Welcome to Friday's Express Sport transfer blog, where we will be with you for all the latest updates in the final few days of the January transfer window.
With just a couple of days left before the January transfer window closes, it seems there are still several significant deals that could be finalised before the deadline.
Manchester United have been linked with a surprise move for Chelsea star Cole Palmer. However, Blues head coach Liam Rosenior has dismissed reports that the England international is unhappy at Stamford Bridge.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Meanwhile, Arsenal have been given a strict deadline over Oleksandr Zinchenko's potential move to Ajax. The Ukrainian is set to be recalled early from his loan at Forest with a view to joining a new club.
Express Sport takes you through all of the rumours, stories and announcements in the January transfer window this evening, while also providing updates from any tales from overnight.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Palmer latest
Despite reports stating that Cole Palmer is unhappy in London and would be keen on a move to Manchester United, it now appears as though a move will not be happening – either now or in the summer.
The focus for United is instead on bringing in a world-class defensive midfielder to replace the outgoing Casemiro. Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba have all been linked.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Good morning
Hello and welcome to Friday's live coverage of the latest transfer news with just days left of the January window.
No major deals are expected, but clubs can still do business before 7pm GMT on Monday.
Stick with us throughout the day for all the latest.
Liverpool strike deal with Reading
Reading have completed the signing of 18-year-old Scofield Lonmeni from Liverpool. The midfielder featured for the under-18s last season as a deep-lying midfielder and has signed his first professional contract with Reading, joining on a permanent basis for an undisclosed fee.
Sunderland star set for Championship return
Sunderland's Aji Alese has joined Portsmouth on loan for the remainder of the season. The 25-year-old has failed to make a single appearance for the Black Cats in the Premier League this season as a result of stiff competition coupled with a shoulder injury.
Sunderland wrote on Instagram: "Aji Alese has joined Portsmouth on loan for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. Wishing you all the best, Aji."
Spurs consider move for Serge Gnabry
The 30-year-old winger is out of contract with Bayern Munich this summer, with Spurs showing an interest in securing him on the cheap ahead of deadline day.
With five goals and an assist from six appearances in the Bundesliga this term, Gnabry could provide another string to Tottenham's attacking bow for the second-half of the season.
West Ham see stance on Atalanta midfielder
West Ham United have reportedly been told that Nicola Zalewski will not be leaving Atalanta unless the club see a significant offer. The 24-year-old midfielder has seen interest from the Hammers among others as of late, but Atalanta are in no rush to sell considering he is contracted until 2029, with the club holding an option to extend his deal by a further two years.
Nottingham Forest linked with second swoop for Brighton talent
Nottingham Forest are reportedly considering a second swoop for Brighton's Yasin Ayari after seeing a £20m offer rejected. The 22-year-old midfielder is thought to be a key player for the Seagulls, making 23 appearances across all competitions this season.
Under contract until 2027, Brighton are in no rush to sell the Swedish-Tunisian star just yet.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Fulham talks for striker break down
Talks between Fulham and PSV Eindhoven over Ricardo Pepi appear to have collapse, as per the Standard. It is claimed that the Cottagers submitted a bid for the 23-year-old forward, but there is now no correspondence between the clubs.
Manchester United linked with another midfielder
Fabrizio Romano reports that Manchester United and Spurs have scouted Club Brugge star, Aleksandar Stankovic. However, the journalist also claims that Inter Milan control the 20-year-old midfielder's future, given they hold a buyback clause from his move to the Jupiler Pro League just six months ago.
Marseille offer Newcastle midfield talent
Reports suggest that intermediaries have approached Newcastle United with regards to the availability of Angel Gomes. However, Everton, Brighton, Fulham, West Ham and Sunderland have also been in contact.
Wolves are thought to currently lead the race for the 25-year-old midfielder, and are thought to be exploring the possibility of a loan deal which includes an obligation to buy.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Leeds United prepare to open contract talks
Ethan Ampadu is reportedly set to hold talks over a fresh contract with Leeds United. The 25-year-old captain's current deal runs through to 2027, but it is said that the Peacocks are looking to offer him improved terms as a reflection of his form with the club since their return to the Premier League.
Ampadu is thought to be a key part of Daniel Farke's plans going forward, and it is suggested that they may significantly increase his wages at the club.
Chelsea could use youngster to sign Jeremy Jacquet
Reports suggest that Chelsea could use Aaron Anselmino as part of a deal to secure Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes. The 20-year-old centre-half has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge for the majority of the month.
Now, it has emerged that Anselmino - also 20 and who was recently recalled from a loan spell with Borussia Dortmund - could be used in part of an exchange for Jacquet.
Fabrizio Romano, meanwhile, claims that Jacquet is now viewed as a summer target for Chelsea.
Arsenal targeting in-demand Real Madrid wonderkid
Arsenal have teenage Real Madrid defender Victor Valdepenas on their radar, according to the Daily Mail.
The Gunners have reportedly been tracking the 19-year-old for a while, including before his senior debut last month. Several other European clubs are said to be interested in the former Spain under-19 international, who can play centrally as well as at left-back.
Man Utd face double transfer blow as two deals close
Manchester United are set to miss out on Kader Meite and Ruben Neves, according to Fabrizio Romano, despite being linked with both players this winter.
Al-Hilal are reportedly in the final stages of negotiations with Neves over a new long-term contract. The same Saudi Pro League side are also said to have a £26million agreement in place with Rennes for Meite.
Leeds latest on Jorgen Strand Larsen
Leeds United are currently unwilling to increase their offer for Jorgen Strand Larsen above £40million, according to Sky Sports News.
That is despite Crystal Palace reportedly being close to agreeing a £50million deal with Wolverhampton Wanderers. Leeds are said to see Strand Larsen as a 'unique market opportunity' and would not seek an alternative if they miss out on him to the Eagles.
Aston Villa and Crystal Palace agree deal for £26m forward
Aston Villa and Crystal Palace have an agreement in principle for Evann Guessand to join the Eagles on loan with an option to buy, according to the French outlet Foot Mercato.
Villa signed Guessand from Nice for £26million just six months ago, but he has scored only twice since the switch. Palace wanted the player last summer and revived their interest this month.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Raheem Sterling future
Raheem Sterling is a free agent after leaving Chelsea with 18 months still remaining on his original five-year deal. With that in mind, TEAMtalk are reporting that Leeds United are linked with a possible switch for the 31-year-old, while other clubs circle a possible deal.
Crystal Palace talks
Crystal Palace have opened talks with Aston Villa over a move for Evann Guessand on loan, according to The Athletic. The forward, who joined Villa in the summer, could leave before the end of the window, and Palace are claimed to be favourites, though several other teams are keeping tabs on a move.
Arsenal scouting mission
Arsenal have scouted Corinthians youngster Iago Machado this month, ahead of a potential move. That's according to The Sun, which claims that the Gunners have been tracking the 16-year-old defender, who cannot move until he turns 18.
The club have already signed three teenagers from abroad ahead of a move in 2027, with Machado holding potential to be the fourth.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Man United step up left-back chase
Manchester United are stepping up their search for a left-back. According to TEAMtalk, the club sent scouts out to watch Eintracht Frankfurt star Nathaniel Brown feature against Tottenham in the Champions League.
The report states that £40m is the rough valuation on the defender, if United want to make a move.
Moussa Diaby move
Aston Villa, Tottenham, Crystal Palace, West Ham and Sunderland were among the Premier League sides contacted by intermediaries to discuss a move for Moussa Diaby, according to TEAMtalk.
While all five clubs were possible destinations, it seems as though the former Villa man is set to make a move to Inter Milan instead, making his return to Europe.
Liam Rosenior on Cole Palmer's future
Cole Palmer has been linked with an exit from Chelsea, as Manchester United emerged as a potential option to sign him. However, Liam Rosenior has once again stated that the playmaker won't be leaving Stamford Bridge.
Speaking last night, after his side's win over Napoli in the Champions League, the Chelsea boss said: "There’s been a lot of talk about Cole Palmer lately… I can guarantee he was a very very happy man in the changing room at full time."
Strand Larsen agreement close
Crystal Palace are close to reaching an agreement to sign Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves, according to The Athletic. An offer worth £45m, with £5m in add-ons, is mentioned as being discussed.
Leeds are claimed to have made a bid for the striker, but could only reach £40m.
Arsenal exit
Arsenal have agreed a fee with Grimsby Town over the sale of defender Maldini Kacurri, according to The Mirror. The 20-year-old academy star has spent the past few months on loan, but is in talks surrounding personal terms for his exit.
Jorgen Strand Larsen latest
Crystal Palace have improved their offer to Wolves for striker Jorgen Strand Larsen. That's according to Fabrizio Romano, who claims that talks are also underway with the player's camp over a switch.
The Norwegian striker has been linked with the Eagles, among with a whole host of clubs for this transfer window. That could free up a move for Jean-Philippe Mateta in the final days of the market.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Andre Onana exit talks
Andre Onana is facing a possible permanent exit from Manchester United this summer, after his loan deal at Trabzonspor ends.
The Daily Mail reports that Inter Milan are interested in a return for the shot-stopper, with talks being held between agents, while links have persisted over a switch to other potential options.
Ajax interest in Christian Norgaard
Reports from the Dutch media have suggested that Ajax are eyeing up a move for Arsenal midfielder Christian Norgaard. It would be a surprising deal, considering the Dane only joined in the summer.
He has since played down any talk of a move, telling the press: "I am really, really happy here. The message that I get from the club is that they are really [happy] as well. So, for me, it is a mutual relationship that right now is working really good.
"It is developing. It is a learning curve for me as well. I need to also improve and show the tactics that Mikel is showing are getting under my skin.
"Hopefully coming into the last part of the season I can contribute more on the pitch."
Manchester United FC news, fixtures, results and transfer gossip plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
yesterday07:27 Luke Thrower
Good morning and welcome!
Hello and welcome to today's transfer live blog! With the transfer window nearing the final few days, make sure you keep tuned to all the latest news and rumours we'll bring you throughout the day!