tottenham have held further discussions with centre-back Toby Alderweireld over a new contract.

The Belgium international, 28, has a contract with the north London club that runs until the summer of 2020.

West Ham have NO interest in allowing striker Andy Carroll to leave on loan during the transfer window, assistant manager Alan Irvine has said.

Chelsea have made contact, but West Ham are bemused by the approach. Carroll is valued by West Ham at over £35m. Irvine said he doesn't think West Ham would entertain letting him leave on loan, because it wouldn't help the Hammers and they need as much assistance as they can get for the rest of the season.

A new day filled with transfer news. Another twist in the tale for Sanchez. Stay tuned and find out