- EXCLUSIVES from Graeme Bailey
Here is the latest exclusive transfer news from HITC Football as the January window continues…
Sheffield United want Jack Clarke alongside Ben Brereton Diaz
Sheffield United are closing in on a loan deal for Villarreal forward Ben Brereton Diaz – and want a permanent move for for Sunderland winger Jack Clarke.
Brereton Diaz has struggled since joining Villarreal and looks to be on his way back to England just a matter of months after leaving Blackburn Rovers.
The Blades want another attacking addition and are eyeing up Sunderland wide man Clarke, who is also wanted by Burnley.
The former Tottenham Hotspur talent is valued at around £20million by the Black Cats, which would be quite the outlay from Sheffield United.
Chris Wilder wants reinforcements though and could push for Clarke’s signature after 12 goals in 26 Championship games this season.
Sheffield United also targeting a goalkeeper as Keylor Navas eyed
Sources also tell HITC Football that Wilder is also keen to bring in a new shot-stopper with Nice veteran Kasper Schmeichel a prime target.
Sheffield United are looking at other options too, with Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Keylor Navas wanted.
The Costa Rican star spent the second half of last season on loan at Nottingham Forest but wasn’t signed permanently in the summer.
Navas is now back with PSG but hasn’t made a single appearance this season and may be keen to move on.
Wes Foderingham hasn’t entirely convinced this season and Navas may now arrive as experienced competition as Sheffield United push for survival.
Manchester United open Aaron Wan-Bissaka contract talks
Despite looking at a number of right backs, Manchester United are now exploring a new contract for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries, fellow Dutchman Jeremie Frimpong at Bayer Leverkusen and Girona defender Arnau Martinez are all on the United radar.
However, United are now in talks to extend Wan-Bissaka’s contract with a long-term deal.
United also extended Diogo Dalot’s contract last year and, whilst Wan-Bissaka has a one-year option in his deal, a long-term contract could now be on the table.
United ready to allow Facundo Pellistri exit
United are trying to keep defender Wan-Bissaka but winger Facundo Pellistri seemingly has the green light to leave Old Trafford.
The Uruguayan has started just one Premier League game this season and United may now allow him to leave.
Pellistri was expected to go out on loan but United are now open to permanent offers for the 22-year-old wide man.
Erik ten Hag may feel that Pellistri just can’t step up to become a key first-team player and it’s better for United to cash in now.
Fellow winger Amad Diallo is a wanted man, with Sunderland – where the Ivorian spent last season on loan – now keen again after his return from injury.
Celtic keen on Lawrence Shankland as Everton watch on
Celtic are looking to sign a striker this month and are now eyeing up a move for Heart of Midlothian forward that Lawrence Shankland.
The 28-year-old has hit 18 goals in all competitions this season and is a player admired by Bhoys manager Brendan Rodgers.
There is major interest from English clubs though, meaning Celtic face fierce competition for Shankland.
Everton, Sheffield United, Crystal Palace, Burnley, Southampton, Hull City and Middlesbrough are all thought to have scouted Shankland ahead of possible moves.
Hearts won’t want to lose Shankland this month but he is now a name to keep close tabs on his month.
Arsenal and Tottenham to miss out as Marcos Leonardo set for Benfica
Santos sensation Marcos Leonardo has been on the wish lists of Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur – but he’s heading elsewhere.
We understand that Leonardo is on the verge of signing for Portuguese side Benfica in a deal worth around €18million (£15.5million).
Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham all sniffed around Leonardo whilst Crystal Palace, Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers all held talks.
Instead of heading to England, the 20-year-old striker is now poised to become the latest Brazilian at Benfica, following in the footsteps of David Luiz, Ramires and Ederson among others.
Todd Kane eyeing return to English football
One former Chelsea talent could be heading back to English football this month.
Right back Todd Kane joined Gibraltarian side Manchester 92 in October but is now ready to return to the EFL.
We understand that the 30-year-old is on the radars of with Middlesbrough, Millwall, Peterborough United and Lincoln City.
Kane has previously featured for the likes of Queens Park Rangers and Coventry City, operating as a right back or even right wing back.
An experienced performer in England’s second and third tiers, Kane also has interest in Scotland.
Middlesbrough set to snap up Aston Villa talent Finn Azaz
Elsewhere in the EFL, Middlesbrough are poised to secure a new signing having pounced for Finn Azaz.
The Aston Villa playmaker is currently on loan at Plymouth Argyle and has racked up seven goals and five assist this season.
Boro are now set to land Azaz on a permanent basis, striking a deal worth an initial £2million.
Azaz scored an absolute stunner for Argyle against Watford on New Year’s Day, but that will prove to be his final game for the club.
Chelsea talent Andrey Santos could now head to the Championship
Chelsea have recalled midfielder Andrey Santos from his loan spell at Nottingham Forest having struggled for first-team action at the City Ground.
The Brazilian is now being lined up for another loan move away from Stamford Bridge, with EFL clubs now interested.
Sunderland, Hull City and West Bromwich Albion are seen as potential destinations and a Championship loan is now more likely than another Premier League move.
Santos is a big talent but needs playing time – and Chelsea may now send him to the second tier to get his season back on track.
Tottenham Hotspur want double signing
Finally, Tottenham are looking to bring in two new faces with Genoa defender Radu Dragusin becoming a key target.
We understand that Tottenham are in talks over a deal which could be worth around £25million with the Romanian wanted as defensive competition.
Spurs aren’t finished there though and still want to add another winger.
Contact has been made for Al Ittihad wide man Jota, who thrived under Ange Postecoglou at Celtic.
Jota’s time in Saudi Arabia has been miserable and Spurs could offer him an escape route, even if only on an initial loan.
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