LIVE! Transfer news and rumours: Man Utd revive Benzema interest, Barca close in on Greenwood
Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the latest transfer news and rumours from around the world of football on Wednesday, January 24.
Stick with us below to keep up to date with all of today's transfer rumours and done deals.
Today's key events
Man United 'turn down chance to sign Karim Benzema'
Manchester United have reportedly rejected the chance to sign Al-Ittihad forward Karim Benzema.
After spending 14 years at Real Madrid, Benzema left the Spanish giants in the summer to sign for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad on a free transfer.
During his short time with the club, the 36-year-old has scored nine goals and provided five assists in 15 Saudi Pro League appearances.
While he has made a significant contribution, his side are currently in seventh place and 28 points adrift of leaders Al-Hilal.
Tottenham 'still leading Nusa race despite Newcastle hijack attempt'
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly still at the front of the queue to sign Club Brugge winger Antonio Nusa amid interest from Premier League rivals Newcastle United.
The 18-year-old is being linked with a move away from Club Brugge after making a significant impression for the Belgian side.
Nusa, who has made a total of 63 appearances during his time with the club, has scored four goals and provided three assists in 27 competitive games this season.
The youngster's performance has caught the attention of a number of Premier League clubs, including Tottenham and Newcastle.
Chelsea 'ahead of Arsenal in Victor Osimhen race'
Chelsea are reportedly in front of Arsenal in the race to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
The Nigeria international enjoyed a standout 2022-23 campaign, scoring 26 goals in 32 league games to guide Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years.
Unfortunately for the reigning champions, they have been unable to match that success this season, and they currently sit in ninth place in the Serie A table with 31 from 20 matches.
While his team has struggled on the pitch, Osimhen opted to put pen to paper on a new contract which runs until the summer of 2026.
Colchester sign Alistair Smith on loan from Lincoln
βοΈ πππππππ ππππππππ πππππ!
— Colchester United FC (@ColU_Official) January 24, 2024
The central-midfielder joins on loan from @LincolnCity_FC for the remainder of the 2023/24 campaign!#ColU | #WeAreUnited
"Colchester United have signed Alistair Smith on loan from League One side Lincoln City," read a statement from the club.
"The 24-year-old has signed until the end of the season with the U's, subject to the loan agreement being ratified by the relevant bodies."
Chelsea 'still considering bid for Villa forward Duran'
Chelsea may reportedly still make a bid for Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran before the end of January.
On Tuesday night, the Blues ruthlessly put Middlesbrough to the sword in the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final, running out 6-1 winners.
However, there has been constant speculation regarding a new striker arriving at Chelsea during the current transfer window, a consequence of the inconsistencies of Nicolas Jackson and Armando Broja.
While the spots in Mauricio Pochettino's squad of Jackson and injured versatile attacker Christopher Nkunku are safe, the same cannot be said for Broja.
Omari Forson 'turns down new Manchester United deal'
Manchester United are reportedly facing a battle to keep hold of Omari Forson, with the highly-rated youngster turning down the club's latest contract offer.
The 19-year-old has entered the final six months of his contract at Old Trafford, and there is currently a host of speculation surrounding his future with the Red Devils.
Forson made his first-team debut for Man United as a late substitute in the FA Cup clash with Wigan Athletic on January 8, and he was then on the bench against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League last time out.
The attacker has scored three times and registered one assist in four Premier League 2 appearances this term, while he managed two goals and one assist in two UEFA Youth League outings, in addition to two goals in two appearances in the EFL Trophy.
Pep Lijnders confirms loan "interest" in Ramsay, Phillips
Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders has confirmed that the Reds have received declarations of "interest" in loan deals for Calvin Ramsay and Nat Phillips this month.
The defensive duo returned to Anfield earlier in the January transfer window following underwhelming stints elsewhere, with Phillips turning out for Celtic while Ramsay plied his trade with Preston North End.
Phillips pulled on the Celtic jersey eight times in the first half of the 2023-24 campaign, but he only made the starting lineup on three occasions in the Scottish Premiership and once in the Champions League.
Meanwhile, Ramsay was restricted to just two appearances for Preston North End during his time in the Championship, having been plagued by knee surgery and then a nasty COVID-19 infection.
Real Madrid to sell Vinicius to make room for Mbappe?
Real Madrid are reportedly willing to sell their star attacker Vinicius Junior if they are able to secure the signing of Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe in the current transfer window.
Despite extending his contract with PSG in 2022, Mbappe has remained a top priority signing for Los Blancos and has been strongly linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu this year.
The French international is now able to discuss his future with other clubs, having entered the final six months of his current contract with the Ligue 1 champions.
According to Sport, if a deal for the French World Cup winner can be completed this month, Vinicius Jr could be the player who finds himself on the chopping block in order to make room for the new arrival.
Man United 'set to trigger Scott McTominay contract extension'
Manchester United are reportedly preparing to tie Scott McTominay down to a longer-term contract by triggering a clause to extend his current deal by a further 12 months.
The Scottish international has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford, with West Ham United and Bayern Munich expressing interest in acquiring his services in recent times.
Despite coming close to being sold in the off-season, the 27-year-old's current deal with The Red Devils is only scheduled to expire next summer.
As reported by The Sun, McTominay has 'won over' the approval of manager Erik ten Hag and is now considered a crucial part of the Dutchman's future plans at the club.
Chelsea identify Sesko as Osimhen alternative?
Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, with long-time target Victor Osimhen now looking set to remain at Napoli for the foreseeable future.
The Blues are looking to strengthen their attack this month and had been linked with several players in the lead-up to the transfer window.
Nicolas Jackson has not hit the heights many had expected in a Chelsea jersey and is likely to be out of the squad for a while longer as he is currently on international duty with Senegal, who are heading to the knockout stages in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.
Armando Broja has struggled to nail down a regular starting spot since his return to fitness, while Christopher Nkunku has endured injury setbacks that have affected his playing time in Mauricio Pochettino's side.
St Mirren bring in James Scott
James Scott is a Saint π
St Mirren Football Club is delighted to announce the loan signing of James Scott until the end of the season.
James will then sign for the club on a permanent two-year-deal in the summer.#OurStMirren #COYS — St Mirren FC (@saintmirrenfc) January 24, 2024
"I'm absolutely delighted to get it over the line. When I got the phone call from Stephen Robinson it was a no brainer," he told the club website.
"I feel like the gaffer got the most out of me as a player. I did really well under him at Motherwell and I feel like he can get the best out of me."
Manager Stephen Robinson added: "James is a player I worked with at Motherwell and we sold him for a substantial fee so that tells you the kind of quality he has.
"He had an injury when he first went to Hull that kind of scuppered his chances of success there. Sometimes you need picked back up and I believe I can do that with James.
"He's only 23 with loads of potential and he adds a little spark that, at times, we could be missing in that final third.
"He's very technical and can play with his left and right foot. He needs to get up to speed with his fitness but if we get a James Scott working as hard as we had him at Motherwell then we've got a very good player on our hands."
Hibs snap up Luke Amos following trial period
Hibernian FC are delighted to announce the permanent signing of Luke Amos! πβ½οΈ
ποΈ https://t.co/ROHVsVne1T pic.twitter.com/sfgZhznPx4 — Hibernian Football Club (@HibernianFC) January 24, 2024
"Luke found himself not signing with anyone at the start of the season, which can happen, but he got himself back fit training with Tottenham's Under-23s and he's hungry to push on his career," said manager Nick Montgomery.
"He's a quality midfielder with years of experience in the English Championship and at 26 he has his best years ahead of him.
"When I initially spoke to Luke about him coming to the club, it was important for him to come to Hibs and feel that it was the right place for him to continue his football journey.
"He will add competition for places, and he has fit straight into the group dynamic.
"He will add real depth to our midfield and will help our push for this second half of the season. We are all looking forward to working with him."
Massimo Luongo signs new Ipswich contract
βοΈ We're delighted to announce that Massimo Luongo has signed a new contract with the Club, extending his stay until the summer of 2025. β€΅οΈ — Ipswich Town (@IpswichTown) January 24, 2024
"I'm delighted to have signed a new contract with the club," he told the Ipswich website.
"Playing for Ipswich Town, under this manager, fits me perfectly and I've got some great relationships both on and off the pitch that I'm excited to keep going with.
"I love every bit about being here and this is where I want to stay because it's a happy place to be with a culture which runs all the way through every area of the club.
"I'm pleased to have got this done so now it's a case of getting my head down and getting on with the rest of the season, doing my best to help the team."
Stevenage sign Nesta Guinness-Walker on loan from Reading
Welcome, NGW. π pic.twitter.com/5uVeNfWcNE
— Stevenage FC π΄βͺ (@StevenageFC) January 24, 2024
"We are delighted to get Nesta into the Stevenage dressing room," said manager Steve Evans.
"He is a young man with a fantastic attitude and great ability. He can play anywhere down the left-hand side of the pitch, adding a balance we have needed for some time".
Cheltenham bring in Andy Smith, Liam Kinsella
We are delighted to confirm that defender Andy Smith has joined the club on loan from @HullCity until the end of the season π€
Great to have you with us, Andy β€οΈ#ctfcβ¦οΈ | @littlejetco — Cheltenham Town (@CTFCofficial) January 24, 2024
"Ever since I knew there was interest from the club I was really excited by it and I wanted to come here straight away," Smith told the club website.
"I was at the game last night and I thought we played really well. I was really impressed with what I saw and I think everyone felt we should have at least got a point.
"I've come here to hopefully get some more minutes under my belt and I'm looking forward to getting started."
We are excited to announce the signing of experienced midfielder Liam Kinsella from Swindon Town π«‘
Welcome to Cheltenham, Liam β€οΈπͺ#ctfcβ¦οΈ — Cheltenham Town (@CTFCofficial) January 24, 2024
"I've worked with Kins before at Walsall and he's a real consistent performer. Whether that's with his performance or his energy levels," manager Darrell Clarke said of Kinsella.
"He gives us another option in the middle of the park and with a lot of games to fit in, everyone is going to be needed and Liam adds that bit more strength in depth."
Transfer rumours: Chalobah to Forest, Godfrey to Leeds, Doucoure to stay at Everton
Nottingham Forest have reportedly joined the race to sign Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah before this month's transfer window closes for business.
The 24-year-old has not made a single appearance for the Blues during the 2023-24 campaign due to a hamstring problem.
Chalobah is closing in on a return to fitness, though, and according to The Sun, Forest want to secure his signature on loan for the second half of the 2023-24 campaign.
The report claims that the Reds might have to pay just Β£1m to loan him for the rest of the season, as he is not in the plans of Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Man United 'ahead of Arsenal in race to sign Zirkzee'
Manchester United are reportedly at the head of the queue to sign Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee.
The 22-year-old has been in impressive form for his Italian club during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring eight goals and registering four assists in 22 appearances in all competitions.
Zirkzee has seven goals and two assists in 19 Serie A appearances, while he has also managed one goal and two assists in three Coppa Italia outings this term.
Both Man United and Arsenal have been credited with an interest in the Dutchman, who is widely expected to leave Bologna during this summer's transfer window.
Granada 'closing in on loan deal for Man United's Pellistri'
Manchester United forward Facundo Pellistri is reportedly nearing a loan switch to Granada.
There has been a host of speculation surrounding the Uruguay international's future over the last couple of weeks, with the Red Devils seemingly open to letting him leave on loan.
At one stage, PSV Eindhoven looked to be the favourites, but Granada then moved to the head of the queue, with the La Liga outfit looking to bring him back to Spain.
Pellistri has had two separate loan spells at Alaves, featuring on 35 occasions for the Basque outfit, with 33 of those appearances coming in Spain's top flight.
Watford re-sign Emmanuel Dennis on loan from Nottingham Forest
The wait is over. pic.twitter.com/GnlLdLApFG — Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) January 24, 2024
"Watford FC is delighted to announce the return of Emmanuel Dennis, with the forward agreeing a loan deal with the Hornets until the end of the season," read a statement.
"Dennis featured 35 times for the club during the 2021-22 Premier League season - including two appearances in the cup - scoring 10 goals and grabbing six assists before moving to Nottingham Forest in August 2022, having last featured for the Hornets in the opening two Championship fixtures of the season.
"The 26-year-old spent the first half of this season on loan with Istanbul Basaksehir, but makes his return to Vicarage Road for the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign."
Real Sociedad sign Javi Galan on loan
β Javi GalΓ‘n joins Real Sociedad on loan deal π#GalΓ‘nTxuriUrdin | #WeAreReal pic.twitter.com/dKAZnISzQg
— Real Sociedad πΊπΈ π¬π§ (@RealSociedadEN) January 24, 2024
Burnley 'in discussions to sign Ajax's Carlos Forbs on loan'
Burnley have allegedly entered talks with Ajax over the loan signing of winger Carlos Forbs, with Nottingham Forest also said to be keen on the player.
The 19-year-old - who honed his skills as a youngster at Sporting Lisbon's academy - secured a switch to the Dutch giants in the summer for around Β£10m from Manchester City.
Forbs caught the eye of Ajax with a goal-laden season for the Citizens' Under-23s side, scoring 21 times in 24 Premier League 2 appearances last campaign.
The attacker also possesses international pedigree, having represented Portugal Under-21s on three occasions since making his debut at that level in August.
Elgin City bring in Mark Gallagher on loan from Cove Rangers
SIGNING NEWS βπΌ
— Elgin City F.C. (@ElginCityFC) January 24, 2024
Elgin City are delighted to announce the signing of Mark Gallagher on loan from Cove Rangers for the reminder of the season
Mark is a 22 year old midfielder who has made 13 appearances for Cove this season
Welcome to the club Mark β«οΈβͺοΈ pic.twitter.com/EdCoBKyOX0
Cove Rangers bring in Ola Lawal on loan from Falkirk
π΅ We are delighted to confirm the arrival of Ola Lawal from Falkirk on loan for the rest of the season.
The twenty-two year old goes straight into the squad for the weekend.
Welcome to Cove, Ola π€#CRFC — Cove Rangers FC (@CoveRangersFC) January 24, 2024
"I'm pleased to be here, excited to be joining Cove, and I am ready to get started, to help get the victories we need and to push on in the league campaign," he told the club website.
"When you're in football, it's all about playing, and I want to start more games, to feel as if I'm playing my part. I want to prove to everyone that I'm good enough to be playing consistently at this level.
"I feel as if I'm a creative player, I think I can offer flair and skill. I know Rumarn (Burrell) from last season at Falkirk and I'm looking forward to linking-up with him again. I want to get goals and assists, that's the best part of playing; I enjoy that, and I enjoy winning. That's what we all want.
"It's not an easy division, but we just need to try to get as many points as possible and look for promotion. That's the goal for all of us.
"I've got to say, the gaffer has been great. He just wants me to play and to enjoy myself, to fall back in love with the game."
Kilmarnock sign Liverpool's James Balagizi on loan
Kilmarnock have announced the signing of Liverpool midfielder James Balagizi on loan until the end of the season.
The 20-year-old makes the move to the Scottish Premiership after an unsuccessful spell with Wigan Athletic, where he played just seven matches in all competitions during the first half of the campaign.
Balagizi made the first XI in three EFL Trophy games and one EFL Cup match for the Latics, but he earned just 86 minutes of League One football across three substitute appearances.
After failing to make a League One matchday squad since the start of October, Balagizi was recalled to Liverpool, who immediately commenced their search for another loan destination for the Englishman.
Berrada to help Man United sign Benzema ahead of deadline?
Manchester United's new CEO Omar Berrada could reportedly help the Red Devils sign Al-Ittihad centre-forward Karim Benzema before the end of the January transfer window.
The 36-year-old's future is currently being called into question, with Man United, Arsenal and Chelsea all believed to be exploring a deal for him in the latter stages of the market.
A permanent move is highly unlikely due to the fact that Benzema earns in the region of Β£88m a year, but a loan switch to the Premier League is believed to be a possibility.
Benzema has played down suggestions that he wants to leave Al-Ittihad, telling reporters: "It's completely false! The French media don't know what to invent any more. The bigger the better."
Man United 'could make signing before end of January window'
Manchester United are reportedly open to making a signing before the end of the January transfer window.
The Red Devils have allowed Donny van de Beek, Jadon Sancho and Hannibal Mejbri to leave on loan this month, while youngsters Joe Hugill, Dan Gore, Rhys Bennett and Maxi Oyedele have also exited on short-term deals.
There could be further outgoings before the end of the January market, with Facundo Pellistri being heavily linked with a departure, although a switch to Granada has allegedly stalled.
Man United also no longer have Sergio Reguilon in their squad, with the Spaniard returning to parent club Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month before moving to Brentford on loan.
Ivo Grbic 'arrives in England for Sheffield United medical'
Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Ivo Grbic has reportedly arrived in England for a medical ahead of a move to Sheffield United.
The 28-year-old is set for a switch to the Premier League in search of regular first-team minutes, having failed to feature for Diego Simeone's men in a competitive match during the 2023-24 term so far.
Grbic has played second fiddle to first-choice keeper Jan Oblak, however the Croatian has experience of Ligue 1 and Champions League football from his time at Lille in the 2021-22 campaign.
Since securing a switch to the Estadio Civitas Metropolitano from NK Lokomotiva in his homeland during the summer of 2020, the former Hajduk Split man has appeared just 14 times for the Spanish giants.
Man United's Mason Greenwood 'closing in on Barcelona move'
Barcelona are reportedly closing in on a deal for Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood.
The 22-year-old left Man United last summer to join Getafe on loan, and he has been in strong form for the capital side this season, scoring five goals and registering four assists in 19 appearances.
As it stands, Greenwood will head back to his parent club at the end of the 2023-24 campaign, and he has a contract at Old Trafford until the summer of 2025.
A recent report claimed that there was 'a small chance' that the Red Devils academy product could revive his career with Erik ten Hag's side.
Man United 'reject Wan-Bissaka, Dumfries swap offer'
Manchester United have reportedly turned down a swap offer from Inter Milan which would potentially seen Denzel Dumfries move to Old Trafford and Aaron Wan-Bissaka arrive at San Siro.
Dumfries, 27, is struggling to come to an agreement with Inter over a new deal, and the Dutchman's current terms with the Italian giants are due to expire in the summer of 2025.
There has been a host of speculation surrounding the defender's future over the last year or so, with Man United believed to be admirers of him.
Dumfries has again been a regular for his Serie A team this season, featuring on 18 occasions in all competitions, contributing two goals and four assists in the process.
Atletico Madrid sign goalkeeper Horatiu Moldovan
There's a new guardian in the Atleti galaxy π
— AtlΓ©tico de Madrid (@atletienglish) January 24, 2024
Welcome, Horatiu! 𧀠pic.twitter.com/aoaqKNxIIr
Middlesbrough 'lay out Rogers asking price to Villa'
Middlesbrough are reportedly prepared to hold out for their desired fee for Morgan Rogers, amid interest from Aston Villa.
Before this campaign, the attacker had endured minimal success in the Championship, spending indifferent loan stints at Bournemouth and Blackpool respectively.
During that time, just two goals came from 14 starts and 21 substitute outings, yet it did not prevent Boro from taking a chance on Rogers in the summer.
The North East outfit paid an alleged Β£1m to sign the 21-year-old on a contract until 2027 and the England Under-20 international has since enjoyed the best stint of his career.
Man United 'eyeing Β£30m summer deal for Marcus Edwards'
Manchester United are reportedly considering a summer move for Sporting Lisbon attacker Marcus Edwards.
The 25-year-old came through the youth system at Tottenham Hotspur, joining the club at the age of eight, and he made his first-team debut for the capital side in September 2016.
Edwards had spells on loan at Norwich City and Excelsior in the early stages of his professional career before leaving Tottenham on a permanent basis in 2019 to make the move to Portugal with Vitoria de Guimaraes.
The forward scored 20 goals and registered 14 assists in 96 appearances during a successful period at Vitoria, which led to Sporting signing him during the winter transfer window in 2022.
Kalvin Phillips 'to undergo West Ham medical on Wednesday'
Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips will reportedly be in London on Wednesday to undergo a medical with West Ham United ahead of a loan move to the London Stadium.
There has been a host of speculation surrounding the England international's future in recent weeks, with Man City head coach Pep Guardiola giving the midfielder the green light to leave this month.
A number of clubs, including Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, have been credited with an interest in the 28-year-old.
However, West Ham have emerged as the favourites this week, and it is understood that the Hammers have now come to an agreement with the Citizens over a loan deal.
Man United 'offer Sancho, Antony to Saudi Pro League clubs'
Manchester United have reportedly contacted Saudi Pro League clubs to discuss transfers for Jadon Sancho and Antony, with the pair both facing uncertain futures at Old Trafford.
Sancho has not played for the Red Devils since the end of August, having fallen out with head coach Erik ten Hag after the clash with Arsenal at the start of September.
Ten Hag said that the England international was not involved at the Emirates Stadium due to poor performances in training, but the attacker insisted that was not the case in a statement on social media, claiming that he had been made "a scapegoat".
Sancho returned to Borussia Dortmund on loan earlier this month, but there is no option for the Bundesliga outfit to make the deal permanent at the end of the campaign.
Transfer rumours: Trippier to Bayern, Newcastle's Ederson blow, Rogers to Villa
Newcastle United have reportedly knocked back a β¬15m (Β£12.8m) bid from Bayern Munich for Kieran Trippier.
The former Tottenham Hotspur defender only has a little over 18 months left on his contract at St James' Park and has been strongly linked with a move away from the North East in recent weeks.
Bayern - whose desire to sign new defenders is no secret - are believed to have identified Trippier as their number one right-back acquisition, but Newcastle will not lose him on the cheap.
According to BBC Sport, the Magpies have turned down a β¬15m (Β£12.8m) offer from their German counterparts for the 33-year-old, and it remains to be seen if Bayern will return with a revised offer.
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
