A round-up of the latest transfer gossip from around Europe as Joelinton’s future at Newcastle United becomes hazy and Saudi Arabia starts to plot a raid on Liverpool.
The Magpies recently lost Joelinton for the time being to a thigh injury he sustained in their FA Cup third-round win over bitter rivals Sunderland. Eddie Howe must now deal without one of his more important players, having fielded Joelinton in 23 of their 31 matches this season.
Joelinton had already missed a handful of the Toon’s fixtures this season after also suffering a hamstring injury in September. But he still ranks fifth at St James’ Park for goals scored (3) and third for assists (4). Only Anthony Gordon (8) and Kieran Trippier (8) have more assists.
HITC Football paper round-up
Brazil midfielder Joelinton may have played his last game for Newcastle United following his thigh injury, per the Daily Mail. The 27-year-old’s season is likely over as he will undergo an operation next week. But he is also in a contract stand-off with his deal lapsing in June 2025.
Newcastle are also on the verge of agreeing a deal to sell Javier Manquillo to Celta Vigo this January, per The Athletic. The right-back is yet to feature this season following a number of injuries. But Rafa Benitez is keen to reunite with Manquillo, having signed him back in 2017.
Middlesbrough have rejected a bid from Aston Villa over the transfer of Morgan Rogers, per Sky Sports. Boro felt the Villans’ offer did not come close to their valuation. The 21-year-old joined from Manchester City for £1m last August and has six goals, plus eight assists, so far.
Along with Raphael Varane, whose contract ends in June, Manchester United could look to replace Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire this summer. ESPN reports the Red Devils will be receptive to significant offers for the pair. Jonny Evans will also be out of contract this June.
Old Trafford chiefs have a number of centre-back targets on their radar, including Jean-Clair Todibo of OGC Nice. Manchester United also admire Everton talent Jarrad Branthwaite and Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt, as well as the Galatasaray right-back, Sacha Boey.
Saudi Arabia will target the transfer of Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah again in the next summer window, per 90min. The Reds held firm to retain the winger last summer but he is still a top target of the Pro League. Salah will also be out of contract at Anfield in June 2025.
Plymouth Argyle are closing in on the transfer of Adam Forshaw from Norwich City, per Sky Sports. The 32-year-old moved to Carrow Road last August following his release from Leeds United. But the midfielder has only appeared in six Championship matches for 183 minutes.
Girona are considering a move for the transfer of Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley, according to Sky Sports. Michel’s La Liga leaders are strongly interested in the 23-year-old having joined a Spanish giant, a Premier League club and Serie A side Inter Milan scouting O’Riley closely.
Inter Milan would need to sell a player before they can buy O’Riley, so are likely to push any move back into the summer. The expected transfer of Stefano Sensi to Leicester City is likely to be without any fee in January. Celtic also feel they are in a strong position to keep O’Riley.
Juventus forward Moise Kean is ready to join Atletico Madrid on loan until the summer, per Sky Italia. Diego Simeone played a key role in convincing the Italian of a move to the Spanish capital. Juventus have accepted Atletico Madrid’s offer for a loan without any option to buy.
Sassuolo have agreed a fee of £5m, plus add-ons, with Hellas Verona for the transfer of Josh Doig, per Sky Italia. The left-back will now undergo a medical on Friday ahead of a move that will also offer Hibernian a significant sell-on fee. Verona will also obtain a 10% sell-on clause.
Standard Liege have rejected a £500k offer from Swansea City over the transfer of Romaine Mundle, per Sky Sports. Stoke City and Plymouth are also interested in signing the 20-year-old this month. Swansea are weighing up a new bid for the ex-Tottenham Hotspur prospect.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
