Transfer news and rumours of the day: 8 January 2016

Stephen El Shaarawy's future hangs in the balance with AC Milan showing no interest in taking him backThe winter transfer window has been open a week and some transfers have already been announced, be it loans or permanent signings. While most clubs are averse to making big-money signings in January, there are players who seek exits from the respective clubs in search of playing time – especially with UEFA Euro 2016 around the corner. Here are some of the major transfer news and rumours of the day.

#1 Serie A

Branislav Ivanovic at the brink of Chelsea exit?

- Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic is a target for AC Milan according to the Mirror. The Serbian defender turns 32 in February and is unlikely to be offered a new contract at Chelsea considering his decline in form this season.

- According to Football Italia, Inter Milan are considering a bid for Marseille defender Nicolas Nkoulou to replace Andrea Rannochia, who is expected to leave the club in the summer. Nkoulou’s contract runs out in the summer and Marseille could be forced to sell the player in January rather than letting him go for free in the summer.

- Lazio are interested in signing former Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen according to reports in Spain and Italy. However, Barcelona have turned down a reported €6m bid and are looking to cash in more on the out of favour defender.

- Rodrigo Palacio has extended his stay with Inter till June 2017, the club confirmed on their official website today.

“There's nothing like playing for this club. I'm delighted and I can't wait to be involved in the big matches this season has in store for us. I thank Inter and the fans,” stated the forward.

#2 La Liga

- According to the Telegraph, Real Madrid are considering a bid for Tottenham striker Harry Kane as they prepare to possibly face life without Cristiano Ronaldo. Real’s close relationship with Daniel Levy could help them in completing the deal. Kane had signed a 5-and-a-half-year deal on around £45,000 a week last February which secured his future until 2020 with the club.

- Malaga have completed the signing of midfielder Chory Castro on a two-and-a-half-year deal from Real Sociedad. The Uruguayan left Sociedad due to his lack of game time and has been given jersey number 5 at Malaga.

Malaga sporting director Francesc Arnau commented, “He's the type of player we're looking for. He is a very experienced player and knows the Spanish League well. He was never in any doubt about the move and always wanted to join Malaga.”

- Barcelona are ready to battle Chelsea for the signature of Everton defender John Stones according to reports. The 21-year-old has impressed during his time with Everton and has been linked with a move away from Goodison Park for some time now.

– New Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has assured fans that Cristiano Ronaldo was ‘not going anywhere’ amid interest from former club Manchester United. Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal had said, “We are looking at all players, not just Ronaldo. But these players are mostly un-gettable. With Ronaldo, let's wait and hope.”

But Zidane shot down any talk of a move, saying: “Cristiano is more than non-transferable. He is the soul of the team. He's going nowhere.”

#3 English Premier League

Manchester United lining up a bid for Romelu Lukaku?

- According to the Mirror, Manchester United are set to submit a blockbuster £40million bid to Everton forward Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian has been in terrific form this season and is one of the strikers in the league at the moment having scored 15 goals so far. Louis van Gaal believes that Lukaku could be the striker they need after missing out on Sadio Mane and Harry Kane.

- Chelsea are considering a bid for Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to replace Eden Hazard, who has been linked with a move away from Chelsea recently, according to reports. However, it is uncertain if Arsene Wenger would be ready to let Chamberlain go as he is still considered in his plans at the Emirates.

- Norwich City have completed the signing of defender Ivo Pinto from Dinamo Zagreb, the club confirmed today. The right-back signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with the Canaries and is expected to provide a boost for their survival hopes this season.

“I've worked hard to arrive in the best league in the world, so this move means a lot to me,” he told Norwich City TV. “English football is very fast and very intense for the whole game. That matches me well because my best qualities as a player are being fast and intense too.”

“I'm very excited to come here and play for a big club in the Premier League. Now I'm looking forward to starting work to help the team achieve their goals,” he added.

#4 Rest of Europe

- Atletico Miniero’s Jemerson has been linked with a move away from Brazil. According to Football Italia, Roma are set to make a €10m offer for the 23-year-old defender to bolster their defence. However, the Italian club would have to beat competition from Porto and Monaco, who are also interested in the centre-back.

- Chelsea have sent youngster Wallace back to Brazil on an 18-month loan with Gremio reports Sportsmole. The 21-year-old returns to his homeland after an unsuccessful stint with Carpi in Italy where he made only a single start in the Serie A.

- According to TalkSport, Stuttgart are interested in a loan deal for forgotten Chelsea defender Papy Djilobodji. The defender arrived from Nantes in the summer and is yet to make a Premier League appearance for Chelsea. The 27-year-old is desperate to play first-team football this season and Chelsea may be happy to let him go.

Edited by Staff Editor