LIVE! Transfer news and rumours: West Ham agree Kalvin Phillips terms, Arsenal closing in on Zubimendi
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 23.
Stick with us below to keep up to date with all of today's transfer rumours and done deals.
Today's key events
Forest 'in talks to sign Reyna, Borges on loan deals'
Nottingham Forest have reportedly opened talks to sign Giovanni Reyna and Carlos Borges on loan deals.
After the club were charged with Profitability and Sustainability breaches by the Premier League earlier this month, Forest are likely to only enter the loan market this month, in fear of breaching the rules again after heavy spending in the summer.
With Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga recently joining Taiwo Awoniyi on the treatment table, manager Nuno Espirito Santo will be keen to add attacking reinforcements, with his side hovering ominously above the relegation zone.
Firstly, David Ornstein of The Athletic claims that Forest are in talks with Borussia Dortmund over a move for USA international Reyna.
Greenwood has 'a small chance' of returning to Man United squad
Mason Greenwood's Manchester United career could allegedly be revived this summer, although the subject has reportedly not yet been discussed by the club's incoming minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Having been informed last summer that his time at Man United was over, the forward moved on loan to Getafe, and he has impressed for the La Liga outfit during the 2023-24 campaign.
The 22-year-old had scored five goals and registered four assists in 19 appearances for the capital club, including three goals and four assists in 16 La Liga appearances.
Greenwood has a contract at Old Trafford until June 2025, though, and as it stands, he will be heading back to his parent club this summer, where a big decision on his future will need to be made.
Man United attacker Pellistri's loan switch to Granada stalls?
Manchester United attacker Facundo Pellistri's proposed loan switch to Granada has allegedly stalled due to the La Liga outfit only offering 'a token contribution to his salary'.
The Uruguay international is currently being heavily linked with a loan move away from Old Trafford, and it had been thought that Granada were closing in on his signature.
Pellistri has experience of La Liga football, having represented Alaves on 35 occasions during two separate loan spells, with 33 of those outings coming in Spain's top flight.
Granada had Alvaro Fernandez on loan from Man United until earlier this month, with the Spaniard leaving the club in order to move to Benfica on an initial loan deal, which could become permanent this summer.
Man United midfielder Dan Gore secures loan move to Port Vale
Manchester United midfielder Dan Gore has made the move to League One outfit Port Vale on loan.
The 19-year-old made his first-team debut for the Red Devils against Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup at the end of September, before featuring against Aston Villa in the Premier League on December 26.
Gore has been a regular in the first-team squad this term, but it has been decided that his development would be best-served by spending the second half of the 2023-24 campaign on loan.
Port Vale have won the race for his signature, and the teenager could be in line to make his debut for the club in Saturday's home fixture with Portsmouth in League One.
Wolves confirm Villarreal loan switch for Mosquera
Wolverhampton Wanderers have announced that defender Yerson Mosquera has completed a loan move to Villarreal.
When Mosquera arrived at Molineux in 2021, he was tipped to emerge as a key player over time, but the Colombian has been restricted to just one eight-minute appearance.
However, throughout 2023, Mosquera was able to kick-start his career in MLS with FC Cincinnati, making a total of 35 appearances for a team that won the Eastern Conference.
Although Cincinnati suffered heartbreak in the Conference Playoff Finals, the 22-year-old was able to return to the West Midlands having significantly enhanced his reputation.
Millwall sign Michael Obafemi on loan from Burnley
🤷♂️#Millwall pic.twitter.com/CVaf4RRb0h — Millwall FC (@MillwallFC) January 23, 2024
"Michael is a player who can add a new, exciting dynamic to the squad and we are really pleased to be welcome him to the club," said Millwall director of football Alex Aldridge.
"Heading into this transfer window, adding additional strength to our attacking areas was one of our main objectives, and when Michael became available on loan, we felt we had a great opportunity to sign a forward who has proven his quality at this level.
"With experience from the top two divisions, he has shown a great desire to join the club - we look forward to seeing him in a Millwall shirt."
Danny Namaso signs Porto contract extension
🤩✍ FC Porto e Namaso renovam até 2028 🐉
— FC Porto (@FCPorto) January 23, 2024
💙 A história continua...#FCPorto #Namaso2028 pic.twitter.com/WptstkisWU
Yerson Mosquera joins Villarreal on loan from Wolves
All the best for the rest of the season, @YMosquera15! 👊 — Wolves (@Wolves) January 23, 2024
"Yerson had a fantastic loan at Cincinnati, being one of the highest performing centre backs in the league. What we've seen really excites us for next season," said sporting director Matt Hobbs.
"It was a difficult decision, as we could have kept him around, but we wanted him to get a bit more football week in, week out, ready to come back and fight for a starting spot next season.
"He's going to a big club, in a good league, with big games, which should secure more international football for him, so it's almost a finishing school, before he comes back to compete here.
"It's a challenge – settling, getting used to a different league, a difference pace and type of football to the MLS. A player who can adapt and react quickly becomes a very well-rounded player, which will help us in the future.
"Yerson's extremely popular with the players here and they've been really impressed with how he's returned – on and off the pitch he's matured.
"He understands the role better and his ability with one versus one defending has improved, which the players have commented on. Everyone's been impressed by him, Gary, the players and the staff.
"We've been very happy with his development. Cincinnati were great with him and we now have a strong relationship with them. They have outstanding facilities and worked hard with him, so have played a big role in it.
"Our staff went to visit him regularly and the loan department watched his games, so he's had excellent support and knows he's important for our future. It's worked fantastically well.
"Now, go there, play, keep developing, and come back in the summer and we expect for him to compete for our team in the Premier League. The plan is the same, he had high potential when we signed him, and it's been enhanced with what he's done and the player he's grown into. Come back in pre-season and fight to get in Gary's team."
Arsenal 'closing in on Martin Zubimendi signing'
Arsenal have reportedly moved ahead in the race to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi in the summer.
The 24-year-old has been a key figure for the Spanish club this season, playing 20 La Liga matches and scoring four goals from the engine room, assisting once.
Zubimendi graduated from Sociedad's academy in March 2019 and has gone on to feature 172 times for the Champions League-competing side, netting on eight occasions.
The midfielder also possesses relative international pedigree, earning four caps for Spain's senior team since his debut in the summer of 2021.
Manchester United send Dan Gore on loan to Port Vale
ℹ️ Dan Gore will spend the rest of 2023/24 on loan at Port Vale.
Best of luck Dan, keep on working hard! 👊#MUFC || #MUAcademy — Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 23, 2024
"Dan Gore has completed a loan move to Port Vale, which will run until the end of the season," read a club statement.
"The young midfielder leaves the Reds for a first spell elsewhere, and will gain experience of League One football with Andy Crosby's men.
"Vale's next match is at home to leaders Portsmouth on Saturday, and the team is spearheaded by former Reds striker James Wilson."
Chelsea 'have no intention of selling Liverpool-linked Levi Colwill'
Chelsea are reportedly not prepared to sell Levi Colwill this month despite intense interest from Liverpool for the defender.
The 20-year-old has been a regular fixture in the Blues side this term, playing in 20 Premier League matches, scoring once and providing one assist.
Due to the injuries suffered by Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella, Colwill has been operating in a left-back role for Mauricio Pochettino this season.
The natural centre-back made his England debut in October, playing 90 minutes for Gareth Southgate in a friendly against Australia at Wembley.
Spurs teen Roman Egan-Riley signs first pro deal
We are delighted to announce that Roman Egan-Riley has signed his first professional contract with the Club 🤍 — Tottenham Hotspur Academy (@Spurs_Academy) January 23, 2024
"We are delighted to announce that Roman Egan-Riley has signed his first professional contract with the club," read a statement.
"Manchester-born Roman, 17, joined our Academy from Manchester City last summer, going full-time as a first-year scholar.
"A tall central defender, he was part of the young City squad that lifted the Under-16 Premier League Cup last season.
"He has featured for us in the Under-18 Premier League and Under-18 Premier League Cup so far this term."
Allan Delferriere leaves Hibs on loan
Allan Delferrière has joined Czech side MFK Vyškov on loan, subject to international clearance.
— Hibernian Football Club (@HibernianFC) January 23, 2024
The Club wishes Allan all the best while out on loan.
"After lengthy discussions with Allan, it was clear he needed to go and play regularly for his personal development," said manager Nick Montgomery.
"He has struggled for game time this season, so it's in the best interests of all parties that this loan be a successful one and he gains regular football."
Elgin sign Keith Bray on loan from Inverness
SIGNING NEWS ✍🏼
— Elgin City F.C. (@ElginCityFC) January 23, 2024
Elgin City are delighted to announce the signing of Keith Bray on loan from Inverness CT for the reminder of the season
Keith is a 17 year old midfielder who has made 10 appearances for ICT
Welcome to the club Keith ⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/Q7mDg6LA2v
Jordan Allan returns to Clyde
📝 ALLAN RETURNS
— Clyde FC (@ClydeFC) January 23, 2024
We pleased to announce the signing of Jordan Allan on loan from Falkirk until the end of the season
The striker joined Clyde at the beginning of last campaign, making 28 appearances and scoring 10 goals before joining Falkirk
➡️ https://t.co/QSsL74zLX6 pic.twitter.com/jzC0GpLT1l
"We've been a bit light in numbers up front so I'm delighted to get Jordan in and he'll offer good competition with Martin and Connor. He's got good pace and strength for his size, but most importantly he's a natural finisher," said manager Ian McCall.
"He knows the club well and by all accounts was a popular player with the fans last season. His strike rate for Clyde was very impressive and I'm confident he'll be able to pick up from where he left off."
Norwich youngster Elliot Myles signs first pro deal
Academy player Elliot Myles has signed his first professional contract with the club ✍️
Congratulations, Elliot! 🤝 — Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) January 23, 2024
"I feel overwhelmed. It's good to be rated by the club and how highly they think of me. I appreciate everything they've done for me so far," he told the club website.
"I'm always grateful for the opportunity. There's things that you can't take for granted, especially at a club like this. Especially as I've been here since I was 14, with all the chances they've given me. That shows the trust and belief they have in me.
"I feel like I've started off well. I feel like I've progressed this season, playing with the Under-21s. I think quicker now, with challenges in each game. I scored my first goal for the Under-21s against Charlton recently, and there's more to come.
"Playing internationally has given me a variety of different styles. The difference between playing in a league here compared to an international game is big. It's good to experience those games."
Transfer rumours: Milinkovic-Savic to Lazio, Gnonto to stay at Leeds, Dennis to Watford
Al-Hilal midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is reportedly the latest player who wants to call time on his spell in the Saudi Pro League.
The 28-year-old ended his legendary eight-year association with Lazio to join Al-Hilal last summer for a reported £34m, and he has since recorded nine goals and five assists in 23 appearances.
However, according to Italian news outlet Il Messaggero, via The Sun, Milinkovic-Savic has informed some of his former Lazio teammates that he would "like to return" to the Serie A club.
Milinkovic-Savic is said to have expressed his desire to return to Italy when he met with the Lazio squad at Riyadh airport last weekend following their Supercoppa Italiana semi-final defeat to Inter Milan.
Burnley's Obafemi 'to undergo Millwall medical ahead of loan move'
Burnley striker Michael Obafemi is reportedly prepared to undergo a medical at Millwall ahead of a loan switch to the Championship club for the remainder of the season.
The 23-year-old has played just 19 minutes of Premier League football for the Clarets this season, making substitute appearances in contests against Sheffield United and Arsenal.
Obafemi only returned to first-team action in the middle of November after surgery on a hamstring injury sustained while on international duty with the Republic of Ireland in June.
The forward spent the second half of the 2022-23 term on loan at Turf Moor from Swansea City before making the switch to Lancashire permanent in the summer, scoring two goals in the Championship last campaign as Vincent Kompany's men eased to the second-tier crown.
Arsenal 'willing to pay £64m for Porto forward Evanilson'
Arsenal are reportedly willing to spend big money to sign Porto forward Evanilson during the summer transfer window.
Although the Gunners were able to score five times against Crystal Palace at the weekend, their attack has generally been less prolific than their rivals in 2023-24.
Despite scoring just six fewer Premier League goals than Manchester City, only eight strikes have come from the duo of Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nkeitah.
As a result, there is an increasingly urgency to strengthen in the final third and Arsenal's preference would be to make a statement signing before the end of January.
Bristol City's Raphael Araoye joins Weston-super-Mare on loan
RAPHAEL ARAOYE SIGNS ON LOAN
Weston-super-Mare AFC are delighted to confirm the loan signing of defender Raphael Araoye on loan from Bristol City 💪
Read the full story here ➡️ https://t.co/C5xrnzd7pu#WsMAFC ⚪️⚫️ pic.twitter.com/yUUR3FnWRd — Weston-super-Mare AFC (@WSM_AFCOfficial) January 23, 2024
"We welcome Raph to our squad, he's going to be a good addition to our squad," said Weston-super-Mare boss Scott Bartlett.
"He is capable of playing in a number of key positions for us.
"We have monitored him for a while and he was recommended highly by people we respect at Bristol City".
Victor Osimhen hints at summer exit from Napoli
Napoli forward Victor Osimhen has hinted that he intends to take on a new challenge at the end of the season.
Having scored 26 goals to help guide Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years during the last campaign, Osimhen has already cemented his legacy in Naples.
However, Napoli's attempt to defend their top-flight crown has proven to be a disaster, as they are down in ninth position in the standings and 21 points adrift of leaders Juventus.
That has not stopped Osimhen recently penning a contract extension, keeping him tied to Napoli until 2026, but a release clause is believed to be present in his new deal.
West Ham 'agree Phillips loan with Man City'
West Ham United have reportedly made the breakthrough in discussions with Manchester City over a loan deal for Kalvin Phillips.
Despite costing £45m when joining from Leeds United in 2022, Phillips has rarely been provided with opportunities by Pep Guardiola.
Just six of his 31 appearances in all competitions have come from the starting lineup, and Guardiola recently admitted that the situation is unlikely to change in Phillips's favour.
As a result, the England international has been heavily linked with a wide array of clubs, all aware that the 28-year-old is desperate for first-team football ahead of Euro 2024.
Arbroath bring in Max Boruc on loan from Hibs
Welcome Max Boruc
We are delighted to announce the loan signing of highly rated goalkeeper Maksymilian (Max) Boruc from Premiership side @HibernianFC until the end of this season.
The 21-year-old goes straight into the squad for tonight's game.
➡️https://t.co/15aiGoNuaK pic.twitter.com/DO62u7ndEJ — Arbroath FC (@ArbroathFC) January 23, 2024
"We are really happy to confirm the signing of Max until the end of the season, he is a highly rated goalkeeper with lots of potential in the game and we are delighted he can further his development here at Arbroath FC for the rest of the season," said Arbroath boss Jim McIntyre.
Hibs manager Nick Montgomery added: "This is a good opportunity for Max to go out and play regular football in a really competitive league.
I'm sure he will embrace this opportunity, and I look forward to seeing how this will help to develop his all-round game."
RB Leipzig youngster Yannick Eduardo signs first pro contract
Our U19 player Yannick Eduardo has signed his first professional contract with RB Leipzig! The contract will run until summer 2027 ✍️
It's also the striker's 18th birthday today - all the best, Yannick! 👏🤗 — RB Leipzig English (@RBLeipzig_EN) January 23, 2024
"Yannick Eduardo is a promising talent who has a lot of potential. He's good in the air, has a great left foot and provides all the attacking threat you need as a striker," said sporting director Rouven Schroder.
"In the 18 months that he's been at the club, he's performed very well at youth level and has scored a lot of goals. As a result of these consistently fantastic performances, he regularly takes part in first-team training sessions. He was also included the matchday squad for our Bundesliga games against Frankfurt and Leverkusen.
"The important thing now is that he keeps his foot on the gas, remains eager to learn and continues to work on himself. With this contract, we want to show that we'll be by Yannick's side as he takes his next step."
AC Milan suffer setbacks in pursuits of Kiwior, Chalobah?
AC Milan have reportedly suffered setbacks in pursuits to sign Premier League duo Jakub Kiwior and Trevoh Chalobah.
Manager Stefano Pioli has said that he would like to see a new central defender come through the door at San Siro this month, given their mounting injury crisis.
Until Matteo Gabbia was recalled from his loan at Villarreal, Theo Hernandez was forced to play in the centre, due to injuries to Fikayo Tomori, Malick Thiaw and Pierre Kalulu.
The shortage of defensive options at Pioli's disposal saw Corriere dello Sport claim that the Rossoneri were exploring the opportunity to sign either Kiwior or Chalobah this month.
Burnley's Darko Churlinov joins Schalke 04 on loan
Schalke 04 have confirmed the loan signing of Burnley attacker Darko Churlinov for the remainder of the campaign, with the agreement containing an option to buy in the summer.
The former Stuttgart winger joined the Clarets in the summer of 2022, playing seven matches in the Championship as the Clarets cantered to the second-tier title in 2022-23.
Churlinov was hospitalised with suspected blood poisoning ahead of the current campaign which halted his pre-season preparations, although the winger has now been back in training for three months.
Apart from three appearances for North Macedonia on the international stage, the 23-year-old has only turned out in reserve football this season.
Eder Militao pens Real Madrid extension until June 2028
Real Madrid have announced that Eder Militao has signed a new contract at Bernabeu, with the centre-back's terms now due to run until the end of the 2027-28 campaign.
The 26-year-old has made 143 appearances for Los Blancos since arriving from Porto in 2019, scoring 11 goals and registering five assists in the process.
Militao was not a regular in either of his first two seasons at Bernabeu, but he became first choice at the start of the 2021-22 campaign and has impressed for the Spanish giants in their last two seasons.
The Brazil international has been restricted to just one appearance this season, though, as he picked up a serious knee injury during the team's La Liga opener against Athletic Bilbao back in August.
Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall 'wanted by Sheffield United'
Sheffield United are reportedly interested in signing Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall during this month's transfer window.
The 27-year-old has struggled for game time this season for the Tricky Trees, playing seven and starting just five matches in the Premier League for the East Midlands club.
Worrall was frozen out of the first-team picture by former head coach Steve Cooper, who forced the centre-back to train away from the squad alongside Scott McKenna.
Since the arrival of Nuno Espirito Santo at the City Ground, the former Rangers loanee has made just the single start, playing the full 90 minutes of the FA Cup clash with Blackpool on January 7.
Eder Militao signs Real Madrid contract extension
🇧🇷🤩 #Militão2028 🇧🇷🤩 pic.twitter.com/5uqPmWAhna
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) January 23, 2024
"Real Madrid CF and Eder MilitAo have agreed to extend the contract of our player, who remains linked to the club until June 30, 2028," read a statement from the club.
Hull City 'in talks to sign Luton Town's Ryan Giles'
Hull City are reportedly engaged in talks with Luton Town over the loan signing of defender Ryan Giles before the end of the January window.
The 23-year-old made the switch from Wolverhampton Wanderers to the newly-promoted Hatters in the summer but has struggled for regular game time so far, starting just five Premier League matches.
Giles had a breakthrough campaign in the Championship on loan at Michael Carrick's Middlesbrough in 2022-23, providing 11 assists from wing-back in 47 second-tier appearances.
The defender's time at the Riverside Stadium was not the first time that he had been loaned out by Wolves, though, with the former England Under-20 international also enjoying spells at the likes of Blackburn Rovers and Cardiff City.
Leyton Orient sign Ollie O'Neill from Fulham
January signing number two! ✌
Leyton Orient are delighted to announce the permanent signing of highly-rated winger Ollie O'Neill from Premier League club Fulham for an undisclosed fee.#LOFC #OneOrient — Leyton Orient FC (@leytonorientfc) January 23, 2024
"I'm really excited to be starting the next chapter of my career at Leyton Orient, a club that feels like it has got real momentum behind it at the moment," he told the club website.
"I know that this is the right time for me to leave the nest of academy football. I had a good taste of senior football last season and now I'm ready to challenge myself in League One. I like to play wide, get on the ball, and create lots of chances for myself and my teammates."
Manager Richie Wellens added: "Ollie is an exciting young player and we are really pleased to get him on board. He is someone that we have been aware of for a while and we were really impressed with him in our EFL Trophy game against Fulham earlier this season.
"In the last few weeks, Ollie has trained with us, which I'm really grateful to Fulham and Lingy [Martin Ling] for organising that, so we already know a bit about him.
"He is someone who likes to get on the ball and make things happen. He can play right across the midfielder areas and I believe he can really grow and develop with us in the coming years."
Newcastle 'identify Gibbs-White as Almiron replacement'
Newcastle United have identified Nottingham Forest attacker Morgan Gibbs-White as a potential replacement for Miguel Almiron, according to a report.
Almiron has spent the last five years with the Magpies, scoring 30 goals and providing 11 assists in 195 appearances across all competitions, and the winger has become a fans' favourite at St James' Park.
However, the 29-year-old could soon be heading for the exit door as Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab have allegedly reached an agreement with Newcastle to sign the Paraguay international this month.
Although The Telegraph claims that rumours of an agreement between both parties are inaccurate, talks are set to continue over the next few days and there is a chance that Almiron will be sold before the winter window closes.
Burton Albion sign Tolaji Bola on loan from Rotherham
TRANSFER NEWS 📝
The #Brewers have completed the signing of wing-back Tolaji Bola from Rotherham United on loan until the end of the season.#BAFC
Read more 👇👇👇 — Burton Albion FC (@burtonalbionfc) January 23, 2024
"It feels brilliant to be here and I can't wait to get started. I'm really looking forward to getting on the pitch and helping the team have a successful end to the season," he told the club website.
"I'm a wing-back who likes to do both, go forward and to help the attack as well as doing my defensive work. I always give my best on the pitch and I love a tackle as well.
"I spoke to the gaffer a couple of days ago and he laid out how he wants his players' to play and what he expects and it's all stuff I really stand by and I'm buzzing to get going."
Brewers manager Martin Paterson added: "Tolaji will add extra quality to the squad and will provide competition, mainly down the left-hand side.
"We hope that he can be a brilliant addition to the squad for the rest of the season."
Transfer rumours: Doue to Newcastle, Iglesias to Leverkusen, Williams to Feyenoord
Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund are reportedly interested in signing Rennes starlet Desire Doue.
The 18-year-old has already made 56 first-team appearances for Rennes since and including his debut in August 2022, chipping in with six goals and two assists.
Doue has not been regular starter, though, having begun just eight of his 22 outings for Rennes in all competitions this season, leading to speculation over a possible exit amid interest from a number of European clubs.
According to L'Equipe, both Newcastle and Dortmund are expected to submit offers for Doue before the January transfer window slams shut.
Colchester sign Riley Harbottle on loan from Hibs
✍️ 𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄 𝐑𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐘 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐁𝐎𝐓𝐓𝐋𝐄!
— Colchester United FC (@ColU_Official) January 23, 2024
The central-defender joins us on loan from @HibernianFC for the remainder of the 2023/24 season!#ColU | #WeAreUnited
"Colchester United have signed Riley Harbottle on loan from Hibernian," read a statement from the club.
"The defender has signed until the end of the season, subject to the loan agreement being ratified by the relevant bodies."
Liverpool 'considering summer move for Antonio Rudiger'
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp allegedly holds an interest in signing Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger.
On Sunday evening, the Merseyside giants stormed to a 4-0 victory over Bournemouth to regain a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League standings with the best defensive record in the division.
However, strengthening the club's backline may soon become a priority for Klopp, partly due to Joel Matip being sidelined for the rest of the season with a knee injury and out of contract in the summer.
Although reports have indicated that Matip may be handed fresh terms, a renewal would result in Liverpool entering 2023-24 with two key centre-backs at 33 years of age, the other being Virgil van Dijk.
Arsenal, Chelsea-linked Benzema 'in talks over Lyon return'
Lyon are reportedly making an effort to secure a sensational reunion with Karim Benzema.
The legendary forward only ended his long-term association with Real Madrid during the summer in order to make the lucrative switch to Al-Ittihad.
However, while the 36-year-old has chipped in with 12 goals from 20 appearances in all competitions, his club sit 25 points adrift of leaders Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.
Reports have also indicated that there are issues behind the scenes, with Benzema said to have missed a number of training sessions and having not participated in the mid-season training camp in Dubai.
Aston Villa confirm Kosta Nedeljkovic signing
Aston Villa have announced that they have completed the signing of Red Star Belgrade defender Kosta Nedeljkovic.
The West Midlands outfit are currently searching for ways to strengthen their squad in the short term at a time when they are challenging for the Premier League title.
However, head coach Unai Emery and the club's recruitment also have one eye on the future, as shown with the acquisition of Nedeljkovic on a long-term deal.
In his first season of senior football with Red Star, the 18-year-old has emerged as a key player on the right-hand side of the backline.
Man City Women's Yui Hasegawa signs new contract
"I'm here to stay!" 🩵@maybe10_ ✨ pic.twitter.com/wtKYvlVLMM — Manchester City (@ManCity) January 23, 2024
"I am extremely happy. I couldn't be happier," she told the club website.
"One of the biggest reasons I've extended is the football style. I love our style. I want to win the league, Champions League and Cup, that's why I decided to stay here.
"We've improved this year and we have built up a lot. I'm so excited because we have a chance to win the league and the cup. I really want to win the league. I want to play in the Champions League, and I want to win it with City.
"The people are nice, the football is good, I'm so happy to be here!"
Head coach Gareth Taylor added: "We're really pleased that Yui has extended her stay with the Club.
"She's been top class from the minute she's come here. She does so much without the ball, her anticipation is second-to-none and her quality under pressure is very high.
"The impact she has had on and off the pitch is clear to see and we are very happy that Yui will be here until 2027.
"She's a great girl to work with who has been massively accepted by the rest of the group and is really popular, and we're looking forward to seeing what more she can achieve here at City. She's an incredible talent."
Cardiff sign Ryotaro Tsunoda, send him on loan to Kortrijk
Ryotaro Tsunoda has joined #CardiffCity from J1 League side, Yokohama F. Marinos.
— Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) January 23, 2024
Ryotaro will immediately join @kvkofficieel on loan until the end of the 2023/24 season to gain experience of football in Europe.#CityAsOne
Burnley's Darko Churlinov joins Schalke on loan
We can confirm that Darko Churlinov has joined Bundesliga 2 side FC Schalke 04 on loan until the end of the season 🤝
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) January 23, 2024
The 23-year-old joined the Clarets from Vfb Stuttgart in the summer of 2022 and will now spend the remainder of the current campaign in Germany 🇩🇪
It's a return... pic.twitter.com/b5JCXRqH0h
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
