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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 Lucas Paqueta. Reports from Brazil say the West Ham midfielder prefers to return to his home country but a switch to another European club hasn’t been ruled out.
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 Tuesday. Oliver Glasner’s job at Crystal Palace is also under consideration after the Austrian claimed he had been “abandoned” by the club in an extraordinary outburst following the Eagles’ loss at Sunderland.
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
Transfer news, rumours and latest gossipOliver Glasner raises an uncomfortable truth – and makes life difficult for himself
Anumber of major clubs – including United – admire Oliver Glasner, but several senior figures raised their eyebrows at his comments over the weekend. They hadn’t quite expected that. It’s understood that one executive is now reconsidering appointing him, particularly over how he “ran to the press.”
After announcing on Friday that he would definitely leave Palace at the end of the season, Glasner followed on Saturday by suggesting it could be much sooner. That is a considerable escalation – very much in line with the current Premier League news cycle.
Writing a weekly column that wraps up the weekend while tracking developing events makes you acutely aware of recurring themes in the competition. In 2026 alone – still less than three weeks old – we’ve seen huge managerial upheaval, debates over the role of head coaches and sporting directors, and general club unrest.
Miguel Delaney20 January 2026 11:23
Alvarez set to become Barcelona priority
Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez will be Barcelona’s transfer priority this summer, according to reports from Spain.
Sport reports that the Argentine is the ideal target to lead the new project at Barcelona, with the club seeing his potential impact at a similar level to that provided by Luis Suarez when he signed.
If the club can return to the 1:1 financial fiar play rule, they are prepared to push hard to land the Argentine forward this summer, adds the report.
Chris Wilson20 January 2026 11:07
Arsenal interested in Inter defender?
Arsenal have shown a surprise interest in Inter Milan wingback Federico Dimarco, according to Italian outlet Tuttosport.
The 28-year-old has become a key part of the side in recent years and is expected to reject any outside negotiations in favour of a new contract at the San Siro.
Chris Wilson20 January 2026 10:56
Miguel Delaney answers your Premier League questions – from the next manager to be sacked to surprise January transfers
January has so far been defined less by transfer drama than by instability at the top of the Premier League – something that came through clearly in my latest Ask Me Anything live Q&A.
There was also strong interest in the managerial market more broadly. Xabi Alonso’s abrupt exit from Real Madrid featured heavily, with readers keen to know where he might end up next and which Premier League clubs could move.
Elsewhere, questions reflected rising pressure on managers already in post. Thomas Frank’s position at Tottenham and Arne Slot’s situation at Liverpool were both raised as results falter and elite alternatives re-enter the conversation.
Here are some of your questions – and my answers from the Q&A:
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Your Premier League questions answered – from sackings to signings
Chief footballer writer Miguel Delaney answers readers’ Premier League questions – from Ruben Amorim’s abrupt exit at Manchester United and Xabi Alonso’s sudden availability to mounting pressure on Thomas Frank and the likelihood of late January transfer surprises
Miguel Delaney20 January 2026 10:46
Juventus have ended their interest in Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, reports The Athletic.
It is claimed that the Serie A giants do not want to pay the £34.7m that Palace are demanding for the Frenchman, who turns 29 this summer and is out of contract in 2027.
Mateta was reportedly open to the move but the Italian giants were put off by the costs, including a high agent’s fee.
Sky in Italy recently reported that Palace had rejected an offer from Juve for Mateta.
Chris Wilson20 January 2026 10:33
Bournemouth looking to keep Senesi
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.
(Action Images via Reuters)
Chris Wilson20 January 2026 10:19
Fabrizio Romano has exclusively revealed that Fulham are in talks with Man City over a permanent deal to sign Oscar Bobb.
The proposal is said to be “around £35m”, with negotiations now underway.
Borussia Dortmund remain interested and will decide on whether to enter the race soon, adds Romano.
Chris Wilson20 January 2026 10:02
Gunners monitoring Madrid talent
Arsenal are keeping tabs on Real Madrid youth talent Víctor Valdepeñas, according to Fabrizio Romano.
He remains on the Gunners’ list as a “potential investment”, though his future “remains in Real Madrid hands”, adds the Italian.
19-year-old Valdepenas can play as a left-back or centre-back and has made just one appearance for the senior side so far.
Chris Wilson20 January 2026 09:52
Jesus wanted by Brazilian giants
Palmeiras are keen on signing Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus, according to Mail Sport.
The Brazilian is out of contract at the Emirates in 2027 and could make a return to his home country, though he will not be allowed to leave under any circumstances this month as the Gunners hut a first title since 2004.
Gabriel Jesus has only recently returned from a long injury lay-off (Mike Egerton/PA) (PA Wire)
Chris Wilson20 January 2026 09:42
The transfer miscalculation that saw Liverpool lose Marc Guehi to Man City
It was a sign that Palace’s glorious 2025 is giving way to a more uncertain 2026. A transfer triangle can at least offer a reminder of historic feats. Palace have won two major trophies in their history. Guehi lifted both, in the same summer, after Wembley triumphs over Manchester City and Liverpool. They became his two principal suitors; his destination was almost Anfield at the start of September, until Palace pulled the plug on the move. Now it is the Etihad Stadium instead.
Chris Wilson20 January 2026 09:32