The January transfer window may be closed across Europe, but clubs are looking ahead to the summer and there is plenty of gossip swirling. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Liverpool eyeing Barela for summer renewal
Liverpool have added the Inter midfielder Nikolo Barela on the shortlist of possible options for next season, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. The Reds plan to make a number of signings in the summer, with manager Jurgen Klopp looking to add to his midfield.
Liverpool scouts have reportedly been tracking the 26-year-old in recent months and he is now among their top targets as they look to land an off-season signing. While Liverpool remain interested in signing Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham, they are ensuring they will not be shortchanged if they lose one of their key options and cannot match the German club’s valuation.
Barella is under contract at the San Siro until 2026, ensuring any deal won’t come cheap. The Italian international has been one of the standout performers for the Nerazzurri this season, contributing 10 goals in 21 Serie A matches.
PAPER CUTSOPHILIA
– Contact the Paris Saint-Germain centre-back’s representatives Sergio Ramos and Al Nassr has taken place, reports Marca. The 36-year-old former Real Madrid captain is reportedly the top transfer target for the summer, with the Saudi Pro League side hoping to reunite him with Cristiano Ronaldo. They are also said to want to sign Luka Modricalthough the 37-year-old midfielder plans to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu for at least one more season.
– Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag recognized the Salzburg striker Benjamin Sesco as a possible option for the Red Devils, according to Mundo Deportivo. The 19-year-old Slovenia international, who is set to join RB Leipzig in the summer, is seen as an alternative to Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, with the Serie A side demanding a significant transfer fee to force his departure.
– Napoli plan to press ahead with transfer and hope to secure Atalanta midfielder Rasmus Hojlund, reports Gazzetta dello Sport. The 20-year-old Denmark international has been linked with a number of Serie A clubs of late following a string of impressive displays that have seen him score six times in his last 10 league games, while manager Luciano Spalletti & Co. look at the Wolves winger Adama Traore and midfielder of Hertha Berlin Lazar Samardzic.
– Talks have begun between Tottenham Hotspur and centre-back Eric Dier over a new contract, according to Football Insider. The 29-year-old England international is set to enter the final year of his deal in the summer but Spurs are now looking to extend his current deal by a further two seasons and there is optimism from both sides as Dier is reportedly keen to extend his stay with Antonio Conte’s side.
– Vasco da Gama midfielder Marlon Gomez is being closely watched by AC Milan, reports UOL. The reigning Serie A champions have reportedly held talks in Colombia over a potential move for the 19-year-old, who played a key role in Brazil’s youth team that recently won the CONMEBOL U20 Championship.