A round-up of the latest transfer gossip from around Europe with West Ham United in talks about Kalvin Phillips’ transfer and Newcastle United targeting an Everton star.
The Irons and Magpies are both in the market for new midfielders this month. David Moyes and Eddie Howe each believe their respective sides need to strengthen their engine rooms. Newcastle have taken a further hit in midfield following the thigh injury Joelinton sustained.
Midfield reinforcements this month may also determine how their Premier League seasons unfold at London Stadium and St James’ Park. The Hammers sit sixth in the standings over 20 games. But the Toon only sit in 10th place after 21 matches following just nine wins yet.
HITC Football paper talk
Talks are ongoing between West Ham United and Manchester City over the loan transfer of Kalvin Phillips. According to Sky Sports, the Irons, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are among six clubs keen on a deal. Crystal Palace and Newcastle United have also contacted Man City.
Yet talkSPORT reports that David Moyes is butting heads with the West Ham hierarchy with his interest in Phillips’ transfer. Not all Irons chiefs are convinced by the transfer and believe a move to loan Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal will deliver them the more creative addition.
Newcastle have also identified Everton star Amadou Onana as a player who may strengthen their midfield, per The Telegraph. The Belgian is unsettled at Goodison Park after interest at Arsenal and Manchester United. But Newcastle might struggle to afford his £50m valuation.
Toon boss Eddie Howe has also ordered Newcastle to scout Ederson of Atalanta and Hayden Hackney of Middlesbrough in recent weeks. The Guardian reports Howe is eager to improve his midfield with Sandro Tonali suspended. Joe Willock and Joelinton are also both injured.
The Guardian also reports that Besiktas have made Newcastle an offer over the transfer of Jamaal Lascelles. But Howe is reluctant to accept the bid and sell their third-choice centre-half and captain. Lascelles is still key as Sven Botman has only just returned from an injury.
Manchester United are on pole position for the transfer of Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, reports Sport Italia. The Red Devils are ready to push ahead and target the €50m (£43m) Dutchman this summer. Arsenal and several Serie A sides are also interested in a transfer.
Tottenham Hotspur are in advanced talks with Club Brugge for the £25m transfer of Antonio Nusa, per talkSPORT. But the Belgian Jupiler Pro League side would want to loan the winger back for the rest of this season. He would have to rival Timo Werner for minutes with Spurs.
Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel has made Newcastle star Kieran Trippier his top right-back target, per talkSPORT. Der FCB remain in the market for a new wing-back after missing out on Kyle Walker last summer. Newcastle may also consider selling to boost their budget.
Real Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini is considering the transfer of West Ham midfielder Pablo Fornals to replace Andres Guardado, reports AS. The 27-year-old is also potentially open to leaving the Irons in January for around €5-7m (£4-6m) in search of more regular game time.
OGC Nice have made Vitoria de Guimaraes an offer for the transfer of Jota Silva but they will have to edge interest from Wolves and AC Milan, reports O Jogo. Atalanta, Toulouse, Nantes and Villarreal are also interested as Jota has a release clause of €20m (£17m) in his contract.
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