LIVE! Transfer news and rumours: Man Utd rule out Benzema move, Barco confirms Brighton switch
Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the latest transfer news and rumours from around the world of football on Tuesday, January 16.
Stick with us below to keep up to date with all of today's transfer rumours and done deals.
Today's key events
Liverpool, Man Utd-linked Archie Gray signs new Leeds contract
Leeds United have announced that midfield starlet Archie Gray has signed a new long-term contract with the club.
Since making his senior debut for the Whites in August last year, the 17-year-old academy graduate has been one of the first names on the teamsheet under manager Daniel Farke in the Championship this season.
Gray has started 26 of his 28 appearances for Leeds in all competitions, playing in either central midfield or at right-back, and he equalled a club-record for the most starts by a player before the age of 18 in last weekend's 3-0 win over Cardiff City.
The youngster's impressive performance for the West Yorkshire club are understood to have caught the eye of a number of Premier League clubs including Liverpool, Manchester United, Everton and Crystal Palace.
Benfica deny Joao Neves talks with Man United
Benfica have issued a statement denying reports that Manchester United have held talks over a potential deal for Joao Neves.
Reports emerged over the weekend claiming that the Red Devils are keen to open negotiations with representatives of Benfica to discuss the availability of the 19-year-old midfielder.
Neves has established himself as one of Europe's most sought-after midfielders and a first-team regular for Benfica ever since former teammate Enzo Fernandez departed the club to join Chelsea in a reported £107m deal in January last year.
The three-cap Portugal international has made a total of 49 first-team appearances for Benfica in all competitions, including 26 starts so far this season for Roger Schmidt's side, who sit second in the Primeira Liga table.
Chelsea-linked Osimhen announces desire to play in Premier League
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has revealed that he will 'definitely play in the Premier League one day.'
The 25-year-old began his professional career with German club Wolfsburg and spent a brief period on loan at Belgian side Charleroi before moving to France to join Lille in 2019.
A year later, Osimhen became the most expensive African footballer of all time when he completed a €80m transfer to Italian outfit Napoli, where he has established himself as one of the most prolific strikers in Europe.
Osimhen has scored 67 goals in 119 appearances for Napoli, including 26 strikes in 32 Serie A games last season to fire the Partenopei to their first Scudetto title in 33 years.
Celtic announce Nicolas Kuhn signing from Rapid Vienna
Celtic have completed the signing of winger Nicolas Kuhn from Rapid Vienna, subject to international clearance.
The 24-year-old has put pen to paper on a five-and-a-half-year contract that runs until the summer of 2029, and he joins the club for a fee believed to be in the region of £3m following a successful medical in London.
Kuhn has been handed the No.10 shirt at Celtic and the German becomes Brendan Rodgers's first signing of the January transfer window.
Speaking to Celtic's official website after finalising his move to Parkhead, Kuhn said: "I feel great that I'm finally here and I can't wait. Celtic is one of the biggest clubs around and I'm really happy to be here.
In-demand Archie Gray signs new Leeds contract
✍️ #LUFC is delighted to announce Archie Gray has signed a new contract, committing his long-term future at Elland Road — Leeds United (@LUFC) January 16, 2024
"Leeds United are delighted to announce Archie Gray has signed a new contract with the club," read a statement from the club.
"The 17-year-old, who signed his first professional contract last year, has now agreed fresh terms on a deal, committing his long-term future at Elland Road.
"Gray has been one of the first names on the team sheet under Leeds manager Daniel Farke this season, after making his debut in the opening game of the campaign against Cardiff City.
"He has gone on to make a total of 28 appearances in all competitions for the Whites, playing in both central midfield and at right-back.
"His latest outing came in last Saturday's 3-0 Sky Bet Championship away victory at Cardiff City, where he equaled a club record, for the most starts by a player before the age of 18, after making his 26th at Cardiff City Stadium.
"Having become the latest player to progress from the academy to the first team, following in the footsteps of many famous names down the years, the club are delighted Gray, a boyhood Leeds United supporter, has pledged his future to the Whites."
Brentford to rival Tottenham for Norwich City's Rowe?
Brentford are reportedly set to rival Tottenham Hotspur for the signature of Norwich City winger Jonathan Rowe.
The Bees have already made one signing in the January transfer window, recruiting Turkish youngster Yunus Emre Konak from Sivasspor.
While Konak is set to spend time with the club's B team, Brentford are now looking to bring in immediate reinforcements to Thomas Frank's side.
They are believed to be close to strengthening the left side of their defence with the loan signing of Tottenham Hotspur's Sergio Reguilon.
Wolves 'considering loan bid for Chelsea forward Broja'
Chelsea forward Armando Broja has reportedly emerged as a potential January transfer target for Wolverhampton Wanderers.
After Chelsea repelled interest in the Albania international in the summer, he has been competing with Nicolas Jackson for a place down the centre of Mauricio Pochettino's attack.
However, the 22-year-old is yet to rediscover his best form after nine months on the sidelines with a serious knee injury, scoring just the two goals.
With that total coming from seven starts and 10 substitute outings in all competitions, Chelsea are currently deciding whether to acquire another frontman before the end of the month.
Roy Hodgson reveals Palace interest in Kalvin Phillips loan deal
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has revealed that he would be interested in bringing Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips to Selhurst Park on loan in January.
The England midfielder remains on the fringes of Pep Guardiola's team and has been persistently linked with either a temporary or permanent exit from the Etihad Stadium for several months now.
Both City and Phillips are believed to be working to engineer a transfer elsewhere in the January transfer window, and Newcastle United are currently believed to be the frontrunners for his signature.
Tottenham Hotspur are also said to be keeping tabs on the situation as they chase Champions League football, although both Manchester United and Juventus have ruled out approaches this month.
Radu Dragusin confirms he snubbed Bayern in favour of Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur new boy Radu Dragusin has confirmed that he turned his nose up at the chance to play for Bayern Munich in order to join Ange Postecoglou's side.
The Romania international became Spurs' second signing of the winter window - after RB Leipzig loanee Timo Werner - when his move from Genoa for an initial £21.5m was announced on Thursday evening.
Dragusin immediately came into the Tottenham matchday squad for the weekend's 2-2 draw with Manchester United, where he came off the bench for his Spurs and Premier League debut at Old Trafford.
However, Tottenham's pursuit of Dragusin was not plain sailing, as all of Bayern, Napoli and AC Milan were also hoping to strike a deal for the 21-year-old, although only the German champions were seen as true competitors to Spurs.
Napoli 'make bid for Sheffield United's Anel Ahmedhodzic'
Napoli have reportedly submitted a bid for Sheffield United defender Anel Ahmedhodzic as the Italians look to improve their backline this month.
The 24-year-old signed for the Blades from Swedish outfit Malmo in the summer of 2022, playing 34 times in the Championship for Paul Heckingbottom's side - netting seven goals - as they were promoted to the top flight last campaign.
Ahmedhodzic has been a regular for Heckingbottom and Chris Wilder this term at Bramall Lane, featuring in 14 matches in the Premier League, scoring once.
The centre-back is also a stalwart on the international stage, earning 21 caps for Bosnia and Herzegovina since making his debut in September 2020.
Leyton Orient sign Brandon Cooper from Swansea on permanent deal
🦢 @BrandCooper has completed a transfer to Leyton Orient for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance.
Everyone at Swansea City wishes Brandon well in his future career. 🖤🤍 — Swansea City AFC (@SwansOfficial) January 16, 2024
"Brandon Cooper has completed a transfer to Leyton Orient for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance," read a statement from the club.
"The 24-year-old links up again with the O's in League One, having spent the first half of the 2023-24 campaign on loan at the Gaughan Group Stadium.
"Everyone at Swansea City wishes Brandon well in his future career."
Arsenal, Man United dealt blow in Joshua Zirkzee pursuit?
Arsenal and Manchester United have suffered a blow in their rumoured interest of Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, who has been valued at £50m.
After arriving at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara for €8.5m (£7.3m) from Bayern Munich in 2022, Zirkzee has now kicked on in his second season at the club.
Under the stewardship of up-and-coming manager Thiago Motta, Zirkzee has been one of the outstanding forwards in Serie A this season, as Bologna chase an unlikely top-four finish.
The Rossoblu are currently suffering from a drop in form, but are still in the top seven, just two points shy of fourth-placed Fiorentina.
Chelsea 'will not bid for Viktor Gyokeres in January'
Chelsea have denied reports that they have made a big-money bid for Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres.
The Swedish striker moved to the Portuguese club in the summer for £20m from Coventry City, and has hit the ground running in the capital.
Gyokeres has reached 20 goals already across all competitions, as Sporting sit top of the Primeira Liga, as well as reaching the knockout stages of the Europa League.
The 25-year-old has continued his fine form which earned the move in the first place, after he scored 40 goals in his two full seasons at Coventry.
Chem Campbell returns to Wycombe on loan from Wolves
Chem Campbell will spend the remainder of the season on loan at @wwfcofficial.
Good luck, Chem! 👊 — Wolves (@Wolves) January 16, 2024
"Chem Campbell has returned to Wycombe Wanderers on loan, after his spell with Charlton Athletic came to an end," read a statement from the club.
"Part of the Wolves set-up for more than seven years now, the attacker has played eight times for the Old Gold's first-team, with his debut making him the second youngest player to ever represent the club in 2019.
"In more recent times, the 21-year-old has been learning his trade on loan in League One, and he added 18 appearances to his name with Charlton during the first part of the campaign, scoring twice and providing two assists.
"Now Campbell returns for a second stint at Wycombe, after spending the first part of 2023 there, claiming three goals in his 12 outings for the Chairboys."
Transfer rumours: Koopmeiners to Juve, Fornals to Napoli, Thomas to Sunderland
Serie A giants Juventus have reportedly discovered the asking price of Atalanta BC midfielder Teun Koopmeiners.
Juve are believed to be in the market for a new midfielder as Paul Pogba and Nicolo Fagioli are both suspended from football for off-field wrongdoings – the former tested positive for non-endogenous testosterone earlier this season and the latter is banned for breaching betting rules.
Koopmeiners has emerged as a possible target for the Old Lady, but Fichajes reports that Atalanta has slapped a €50m (£43m) asking price on the Dutchman.
The report adds that Juventus are not prepared to meet Atalanta's valuation of the 25-year-old, but they are expected to present an 'attractive proposal' in an attempt to convince La Dea to lower their asking price.
Valentin Barco confirms transfer to Brighton
Boca Juniors left-back Valentin Barco has confirmed that he has "signed the contract" ahead of completing his transfer to Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Seagulls have allegedly triggered the $10m (£7.9m) release clause in Barco's contract and the 19-year-old has completed initial medical tests in his native Argentina.
Barco is believed to have put pen to paper on a contract that runs until June 2028, that includes a further 12-month extension, and a formal announcement from Brighton is thought to be imminent.
However, an announcement of the transfer has been delayed by the Seagulls, as Barco is currently focused on representing Argentina Under-23s at the CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament which begins on Saturday.
Port Vale sign Rhys Williams on loan from Liverpool
Port Vale have announced the signing of Liverpool defender Rhys Williams on loan for the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign.
The 22-year-old drops down to League One after being recalled from a previous unsuccessful loan with Aberdeen, whom he failed to make a single senior appearance for in the first half of the season.
Despite Joel Matip's season-ending ACL injury and ongoing issues for Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kostas Tsimikas and Andrew Robertson - which have forced Joe Gomez to take up a left-back role over the winter period - Liverpool opted against reintegrating Williams into the squad for the second half of the 2023-24 term.
Instead, the Englishman will bid to revive his stalled career with Port Vale, whose manager Andy Crosby expressed confidence at Williams becoming a "popular figure" at Vale Park.
Southampton 'interested in loan deal for Amad Diallo'
Championship promotion hopefuls Southampton are reportedly weighing up a loan deal for Manchester United winger Amad Diallo.
The Ivory Coast international excelled in the second tier with Sunderland in the 2022-23 season, netting 14 goals and providing four assists in all tournaments to help the Black Cats reach the playoffs.
Diallo was reintegrated into the Man United first-team squad under Erik ten Hag during pre-season, but he suffered a serious knee injury over the summer, ruling him out of the first half of the 2023-24 campaign.
The former Atalanta BC youngster belatedly made his first appearance of the season in the Red Devils' 2-1 loss to Nottingham Forest on December 30, but he has since missed fixtures with Wigan Athletic and Tottenham Hotspur through illness.
Luton's Jayden Luker joins Woking on loan
Good luck to Jayden Luker as he heads on loan to Woking for the rest of the season! 👊 pic.twitter.com/ZCEkdEcr7O
— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) January 16, 2024
Man United 'rule out January move for Karim Benzema'
Manchester United reportedly have no intention of making a move for Al-Ittihad striker Karim Benzema during the January transfer window.
Amid persistent calls to bolster their attacking ranks midway through the campaign, it was reported over the weekend that the Red Devils were considering a shock approach for Benzema.
Marquee summer signing Rasmus Hojlund has only managed two Premier League goals under Erik ten Hag so far, while the out-of-favour Anthony Martial has been missing for several weeks owing to an unspecified health problem.
Ten Hag has refused to disclose the nature of Martial's illness, only recently stating that the Frenchman was receiving "medical treatment", and he will seemingly be unavailable for the foreseeable future.
Liverpool's Billy Koumetio ends Dunkerque loan spell
Liverpool have announced that defender Billy Koumetio has returned to the club from his loan spell with French outfit Dunkerque.
The 21-year-old made nine appearances for the Ligue 2 side during his time across the English Channel, making eight starts in the second tier of French football either as a centre-back or left-back.
Koumetio made six successive starts for Dunkerque between October 28 and December 5, but he has now returned to Anfield after just one half-season back in his homeland.
The former France Under-20 international returns to the Reds only a day after Calvin Ramsay's loan at Preston North End was terminated, while Owen Beck, Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips have also ended their temporary stays elsewhere this month.
Joe White returns to Newcastle after Crewe loan
Crewe Alexandra can confirm that Joe White has returned to Newcastle United at the conclusion of his loan agreement.
— Crewe Alexandra (@crewealexfc) January 16, 2024
We would like to thank @Joeewhite10 for his valuable contribution during his time with the Club.#CreweAlex
Liverpool recall Billy Koumetio from Dunkerque loan
Billy Koumetio has returned to #LFC from his loan spell with French side USL Dunkerque 🔴 — Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 16, 2024
"Billy Koumetio has returned to Liverpool from his loan spell with French side USL Dunkerque," read a statement from the club.
"The defender, who has been with the Reds since 2018, is now back at the club after spending the opening half of the season in Ligue 2, making nine appearances.
"Koumetio has twice featured for Liverpool's senior team under Jürgen Klopp and signed his first professional contract in 2020."
Santos: 'Forest loan was not how I imagined'
Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos has admitted that his loan spell at Nottingham Forest 'did not go as he had imagined'.
During pre-season, Santos played an active part for Chelsea during their tour of the United States, with the initial suggestion being that he would feature in Mauricio Pochettino's first-team squad.
However, the decision was taken to allow the 19-year-old to make the temporary switch to the City Ground in the hope of gaining regular Premier League football.
Instead, Santos was provided with just one start - which came in an EFL Cup defeat to Burnley - and one brief substitute outing against Liverpool in the Premier League when Forest were already 3-0 down.
Transfer rumours: Lingard to MLS, Nacho to Milan, Adarabioyo renewal
The agents of Jesse Lingard have reportedly been in touch with MLS outfit Portland Timbers to gauge their interest in a possible deal.
The 31-year-old is still without a new stomping ground following his summer departure from Nottingham Forest and recently parted ways with his previous representatives amid his failure to obtain offers.
Links with Barcelona and Saudi Arabia have led to nowhere for the ex-Manchester United man, and former loan club West Ham United have reportedly ruled out taking him back despite their attacking crisis.
According to the Daily Mail, Lingard's new representatives are now exploring opportunities in the USA for the playmaker, and Portland Timbers are said to have been one of the teams informed of the situation.
Spurs 'keeping tabs on Norwich's Jonathan Rowe'
Tottenham Hotspur reportedly hold an interest in signing Norwich City winger Jonathan Rowe.
Head coach Ange Postecoglou is currently attempting to deliver a return to the Champions League for the North London outfit, who currently occupy fifth place in the Premier League standings.
That is despite the Greek-Australian having to deal with constant injury issues this campaign, with defence, midfield and attack all being hit.
As a result, Postecoglou has moved swiftly to acquire the services of Radu Dragusin and Timo Werner since the start of the January transfer window.
Man United confirm Hannibal loan switch to Sevilla
Manchester United have announced that Hannibal Mejbri has completed a loan switch to Sevilla.
Having made 21 starts and 17 substitute outings in the Championship for Birmingham City in 2022-23, the 20-year-old was kept in the United senior ranks by Erik ten Hag over the summer.
That is despite the wide array of midfielders that the Dutchman has at his disposal, with the likelihood being that the Tunisia international would remain on the fringes.
In total, Hannibal has been provided with four starts and eight substitute appearances in all competitions, but his most recent outing in the first XI came on November 1 against Newcastle United in the EFL Cup.
Welcome!
Good morning and welcome to another day of transfer news and rumours!
Before we get started with a look at all of today's biggest transfer talk, let's first have a quick recap of what happened yesterday.
Yesterday's top stories
Click here to read full details of all yesterday's transfer news and rumours
Germany
Switzerland
Hungary
Scotland
