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The focus shifts to Liverpool and the hunt for a new centre-back after Manchester City completed the signing of Crystal Palace defender, and captain, Marc Guehi, for £20m. Guehi had been garnering interest from other clubs such as the Reds, Arsenal and Bayern Munich but Pep Guardiola’s side have won the race for the centre-back by paying a fee in this window rather than waiting for his contract to expire in the summer.
Arne Slot is now looking at alternatives to Guehi, with Spurs star Micky Van de Ven linked, while Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni and Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck have also been mentioned, while Chelsea have opened talks to sign star Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, and are also reportedly interested in Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez.
In a month that has already seen Ruben Amorim and Enzo Maresca lose their jobs, there could yet be more high-profile sackings on the horizon with Thomas Frank’s future at Tottenham under serious threat. Spurs fans turned on the Dane after suffering a dismal defeat to relegation contenders West Ham on the weekend, but may have got a reprieve after Tuesday’s win over Borussia Dortmund.
Manchester United are looking to strengthen before the January transfer window closes. In midfield they have lined up Joao Gomes, Carlos Baleba, Marcos Llorente and Elliot Anderson as targets – Man City are also said to be interested in Anderson – while Nottingham Forest defender Murillo is being looked at to reinforce the defence. The club have also rejected several offers for defender Harry Maguire whose contract is expiring.
Follow all the latest transfer news, gossip, rumours and done deals in The Independent’s live blog below
Arsenal considered signing Julian Alvarez last summer
The Gunners will hold tight this month, unless an opportunity to sign an outstanding young talent for the future emerges.
Ornstein details how conversations did take place over Marc Guehi, but no alternative has been discussed.
Ornstein also adds that Arsenal considered Julian Alvarez last summer, though a deal failed to materialise.
(Getty Images)
Jack Rathborn21 January 2026 15:10
Chelsea close in on move for Sheffield Wednesday youngster
Sheffield Wednesday youngster Yisa Alao is edging closer to a move to Chelsea, according to The Sheffield Star.
The talented 17-year-old made his maiden Championship start in a standout performance during defeat to Portsmouth over the weekend, emerging as a bright spark during a difficult time for Wednesday.
Alao, a left wing-back, has made five competitive appearances for the Owls to date but is not on professional terms with the club.
Will Castle21 January 2026 14:57
Lampard among contenders to replace Glasner at Palace
Frank Lampard is expected to be a strong contender to replace Oliver Glasner upon his Crystal Palace departure, according to talkSPORT.
The Coventry boss has endured a stellar season and is on course to guide the Sky Blues to the Premier League, currently sitting pretty at the top of the Championship.
The club are also interested in Getafe’s Jose Bordalas and Rayo Vallecano’s Inigo Perez.
(Nick Potts/PA Wire)
Will Castle21 January 2026 14:42
Fulham lead Troy Parrott race as three clubs target Republic of Ireland hero
So far, the trio are the clubs that have gone in strongest in what is expected to be a wide race for the AZ Alkmaar forward over the next few months.
The 23-year-old’s profile exploded after the five goals against Portugal and Hungary that sent Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side into a World Cup play-off.
But that was only on the back of burgeoning development that had made a series of clubs around the Premier League and European football take note of his impact in the Netherlands.
Miguel Delaney21 January 2026 14:27
Inter have begun exploring a summer move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez, according to Sky in Italy.
The Italian giants have Martinez on their shortlist of experienced options to replace Yann Sommer for next season, whose contract expires in June.
The Argentinian has long been touted with a move away from Villa, with his future particularly up in the air last summer amid interest from Man United.
(PA Wire)
Will Castle21 January 2026 14:12
Loftus-Cheek linked with Premier League return
Ruben Loftus-Cheek has emerged as a target for Aston Villa this month, according to The Telegraph.
Their interest in the midfielder comes amid an expectation that Boubacar Kamara will be out for the season.
However, they may face competition from Manchester United for the AC Milan man, with talkSPORT reporting that the Red Devils have been offered the chance to sign him on loan.
(Getty)
Will Castle21 January 2026 13:42
Man United keen on Dortmund boss Kovac
Borussia Dortmund boss Niko Kovac has emerged as a new name on Manchester United’s shortlist to be their next manager, according to the Mirror.
Kovac took over at Dortmund last year and has previously managed the likes of Bayern Munich, Monaco and Wolfsburg.
That said, England head coach Thomas Tuchel and Marseille’s Roberto de Zerbi remain their top two targets according to this report.
(AP)
Will Castle21 January 2026 13:27
Ajax have asked about signing Manuel Ugarte on loan as they search for a defensive midfielder, according to The Athletic.
However, Manchester United are not looking to move out the Uruguay international.
This comes after reports that Ugarte was being considered for a swap deal for Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki.
(Getty Images)
Will Castle21 January 2026 13:12
Mateta joins Abraham on Villa watchlist
Aston Villa have expressed an interest in Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, according to The Athletic.
In return, Palace are reportedly weighing up a move for Villa forward Evann Guessand, who joined the Villans last summer in a £28m move.
Sky Sports have also reported Villa are stepping up their interest in signing Tammy Abraham, who is on loan at Besiktas from Roma.
(Getty)
Will Castle21 January 2026 12:57
Bournemouth holding off Senesi interest
Bournemouth are planning on resisting any bids for Marcos Senesi during this month’s window, according to talkSPORT.
The Argentine has turned down multiple offers to extend his contract – which expires in the summer – and Juventus and Barcelona have shown interest in the defender.
While both clubs know gt ahead of rivals by trying to sign Senesi in January, the Cherries will do everything they can to keep their key defender this month.
Will Castle21 January 2026 12:42