LIVE! Transfer news and rumours: Man Utd handed Neves boost, Arsenal make Boniface enquiry
Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the latest transfer news and rumours from around the world of football on Monday, January 22.
Stick with us below to keep up to date with all of today's transfer rumours and done deals.
AC Milan 'make contact with Fulham's Tosin Adarabioyo'
AC Milan are reportedly interested in signing Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo.
The centre-back was previously linked with a move away in the summer transfer window following interest from Monaco and Tottenham Hotspur.
While he ultimately remained at Craven Cottage, Adarabioyo spent the majority of the opening three months of the season in the treatment room.
Adarabioyo has since returned to full fitness to start Fulham's last seven Premier League matches, including the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in their most recent outing.
Hojbjerg 'open to Spurs exit amid Juventus links'
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is open to leaving Tottenham Hotspur in the January transfer window, according to a report.
The Denmark international joined Spurs from Southampton for around £15m in the summer of 2020 and has since made 167 appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring 10 goals and providing 16 assists.
However, Hojbjerg has fallen down the pecking order since the arrival of manager Ange Postecoglou last summer, leading to speculation surrounding his future in North London.
The 28-year-old has started only six of his 22 appearances for Tottenham in all tournaments so far this season, including just five starts in 15 Premier League outings.
Man United handed Joao Neves transfer boost
The agent of Manchester United-linked Joao Neves has hinted that the midfielder could leave Benfica in the summer.
Reports emerged last week claiming that the Red Devils are ready to open talks with representatives of the Portuguese giants over a move for the highly-rated 19-year-old.
However, Benfica released a statement denying such rumours and insisted that they have no interest in selling Neves to Man United or any other club.
Since the big-money departure of Enzo Fernandez to Chelsea in January last year, Neves has developed into a first-team regular under Benfica head coach Roger Schmidt and has become one of Europe's most sought-after midfielders.
Arsenal 'make enquiry about Victor Boniface'
Arsenal have reportedly stepped up their interest in Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface.
After just one season at Belgian side Union SG, Boniface made the switch to Leverkusen last summer for a reported €20m, and he has since made a prolific start to life in Germany.
The 22-year-old has scored 16 goals and provided eight assists in 23 appearances for Leverkusen across all competitions this season, including 10 strikes in 16 Bundesliga outings.
Boniface has been an integral member of Xabi Alonso's side who sit seven points clear at the top of the Bundesliga table and have not lost any of their 27 competitive matches in all tournaments so far this campaign.
Emiliano Marcondes joins Hibernian on loan from Bournemouth
Velkommen to Hibs, Emiliano Marcondes! 🇩🇰
— Hibernian Football Club (@HibernianFC) January 22, 2024
The midfielder joins on loan from AFC Bournemouth, subject to international clearance.
🗞️ https://t.co/w3zxBzwYSp pic.twitter.com/hr5Tdo1XZe
Derby County sign Corey Blackett-Taylor from Charlton Athletic on initial loan deal
So so delighted to be joining such a big club in @dcfcofficial I can't wait to get started & achieve great things with the club 😍🐏🐏🐏 pic.twitter.com/YSqEQmBib6 — Corey (@Corey_Taylor7) January 22, 2024
"It feels good. I've spoken to the manager a few times. There was interest last summer but I'm just happy to be here now and finally get it done," Blackett-Taylor told Derby's official website.
"It's a massive club, everyone knows that. I'm happy to be on board. I believe in the project for the next 12 to 18 months and I feel like this will be a place where not only will I have a chance to play in a higher league but also develop as a player as well.
"The league position is a big factor to why I came. I looked at the table and I believe I can add a lot to the team and help them get into the higher leagues so that was a big part in my decision making to come."
Doncaster Rovers sign Hakeeb Adelakun on loan from Lincoln City
We are delighted to confirm the signing of Hakeeb Adelakun on loan from Lincoln City for the remainder of the season
— Doncaster Rovers FC (@drfc_official) January 22, 2024
Welcome, @hakeeb_adelakun
Read more ⬇️https://t.co/pWQPog9D2J
🔴 #drfc ⚪ pic.twitter.com/3RUiZ6qeyP
Aston Villa announce Kosta Nedeljkovic signing from Red Star Belgrade
Aston Villa is delighted to announce the signing of Kosta Nedeljković for an undisclosed fee. 🟣
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 22, 2024
The defender joins from Red Star Belgrade and will spend the remainder of the 2023/24 season on loan with the Serbian club. pic.twitter.com/isPvkz9NRr
Mazilu completes Brighton transfer, joins Vitesse on loan
Brighton & Hove Albion have confirmed the signing of teenage winger Adrian Mazilu, who has joined Vitesse on loan for the rest of the season.
The 18-year-old had previously agreed to join the Seagulls in January from Romanian outfit SCC Farul last summer, and continued to play in his homeland on loan for the first half of the campaign.
Mazilu has now made his transfer to Brighton official, but he will immediately make the temporary switch to Eredivisie side Vitesse where he will hope to gain valuable first-team experience.
Speaking to Brighton's official website, technical director David Weir said: "We have been monitoring Adrian and he has done well in Romania. He now has a new challenge with Vitesse in a new league and environment, and we will continue to track his progress closely."
Juventus confirm Tiago Djalo signing from Lille
Juventus have confirmed the signing of Portuguese defender Tiago Djalo from Lille on a two-and-a-half-year contract.
The 23-year-old swaps Ligue 1 for Serie A after a four-and-a-half-year spell at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, where he won the French top-flight title in the 2020-21 campaign.
Djalo - a Sporting Lisbon academy product - spent half a season on the books at AC Milan's youth academy in 2019 before moving to France, where he amassed three goals and two assists in 102 matches for Lille in all tournaments.
Djalo's final year at Lille was hampered by a cruciate ligament tear, which has rendered him unavailable since March, but Juventus have nevertheless poached him from Paulo Fonseca's side as he enters the final stages of his recovery.
Charlie Goode joins Wigan Athletic on loan from Brentford
Welcome to Wigan Athletic, Charlie Goode! 💙#wafc 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/x2uuU8Jncw — Wigan Athletic (@LaticsOfficial) January 22, 2024
"I am delighted. It's a move that worked for everyone, and I'm here to play games and help the club push up the league," Goode told Wigan's official website. "I had some good conversations with the manager, and I am looking forward to getting going."
Manager Shaun Maloney added: "We have been tracking Charlie for some time and I'm really happy we have been able to sign him. He will add experience and aggression to our defensive line and help our younger players develop.
"Charlie is the profile of player and person we have been looking for. He is dominant in the air, very physical and brings good attributes with the ball. With Omar Rekik returning to Arsenal, Charlie will certainly strengthen our team for the fight ahead."
Chelsea 'lower Armando Broja asking price amid PL interest'
Chelsea have reportedly lowered their asking price for striker Armando Broja amid interest from a number of Premier League clubs.
The 22-year-old is facing an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge as he has struggled for regular game time under head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Broja has started just seven of his 17 appearances for the Blues across all competitions so far this season, six of which in the Premier League, and he has contributed with only two goals.
With Christopher Nkunku nursing a niggling hip injury and Nicolas Jackson away with Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations, Broja is currently the only natural centre-forward at Pochettino's disposal.
West Ham 'leading race for Man City's Kalvin Phillips'
West Ham United are reportedly in advanced talks to sign Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
The 28-year-old is widely expected to leave the Etihad Stadium during the January transfer window having failed to gain regular first-team football under manager Pep Guardiola.
Phillips is yet to start a Premier League for Man City so far this season and has only started five of his 31 appearances for the club since joining from Leeds United 18 months ago.
The England international still has four-and-a-half years remaining on his Citizens contract, but Guardiola has admitted that he"struggled to see" the midfielder in his first-team plans.
Ajax's Brian Brobbey comments on Man United speculation
Ajax striker Brian Brobbey has revealed that he will be staying with the Eredivisie club this month despite reported interest from Manchester United.
The Red Devils are understood to have held an interest in the 21-year-old ever since manager Erik ten Hag swapped Ajax for Old Trafford in the summer of 2022.
Recent reports have suggested that Ten Hag is keen to lure Brobbey to Man United this month, with both individuals said to have 'a high appreciation for each other'.
Ten Hag handed Brobbey his Ajax debut as an 18-year-old in October 2020, and the striker has since established himself as a first-team regular for the Dutch giants.
Norwich City defender Jaden Warner joins Notts County on loan
We're delighted to welcome @Jadenwarner50 on loan from @NorwichCityFC until the end of season! 😁
— Notts County FC (@Official_NCFC) January 22, 2024
Charlton Athletic complete signing of goalkeeper Lewis Ward
We're pleased to confirm the signing of goalkeeper Lewis Ward 🤝
— Charlton Athletic FC (@CAFCofficial) January 22, 2024
Welcome to Charlton, @lewismward! 🧤#cafc
"I'm really excited to be here," Ward told Charlton's official website. "My conversations with Michael Appleton and Stephen Henderson have been really positive – they want me to come in, compete and drive the goalkeeping department on."
Head coach Appleton added: "We've needed a third goalkeeper since Sam Walker left the club and Lewis will bring a lot of experience. It's an opportunity for Ash [Maynard-Brewer] and Harry [Isted] to be pushed further and the competition for places will rise."
Almeria sign Luka Romero on loan from AC Milan
🔝 Luka Romero es rojiblanco ✍️
— UD Almería (@U_D_Almeria) January 22, 2024
🤝 La UD Almería y el @acmilan llegan a un acuerdo para la cesión del futbolista hasta el final de la temporada 💪
¡Bienvenido! 🔴⚪️#LukaRomeroRojiblanco pic.twitter.com/N3dIzQKIAa
Man United 'set asking prices for Sancho, Antony'
Manchester United are reportedly willing to sell Jadon Sancho and Antony for fees of £50m.
When the Red Devils acquired the pair from Borussia Dortmund and Ajax respectively, the expectation was that United had brought in players who would down a regular spot on the flanks.
Instead, the Premier League giants have two players at their disposal who cost in excess of £155m and have not come close to justifying their price tags.
In the case of Sancho, he has been loaned back to Dortmund having fallen out with Erik ten Hag and refused to apologise for his subsequent response on social media.
AC Milan 'considering move for Everton's Ben Godfrey'
Everton's Ben Godfrey has reportedly emerged as a target for AC Milan to solve their current defensive woes.
The 26-year-old has barely featured under Sean Dyche this season, slipping down the pecking order to fourth-choice in the centre of defence.
Godfrey has started just twice this season - against League Two Doncaster Rovers in the EFL Cup, and at left-back against Burnley during a selection crisis for Everton.
With Milan on the hunt for more defensive reinforcements this month, Calciomercato claims that a move for Godfrey is one of the avenues that the Rossoneri are considering.
PAOK 'pushing to sign Wolves defender Jonny'
PAOK are reportedly pushing hard to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Jonny before the end of the January transfer window.
Since Wolves' promotion to the Premier League in 2018, Jonny has been one of the club's most consistent and important players.
Despite two serious knee injuries, the Spain international has made 134 appearances in all competitions, but the likelihood is that he has played his last game for the West Midlands outfit.
At the end of November, Jonny was involved in a training ground incident, one that has resulted in him being banished from the first-team picture ever since.
Frankfurt 'in line to win Hugo Ekitike race'
Eintracht Frankfurt have reportedly emerged as the favourites to win the race for Paris Saint-Germain forward Hugo Ekitike.
When the attacker left Reims to make the switch to PSG in 2022, he was expected to eventually become an important player at Parc des Princes.
PSG committed to paying €35m at the end of a season-long loan deal, an indication that they envisaged the Frenchman starring in the final third.
Instead, the 21-year-old has been restricted to being a bit-part player under different managers, with a total of just 14 starts and 19 substitute outings being made in all competitions.
Everton, Forest facing competition from Fulham for Jhon Cordoba?
Everton and Nottingham Forest have reportedly been joined by Fulham and Crystal Palace in the race for FC Krasnodar striker Jhon Cordoba.
The two clubs were charged with breaking the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability rules last week, so must take extra care in their transfer dealings this month.
Both Sean Dyche and director of football Kevin Thelwell have admitted it is likely to be a quiet window for Everton given their financial restraints, but speculation surrounding Arnaut Danjuma may see them dip into the loan market.
Danjuma has been linked with a move to Lyon, who hope to take over his loan from Villarreal, meaning that Everton would need a replacement.
Myles Peart-Harris joins Portsmouth on loan from Brentford
M̵i̵l̵e̵s̵ ̵P̵e̵r̵ ̵H̵o̵u̵r̵.
Myles Peart-Harris. ✅#Pompey pic.twitter.com/mblTZi5XIt — Portsmouth FC (@Pompey) January 22, 2024
"Myles is a skilful and powerful attacking midfield player who we're delighted to bring to the club," Portsmouth boss John Mousinho told the club's official website.
"He has experience of playing at this level and the fact he has also appeared in the Premier League this season, shows his pedigree.
"I'm looking forward to working with Myles for the rest of the season and am grateful to Brentford for loaning him to us."
Herbie James signs first professional contract with Tottenham Hotspur
We are delighted to announce that Herbie James has signed his first professional contract with the Club 🤍
— Tottenham Hotspur Academy (@Spurs_Academy) January 22, 2024
Transfer rumours: Gore to leave Man Utd, Duran to West Ham, Jonny to PAOK
Manchester United starlet Dan Gore is reportedly closing in on a loan move to League One outfit Port Vale.
The 19-year-old joined the Red Devils' academy from Burnley in 2018 and has since been integrated into first-team training under manager Erik ten Hag this season.
Gore has earned his first two senior appearances for Man United this season, coming on as a substitute against Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup and against Aston Villa in the Premier League, while he has also captained the club's Under-19s in three UEFA Youth League games this term.
However, the highly-rated midfielder appears to be on the verge of leaving Old Trafford on a temporary basis in search of regular game time, as the Daily Mail reports that Port Vale have won the race for his signature.
Alex Smithies departs Leciester City, announces retirement due to injury
Alex Smithies has left the Club after announcing his retirement due to injury 📰 — Leicester City (@LCFC) January 22, 2024
"The experienced goalkeeper, 33, joined the Foxes in 2022 after a spell with Cardiff City and would go on to support the goalkeeping department during his year-and-a-half term at King Power Stadium," a statement from Leicester's official website read.
"However, following a run of persistent injuries, Alex has regrettably been forced to call time on a 17-year playing career that saw him make nearly 500 senior appearances for Huddersfield Town, Queens Park Rangers and Cardiff.
"Leicester City would like to place on record our appreciation to Alex and offer him and his family our best wishes for the future."
Pochettino hints at Casadei, Moreira Chelsea stay
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has suggested that Cesare Casadei and Diego Moreira will spend the rest of the season at Chelsea.
In recent days, the Blues have exercised their options to recall the midfielder and winger from their loan stints at Leicester City and Lyon respectively.
Casadei has been a regular in a successful Leicester side, making 11 starts and 14 substitute outings in all competitions.
Moreira found game time harder to come by with Lyon, being restricted to four starts and three substitute appearances in Ligue 1 during 2023-24.
Real Madrid 'identify Grimaldo as Davies alternative'
Real Madrid could supposedly make a play for Bayer Leverkusen defender Alejandro Grimaldo if their pursuit of Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies does not bear fruit.
With Davies out of contract in 2025 and supposedly at odds with Bayern over an extension, speculation over a summer move to the Bernabeu for the Canadian has been hotting up in recent months.
There is yet to be a resolution to Davies's contract impasse, meaning that Bayern could be pressured to sell the left-back in January if they fail to stump up an offer that is deemed satisfactory by his entourage.
Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel is keen to retain Davies's services, though, and even if the left-back decides that his future lies elsewhere, Chelsea could also try to prise him away from Bavaria.
Bristol City sign Josh Stokes, who returns to Aldershot on loan
📣 We've signed Josh Stokes from Aldershot!
The young midfielder has signed a three-and-a-half year deal and will return to the Shots on loan for the remainder of the season. — Bristol City FC (@BristolCity) January 22, 2024
"I'm delighted to sign for Bristol City, it's a massive club with huge ambition," Stokes told the club's official website.
"They're a club that gives young players an opportunity and I'm looking forward to the next few years."
Technical Director Brian Tinnion added: "Josh is a fantastic talent who will only improve. We wish him all the best for the remainder of the season with Aldershot and look forward to seeing him in the summer."
Al Shabab 'reach agreement to sign Newcastle's Miguel Almiron'
Newcastle United have reportedly agreed a deal to sell winger Miguel Almiron to Saudi Pro League outfit Al Shabab.
The Magpies are owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund and are regarded as one of the richest clubs in world football.
However, Financial Fair Play regulations are restricting Eddie Howe's side from entering the January transfer market in search of reinforcements.
Newcastle recently announced pre-tax losses of £73m for the financial year, and CEO Darren Eales has refused to rule out the possibility of selling star players to balance their books.
Deco addresses Araujo future amid Bayern, Man United links
Barcelona sporting director Deco has played down Ronald Araujo's chances of leaving the club amid declarations of interest from Manchester United and Bayern Munich.
The 24-year-old has blossomed into one of Europe's most highly-rated centre-backs over the past couple of years, having initially joined Barca's B squad from Boston River in 2018.
After a couple of years in the reserves, Araujo was officially promoted to Barcelona's senior team in 2020 and has registered eight goals and three assists in 134 games for the Blaugrana in all competitions.
Araujo ended the 2022-23 season with a La Liga winners' medal around his neck, while he has also triumphed in the Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana in Barcelona colours.
Chelsea recall Diego Moreira from his loan at Lyon
Forward Diego Moreira has been recalled from his loan at Ligue 1 side Lyon.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 22, 2024
Falkirk sign Dylan Tait on loan from Hibernian
📰 Read all about it!
— Falkirk FC (@FalkirkFC) January 22, 2024
✍️ Falkirk Football Club is delighted to announce the loan signing of Dylan Tait from Hibernian FC on a deal until the end of the season.
👉 https://t.co/2kSpJLHGjQ pic.twitter.com/L1XtN4kpDW
Liverpool 'readying £38.6m Teun Koopmeiners bid'
Liverpool are supposedly weighing up a €45m (£38.6m) January swoop for Atalanta BC midfielder Teun Koopmeiners.
The 25-year-old learned his trade in the youth system at AZ Alkmaar before leaving for Atalanta in the summer of 2021, and he has since shone in various engine room roles under Gian Piero Gasperini.
While formerly a defensive midfielder, Koopmeiners has consistently provided a goal threat for Atalanta, registering 21 goals and 12 assists in 104 matches for La Dea across all competitions.
The Netherlands international has slowly transitioned to a more attacking role during his time in Serie A and has five goals and three assists to show from 19 top-flight games in 2023-24, often operating as a number 10.
Hoffenheim confirm David Jurasek loan signing from Benfica
Ahoj, David 👋
Die TSG Hoffenheim leiht den tschechischen Nationalspieler David Jurasek bis zum 30. Juni 2024 von Benfica Lissabon aus ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/2Gjac9CckL — TSG Hoffenheim (@tsghoffenheim) January 22, 2024
"David is an extremely dynamic full-back who we were interested in back in the summer. However, an obligation could not be realized at that time," Hoffenheim managing director Alexander Rosen told the club's official website.
"He is fast, strong offensively and can be used variably on the left side in different basic formations. The loan of Julian Justvan was also conditional on us being able to add another strong alternative to our squad. We are convinced that we have found this solution in David and are pleased that he will play for us at least in the second half of the current season."
"David is a competitive and strong-willed player who will significantly increase the competition within our squad with his qualities," Hoffenheim Head of Professional Football Pirmin Schwegler added. "He hits dangerous and difficult to defend crosses and, despite being only 23 years old, already impresses with an enormous presence on the pitch. He will definitely be good for our team with his character and athletic ability."
Spurs 'identify Wharton as Gallagher alternative'
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly considering a move for Blackburn Rovers midfielder Adam Wharton.
Spurs have been one of the most active teams in the January transfer window, parting ways with a number of players and replacing them with two notable additions.
Defender Radu Dragusin has arrived from Genoa on a permanent basis, while forward Timo Werner has been acquired from RB Leipzig on a loan deal until the end of the campaign.
Ange Postecoglou will be delighted with the club's activity thus far, yet the door seemingly remains open to add a central midfielder to his ranks.
Transfer rumours: Arsenal's Hato blow, Origi to MLS, Ramsay to Leeds
Arsenal have supposedly been dealt a setback in their pursuit of Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, who is close to signing a new contract with the Dutch giants.
At the tender age of 17, Hato has cemented a regular starting role in the heart of the Ajax backline, already making 41 appearances for the Amsterdam giants.
Hato has struck one goal and set up two more in that time and has been integral to Ajax's recent revival, which has seen the Eredivisie heavyweights win eight and draw two of their last 10 league games after a horrendous start to the new term.
Arsenal have been tipped to make a move for the centre-back once he turns 18 later this year, but according to De Telegraaf, Ajax are now close to tying Hato down to fresh terms.
Barcelona 'yet to approach Man City over Phillips'
Barcelona are reportedly yet to step up their interest in Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
The England international is known to be available for transfer under the right conditions, whether that be on a permanent or loan deal.
However, given the tight finances during the January window, the latter of those is the most realistic, even with City ready to demand a substantial fee.
Reports have indicated that the Premier League giants will look for in the region of £7m and an obligation to buy if they are to part ways on a temporary basis.
Liverpool, Arsenal, Spurs 'all hold Leroy Sane interest'
Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane is reportedly attracting widespread interest in his signature from Premier League clubs.
The Germany international has already spent a period competing in England's top flight, starring for Manchester City between 2016 and 2020.
However, Sane has taken his game to another level with Bayern, contributing 47 goals and 48 assists from his 159 appearances in all competitions.
Aside from Harry Kane, the 28-year-old has been Bayern's key man during 2023-24, chipping in with eight strikes and 10 assists from 17 Bundesliga starts.
Tiago Djalo arrives in Turin for Juventus medical
Checking in to J|Medical 🏥 pic.twitter.com/lLLBPf9uTq
— JuventusFC 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@juventusfcen) January 22, 2024
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
