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Cristian Romero labels Tottenham squad depth 'disgraceful' amid injury crisis

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Cristian Romero labels Tottenham squad depth 'disgraceful' amid injury crisis - ESPN
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Tottenham captain Cristian Romero has described the squad's lack of depth as "disgraceful" in another thinly-veiled criticism of the club.

Romero was forced off during Spurs' battling 2-2 draw at home to Manchester City with an illness, which also affected the Argentina international in the midweek win over Eintracht Frankfurt.

The withdrawal of Romero took Tottenham's list of absentees well beyond double figures in parallels to last season under Ange Postecoglou, who battled with an enormous injury crisis for months and clinched Europa League glory but also presided over a 17th-placed finish in the Premier League.

It cost Postecoglou his job but it has been a similar story for replacement Thomas Frank, who has struggled without a number of key personnel all season and Spurs have won just two of their last 15 games in the Premier League to increase fears of a potential relegation battle.

Even though Tottenham impressively brought in Conor Gallagher in a £35 million ($48m) move from Atletico Madrid midway through January, they sold last season's leading scorer Brennan Johnson and have lost nine players to injury since the turn of the year to further frustrate a disgruntled fanbase.

Moments after the winter transfer deadline closed, captain Romero said on Instagram: "Great effort from all my teammates yesterday, they were incredible.

"I wanted to be available to help them even though I wasn't feeling well, especially since we only had 11 players available -- unbelievable but true and disgraceful.

"We'll keep showing up and taking responsibility to turn this around, working hard and staying together. All that's left is to thank all of you for being there and for always supporting us, the fans."

Spurs did later announce the loan signing of Hearts teenager James Wilson with the option to make the move permanent, but the forward is a player for the Under-21 squad.

It still proved to be a quiet deadline day at Tottenham after the club resisted the temptation to chase short-term signings, Press Association understands.

- Judge Thomas Frank when he has his best players fit, says Jamie Carragher

- Solanke 'had a few looks' of big screen after scorpion kick equaliser vs. Man City

- Man City blow lead at Tottenham -- how did that happen?

PA also believe Spurs' desire in the winter transfer window was to bring forward summer targets, which resulted in a move for Andy Robertson which ultimately collapsed.

It was a similar story for the successful pursuits of Gallagher and Brazilian left-back Souza, but the club were eager to remain disciplined and stick with a strategic strategy of signing long-term targets.

Significant funds were available from majority shareholders ENIC, PA understands, and this was highlighted in the failed bid to sign Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth.

Yet after Semenyo decided to join Manchester City, Tottenham were comfortable to wait until the summer to land key targets.

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Jamie Carragher: Judge Thomas Frank when Tottenham have their best players fit

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Jamie Carragher: Judge Thomas Frank when Tottenham have their best players fit - ESPN
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Jamie Carragher has come to the defence of Thomas Frank, saying the Tottenham Hotspur manager has been deprived of a number of important players during a difficult first season in charge.

Spurs, who held Manchester City to a 2-2 draw on Sunday thanks in large part to Dominic Solanke's sensational scorpion kick, are currently 14th in the Premier League table.

Of his first 24 league games in north London, Frank has presided over eight draws and nine defeats.

Carragher, speaking to Sky Sports, pointed to the absence of players like Solanke during Spurs' poor run. The striker has missed significant time since undergoing ankle surgery in September.

Currently sidelined for Spurs are the likes of James Maddison -- still recovering from a torn ACL -- Rodrigo Bentancur, Richarlison, Mohammed Kudus, Ben Davies and Lucas Bergvall.

"It's great for Solanke," Carragher said of the striker's acrobatic equaliser. "And also, it's probably great for Thomas Frank, because he's looking at that thinking and saying to his board, and maybe his own supporters, 'I've been without a lot of top players this season.'

"That is fact. There's no doubt about that.

- Thomas Frank to Tottenham fans: Let's create magic together

- Man City blow lead at Tottenham: Premier League title worries for City, less pressure on Frank

- Pep has Man City title 'hopes' despite 6-point Arsenal lead

"There is still obviously a debate, and I understand the frustration of Spurs supporters around the style of football, how they play, how slow first halves are, how poor they are at home. I get all of that.

"I think he [Frank] might be speaking to the people above him, when he gets those players back, 'judge me then.'"

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Man City blow lead at Tottenham: Premier League title worries for City, less pressure on Frank

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Man City blow lead at Tottenham: Premier League title worries for City, less pressure on Frank - ESPN
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Man City's lingering defensive holes exposed by Tottenham

Signing Marc Guéhi midway through the season was a coup for Manchester City -- but it hasn't solved everything.

Guardiola's best teams would go up two goals and then squeeze the life out of the game. This version of City seems unable to exert the same level of control.

The momentum shift after halftime was drastic, and City couldn't cope. Without Donnarumma in goal they would have lost the match. They can't blame the lapse on Rodri's absence either, although the former Ballon d'Or winner is clearly still learning what his body can and can't do after suffering a serious knee injury.

From City's point of view, both Tottenham goals were avoidable. Solanke's second was a wonderfully creative finish, but Nico González -- freshly on as a substitute -- won't want to see a replay of his role in the buildup.

You could argue this has been coming. City kept clean sheets against Wolves and Galatasaray last week, but both teams had good spells in the second half when they might have scored.

Unlike the other two, Tottenham were able to take advantage of their period on the front foot. -- Dawson

Spurs silence doubters with will to try for the win

This fixture inevitably evokes memories of Tottenham's 2023-24 season when Man City came to town needing a win to stay clear in the title race. Then-Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou admitted his surprise at some home fans appearing to be content their side lost that day as it meant north London rivals Arsenal would be denied a first league title since 2004.

The dynamic was different this time -- City arrived here seven points behind Arsenal -- but it was once again fair to ask how many inside the ground would have been quietly content with a defeat here. There was a notable anodyne atmosphere as a result during a first half City utterly dominated. Boos rang out at halftime but the stadium was more a picture of apathy than anger as the fans watched yet another disappointing home performance.

And yet, the second half could not have been more different. Nobody could question the intent of Spurs' players, who were unrecognizable in the second half and could have even won it late on.

There is a long way to go in the title race -- that game in 2024 came in mid-May -- and so this result won't have felt as decisive to those Spurs fans fearing Arsenal's big day is coming. But Tottenham could easily have folded here, but instead they fought back -- and did their bitterest rivals a precious favor. -- Olley

Cherki proving his addition at Man City was right on target

There were doubts about Rayan Cherki when he arrived from Lyon in the summer. There were questions about his attitude and whether he could fit into Guardiola's system.

It's only February and most of those have been answered.

You can tell in the way Guardiola interacts with him that he's a player who delights and frustrates the City boss in equal measure. He has said before that he wants the Frenchman to work harder out of possession and to be as good at the simple things as he is at the tricks and flicks.

What's not in question, though, is Cherki's output. He's one of only five players from Europe's top five leagues to register more than 10 goals and more than 10 assists since the start of the FIFA Club World Cup. The others are Michael Olise, Lamine Yamal, Fermín López and Luis Díaz. It's not bad company to keep.

Not even a year into his City career, Guardiola will believe he can get much more out of Cherki, but already the £40 million deal to bring him in looks like an absolute steal. -- Dawson

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Tottenham vs Man City LIVE: Latest updates as Pep Guardiola's visitors look to cut league deficit

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Tottenham vs Man City LIVE: Latest updates as Pep Guardiola's visitors look to cut league deficit - ESPN
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Tottenham Hotspur welcome champions Manchester City in what could be a massive game in the Premier League title race, and you can follow it all live with ESPN.

Pep Guardiola's side know they'll have to win to cut their deficit to Arsenal back to four points, while Spurs will be desperate to carry over some momentum from midweek and win their first league fixture of 2026.

Noni Madueke admitted Arsenal would be watching on keenly after thrashing Leeds on Saturday, so can their north London rivals do them a favour at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium?

Follow all the updates with ESPN below.

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2 Man City (1 Feb, 2026) Game Analysis

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Spurs 2-2 Man City (1 Feb, 2026) Game Analysis - ESPN
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A rip-roaring second-half from Tottenham saw them fight back from two goals down to claim a 2-2 draw at home to Manchester City and boost fierce rivals Arsenal's title bid.

City looked set to cruise to another victory after first-half goals from Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo put Pep Guardiola's men in control.

Spurs had been booed off at half-time, but a controversial 53rd-minute own-goal by Marc Guéhi gave Thomas Frank's misfiring team a lifeline before Dominic Solanke's sensational back heel levelled the scores after 73 minutes.

There was still time for either team to find a winner, but the spoils were shared and Manchester City are now six points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal.

It was a timely comeback for under-fire Frank, who has struggled to win over the Spurs fanbase and although this made it only two wins in 15 league fixtures, it prevented another defeat at home.

Arsenal's 4-0 win at Leeds on Saturday increased the pressure on City, but they faced a depleted Tottenham with 11 players absent, including central defender Micky van de Ven.

It meant Radu Dragusin was handed a first start in 12 months following his recovery from a serious knee injury and within 11 minutes the home side were behind.

Not long after Semenyo had tested Guglielmo Vicario, City won the ball back from Yves Bissouma and within seconds Erling Haaland had released Cherki, who worked a yard of space on Dragusin and rifled into the bottom corner.

It was too simple from a Spurs point of view, but the dream start for Guardiola's men and they could have made it 2-0 seven minutes later only for Haaland to lob the ball over the crossbar.

Home fans were already restless when Cherki's twinkle-toes got him into the area and past a hapless Dragusin tackle, but his firm 23rd-minute effort was brilliantly tipped wide by Vicario even though a goal-kick was awarded.

Frank's team did finally show some attacking intent when Solanke teed up Xavi Simons but his shot was blocked, and yet a minute before half-time City made it 2-0.

Dragusin's chipped pass was intercepted by Rodri, who picked out Bernardo Silva and he teed up Semenyo to curl home.

Boos followed at the break and Frank was now without captain Cristian Romero with Pape Sarr introduced, but in a 4-2-3-1 system, Tottenham improved.

Conor Gallagher fired over before Destiny Udogie was superbly thwarted by fellow Italian Gianluigi Donnarumma.

A Spurs goal was coming and it arrived in controversial circumstances in the 53rd minute when Simons produced a wonderful pass into Solanke, who turned Abdukodir Khusanov and kicked through the back of Guehi's leg to make it 2-1.

VAR checked for offside and a foul, but Guehi's own-goal stood and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was alive as Guardiola received a booking from referee Robert Jones.

Frank sensed the momentum with attackers Wilson Odobert and Mathys Tel introduced in the 68th minute and three minutes later Solanke caused the stadium to erupt.

Gallagher burst forward down the right and crossed into the penalty area where Solanke produced a sensational back heel finish over the scrambling Donnarumma to make it 2-2.

It was all Spurs now as Simons played in Odobert, but Donnarumma made a vital save before Simons let fly and forced a sprawling save from the City goalkeeper.

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Lucas Paquetá ignored Tottenham, Chelsea 'calls' to join Flamengo

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Lucas Paquetá ignored Tottenham, Chelsea 'calls' to join Flamengo - ESPN
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Lucas Paquetá has said he ignored calls from Premier League sides Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea before joining Flamengo back in his native Brazil.

Paquetá signed for Flamengo on Thursday for £35.8 million ($49.4m), making him the most expensive player ever signed by a Brazilian club.

The 28-year-old, who had 18 months remaining on his contract at West Ham United, told Flamengo TV that two of his former side's London rivals were interested -- but his heart was set on Flamengo.

"Tottenham called, Chelsea called, and the funny thing is that Tata (his agent) called all excited and said: 'Chelsea's calling, they're gonna make an offer.'

"I replied: 'Okay, but what about Flamengo?' He said: 'Are you serious?'

"I said: 'Yeah, I don't want to know about that. I want to hear about Flamengo,' and that's how it all turned out."

- January transfer window: Grading the big signings in men's soccer

- Arbeloa wants Madrid fan support after UCL blow

West Ham had wanted Paquetá to stay until the end of the season to help the club's battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

However, Paquetá had requested to return to Brazil ahead of the World Cup.

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Thomas Frank defends Tottenham spending: 'Not Football Manager'

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Thomas Frank defends Tottenham spending: 'Not Football Manager' - ESPN
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Thomas Frank talked up the "big commitment" of Tottenham's owners despite a quiet January and insisted transfers were not as easy as on the video game Football Manager after they missed out on Antoine Semenyo.

Spurs will face Semenyo on Sunday when Manchester City visit and Frank revealed the ex-Bournemouth attacker had been a big target for this winter transfer window before he decided to join Pep Guardiola's title-chasing side.

With only days of the window left, Tottenham have signed Conor Gallagher from Atlético Madrid and teenage Brazilian left-back Souza, but sold last season's leading scorer Brennan Johnson and lost Mohammed Kudus, Richarlison, Rodrigo Bentancur, Ben Davies and Lucas Bergvall to serious injuries in January.

It led Frank to acknowledge his current squad of players to choose from was weaker than at the start of this month, but he rejected any notion that majority owners ENIC -- run by the Lewis family Trust -- were not committed to this project with Spurs down in 14th in the Premier League table.

Ahead of a daunting run of fixtures in February, which begins with the visit of City, Frank said: "I think we lost, I can't remember, six or seven players inside three weeks in January? That's crazy.

"There were definitely too many, so yeah of course [the squad] it's weaker than we started the first of January.

"I can promise that the Lewis family is super committed to this project. They want to do everything and I would go against my rule, hopefully only once, that there's no doubt it's clear that the club wants to sign Semenyo.

"They did everything. I think that's a clear signal that the Lewis family is very committed.

"That's a big signing with finances and all that, so it's aligned with that. That's the quality players we are looking for to improve the squad."

It was put to Frank that supporters want more actions than words, with a protest planned by fan group 'Change for Tottenham' before and during Sunday's visit of City with the slogan 'it's time to act' after largely quiet business this month.

Frank countered: "The fans just want the best for the club. Just like I want [the best], the owners, the staff, the players, everyone wants the best for the club, but I also think it's fair to say that the transfer window is not Football Manager unfortunately. It is not.

- Premier League Top 50: Ranking the best players of the season again

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"It would be a lot easier, but also a little bit more boring. We would not have as many good stories to talk about.

"In the last 30 days, you couldn't go to work basically because there is nothing to write about or talk about. So, it is very difficult the transfer market. It's an art, it's a craftsmanship."

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Transfer rumors, news: Juve eye Zirkzee among other targets

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Juventus want Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee, Al Nassr's Jhon Durán or Al Ittihad's Karim Benzema, whileTottenham Hotspur are in the market for a new winger and have made contact over Bayern Munich's Serge Gnabry. Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.

Transfers home page | Men's winter grades | Women's grades

TRANSFERS TO WATCH

TRENDING RUMORS

- Tuttosport has offered an update on Juventus' efforts to sign a striker now it is clear that a deal for Randal Kolo Muani, who is on loan at Tottenham from Paris Saint-Germain, looks to be impossible. Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee is reported to be their top target, with a loan being the most likely option Al Nassr's Jhon Durán, 22, is also being considered, despite being on loan at Fenerbahce, while 38-year-old Karim Benzema is also tempting Juve after ESPN sources stated that the 38-year-old felt "disrespected" by Al Ittihad's offer to extend his contract.

- Tottenham are in the market for a new winger and have made contact over former Arsenal star Serge Gnabry, who is now at Bayern Munich, according to Bild. Spurs need a forward to replace Brennan Johnson, who joined Crystal Palace at the start of the window, and Mohammed Kudus, who is out until April through injury. The club are also tracking Al Ittihad winger Moussa Diaby, as reported by The Independent and are one of eight clubs considering a move for Raheem Sterling after the former Chelsea and Arsenal winger became a free agent, as reported by The Daily Mail.

- Manchester United sent scouts to watch Eintracht Frankfurt left back Nathaniel Brown during the 2-0 defeat to Tottenham on Wednesday, says TEAMtalk. Brown, 22, has been on the radar of Arsenal and Manchester City in recent months but United have now entered the race and are preparing a £40 million offer to sign the Germany international. Now that Ruben Amorim's back three has been dispensed with, United are keen to sign a regular fullback, rather than a wingback.

- United won't move for Chelsea attacking midfielder Cole Palmer in the summer, according to The Daily Mirror, which adds that the club's stance has been taken due to their priority being the signing of a holding midfielder to replace Casemiro. Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson and Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba are on the Red Devils' radar, but they are aware that each of the trio would be expensive. It would take a fee of over £100 million and wages around £250,000-per-week to sign Palmer.

- AC Milan have made progress in their efforts to sign Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta having reached an agreement worth €30 million, as reported by Gazzetta dello Sport. Though Nottingham Forest remain determined to sign the 28-year-old. This comes after The Athletic reported that the Eagles were close to reaching a verbal agreement over a £50 million move for Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, adding that the deal could pave the way for Mateta to leave Selhurst Park.

DONE DEALS

- United States right back Alex Freeman, a hopeful for this year's World Cup roster, has moved to Villarreal from MLS side Orlando City. Read

- Fulham have complete a £27 million deal to sign winger Oscar Bobb from Manchester City. Read

- Max Dowman has a pre-agreement to sign his first professional Arsenal contract in December, when he turns 17. Dowman has enjoyed a meteoric rise through the north London side's youth ranks, becoming the youngest UEFA Youth League scorer at 14 and then Arsenal's youngest starter at 15. Read

EXPERT TAKE

ESPN's Sam Tighe explores some late moves for Tottenham.

On paper, this Spurs squad isn't actually short of wingers, or players who can play wide. The problem is the injuries are mounting: Kudus is reportedly out until April, Richarlison is constantly in and out, Dejan Kulusevski hasn't been seen since last May and Brennan Johnson departed for Crystal Palace earlier in the month. It's squeezing the squad.

Thomas Frank's tactical approach relies heavily on wing play and crossing, so this is a big problem 00 and it's no wonder he's seemingly requested reinforcements late this month.

Gnabry is a curious link, given his previous Arsenal affiliation, the fact he once tweeted "North London is red" after scoring four against Spurs, and he's part of a Bayern Munich squad who could win a treble.

Diaby, formerly of Aston Villa, could be a handy solution if he wants to depart Saudi Arabia and the price is right. But Sterling is a complete gamble. How good is he in 2026? No one knows. The last time we saw him play, Kulusevski was fit!

OTHER RUMORS

Why Mateta's move to Nottingham Forest doesn't make sense

ESPN'S Julien Laurens believes Jean-Philippe Mateta's potential move to Nottingham Forest doesn't make sense for both parties.

- Bayern Munich have given Dayot Upaemecano until Sunday to accept their contract offer, with the center back's deal ending in the summer. (Bild)

- Crystal Palace are finalizing a deal to sign Aston Villa forward Evann Guessand on loan for £2 million and should have the option to make the deal permanent at the end of the season. (Athletic)

- Fenerbahce have made Al Ittihad a €4m offer to sign midfielder N'Golo Kante, who has already given the Turkish Super Lig club his approval. (L'Equipe)

- Fenerbahce have also reached an agreement in principle with Ademola Lookman and are now working on doing the same with Atalanta for the forward. (Nicolo Schira)

- Internazionale are in advanced talks to sign Genoa right back Brooke Norton-Cuffy after PSV Eindhoven insisted on keeping Ivan Perisic. (Fabrizio Romano)

- Barcelona have agreed a deal with Al Ahly for 18-year-old striker Hamza Abdelkarim to join on loan with an option to make the deal permanent. (Fabrizio Romano)

- Newcastle United are pushing to sign Barcelona B midfielder Guille Fernandez, but there is also interest from Borussia Dortmund and the Blaugrana are committed to keeping the 17-year-old. (Sport)

- Internazionale and Juventus are aware that they will face competition from the Premier League's biggest clubs for Atalanta right back Marco Palestra, who is currently on loan at Cagliari. (Corriere dello Sport)

- Fulham have agreed a £27 million deal with Manchester City for winger Oscar Bobb. (Sky Sports)

- Toulouse are finalizing a deal to sign Columbus Crew forward Jacen Russell-Rowe for around $2.5 million plus add-ons. (Athletic)

- Juventus have had a meeting with Zeki Celik's agent about signing the Roma right back on a contract until 2029 with the option of another year, as he will likely be available as a free agent. (Nicolo Schira)

- Negotiations are underway for Napoli to understand the conditions required to sign Atalanta winger Kamaldeen Sulemana. (Fabrizio Romano)

- Talks are in the final stages for Chelsea defender Axel Disasi to join West Ham United on loan. (Fabrizio Romano)

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Transfer rumors, news: Tottenham could seek Mateta deal if Kolo Muani departs

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Transfer rumors, news: Sterling 'willing to play anywhere' after Chelsea exit - ESPN
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Tottenham Hotspur could turn to Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta if Randal Kolo Muani joins Juventus, while Raheem Sterling is willing to consider "all options" as he seeks a new permanent club after leaving Chelsea this week. Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.

Transfers home page | Men's winter grades | Women's grades

TRANSFERS TO WATCH

TRENDING RUMORS

- Tottenham Hotspur could try to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta if Randal Kolo Muani ends up at Juventus this month, the Daily Mail reports. The Serie A giants have stepped up their pursuit of Kolo Muani in the coming days, who is on loan at Spurs from Paris Saint-Germain. However, he has struggled to hit top form in North London, scoring just twice in all competitions to date. Should the France international leave for Juve in the final days of the January transfer window, Crystal Palace striker Mateta is expected to emerge as Spurs' top target. Palace, meanwhile, have sent an improved offer of around £50 million to Wolverhampton Wanderers for striker Jørgen Strand Larsen, according to BBC Sport.

- Former England international Raheem Sterling is "willing to play anywhere" after reaching an agreement to end his contract at Chelsea this week, Sky Sports reports. Sterling had left 18 months left on the contract he signed when joining the Chelsea from Manchester City in 2022 -- but he is now a free agent. Sources have told ESPN that several clubs had enquired about a loan move but Sterling had stated a preference for a permanent deal to give him and his children stability as he attempts to revive his career. According to Sky Sports, "all options are on the table" for the 31-year-old, and the fact he can sign for clubs even after the transfer window has closed opens up a host of possibilities for him. On Wednesday, Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna has said Sterling's "significant financial expectations" could be an obstacle in doing a deal for the forward.

- Bayern Munich's Leon Goretzka is expected to decide whether he wants to join Atlético Madrid in the next 24 hours, according to Sky Sports Germany. Earlier this week, it was reported that the two parties had held talks over a transfer this month, with the Spanish club keen to find a replacement for Conor Gallagher -- who has joined Tottenham Hotspur in a £35 million deal. Goretzka is Diego Simeone's "dream" candidate, although it remains to be seen whether the German international's preference is to join Atlético now or simply wait until the summertime. His current Bayern deal expires at the end of June.

- AC Milan have held a lengthy meeting with the representatives of Tottenham Hotspur defender Radu Dragusin, Calciomercato reports. The centre-back is also wanted by AS Roma and Napoli, and could still be on the move before the January transfer window slams shut. However, he isn't the only defender on Milan's shortlist, as Manchester City's Nathan Aké continues to be a player of interest. It's not currently known whether City boss Pep Guardiola would sanction his exit this close to the end of the window.

- AFC Bournemouth are in talks to sign Inter Milan winger Luis Henrique, according to talkSPORT. The Premier League side are proposing an initial loan deal, with a future option to sign him permanently for around £18 million. Henrique, 24, was heavily linked with Leeds United back in the summer, before ultimately opting to join Serie A Inter. The Brazilian has featured 26 times in all competitions this season, largely playing as a wing-back in the absence of Denzel Dumfries.

DONE DEALS

- Wrexham defender Conor Coady has joined Championship rivals Charlton Athletic on loan until the end of the season. Read

- San Jose Earthquakes have signed Timo Werner from RB Leipzig. The Germany international forward moves to MLS as a designated player, on a contract that runs until June 2028. Read

EXPERT TAKE

Are Chelsea more entertaining to watch under Liam Rosenior?

Frank Leboeuf reacts to Chelsea's 3-2 win over Napoli in the Champions League.

OTHER RUMORS

- Paris Saint-Germain have begun talks with manager Luis Enrique over a new contract, amid interest from the Premier League. (Le Parisien)

- Juventus have sounded out Manchester United forward Joshua Zirzkee as a potential alternative to Randal Kolo Muani. (La Gazzetta Dello Sport)

- Midfielder Jesse Lingard is attracting interest from several English and Italian clubs after leaving FC Seoul. (Daily Mail)

- River Plate have agreed a deal to sign Kendry Páez on loan from Chelsea. The 18-year-old will now travel to Argentina to undergo a medical. (Fabrizio Romano)

- Besiktas are in advanced talks to sign Inter Milan's Kristjan Asllani on loan until the end of the season. A future purchase option is expected to be inserted into the deal. (Fabrizio Romano)

- Goalkeeper Stefan Ortega could leave Manchester City before deadline day. Bayer Leverkusen have a longstanding interest in the 33-year-old. (Sky Sports Germany)

- Fiorentina are in talks to sign Chelsea defender Axel Disasi. The Frenchman is also a target for several clubs in Germany and France. (Sky Sports)

- Nottingham Forest have made a £20 million bid for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Yasin Ayari, but that offer is set to be rejected. (BBC Sport)

- Denmark international Albert Grønbæk is expected to join Hamburg on loan after an agreement was struck with his parent club Rennes. (Footmercato)

- Liverpool youngster Keyrol Figueroa is wanted by a host of European clubs, including Porto. New York Red Bulls and Charlotte FC have also enquired about the striker, but Europe is his priority. (Rudy Galetti)

- Arsenal defender Maldini Kacurri is set to join League Two side Grimsby Town after the two clubs agreed a deal on a permanent transfer for the 20-year-old. (Daily Mirror)

- Vancouver Whitecaps are finalising a deal to sign Aziel Jackson from Jagiellonia Białystok on an initial loan with a future purchase option. (Tom Bogert)

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