19:41
ADRIAN KAJUMBA
Liverpool considering swoop for Inaki Williams
Liverpool are weighing up a move for Athletic Bilbao’s Spanish sensation Inaki Williams this month.
Jurgen Klopp is closely monitoring the 21-year-old forward as he considers bringing in more firepower in the January window.
Klopp has been left short of options due to Daniel Sturridge, Danny Ings and Divock Origi’s injury problems while Christian Benteke has yet to convince since his £32m summer move to Anfield.
Lightning-quick Spain under-21 starlet Williams, the fastest player in La Liga, has scored 10 goals in 21 games for Bilbao.
Read more here.
19:17
ANDREW GWILYM
Swansea reject Ayew approach
Swansea City have rejected an approach from Sunderland for forward Andre Ayew.
The Ghanaian (right) scored and won a penalty when the two sides met at the Liberty Stadium in midweek to pique the interest of Black Cats boss Sam Allardyce.
It is believed Sunderland were readying a £12million bid for the former Marseille man, who joined the Swans on a free transfer last summer.
The 26-year-old has been one of the few success stories of a miserable season for the Welsh club, leading their scoring charts with seven goals.
Having already sold Jonjo Shelvey to one relegation rival in Newcastle, Liberty Stadium chiefs are not prepared to countenance moving on another player, particularly with Alan Curtis’s side chronically short of goals.
Ayew, who pocketed a signing on fee of over £5million when he joined Swansea in the summer, has a contract through to the summer of 2019.
19:11
LVG talks transfers
Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal faced the press ahead of this weekend’s clash with Liverpool and – this being January – transfers came up in conversation.
David De Gea’s Old Trafford future has been brought back into question, following Real Madrid’s upcoming transfer b
18:55
BILL COOPER
Hull eyeing Bendtner
Nicklas Bendtner could be heading for a reunion with Steve Bruce as Hull’s boss seeks to land the striker he believes can be the final piece in his side’s promotion jigsaw.
Bruce is on the look-out for a proven goalscorer to partner £10million record buy and 12-goal leading marksman Abel Hernandez up front, and Bendtner is up for grabs at Wolfsburg.
The former Arsenal hit-man has fallen out of favour at the Bundesliga side after turning up to their winter training camp unfit.
He is being sent out on loan for the rest of the season, and the German outfit will decide whether to off-load him permanently at the end of the season.
Denmark international Bendtner, 27, enjoyed his two most productive spells in English football during loan stints under Bruce’s management at Birmingham and Sunderland, and would welcome the chance to work with him again.
18:48
JACOB MURTAGH
Brentford will take disciplinary action against wantaway James Tarkowski
Brentford will take disciplinary action against James Tarkowski after the defender declared himself unavailable to face Burnley tonight.
The Bees knocked back a bid from the high-flying Clarets last week, which fell well short of their £5million valuation.
However, Sean Dyche remains keen on the centre-back, who has 18 months remaining on his contract.
Tarkowski, 23, is understood to be keen to return north, but the Bees will not sell unless their asking price is met.
A club statement said: “James Tarkowski will be the subject of internal disciplinary action after telling head coach Dean Smith that he did not wish to play against Burnley.”
18:17
QPR’s Doughty on the move
QPR midfielder Michael Doughty has moved on loan to Swindon until February 13.
Doughty spent a loan spell with Gillingham earlier this season, and has also played eight times for Rangers this term.
He is available for the League One clash against Crewe tomorrow.
17:47
MIKE WALTERS
Ighalo: I’m going nowhere
Odion Ighalo scooped the gong as Barclays Premier League player of the month and assured Watford: “I’m in no hurry to leave.”
Ighalo’s six goals in December helped the Hornets bank 10 points towards mid-table safety and sent his transfer value soaring.
The Nigerian international’s ‘scoop’ party trick has also turned him into a household name and a target for big clubs, including Arsenal and Atletico Madrid.
But £30 million-rated Ighalo will not be sold, at any price, by Watford this month and he said: “I have a five-year contract, the fans love me here, I’m very happy and I’m not in a hurry to go anywhere.”
Ighalo’s head coach Quique Sanchez Flores was also named manager of the month, and the urbane Spaniard dedicated his award to Watford’s noisy support.
He said: “This is for the fans – they support me and the team a lot and without them our good results are not possible.”
17:34
Blues swoop for Buckley
Birmingham City have completed the signing of Will Buckley from Sunderland on loan until February 11.
The winger is free to play for the Blues at Derby tomorrow.
Buckley had a loan spell with Leeds United earlier this season.
17:08
Galaxy in for Lescott?
Could Joleon Lescott swap Birmingham for California?
According to Sky Sports, LA Galaxy have made an approach for the former Everton and Manchester City defender, offering him a three-year deal.
Lescott clashed with Villa fans during the club’s 1-1 draw at Wycombe in the FA Cup.
16:47
Ayew being serious?
Here’s a left-field transfer rumour.
According to Sky Sports, relegation-threatened Sunderland have made an enquiry to sign Andre Ayew from relegation-threatened Swansea.
The Frenchman has impressed since moving to the Premier League in the summer, despite a so-far miserable season for the Swans.
16:30
Cardiff hit with transfer embargo
Cardiff City have confirmed they are not allowed to sign any players in this window for breaching FFP rules.
A club statement read: “Cardiff City Football Club can confirm that it has been made subject to an FFP embargo during the January 2016 transfer window.
“Whilst extremely disappointed that the Football League has decided to take this action, we will remain co-operative and compliant with the League’s position in respect of Financial Fair Play.
“Having fully disclosed all matters in respect of our FFP position for 2014/15 and having taken independent expert advice, it is our firmly-held view that Cardiff City Football Club has indeed complied with the FFP requirements for season 2014/15 – contrary to the League’s position.
“As such, further advice will be sought, prior to a decision being made internally as to whether or not an appeal will be lodged.
“The embargo, now in place (albeit subject to possible appeal), will stay in effect for the remainder of the January 2016 transfer window. Cardiff City Football Club again expects to trade within the set FFP limits for 2015/16 and therefore anticipates full participation in the summer 2016 transfer window.”
16:07
Another new deal at Hillsborough
Sheffield Wednesday have moved to secure the services of another one of their star players for the long-term, tying down former Chelsea defensive midfielder Sam Hutchinson for another two-and-a-half years.
Hutchinson joins Barry Bannan, Jack Hunt, Atdhe Nuhiu and Glenn Loovens in committing their future to the Owls this week.
Carlos Carvalhal’s side take on Leeds United in a Yorkshire derby at Hillsborough tomorrow.
15:38
Millers stopper joins Aberdeen
Rotherham United goalkeeper Adam Collin has joined Aberdeen on loan until the end of the season.
The Dons have been left short between the sticks after Liverpool recalled Danny Ward from his loan spell north of the border.
Aberdeen currently sit three points behind Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
15:15
Loovens stays an Owl
Sheffield Wednesday have extended the contract of club captain Glenn Loovens.
The 32-year-old Dutchman has penned a new two-and-a-half-year contract at Hillsborough.
He has made 77 appearances for the Owls since moving to the club in 2013.
14:27
Boro swoop for Bilbao striker
Middlesbrough have bolstered their strikeforce with the loan signing of Athletic Bilbao’s Kike Sola.
The 29-year-old will remain at the Riverside for the remainder of the campaign.
Boss Aitor Karanka said: “He is a player who can bring something different.
“He is strong, he can play as a second striker and as a number 10. He brings something extra we don’t have.”
14:04
DAVID MCDONNELL
Pellegrini: Hands off Aguero
Manuel Pellegrini has issued a ‘hands-off’ warning to Real Madrid over star striker Sergio Aguero.
Real’s transfer ban, imposed by FIFA, has led to fears the Spanish giants will stockpile players in this month’s window.
City striker Aguero is wanted by Real, but boss Pellegrini warned the La Liga club they will be wasting their time trying to lure him.
And Pellegrini said Aguero can achieve everything he want in his career at City, without the need to move to Spain.
Asked if he feared a Real bid for Aguero, Pellegrini said: “I don’t talk about those things as you never know what will happen.
“I don’t know what will happen in that case [Real Madrid’s]. It will not be easy for those clubs [Atletico Madrid as well], especially as they are always clubs that wants to buy top players.
“We’re thinking just in this moment in what we must do now and not what will happen in the market in the future.
“I think this is a club that wants to be at the same level [as Real]. I think that we are improving every year in achievements, in the way the club is growing, in every department.
“Real Madrid has a long and important history, of being a big club for so many years, but I’m sure that this club is doing it in the correct way.”
13:58
DAVE KIDD
Pardew: Palace are interested in Adebayor
Alan Pardew has admitted that Crystal Palace are considering signing Emmanuel Adebayor.
The controversial Togo striker has been a free agent since Tottenham cancelled his contract in September but Palace boss Pardew has confirmed Mirror Football’s exclusive revelation that Adeabayor is on his list of January targets.
Palace have failed to score in four Premier League games – with none of their specialist centre-forwards having scored a league goal from open play this season.
And Pardew said: “Adebayor is a player that is there for somebody and it is a question of ourselves wondering wheter we are the right club for him is and whether he is the right player for us. It’s something that is in our mix.
“You want to try and bring in a quality player and so therefore you can’t dismiss anyone or you can’t not think about all the strikers that are possibly available. Because 90 per cent of them are not available, they’re at clubs and they’re on good contracts and the clubs want them because they are successful.
“There are not many who have not been in the first team. It is a very, very small market for us and we are focusing on that.
“So he (Adebayor) is in that group. Not just for us but many teams in the Premier League to wonder whether that is something you can do a deal with.”
13:45
Norwich set to confirm Godfrey
Norwich City are set to announce the signing of Bed Godfrey from York City – but another target may not be joining.
France Under-21 striker Sebastien Haller is keeping his options open.
13:38
JACK LANG
Ramires could leave Chelsea
Chelsea midfielder Ramires could seek a move away from Stamford Bridge this month.
According to reports in Brazil, the 28-year-old has grown frustrated at his lack of first-team opportunities at the club in recent months.
He has started just seven Premier League games all season and appears to have fallen behind John Obi Mikel in the midfield pecking order since the arrival of Guus Hiddink.
Ramires, who is under contract at the club until 2009, is willing to listen to offers from sides who could offer him more playing time.
Borussia Dortmund are believed to be among the sides monitoring the situation.
13:29
SIMON BIRD
Shelvey hits out at Swansea fans
Jonjo Shelvey has accused Swansea fans of “getting on his back” as he was frozen out of their team.
Newcastle’s January signing was told by Swansea that he “didn’t suit their style” and was this week sold for £12 million.
Shelvey today described himself as “excited” to be on Tyneside, and explained why he was kicked out of Swansea.
He has denied that he had a “bad attitude”, and admitted he needed a fresh start at St James’s Park.
Shelvey said: “It is good to be here and I am excited. I have been welcomed with open arms. It is a passionate city and I will fit in here the way I play.
“I want game time. I was told I didn’t suit the style of Swansea’s play by the manager. I never once asked to leave. I wasn’t going to play, wasn’t getting my chance and I needed a new challenge. I was lucky a massive club showed interest in me. It is going to be Swansea’s loss in the end.
13:24
York sign Hull midfielder
York City have signed Matty Dixon from Hull on a permanent deal.
The 21-year-old midfielder has put pen to paper on an 18-month contract.
13:22
STEVE STAMMERS
Sunday Mirror campaign: 1966 World Cup heroes deserve knighthoods
Speaking of signings – why not sign the Sunday Mirror’s petition to get our 1966 World Cup heroes knighted…
We want all our 1966 World Cup heroes to be knighted in the year that marks the 50th anniversary of England’s famous win.
And it’s an idea that has already torn into the back of the net like that Geoff Hurstrocket in the last seconds of extra time, with a host of sporting stars coming forward to back our quest.
Like us, they believe that ALL of Sir Alf Ramsey’s legendary team should receive official recognition for their success – and be made Sirs themselves.
Up to now only Geoff and Bobby Charlton have been given knighthoods.
Our Knight The Lions Appeal aims to secure the honour for the other seven surviving players from that glorious July afternoon – many of whom are now suffering in old age from severe ill health.
And leading the line of stars backing this quest last night was England goalscoring legend Gary Lineker who said: “There is a huge appetite to have them knighted.
“It would be a great gesture to a great bunch of guys who have given so much. What they did was a wonderful achievement.”
How can you help?
Sign our petition here to take part in the campaign.
13:14
Monaco VP explains why they didn’t want Falcao back
Monaco’s vice president has revealed why the Ligue 1 club have rejected the chance to take Radamel Falcao back from his loan at Chelsea.
Vadim Vasilyev says the club were considering bringing him back – but that injury ended any chance of that happening.
“It’s true that we’ve talked about Falcao on numerous occasions. The original idea was that he would return to Monaco to play the second half of the season.
“He came over and had a medical. Unfortunately, he was injured. So we took the decision that it would be better for him to stay with Chelsea.
“Could he return one day? I won’t close the door, that door remains open.”
13:05
Saivet and Shelvey speak
Saivet: “The head coach wants to use me as a cm at the moment. They put together an entire film on me which gave me confidence.”
Shelvey: “It’s down to me now. The penny has got to drop now & I need to press on. I’ve been at Liverpool and I’d put Newcastle in that category.
“I’m a very fortunate boy to be here at a massive club. I’m lucky to find a club in Newcastle that have faith in me.”
12:56
Newcastle’s new boys meet the media
Jonjo Shelvey and Henri Saivet are being presented to the media, we’ll bring you quotes as they come in.
12:48
Morecambe sign Luke Conlan
It’s the big one you’ve all been waiting for.
Morecambe have signed Luke Conlan on a one-month loan deal from Burnley.
12:25
Martinez confirms Byram approach
Everton manager Roberto Martinez have confirmed the club’s approach for Sam Byram.
MirrorFootball revealed the Toffees had had a £3m bid accepted by Leeds, and the Spaniard has now confirmed the story.
“As you can imagine there has been an approach,” Martinez said. “That’s where the confirmation came from Leeds United, but there is nothing else to comment on.
“At the moment you have to be very, very careful. There has been an initial approach – an initial step – but from there to having conclusive news for our fans is a long gap still.”
12:07
BEN CURTIS
Cambridge sign Williamson
Gillingham have confirmed the departure of Ben Williamson to Cambridge United.
The striker joins the U’s for an undisclosed fee after just seven months at the League One side.His recent loan spell at the Abbey was successful – scoring three in eight – and manager Shaun Derry has moved quickly to secure the 27 year old’s services.
12:02
Garde has targets – but won’t reveal them
Aston Villa manager Remi Garde has revealed that he has January transfer targets – but refused to say who they are.
Garde won his first match as Villa manager when his side beat Crystal Palace this week, but they’re still firmly rooted to the bottom of the table.
New signings are almost certainly needed to drag Villa out of the relegation places, and Garde says he has identified the (presumably numerous) weaknesses in his side.
“The board know what I want,” said Garde. “I have been here for two months and identified the strengths and weaknesses here. I haven’t signed players yet but there is still time to go but it’s useless for me – and won’t help me – to talk about individual targets.”
11:44
Aubameyang: I (still) don’t want to go to Arsenal
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has reiterated his desire to stay at Dortmund, despite rumours linking him with Arsenal.
The Gabon international has been in sensational form this season, scoring 24 goals in 23 appearances – and he feels the Bundesliga is still the best place for him.
“I still want to achieve lots with Dortmund,” the striker told Bild. “I am here and nowhere else – not at Arsenal, not at Barcelona, not on the moon – you can see that.”