Chelsea remain in pole position for Gvardiol

Chelsea continue to lead the race for Josko Gvardiol.

That’s according to journalist Nicolo Schira, who claims that the RB Leipzig centre-back remains the Blues’ primary target.

It appears unlikely that Chelsea will be able to get a deal done in January, but should Gvardiol move in the summer, it looks likely that west London could be the destination.

Emery ready to sell Martinez

Emi Martinez’s time at Aston Villa could be coming to an end, according to reports in Spain

Fichajes claim that Unai Emery is not keen on working with the goalkeeper, who has just won the World Cup with Argentina, due to concerns over his personality and the Villa boss is keen to move Martinez on.

Emery has already revealed he will speak to Martinez about his celebrations following the World Cup success, with the goalkeeper mocking Kylian Mbappe on more than one occasion.

Should Emery get his wish and Martinez leave, it’s reported that Morocco goalkeeper Bono could be the man to replace him.

Boost for Premier League clubs in Felix race

Joao Felix will be a name constantly mentioned in January, with the forward looking likely to leave Atletico Madrid.

It’s been reported that the La Liga side will let him go on loan for the rest of the season for £8m, along with his salary being paid in full, with Chelsea and Arsenal among the clubs linked.

They will both be encouraged by the suggestion from Fabrizio Romano that PSG do not intend to make a move for Felix, with their focus on sealing a move for Milan Skriniar in the summer.

Klopp on Liverpool’s January plans

Jurgen Klopp has downplayed talk of Liverpool making a big-money move for Jude Bellingham, with the Borussia Dortmund one of Europe’s most in-demand players after a stellar World Cup.

“In January? I’m the wrong person to answer that,” Klopp laughed.

While it is unlikely to be Bellingham, the Liverpool boss did suggest that the club would look to be active in the upcoming window.

“January, in our situation, is a window from a sports side we are always prepared, it’s always clear what kind of ideas we have or how the necessity is from our point of view,” Klopp said.

“You can imagine the situation we are in that we are probably looking. If something happens, we will see.”

Why Gakpo to Leeds fell through

Cody Gakpo is a man in high demand right now, but he was very close to joining Leeds in the summer.

Eindhovens Dagblad claim that the move ultimately fell through due to unrealistic bonuses being included by Leeds, who also wanted to pay over a significant period of time.

It’s reported that PSV would be open to a January sale, as long as Gakpo was allowed to remain at the club for the rest of the season.

Chelsea near double deal completion

Chelsea are close to signing Brazilian starlet Andrey Santos from Vasco da Gama.

The teenage midfielder has yet to complete a medical or sign a contract but broad agreements over the transfer fee – an initial £13million plus a further £7m in add-ons – and a five-year deal are now in place.

Chelsea are poised to beat Premier League rivals Newcastle in the race to sign Santos, one of the most highly-rated young players in Brazil.

It follows the Blues already agreeing a January deal for Ivorian striker David Datro Fofana, who completed his medical on Friday after an £8.6million fee was agreed with Norwegian club Molde.

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Messi set to stay at PSG

Lionel Messi is close to agreeing a new deal at PSG, following his World Cup success.

The 35-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and there had been suggestions that he would move to the MLS, likely to join David Beckham’s Inter Miami.

However, the BBC report that an agreement has been reached between Messi and PSG over a new 12-month deal, with the option to extend for a further year, with the Argentina legend happy in Paris and eyeing a Champions League win.

Spurs plan Porro bid

Tottenham are considering turning their focus to Sporting full-back Pedro Porro.

Correio da Manha report that Spurs intend to use Marcus Edwards as part of the deal, with the north London side still set to get 50% of a future sale of their former player.

While Porro has a €45m release clause, Tottenham hope they can lower that to €30m by giving up their share in a future Edwards transfer.

Rice set for summer exit

West Ham have reportedly ‘conceded internally’ that Declan Rice will leave the club in the coming weeks.

The midfielder has long been linked with a move to Chelsea, and the Blues will be encouraged by reports in The Athletic claiming that West Ham are close to giving up in their attempts to persuade Rice to sign a new deal.

The 23-year-old wants Champions League football and the Hammers are set to grant that. While they will refuse to sell him in January, a summer exit appears increasingly likely.

Chelsea target reveals January decision

Rafael Leao has committed his future to AC Milan – but left the door open to a future Premier League move amid interest from Chelsea.

Under contract until the end of next season, the Portuguese forward is in talks with Milan over an extension having helped the Rossoneri win the Scudetto.

But Leao, 23, has admitted that a transfer to English football is on his long-term agenda.

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