Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd £200m spree, Haaland twist, Liverpool ace wants out, Arsenal
Express Sport brings you all the latest transfer news including Manchester United, Erling Haaland, Chelsea, Tottenham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Posted Sunday, November 17, 2019 by Express.co.uk
Chris Wilder backed to replace Unai Emery
Paul Merson believes Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder could replace Unai Emery at the Emirates.
Merson told the Daily Star: "Chris Wilder has done a fantastic job at Sheffield United and deserves a crack at a really big job at some point.
"We should all be talking about him right now but we’re not. Maybe his name’s too English? But look at what he’s achieved.
"He was successful at Oxford and Northampton. Two tough jobs. And he’s taken Sheffield United back into the Premier League.
"They are not keeping all those clean sheets by sticking ten men behind the ball either. They play some lovely stuff, get people in the box, and have a go at teams.
"I think they have actually been a bit unlucky in some games this season but to see them up there in fifth is phenomenal. I watched them play Arsenal and there was only one team who knew what they were doing. Arsenal had no idea. That’s good coaching.
"Managers like Unai Emery and Manuel Pellegrini are under pressure, and okay you never know for sure if a manager can make such a big step up.
"But Chris Wilder has got to be in the conversation the next time a big job comes up. He deserves it."
Transfer news LIVE: Chris Wilder has been backed to replace Unai Emery at Arsenal (Image: GETTY)
Man Utd eye Haaland in January
Manchester United are keen on RB Salzburg attacker Erling Haaland and could make a January swoop.
That’s because the Red Devils fear the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid or Juventus could beat them to his signing if the 19-year-old decides his future in the summer.
United are ready to go all out for Haaland in January and loan him back to Salzburg for the remainder of the current season as a result.
That’s according to ESPN who claim the impressive striker is one of eight players Ed Woodward and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are looking at.
Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho, Leicester midfielder James Maddison, Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson, West Ham ace Declan Rice, Aston Villa pair John McGinn and Jack Grealish and Lyon forward Moussa Dembele are all on the club’s radar.
Transfer news LIVE: Erling Haaland is wanted by Manchester United in January (Image: GETTY)
Olivier Giroud wanted by Inter Milan
Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio traveled to London this week as he pursues deals for both Chelsea and Tottenham stars.
Ausilio came to England with the target of reaching a deal with the Blues for a winter deal for Olivier Giroud, but a look at their north London rivals is also on the cards.
The Daily Mail have claimed that the Italian giants are wasting no time in trying to add to Antonio Conte’s playing squad, with the San Siro side sitting just a point behind Juventus in Serie A after 12 fixtures.
Frank Lampard is not likely to stand in the way of Giroud, who sits behind both Tammy Abraham and Michy Batshuayi in the pecking order, but Mauricio Pochettino will not be as forthcoming.
Inter are said to be interested in pursing deals for both Jan Vertonghen and Christian Eriksen, who are both out of contract in the summer.
Transfer news LIVE: Olivier Giroud is wanted by Inter Milan (Image: GETTY)
Tottenham to make Giovani Lo Celso permanent?
Tottenham have been handed a January transfer window boost as it’s emerged they can get a discount on a permanent deal for Giovani Lo Celso if they trigger the move in January.
Lo Celso has had little impact at Tottenham so far, struggling with injuries, but big things are expected.
Lo Celso is expected to be the long-term replacement for Christian Eriksen who looks set to leave either in January or the summer.
The Lo Celso deal was expected to be a permanent one in the summer, before the 18-month loan deal was confirmed on deadline day.
There is an obligation to purchase Lo Celso written into the deal with Betis, but Mundo Deportivo say Tottenham can get a discount if they trigger his purchase before the end of the season.
So if Tottenham make the move permanent in January they would save 20% on the deal and would be able to get him for £27.5m rather than £34.2m.
Transfer news LIVE: Giovani Lo Celso has failed to make an impression at Tottenham (Image: GETTY)
Aston Villa stance on John McGinn transfer
Aston Villa will not sell John McGinn in January or next summer unless an offer of ‘epic proportion’ comes in for the 25-year-old.
United are looking to strengthen their midfield with the Scotland international on their radar.
But Villa are determined to hold on to McGinn who is also enjoying life at the club and his first season in the Premier League.
The Birmingham Mail say Villa could demand as much as £50m for the star.
Transfer news LIVE: John McGinn is wanted by Manchester United in January (Image: GETTY)
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp on Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has revealed he would have been interested in signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic if he hadn’t already have played for Manchester United.
The Swede has left MLS side LA Galaxy and is set to move back to a club in Europe.
"If he had not played for Manchester United, we would have considered signing him,” the Liverpool coach told Sportbladet.
Ibrahimovic is one of the all-time great strikers, playing for United, Barcelona, PSG and Inter Milan.
Transfer news LIVE: Zlatan Ibrahimovic has left MLS side LA Galaxy (Image: GETTY)
Chelsea to go for Hysaj
Chelsea could be set to launch another move for right-back Elseid Hysaj, according to Radio Punto Nuovo.
The Albanian is out of contract next summer and will be free to talk to clubs in January.
He had been a target for the Blues under Maurizio Sarri, who managed him during his time at the San Paolo.
A deal is likely to hinge on the progression of Reece James and form of Cesar Azpilicueta, who has finally found some consistency after a slow start to the campaign.
Transfer news LIVE: Chelsea could return for Hysaj (Image: GETTY)
Liverpool won't sell Mane or Salah for Sancho
The Athletic’s James Pearce was asked during a Q&A whether Liverpool could sign Sancho as a first rotation option to Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane next season, but he isn’t convinced.
"No, I can't see it,” Pearce said.
"Both Salah and Mane signed new deals not long ago with no release clauses.
"They are coming into their prime and LFC will have no interest in selling them.
"Of course things can change fast in football, one of them could agitate for a move and there could be a massive offer on the table but I very much doubt that will happen.
"The reality is that very few clubs could afford either of them. They are both £150m players.”
Transfer news LIVE: Liverpool won't sign Sancho if they keep Salah and Mane (Image: GETTY)
David Silva to Japan?
David Silva could join Japanese side Vissel Kobe when his Manchester City contract expires at the end of the season.
That’s according to El Chringuito, who believe Silva has decided on his next move.
It would see him join former international team-mate Andres Iniesta in the Far East.
David Villa retired earlier this week but he too enjoyed a spell with the Asian outfit who also have Thomas Vermaelen and Lukas Podolski among their ranks.
Transfer news LIVE: David Silva could leave Man City for Japan (Image: GETTY)
Shaqiri wants out of Liverpool
Xherdan Shaqiri has told friends he intends to quit Liverpool next summer, reports claim.
The Swiss star has almost been forgotten about this season, after being sidelined with a calf tear sustained in training.
However he is closing in on a return to full fitness, giving Jurgen Klopp another attacking option ahead of a gruelling stretch of fixtures.
According to Football Insider, Shaqiri is unhappy at Anfield and has told close friends he wants to leave the club next summer.
He recognises that he has little chance of starting ahead of both Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane and therefore wants to move onto a new challenge.
Transfer news LIVE: Shaqiri wants out of Liverpool, reports claim (Image: GETTY)
Man City urged to sign Koulibaly or Skriniar
Former Liverpool midfielder Jason McAteer believes Manchester City should turn to Kalidou Koulibaly or Milan Skriniar to fix their defensive woes.
He told the Racing Post: “They have issues at the back which need addressing and they need to get to the start of the January transfer window without losing any ground, then perhaps Pep will go in for another centre-back.
"It looks as though he might have no choice with Aymeric Laporte sidelined until at least February and Fernandinho being found out. I’m just not sure Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones are good enough.
"I’m a big fan of Kalidou Koulibaly at Napoli but then so are a lot of people so he would cost serious money. Maybe Pep should have a look at someone such as Milan Skriniar at Inter, who is winning plaudits.
"He’s got to do something because if you’re a City fan you’re thinking this defence isn’t good enough to stay competitive over a busy winter.”
Transfer news LIVE: Man City have been backed to sign Koulibaly or Skriniar (Image: GETTY)
Man Utd have Depay advantage
Lyon chief Juninho has confirmed that Manchester United have the first option to re-sign Depay.
His current contract is set to run until 2021 and the Ligue 1 side are preparing to offer a contract extension to try and convince him to stay in France.
"Manchester United has the priority if several clubs line up to buy him,” Juninho said.
"But we have not received any offers so far. He is really happy right now in Lyon.
"Rudi (Garcia) will soon make his decision. He is a technical leader. We will discuss an extension of contract by the end of the year.”
Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd have the advantage in the race for Memphis Depay (Image: GETTY)
Haaland text messages
Erling Haaland keeps in regular contact with former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, as talk of a potential move to Manchester United ramps up.
"I was working almost two years under him and I have a lot of good memories," the striker said back in April.
"Especially for young players, he was a perfect coach. Because he was an excellent striker, he taught me a lot of things.
"Even now we are texting sometimes and I am happy about his success with Man United. I wish him all the best for the future."
Transfer news LIVE: Haaland texts Solskjaer, his former boss from Molde (Image: GETTY)
Man Utd and Arsenal battle AC Milan
Juventus are ready to offload defender Merih Demiral, with both Manchester United and Arsenal in the running for the centre-back.
According to Tuttosport, the two Premier League clubs are locked in a three-way transfer battle with AC Milan for his services.
The report claims that both United and Arsenal sent scouts to watch the 21-year-old in action for Turkey this week.
They are said to be impressed with what they saw, as the star marshalled the backline with Leicester’s Caglar Soyuncu to earn a clean sheet.
Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd and Arsenal are looking at Merih Demiral (Image: GETTY)
Moise Kean urged to quit Everton
Moise Kean’s father has urged him to quit Everton because the move was a “mistake”.
The young striker was recently dropped from the squad after disciplinary issues which saw him turn up late to two team meetings.
"Sending my son to England was a mistake, because he's still too young, he's not feeling good at Everton, I didn't like this transfer,” Kean Snr told Centro Suono Sport.
"I hope he can come back to Italy as soon as possible, I hope he goes to Rome, but the important thing is that he comes back here."
Transfer news LIVE: Moise Kean has been urged to quit Everton (Image: GETTY)
Bruno Fernandes reignites Man Utd and Tottenham links
Bruno Fernandes has claimed he has "dreams to fulfil" after interest from both Manchester United and Tottenham last season.
"I’m not worried at all [about transfer window speculation],” Fernandes said after Portugal beat Lithuania 6-0 on Thursday.
"Since 2016, there's been talk about my possible departure.
"I’m well, doing my job and doing the best I can. I have dreams to fulfil but I have no need to force my departure.
"I feel the love here and if I have to leave, I hope I leave good memories.”
Transfer news LIVE: Bruno Fernandes was a target for both Man Utd and Tottenham (Image: GETTY)
Man City eye Leicester duo
Sky Sports are reporting that Manchester City are looking at both Jonny Evans and Caglar Soyuncu to bolster their defensive line.
The pair have been a huge part of Leicester’s fine start to the season under Brendan Rodgers, which sees them sit second in the table.
It’s not the first time Brendan Rodgers has looked at signing a centre-back from the club.
Last season he was keen on Harry Maguire before he completed a world record move to rivals Manchester United.
Transfer news LIVE: Manchester City are eyeing Leicester duo Evans and Soyuncu (Image: GETTY)
Real Madrid ready to move for Haaland
Also on Real Madrid’s radar is this season’s breakthrough star Erling Haaland.
Scouts have been sent to watch the Austrian hitman who has already scored five hat-tricks in all competitions.
According to El Desmarque, Florentino Perez has drawn up a four-man shortlist made up of upcoming superstars.
Everton’s Moise Kean is also being considered as he considers his future at Goodison Park.
Transfer news LIVE: Real Madrid are tracking Erling Haaland just like Man Utd (Image: GETTY)
Real Madrid want Hudson-Odoi
Callum Hudson-Odoi recently signed a new Chelsea contract, but that hasn’t put off Real Madrid according to reports in Spain.
El Desmarque claim that Zinedine Zidane is eyeing the Blues winger.
Bayern Munich have had four bids rejected for Hudson-Odoi and now look to have turned their attentions elsewhere.
The England international is still finding his feet following a hefty lay off with an Achilles problem.
Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd ready £200m raid, Haaland twist, Coutinho to Tottenham, Zlatan (Image: GETTY)
Transfer news LIVE: Real Madrid want Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi (Image: GETTY)
Man Utd £200m raid
Manchester United are plotting a £200million double raid for Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland, according to The Mirror.
Sancho is reportedly ready to leave Borussia Dortmund after being made an example of in recent weeks by Lucien Favre.
Meanwhile United have sent scouts to keep tabs on Haaland, who is now deemed their top striker target.
They are now the favourites to land the 19-year-old sensation.
Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd want Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland (Image: GETTY)
Haaland twist
The Mirror also claim that United would be willing to loan Haaland back to Salzburg for the remainder of the season.
It comes as a huge surprise given that they will need to fork out around £85million to secure the deal.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer worked with the star at Molde and is currently short of forward options, therefore a centre-forward is top of his agenda when the transfer window reopens.
But the Norwegian is prepared to go to extra lengths to ensure Haaland ends up in a United shirt.
Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd want Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland (Image: GETTY)
Tottenham anger of Coutinho
According to The Sun, one of Mauricio Pochettino’s biggest grievances with the board is their failure to pursue a deal for Philippe Coutinho.
It was something he personally requested in the closing stages of the summer transfer window.
Barcelona were looking for a club to take Coutinho on loan, a player Pochettino worked with during his time at Espanyol.
Pochettino did however land Giovani Lo Celso, who they are likely to sign permanently at the end of the season, as Coutinho moved to Bayern Munich.
Transfer news LIVE: Tottenham boss Pochettino is unhappy they didn't sign Coutinho (Image: GETTY)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
AC Milan are the latest Italian club to express an interest in signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, after leaving LA Galaxy.
The big Swede spent two seasons at the club between 2010 and 2012, hammering in 42 Serie A goals in 61 matches.
Ibrahimovic has expressed his desire to return to Serie A, where he has spent most of his career.
He wants to join a club who will fight for the Scudetto though, making the one exception of Bologna, with Ibra stating he’d be willing to play for boss Sinisa Mihajlovic, who is battling leukaemia.
Transfer news LIVE: Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be heading back to Italy (Image: GETTY)
Bale riles Real Madrid
Gareth Bale has admitted that he gets more joy playing for Wales than he does Real Madrid.
The forward nearly joined Chinese Super League club Jiangsu Suning in the summer transfer window, as he time in Madrid dwindles to a close.
"I definitely have more excitement playing for Wales," Bale said.
"I’ve been with most of the older players since we were in the U17s. It's like playing with your mates down the park on a Sunday. It's normal.
"With Wales, I'm speaking my own language and feel more comfortable. But it doesn't change what I do on the pitch. I always give 100 per cent on the pitch wherever I am, that's what I always strive to do."
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