- EXCLUSIVES from Graeme Bailey
Here is the latest exclusive transfer news from HITC Football as the January window continues…
Wolves close in on Noha Lemina
Wolverhampton Wanderers could now reunite midfielder Mario Lemina with his younger brother Noha.
We understand that an offer has now been made by Wolves as they seek to sign attacking midfielder Noha Lemina from Paris Saint-Germain.
Lemina has been coming up in the PSG ranks for nearly 10 years now and currently finds himself out on loan at Sampdoria in Italy’s second tier.
The 18-year-old has only managed one league appearance for Sampdoria though and his loan could now be cancelled to facilitate a move to Wolves – and a reunion with brother Mario.
Aston Villa planning new deal for Leon Bailey
Unai Emery has Aston Villa firing on all cylinders this season and the club are now trying to keep one of their form players.
Villa are now keen to give Leon Bailey a new contract to secure his future and reward him for his displays this season.
The Jamaican has blown hot and cold in years gone by, but has now hit six goals and five assists in 18 Premier League games this season.
Only eight of those games came as a starter, so Bailey has been making a huge impact under Emery this term.
Bailey’s current deal ends in 2025 and Villa are now keen to get him tied down to new terms to fend off any interest.
Brandon Vazquez set for Mexico despite England interest
FC Cincinnati came up short in the MLS Eastern Conference finals and are now set to suffer a blow with the departure of star striker Brandon Vazquez.
Vazquez has hit 36 goals in his last two seasons and he has attracted major interest off the back of his goalscoring exploits.
Brentford, Fulham and Championship side Middlesbrough have all had a look at Vazquez but are set to miss out.
Vazquez is instead heading to Mexico as he is on the verge of signing for CF Monterrey.
Vazquez has familial ties to Mexico and is now set to ignore English interest in favour of joining Monterrey, leaving those clubs to look elsewhere.
Chelsea talent Ian Maatsen wants to join Borussia Dortmund
Chelsea have spent massively under Todd Boehly and may need to sell some players to aid their Financial Fair Play situation.
Left back Ian Maatsen is one player who could go after just one Premier League start so far this season.
The Dutchman may be sick of being on the fringes at Chelsea and we understand that he has told the Blues that he wants to join Borussia Dortmund.
Manchester City have been keen as well but Maatsen fancies a move to Germany, seemingly believing that he can play regularly in the Bundesliga.
Dortmund want a loan deal with an obligation to buy whereas Chelsea want a straight sale right now, meaning there is still some work to do on this move.
Jadon Sancho to Borussia Dortmund now imminent
One deal Dortmund do appear to be closing in on finalising is the return of winger Jadon Sancho.
The Manchester United wide man has been frozen out under Erik ten Hag ever since a falling-out back in September.
Now needing to leave Old Trafford in order to get his career back on track. Sancho looks set to return to former club Borussia Dortmund.
HITC Sport understands that a loan deal is agreed and Sancho will now fly out to Dortmund’s training camp in Marbella by the weekend.
Sancho is understood to be excited about his return to Germany, no doubt keen to get playing again after four months on the fringes at United.
Roberto Firmino attracting Premier League interest
Saudi Arabian spending was one of the big stories of 2023 but the riches in the Middle East haven’t worked out perfectly for everybody.
Roberto Firmino headed to Ah Ahli upon the expiration of his Liverpool contract but has only hit three goals in 17 league games.
Now potentially on the move again, the 32-year-old is attracting interest from a number of Premier League clubs.
Crystal Palace, Fulham and West Ham United are all interested in Firmino and could hand him a swift return to England.
Firmino is happy in the Middle East but is allegedly open to returning to England just months after leaving Liverpool.
Birmingham City fancy ex-Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray
Well, Birmingham City’s decision to axe John Eustace and bring in Wayne Rooney didn’t work.
Rooney was sacked earlier this week after a dismal spell in charge of the Blues and the hunt for his replacement is on.
We understand that Tony Mowbray is emerging as a favourite for the job having held talks with Birmingham over a move.
Two former Premier League bosses are on the radar too with Paul Heckingbottom and Nathan Jones also fancied by the Blues.
Mowbray is thought to be keen on the job and could make a quick return to management having been sacked by Sunderland last month.
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