LIVE! Transfer news and rumours: Ajax sign Jordan Henderson, Martial agent denies Ten Hag rift
Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the latest transfer news and rumours from around the world of football on Thursday, January 18.
Stick with us below to keep up to date with all of today's transfer rumours and done deals.
Today's key events
Arsenal, Man United-linked De Ligt 'could leave Bayern this summer'
Bayern Munich centre-back Matthijs de Ligt could reportedly leave this summer amid interest from Arsenal and Manchester United.
The Dutchman is currently in the middle of his second season with the Bundesliga champions after arriving from Juventus in July 2022.
Since arriving in Bavaria, De Ligt has gone on to make a total of 55 competitive appearances, chipping in with four goals during that time.
Despite being under contract until June 2027, the Netherlands international is facing an uncertain future at the Allianz Arena.
Lyon to take over Arnaut Danjuma's loan from Everton?
Lyon have reportedly made progress in negotiations to take over the loan of Arnaut Danjuma from Everton.
The Dutch winger has been on the fringes of the Everton squad since joining on loan from Villarreal in the summer, and his game time has almost been reduced to zero since Dwight McNeil and Jack Harrison recovered from early-season injuries.
Danjuma started his first Premier League game in almost four months when the Toffees drew 0-0 with Aston Villa last weekend, with McNeil out injured.
However, in a rather damning statement towards Danjuma, despite minimal training after suffering ankle injury, McNeil was rushed back and started in their FA Cup third-round replay win against Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
Laurence Maguire extends Crawley loan
๐ฐ MAGUIRE EXTENDS LOAN
Crawley Town Football Club is delighted to announce that defender Laurence Maguire has extended his loan spell with the Red Devils and will stay with the club for the remainder of the 2023/24 season.#TownTeamTogether๐ด — Crawley Town FC (@crawleytown) January 18, 2024
"I am absolutely buzzing to be honest. It has taken a couple of weeks to get this sorted, but I am very happy to have extended my loan and be here for the remainder of the season," he told the club website.
"I really enjoyed the first part of the season, and it has been a great experience playing in a side that has done really well so far, and I am excited to see what the next part of the season holds."
Manager Scott Lindsey added: "I am really happy to have extended Laurence's loan until the end of the season. He has been a big player for us so far this season, and out of all the loans, this has been the most successful.
"He has a clear way of playing and buys into how we play really well. He is a great acquisition for us until the end of the season."
Stockport sign Aston Villa's Rico Richards on loan
โ๏ธ Welcome to County, ๐ฅ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ผ ๐ฅ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ๐!
We are delighted to announce the signing of the highly-rated Aston Villa forward on loan for the remainder of the season ๐
Rico will be available for Saturday's game against Notts County ๐#StockportCounty — Stockport County (@StockportCounty) January 18, 2024
"I'm delighted to welcome Rico to the club and hopefully he'll have a similar impact to another Villa loanee that we've had," said manager Dave Challinor.
"It's Rico's first loan but he is highly thought of and has the ball carrying ability that we don't currently have in the squad at present.
"He can play off either side or as an attacking midfield play but we are really confident that he will impact our squad and get you, the supporters, off your seats. We are all excited for him and know that for him personally he is looking forward to making the most of this opportunity."
Director of football Simon Wilson added: "Rico is a creative, attacking player with an eye for a goal.
"He has performed very well in U21s football and in the EFL Trophy games, and will come into contention across all of our attacking positions as well as midfield.
"In our conversations so far he seems hungry to take his next step and we are excited to see how he transitions into senior football."
Sutton United sign Deon Moore
๐ค ๐๐ป๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐ถ๐ป๐ด | ๐ช๐ฒ๐น๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐ผ๐ป ๐
— Sutton United FC (@suttonunited) January 18, 2024
Steve Morison has continued his transfer dealings this week by signing Deon Moore. #suttonunited | #TransferNews https://t.co/iwyQ18T5Lf
Spurs youngster Damola Ajayi signs first pro contract
We are delighted to announce that Damola Ajayi has signed his first professional contract with the Club ๐ค — Tottenham Hotspur Academy (@Spurs_Academy) January 18, 2024
"We are delighted to announce that Damola Ajayi has signed his first professional contract with the club," read a club statement.
"The forward has been a regular, lively influence in our Under-18 side in the last two seasons, operating either off the right flank or as the central striker.
"In 2022-23, he was part of the squad that memorably won the Under-17 and Under-18 Premier League Cup double.
"This term, he has also stepped up to appear for our Under-21s in the Premier League 2."
Jordan Henderson bids farewell to Al Ettifaq
I'm sad to say that I will be leaving Al Ettifaq with immediate effect. It wasn't an easy decision but one that I feel is best for me and my family.
I want to take this opportunity to thank the club & the fans for all the support during my time. I really felt the love from Day... pic.twitter.com/Jouk4ad6Gf — Jordan Henderson (@JHenderson) January 18, 2024
"I'm sad to say that I will be leaving Al Ettifaq with immediate effect. It wasn't an easy decision but one that I feel is best for me and my family," he said on X.
"I want to take this opportunity to thank the club & the fans for all the support during my time. I really felt the love from Day One.
I'll keep watching & hoping for your success. Good luck for the future."
Sevilla sign Mateo Mejia from Manchester United on a permanent deal
Sevilla have signed Mateo Mejia from Manchester United on a permanent basis, with the forward penning a contract at Estadio Ramon until the summer of 2026.
The 20-year-old came through the youth system at Spanish side Real Zaragoza before moving to Man United in 2019 to link up with their academy side.
Mejia penned a new contract with the Red Devils last June, but he has been unable to break into the first team at Old Trafford and has now left the club on a permanent basis.
"Mateo Mejia has completed a permanent move to Sevilla, after four-and-a-half years with Manchester United," read a statement from the 20-time English champions on Thursday.
Ajax confirm Jordan Henderson arrival
Jordan, welcome to Ajax โโโ pic.twitter.com/nAZhQACt5E — AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) January 18, 2024
"We wanted an experienced midfielder with leadership qualities. Partially due to injuries in the team, we were looking for someone who could step in immediately. Jordan Henderson is that type of player," said manager John van't Schip.
"His arrival means a huge enhancement for our squad. Both on and off the pitch, a football player of this calibre is important for our many young players.
"He's an English international player and has won the Champions League and many other prizes with Liverpool. I am happy he's here, and I think it's very good for our club that he's an Ajacied from today onwards."
Al Ettifaq confirm Jordan Henderson contract termination
Jordan Henderson's contract has been terminated following a mutual agreement ๐ข๐ด
๐ Full details on our official website ๐ #Ettifaq — ูุงุฏู ุงูุงุชูุงู (@Ettifaq) January 18, 2024
"I'd like to thank the club, the fans and all involved for the opportunity and wish them the best for the remainder of the season. A lot of hard work is going in which I know will pay off in the future," said Henderson.
Club President Samer Al Misehal added; "Firstly, the club would like to thank Jordan for his efforts and wish him the best for his future endeavours. We are always respectful of our players.
"The club and Jordan believe this quick decision, without any delay or further distraction, has been made for both the overall good of the club and for Jordan.
"There is a lot still to play for. But this is a very tough league and the team performances required and expected by the club in the second half of the season under coach Steven Gerrard demand complete unity and commitment from all players and staff, and we look forward to regaining new momentum from this point forward through our winter training camp."
Martial agent denies rumours of issue with Ten Hag
Anthony Martial's agent has insisted that the forward has not fallen out with Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag despite his recent absence from the first-team picture.
The ex-Monaco youngster has not turned out for the 20-time English champions since the 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on December 9, missing the team's last seven matches in all competitions.
Martial was initially absent due to illness, but there were then suggestions that he was simply being left out ahead of a possible departure during the January transfer window.
The striker has allegedly been training alone over the last few weeks to increase his fitness, with Ten Hag saying ahead of the Tottenham Hotspur match last weekend that the forward was "having medical treatment".
Transfer rumours: Hojbjerg to Napoli, Taremi to Inter, Conway to Wolves
Napoli have reportedly entered the race to sign Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg during the January transfer window.
The 28-year-old has fallen down the pecking order in North London since the arrival of manager Ange Postecoglou, starting just six of his 16 Premier League appearances so far this season.
Hojbjerg has therefore been tipped to seek pastures new in search of regular game time, and The Telegraph reports that Serie A champions Napoli are among the clubs interested in recruiting the Denmark international this month.
Manager Walter Mazzarri is said to be in the market for a new defensive midfielder and has identified Hojbjerg as a possible target, while Fulham's Sasa Lukic is also on the club's radar.
Andres Guardado leaves Real Betis
๐ฃ OFFICIAL | Andrรฉs Guardado, a #RealBetis legend, leaves the Club ๐๐
Thank you for everything and all the best in the future, @AGuardado18! ๐ช๐#L1ttlePrinc8
โก https://t.co/mbbeEWFCV3 pic.twitter.com/LvAITD3bmJ — Real Betis Balompiรฉ (@RealBetis_en) January 18, 2024
"Andres Guardado will no longer continue at Real Betis. The club and the player have reached an agreement for the termination of the contract existing between them," read a statement from the club.
"Guardado arrived at the club in 2017 and has become one of the main players of the squad, being one of the captains since his arrival.
"The Mexican international leaves after six and a half seasons at Real Betis, and has played 218 official games. He is the foreigner with most games played at the club.
"The Green and White captain has been key in the sporting growth in recent years. With him, the team has qualified for European competitions four times and also won the Copa del Rey in 2022.
"The club would like to effusively thank Guardado for his services and wish him all the best in the future."
Scott Williamson returns to Queen's Park
Scott Williamson returns from his loan spell at Cove Rangers. https://t.co/kRb5gL5Jfh pic.twitter.com/eFOKbkCsq0 — Queen's Park FC (@queensparkfc) January 18, 2024
"Striker Scott Williamson has returned to Queen's Park from his loan spell at League One Cove Rangers and is training with the first-team squad," read a statement from the club.
"Scott joined Queen's Park two years ago from Cambuslang Rangers and went on to feature in 33 games last season and found the net four times.
"After one outing in this campaign Scott headed north to Cove where he scored in his second game before going on to play in 16 more occasions"
Jordan Henderson arrives in Amsterdam ahead of Ajax move
Jordan Henderson has arrived in Amsterdam ahead of completing a permanent transfer to Dutch giants Ajax.
Multiple reports on Wednesday revealed that Henderson has mutually agreed to terminate his contract with Al Ettifaq just six months after joining the Saudi Pro League club from Liverpool for around ยฃ12m.
The 33-year-old ended his memorable 12-year association with Liverpool to make the controversial switch to the Middle East, which drew widespread criticism after he had previously given his support for the LGBTQ+ Community.
Henderson has since struggled to settle in Saudi Arabia and has mutually agreed to terminate his contract at Al Ettifaq with immediate effect in order to facilitate a move back to Europe.
Ross County bring in former Man Utd man Cameron Borthwick-Jackson on loan
๐ Ross County FC are delighted to confirm the loan signing of former Manchester United left-back Cameron Borthwick-Jackson on loan from WKS ลlฤ sk Wrocลaw until the end of the season. — Ross County FC (@RossCounty) January 18, 2024
"Ross County FC are delighted to confirm the loan signing of former Manchester United left-back Cameron Borthwick-Jackson on loan from WKS Slask Wroclaw until the end of the season," read a statement from the club.
"Cameron, aged 26, started his career with Manchester United at the age of 6 and remained there until the age of 23. He has played in both the Premier League and Champions League for the club.
"Since then, he has had spells with multiple clubs across England including Wolves and Leeds United. He joined WKS Slask Wroclaw from Burton Albion in the summer of 2023.
"Welcome to the club, Cameron!"
Arsenal recall Mika Biereth from Motherwell loan
Mika Biereth has been recalled from his loan spell by Arsenal. — Motherwell FC (@MotherwellFC) January 18, 2024
"This is hugely disappointing and a decision that is completely out of our hands," manager Stuart Kettlewell said.
"Mika has made a huge impact in his time here and has been well loved by the supporters. Despite this news, his loan has been a major success for player.
"He'd had a loan spell abroad where he didn't enjoy his time. That has been the opposite here and you can see by the amount of goals and assists, he's developed well.
"The coaching staff have done an excellent job here in working with Mika and clearly, with interest in the player rising, we have gave him a platform and exposure."
Biereth added: "I just want to say thank you to everyone at the club and the supporters for the last six months.
"I've loved every minute of my time in Scotland and felt like I built a real connection with everyone. I wish the club and players the very best for the rest of the season."
Man United considering ยฃ25m Buongiorno approach?
Manchester United have reportedly identified Torino defender Alessandro Buongiorno as a potential January target.
Erik ten Hag's side are believed to be on the hunt for a new centre-back amid uncertainty over the long-term future of Raphael Varane.
The 30-year-old Frenchman has entered the final six months of his contract at Old Trafford and he is free to negotiate pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs.
Jonny Evans is also out of contract this summer, but Harry Maguire still has 18 months remaining on his deal, while Ten Hag confirmed earlier this month that the Red Devils have triggered a 12-month extension clause in Victor Lindelof's contract.
Dundee sign Ryan Astley from Everton
Astley arrives at Dundee!
— Dundee Football Club (@DundeeFC) January 18, 2024
Dundee Football Club are thrilled to announce the signing of Ryan Astley on a two-and-a-half-year deal, subject to international clearance.
The 22-year-old defender joins The Dee for an undisclosed fee from Everton.https://t.co/uYxs2sFvfv#thedee pic.twitter.com/k6PweNx0t6
Arsenal 'join race for Michael Olise'
Arsenal are reportedly set to rival a number of top Premier League clubs in the race to sign Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise.
The 22-year-old has developed into a star player for the Eagles since joining the club from Reading in 2021, scoring 11 goals and registering 20 assists in 80 appearances across all competitions.
Olise scored twice and provided 11 assists in 37 Premier League games last season, before missing the first few months of this campaign due to injury, but he has since made an impressive return to Roy Hodgson's side, chipping in with five goals in nine top-flight fixtures.
The France Under-21 international attracted plenty of interest from Chelsea last summer, but he decided to commit his future to Palace in August by signing a new four-year contract that runs until 2027.
Lyon sign Gift Orban
๐ณ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ด๐ต#Orban2028 @DamienLGphoto
— Olympique Lyonnais (@OL) January 18, 2024
Huddersfield's Josh Austerfield joins Crewe on loan
๐ค We can confirm that midfielder Josh Austerfield has joined Sky Bet League Two side Crewe Alexandra on loan for the remainder of the 2023/24 season.
— Huddersfield Town (@htafc) January 18, 2024
๐ฌ Comments from Sporting Director Mark Cartwright โคต๏ธ
Good luck, Josh ๐#htafc
"This is a good move for Josh. He needs to play regular football at this point in his career and that isn't something we can offer him with the depth of options we now have in central midfield," sid Huddersfield sporting director Mark Cartwright.
"Crewe are playing well and have a lot at stake during the second half of the season, so Josh now has the challenge of breaking into and establishing himself in a side that is already performing."
Dai Cornell signs new Preston contract
โ๏ธ We're delighted to confirm Dai Cornell has signed a new deal which will keep him at Deepdale until at least 2026. ๐ค#pnefc — Preston North End FC (@pnefc) January 18, 2024
"I'm really happy and really grateful for the opportunity to extend my stay here, and fingers crossed we have some successful times," he told the club website.
"As a club within that dressing room and even in this [office] part of the building I think everyone wants to achieve the same thing and that is getting to the Premier League.
"I think the club's ready to do it. It's just us as a playing staff and management taking that next step to push to get us there."
Manager Ryan Lowe added: "Dai's been a credit to himself and the football club ever since he came in, and he really deserves this new deal.
"We brought him in to challenge Freddie [Woodman] and he's absolutely done that. Every day they're pushing each other to the limit working with Mike Pollitt and James Pradic, and that's what we want.
"He's a great character around the training ground too and a top, top professional, so I'm really pleased he's signed on for another couple of years."
Huddersfield sign Radinio Balker on permanent deal
โ๏ธ We are delighted to announce the signing of Dutch central defender Radinio Balker from FC Groningen on a permanent deal until the summer of 2027!
๐ฌ Comments from Manager Darren Moore and Sporting Director Mark Cartwright โคต๏ธ
Welcome to the Terriers, Radinio ๐ช#htafc — Huddersfield Town (@htafc) January 18, 2024
"I'm really excited to work with Radinio," said manager Darren Moore.
"He's got some fantastic attributes for a modern-day defender; he's very quick and athletic, he can carry and progress the ball up the pitch and, importantly, he seems to love the defensive side of the game too. He's also a potent threat at attacking set pieces, and you can never have too many of those."
Sporting director Mark Cartwright added: "We've watched Radinio for some time and a lot of work has gone into making this move happen. There was considerable competition for his signature, including from clubs in European competition, and so we're delighted he has chosen to join us.
"In a challenging time for his team last season, he showed that he could compete in the Eredivisie against some elite strikers. Understandably Groningen wanted to keep him, but this opportunity has now arisen as he entered the final 18 months of his contract.
"At just 25 years old, we believe there is still more development in his game. That was backed up when we first had the chance to speak to him; he's a fantastic character and is determined to keep improving.
"I must thank our owner, Kevin Nagle, for sanctioning this transfer, which represents one of the biggest investments in a defender outside the club's Premier League years. This, alongside the transfer fee for Bojan Raduloviฤ, is an investment not only to improve us now but also over the coming years."
David Hancko agent confirms Liverpool, PSG interest
The agent of Feyenoord centre-back David Hancko has revealed that both Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain are interested in a deal for his client.
The 26-year-old plied his trade with Fiorentina and Sparta Prague before transferring to Feyenoord in the summer of 2022, and he won the Eredivisie title in his first season at the club.
Standing at 6ft 2in tall, Hancko has proven to be a consistent goal threat from set-pieces for Feyenoord, scoring five times and providing seven assists in 70 games for the Dutch champions.
Hancko has one goal and two assists under his belt from 25 matches in the current campaign, netting against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League and playing every minute of Feyenoord's Eredivisie campaign so far.
Arsenal to rival Real Madrid, Man United for Jarrad Branthwaite?
Arsenal have reportedly joined the growing list of clubs interested in a deal for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite.
After making a name for himself with Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven in the 2022-23 campaign - winning the KNVB-Beker during his time in the Netherlands - Branthwaite has cemented a regular starting role in the Toffees' backline.
Forging a successful partnership with James Tarkowski, Branthwaite has started 18 Premier League matches for the Toffees in the 2023-24 season, keeping six clean sheets in the process, as well as helping to shut out Crystal Palace in a pair of FA Cup ties.
Thanks to Branthwaite's exploits, Everton have recovered from their crushing 10-point deduction to keep their heads above water in the Premier League table, sitting one spot above the relegation zone in 17th place.
PSG 'offer Kylian Mbappe ยฃ86m-a-year contract renewal'
Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly presented a renewal offer worth approximately ยฃ86m a year to Kylian Mbappe in a bid to end his protracted contract saga once and for all.
As things stand, the 25-year-old will leave the French champions for nothing at the end of the campaign, having entered the final six months of his current deal at the Parc des Princes.
Mbappe's terms include a 12-month extension option until the summer of 2025, but he made headlines across Europe when it was announced that he decided against triggering the clause.
Determined not to let the world's second-most expensive player depart for free, PSG actively tried to push Mbappe out of the door during the summer market, but the window slammed shut with the France international still at the club.
Real Sociedad sign Sheraldo Becker
๐ท๏ธ A new superhero arrives in San Sebastian
— Real Sociedad ๐บ๐ธ ๐ฌ๐ง (@RealSociedadEN) January 18, 2024
๐ Sheraldo Becker, new Real Sociedad player ๐#BeckerTxuriUrdin | #WeareReal pic.twitter.com/0JeJZ8FZ53
Dumbarton sign Gallagher Lennon on loan from St Mirren
Dumbarton Football Club are delighted to announce the loan signing of Gallagher Lennon from SPFL Premiership club @saintmirrenfc.
Full story ๐https://t.co/1pRkhuJvDC — Dumbarton FC (@Dumbartonfc) January 18, 2024
"Dumbarton Football Club are delighted to announce the loan signing of Gallagher Lennon from SPFL Premiership club St Mirren," read a statement from the club.
"The defender joins on a deal until the end of the season and will provide competition in the centre of defence.
"Son of former Celtic boss Neil, Gallagher goes straight into the squad for Saturday's Scottish Cup tie against Rangers.
"Welcome to Dumbarton, Lennon!"
West Ham youngster Ezra Mayers signs professional contract
We are delighted to announce that Ezra Mayers has agreed professional terms with the Club โ๏ธ — West Ham United (@WestHam) January 18, 2024
"I am very happy and proud to have signed this contract because it is a big moment for me and my family," he told the club website.
"When I got offered my pro deal, I was very excited and happy and told my sisters and my parents. We celebrated straight away!
"I joined West Ham at age eight and have been here ever since, so it makes you very happy to get a reward for the hard work and effort you have put in. You get a lot more detail from the coaches at West Ham and I feel I am getting better each day!
"This season, I have enjoyed the step up to Under-18s football because you get more time to train. You can feel yourself improving and you get a lot more detail from the coaches at West Ham and I feel I am getting better each day."
Millwall confirm Japhet Tanganga loan signing from Tottenham
Millwall have confirmed the arrival of Tottenham Hotspur defender Japhet Tanganga on loan for the remainder of the season.
The 24-year-old joins the Championship side on the back of a forgettable loan spell with Bundesliga side Augsburg, with whom he failed to make a single appearance in the first half of the 2023-24 campaign.
After spending the opening weeks of the season recovering from a knee injury, Tanganga was an unused substitute in a 1-1 draw with Koln on November 4 but did not make another matchday squad for Augsburg.
As a result, Tottenham exercised their right to recall the defender from Germany before sending him to Millwall, who are not believed to possess an option or obligation to make his stay permanent.
Hibernian recall Kanayo Megwa from Airdrie loan
We can confirm that Kanayo Megwa has been recalled from his loan spell at Airdrieonians โ
— Hibernian Football Club (@HibernianFC) January 18, 2024
After impressing Nick Montgomery and the coaching staff during his time on loan and in Dubai, the Club has decided to recall Kanayo from his successful loan spell ๐ฅฌ pic.twitter.com/c77gICFICf
Stevenage sign Craig MacGillivray on loan
๐ฌ "It's like going back to school when you join somewhere new!" ๐
— Stevenage FC ๐ดโช (@StevenageFC) January 18, 2024
First words from our second January signing. ๐
"Craig is an experienced goalkeeper who will give Taye a great battle for the shirt. To have two first-choice goalkeepers was our target and now we have that," said manager Steve Evans.
Queen's Park bring in Mackenzie Carse on loan
Mackenzie Carse joins the Spiders on loan. https://t.co/Zsxorz4N5K
— Queen's Park FC (@queensparkfc) January 18, 2024
Head Coach Callum Davidson said: "In terms of building the squad this January a lot has been said about bringing in experience. We have done that with Sean Welsh and are still looking to add a couple of more players who fall into that category, however bringing Mackenzie in ensures that we keep the blend between high potential young players and experience right.
"He is a player that has shown in his displays for Celtic B this season that he is ready to compete for a first team jersey at a high level. He will get that opportunity to compete here and if he takes it the next opportunity for him will be to show that he can play at this level every week."
Millwall sign Japhet Tanganga on loan from Tottenham
๐ฌ Action.#Millwall pic.twitter.com/eBQz8oG4lr — Millwall FC (@MillwallFC) January 18, 2024
"We are really pleased to bring Japhet in," said Alex Aldridge, Millwall's director of football operations and recruitment.
"Going into January we felt that centre-back was an area of the squad we would look to strengthen if the right option became available to us and Japhet expressed a strong desire to come to Millwall.
"Japhet is hungry and motivated to play games, he has some excellent attributes as a defender and has played at a very high level with Tottenham Hotspur, so we feel he is a really positive addition and we look forward to working with him."
Fulham 'ready to push for Chalobah loan deal'
Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for Fulham.
Chalobah has endured a frustrating first half of the campaign, initially dropping down the pecking order before suffering a thigh injury.
That issue has kept the academy graduate on the sidelines for the majority of the campaign, preventing him from making a single competitive appearance.
While Mauricio Pochettino revealed at a press conference last week that the 24-year-old was closing in on a return to first-team training, it has long been accepted that he is out of favour.
Chelsea 'set Armando Broja asking price'
Chelsea are reportedly willing to sell Armando Broja if a club is prepared to pay ยฃ50m for his signature.
Having spent nine months on the sidelines with a serious knee injury, Broja has worked his way back into the fold at Stamford Bridge.
However, the Albania international has contributed just two goals from his seven starts and 10 substitutes outings this campaign, as well as earning the penalty that led to a last-gasp 4-4 draw against Manchester City.
With Nicolas Jackson away at the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal and Christopher Nkunku currently dealing with a hip issue, the 22-year-old is the solitary frontline striker at Mauricio Pochettino's disposal for the time being.
Barcelona, Atletico Madrid 'join the race for Kalvin Phillips'
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have reportedly joined the race to sign Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips before the January transfer window closes for business.
The England international is set to leave the Etihad Stadium on loan before the winter deadline, and he is being heavily linked with a number of Premier League clubs.
Crystal Palace, West Ham United and Newcastle United are all keen, while there have been claims that Tottenham Hotspur are also keeping a close eye on his situation.
According to The Telegraph, Phillips's future will be decided next week, and he could also have the option of moving to La Liga for the second half of the season, with both Barcelona and Atletico interested.
Arsenal 'leading the race to sign Xavi Simons'
Arsenal are reportedly at the head of the queue to sign in-demand attacker Xavi Simons.
The 20-year-old returned to Paris Saint-Germain from PSV Eindhoven last summer before making the move to RB Leipzig on loan for the 2023-24 campaign, and he has been in strong form for the Bundesliga club.
Simons has managed six goals and nine assists in 26 appearances for Leipzig in all competitions, including four goals and seven assists in 17 outings in Germany's top flight.
The Netherlands international also made a strong impression in the group stage of the Champions League, scoring twice and providing two assists in six appearances, and his form has allegedly led to a host of attention.
Anthony Martial 'currently training on his own at Man United'
Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has reportedly told Anthony Martial that he must improve his fitness before rejoining the first-team training group at the club.
There has been some confusion surrounding the 28-year-old's absence, as he has not been in a matchday squad for the Red Devils since the clash with Bournemouth on December 9.
Martial has missed his side's last seven games in all competitions, including five Premier League fixtures, and there has been a host of speculation surrounding his future.
Ahead of the clash with Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, Ten Hag hinted at a fitness problem for Martial despite previously stating that the ex-Monaco youngster was out through illness.
Sheffield Wednesday's Devis Vasquez returns to parent club AC Milan
Devis Vasquez has returned to parent club AC Milan ๐ฎ๐น
We thank Devis for his services and wish him the very best for the future ๐ค#swfc — Sheffield Wednesday (@swfc) January 18, 2024
"Devis Vasquez' loan spell at Hillsborough has ended with the goalkeeper returning to parent club AC Milan," read a statement from the club.
"The Colombian moved to Wednesday last August in a temporary switch from the Rossoneri and featured in 10 games for the Owls.
"We thank Devis for his services and wish him the very best for the future."
Harry Sharp, Jack Wilkie return to Dundee
Sharp and Wilkie back from loans.
— Dundee Football Club (@DundeeFC) January 18, 2024
Harry Sharp and Jack Wilkie have returned to Dundee FC following their spells out on loan.
Both players are now back with Dundee Football Club and are training with the rest of the first-team squad.#thedee pic.twitter.com/Ve90W1iSRS
Joe Walsh returns to QPR after emergency Accrington loan
๐ #asfc can today confirm that goalkeeper @Joeewalsh13 has returned to @QPR following the expiry of his emergency loan.
— Accrington Stanley (@ASFCofficial) January 18, 2024
Everyone at the club wishes Joe all the very best for the future.
"Accrington Stanley can today confirm that goalkeeper Joe Walsh has returned to Queens Park Rangers following the expiry of his emergency loan," read a statement from the club.
"Everyone at the club wishes Joe all the very best for the future."
Tottenham 'open to offers for fringe duo'
Tottenham Hotspur reportedly remain prepared to part ways with more of their fringe players before the end of the January transfer window.
Ange Postecoglou has made a positive impact at the North Londoners since his arrival in the summer, keeping the club in contention for the top four of the Premier League despite injuries to key players.
At a time when Spurs sit in fifth place in the standings, they have been busy in the transfer market, already acquiring players in Radu Dragusin and Timo Werner who are expected to become important members of the first team.
However, there has also been a desire to part ways with a number of out-of-favour players, with that proving as much of a priority as bringing players into the club.
Man City 'weighing up Porro, Luiz returns'
Manchester City are reportedly considering whether to try to secure reunions with each of Pedro Porro and Douglas Luiz.
Pep Guardiola is currently bidding to become the first manager to win the Premier League title for a fourth successive season.
However, after an inconsistent first half of 2023-24, City sit behind Liverpool in the standings, albeit by just the two points.
While City remain favourites to defend their top-flight crown and lift another Champions League trophy, Guardiola will be assessing ways to improve his squad for 2024-25.
Arsenal 'weighing up loan move for Benzema'
Arsenal are allegedly weighing up whether it is plausible to launch a loan bid for Al Ittihad forward Karim Benzema.
Up until the Christmas and New Year period, Mikel Arteta would have been delighted with his team's efforts during the first half of the campaign.
However, a run of just one win and four points from five matches in the Premier League has left the Gunners in fourth position in the table, five points adrift of leaders Liverpool.
Their return of 37 goals from 20 matches is just the seventh-best in the division, while Bukayo Saka is the top goalscorer with just six strikes to his name.
Transfer rumours: Tanganga to Millwall, Cordoba to Palace, Whittaker to Fulham
Tottenham Hotspur defender Japhet Tanganga is reportedly closing in on a loan switch to Millwall.
The 24-year-old made the move to Bundesliga outfit Augsburg last September on a season-long loan, with the German team having the option to buy him this summer.
However, Tanganga failed to make a single appearance during his time at Augsburg Arena, with his loan spell now officially coming to an end.
According to the London Evening Standard, the defender is now set to make the move to Championship outfit Millwall for the second half of the 2023-24 campaign.
Spurs recall Japhet Tanganga from Augsburg loan
Japhet Tanganga has returned to the Club following a loan spell at FC Augsburg. — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 18, 2024
"Japhet Tanganga has returned to the Club following a loan spell at FC Augsburg," read a statement from the club.
"The England Under-21 international joined the Bundesliga side in September.
"A product of our Academy system, the defender has made 50 senior appearances in all competitions for us to date."
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
