Stoke midfielder seals Rovers switch
Doncaster Rovers have swooped to sign Stoke City starlet Eddy Lecygne.
The highly-rated midfielder has moved to the Keepmoat on an initial 28-day loan.
Lecygne has impressed for Stoke’s Under-21s and could make his Rovers debut against Port Vale tomorrow night.
Fulham agree deal for Austrian defender
Fulham have agreed a deal for Austrian defender Michael Madl.
Sturm Graz have confirmed the 27-year-old has been given permission to speak to the Championship outfit and has headed to London for a medical.
A statement on the Bundesliga outfit’s website read: “Michael Madl left the training camp of Sturm Graz in Belek.
“He travels to London for medical checks with Fulham FC.”
Madl added: “I had three wonderful years at Sturm, but the time has come for me to take advantage of the chance to play in England.
“I would like to thank the black and white for giving me the opportunity to fulfill this dream.”
13:43
Valdes raring to go
Victor Valdes joined Standard Liege on loan for the rest of the season on Sunday.
And the Spanish keeper looked all smiles as he posed for pics after the paperwork had been completed.
The Manchester United outcast tweeted: “I’m very proud to be part of Standard de Liege!”
13:27
Wantaway Bees defender missing again
Wantaway Brentford defender James Tarkowski will be missing again for Tuesday night’s clash with Leeds.
The centre-back stunned Bees boss Dean Smith by refusing to play against Burnley last week following two failed bids from the Clarets.
Tarkowski was kept away from their Osterley base following the incident but returned to training on Thursday.
The 23-year-old was left out of the squad for Saturday’s 3-1 win at Preston and will not be involved again for the visit of Leeds.
Toumani Diagouraga, who has agreed to join the Elland Road outfit, could line up against his old teammates.
Uncertain future: James Tarkowski
13:14
Klopp quiet on Teixeira
Jurgen Klopp is remaining tight-lipped on speculation linking Liverpool with Alex Teixeira.
The attacker has told Shakhtar Donetsk he wants to leave.
But Kl;opp said: “It’s absolutely nothing to say.
“Maybe it surprises you. Nothing to say to things like this.”
Uncertain future: Shakhtar Donetsk’s Alex Teixeira
13:03
Leicester lining up striker swoop?
Claudio Ranieri is desperate to land a new striker to boost Leicester’s promotion bid.
And the Foxes are reportedly in talks to sign Sampdoria star Eder, according to Sky Italy.
The Brazilian-born forward would command a fee of around £10million, but Leicester do have other irons in the fire.
On the lookout: Claudio Ranieri
12:46
TOM HOPKINSON
Interest in Walsall goalgetter hots up
Preston and Reading will go head-to-head this week in a bid to test Walsall’s resolve over Tom Bradshaw.
North End boss Simon Grayson has already seen one bid for the 23-year-old striker knocked back in this window but he is determined to get his man and will push for him again over the coming days.
However, Reading boss Brian McDermott is also keen and is weighing up a move for the £750,000-rated player ahead of next Monday’s deadline.
League One Walsall do not want to lose Bradshaw but he has made it clear to the club that he wants to test himself at a higher level.
If he doesn’t go this month then he will likely be on his way from the Bescot in the summer.
Goal machine: Tom Bradshaw
12:30
Watford closing on Suarez
Quique Flores hopes to tie up a reunion with Fiorentina midfielder Mario Suarez this week.
Suarez is mulling over a fresh offer to join Watford after initially rejecting a move to Vicarage Road.
But after being told he is surplus to requirements at Fiorentina, the 28-year-old has been reconsidering his options.
Hornets boss Flores knows the former Atletico Madrid player well having worked with him during his time in charge at the Spanish club.
Watford – who have already signed Nordin Amrabat and Costel Pantilimon – wanted to buy Suarez for £8million but a loan deal is now on the cards.
Watford bound?: Mario Suarez is wanted by the Hornets
12:09
ALEX RICHARDS
Chelsea midfielder set for shock China switch?
Chelsea midfielder Ramires could be set for a shock £25million transfer to Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Suning – teaming up with former Blues ace Dan Petrescu.
Ramires only signed a new four-year deal at Stamford Bridge in October, but has fallen down the pecking order under Guus Hiddink and hasn’t started a Premier League game since the Dutchman’s arrival.
Now the Daily Mail report that the 28-year-old – who arrived for £18million from Benfica in 2010 – could now head to the Far East.
Money is being pumped into the Chinese Super League and Jiangsu are hoping to make a title bid this year. They’re already set to sign former Arsenal winger Gervinho from Roma and hope to resurrect a deal for AC Milan striker Luiz Adriano.
Petrescu, hired in July, has already led the side to the 2015 Chinese FA Cup. The club are owned by the Guoxin Group, China’s largest project tendering and procurement company.
Heading for the exit? Ramires has been linked with a move to China
12:04
Tractor Boys to raid Bolton for skipper
Ipswich are ready to raid crisis-club Bolton for captain Darren Pratley.
Trotters chief Neil Lennon is trying to slash the wage bill further following the departure of Shola Ameobi.
“It has gone a little quiet but I’d be surprised if my phone doesn’t start ringing next week,” Lennon told the Bolton News.
Uncertain future: Bolton skipper Darren Pratley
11:28
Loic Remy seeking Chelsea exit
Loic Remy is hoping to leave Chelsea this month, according to reports.
The Blues striker is said to be frustrated at his lack of playing time at Stamford Bridge and wants to head out on loan, report Sky Sports.
Crystal Palace, Newcastle and Leicester have been linked with the Frenchman, who has only made one start in the Premier League this season.
The Foxes let record signing Andrej Kramaric leave for Hoffenheim, but are said to be not interested in the 29-year-old.
Unfortunately for Remy, it would appear that Guus Hiddink is reluctant to let him leave.
“He will stay until the end of the season. I have seen little of him because he repeatedly fell into injury,” the Dutchman said earlier this month.
“I am curious. I hope Remy picks it up. I hope he will deliver if he is needed.”
10:58
Steve McClaren addresses striker rumours
Steve McClaren has refused to rule out a move for a new striker before the transfer window shuts next week.
The Magpies are becoming increasingly reliant on Aleksandar Mitrovic, who cut a frustrated figure in the 2-1 loss at Watford on Saturday, but McClaren refused to confirm or deny reinforcements were on the way.
“We’ll have to wait and see,” he said.
“There’s going to be 10 days of much speculation and, again, we’ll quietly go about our business and you’ll find out in due time if anything happens.”
10:37
Birmingham City close in on Watford midfielder
Birmingham City are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Watford midfielder Diego Fabbrini.
The 25-year-old is currently on loan at Middlesbrough, but the Daily Mail say he is set to seal a £1million move to St Andrews this week.
Fabbrini, who has scored six goals at the Riverside this season, has one full Italy cap, when he turned out against England in 2012 and has turned out for a number of clubs during his career including Empoli, Palermo, Siena and Millwall.
10:28
Super Mario to the Hawthorns?
An interesting one from the Birmingham Mail next, as they claim that West Brom are lining up a move for the always-entertaining Mario Balotelli.
The Liverpool striker is currently toiling away at AC Milan in an injury-hit loan spell, but could soon return to England.
West Brom are currently doing their hardest to avoid getting dragged into a relegation battle, having failed to win any of their previous three Premier League games.
Still, Tony Pulis and Mario would be fun, wouldn’t it?
10:16
ALEX RICHARDS
Dortmund stand firm over Aubameyang
Borussia Dortmund have again declared they will not sell Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this month – even for £100million.
The Gabonese striker has scored 27 times in 28 games this season, and has been linked with a move away from the Westfalenstadion. Lothar Matthaus suggested at the weekend that a bid in excess of €100million could be forthcoming soon.
However Dortmund are in bullish mood as they seek a return to the Champions League next season, and CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has declared:
“Even if such an offer would come in, that would be irrelevant for us. We are simply not selling Auba.”
10:04
Drogba ruling out Chelsea return?
Didier Drogba is set to return to Montreal Impact for another season.
It appears then that Drogba has rejected the chance to take on a coaching and advisory role at Chelsea , which he was offered by Roman Abramovich and Guus Hiddink.
The Ivorian revealed over Christmas that he was still deciding on his future after reports surfaced that he could be retiring from playing.
But he remained locked in talks with MLS side Impact and appears to have agreed a deal for another season.
Read more here.
09:46
Another Chelsea player heading out on loan
Chelsea winger Christian Atsu has been linked with a loan move to Malaga.
The Ghana international saw a loan spell at Bournemouth cut short earlier this month after failing to appear for the Cherries in the Premier League, but will now try his luck in La Liga, with the Daily Star reporting that Malaga have beaten out Levante, Rayo Vallecano and Espanyol to his signature.
This come after Guus Hiddink advised the player go out and seek first-team football.
“Players who don’t have much of an option to play [at Chelsea], they must get the experience of playing weekly,” said the Blues interim boss.
“I cannot say much more than this. He is not a young, young player, he is 24 and these guys need to play.”
Atsu has yet to make a senior appearance for the Stamford Bridge side and has previously had loan stints at Vitesse and Everton after being snapped up for £3.5million in 2013.
09:26
Newcastle come up with Townsend alternatives
In a further sign that they have given up on signing Tottenham winger Andros Townsend, Newcastle have reportedly drawn up a list of alternative targets to the England man.
The Magpies are not willing to go over £12million for Townsend, but Spurs are demanding £14million, report the Evening Standard.
That has meant they have come up with a list of three alternatives, with QPR winger Matt Phillips heading the list. Scott Sinclair of Aston Villa and Barcelona’s Sandro Ramierz are also being considered.
Our-of-favour Townsend meanwhile, is still attracting interest from Watford and West Brom.
09:17
Benteke’s Liverpool future in doubt
Christian Benteke could leave Liverpool ALREADY, according to the Bleacher Report.
The former Aston Villa striker only moved to Anfield in the summer but does not appear to fit into Jurgen Klopp’s plans.
Benteke has largely been reduced to a substitute since the German took over and now it has been reported that he could walk away from the club at the end of the season.
He will reportedly consider his options after representing Belgium at Euro 2016.
Read the rest of today’s Anfield gossip right here.
09:08
Arsenal step up Isco chase?
Arsenal are stepping up their efforts to sign Real Madrid star Isco, according to El Confidencial.
The Gunners are reportedly keen on bringing in the 23-year-old to provide further attacking support to the likes of Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud.
Despite being popular with the Real fans, president Florentino Perez is prepared to listen to offers of around £25million for the midfielder.
Arsene Wenger is believed to be a fan of the star and could be set to make a bid for his services.
Read the rest of this morning’s Arsenal gossip here.
09:00
Dybala rules out Premier League move
In-from Juventus striker Paulo Dybala has ruled out a switch to the Premier League.
The Argentine has reportedly been attracting admiring glances from Arsenal and Manchester United after signing from Palermo for £28million in the summer, but has poured cold water on any suggestions that he could soon be on the move again.
Speaking after he netted the winner in the Old Lady’s 1-0 success against Roma, the Argentine told Mediaset Premium:
“I’m liked in England? I’ve just ended playing a match, I scored a good goal and I don’t think about this.”
08:53
Debuchy heading to Germany?
Arsenal defender Mathieu Debuchy could be set for a loan move to Germany, according to Calciomercato.
Bayer Leverkusen are the latest team to be linked with a temporary switch for the former Newcastle full-back, who has lost his place in the team to Hector Bellerin.
He was reportedly poised for a move to Aston Villa, but Debuchy himself has touched on their financial situation.
He said: “Aston Villa are in great difficulty, and that’s why I’m taking time before making a decision. They’re a big English club, and I’m not ruling out the possibility. I have also talked to Remi Garde over the phone.”
08:50
Liverpool and Manchester United eye Italy stopper?
More Manchester United news next, as Italian website Tuttomercatoweb report that the Red Devils are monitoring Genoa goalkeeper Mattia Perin.
The 23-year-old made his Italy debut in 2014 after making the Azzurri’s 23-man squad for the World Cup in Brazil.
Reds Devils scouts have been dispatched to watch the high-rated gloveman, with Liverpool also reportedly interested in him, as they seek to solve their problems between the sticks.
08:36
Manchester United step up Ever Banega chase?
Manchester United have stepped up their interest in Sevilla midfielder Ever Banega, according to The Sun.
Banega has been tipped as a potential addition as the Red Devils look to bolster their squad before the end of the month.
The Argentinian has scored six goals in 16 appearances for Sevilla and has also reportedly been attracting interest from Barcelona for his signature.
It would likely be United’s only transfer dealing this summer.
Catch up on the rest of today’s Manchester United gossip here.
08:32
Aubameyang rules out PSG move
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has ruled out a big-money move to Paris Saint-Germain.
The in-form Borussia Dortmund striker has bagged 27 goals in 27 games this term, which has led to plenty of speculation that one of Europe’s big boys will be coming in for him.
The former Saint-Etienne striker says that he does not plan a return to France though.
“A transfer to PSG? Last year it was maybe possible but not today. I didn’t want to come back to France,” he told Canal+.
“If I will have fun in this team? Obviously when there are players like the ones who are there, a striker can only make a difference. It would be good (to play with them).”
He would, however, like to face his former side in Europe this season.
“I still follow Ligue 1 and I remain a fan of AS Saint-Etienne,” he continued. “It would be great if I could go back there this year with Dortmund in the Europa League. I would like to show ASSE fans how I progressed.”
08:20
Barca to make late moves?
Over to Spain now, where Barcelona have been linked with a couple of moves before the deadline shuts in just a week’s time.
Sport are reporting that the Catalans are in for Villarreal’s Denis Suarez and Celta Vigo striker Nolito.
Barca sporting director Robert Fernandez watched Suarez in the Yellow Submarine’s 2-2 draw wit Espanyol on Saturday, but are yet to agree a deal, with Villarreal struggling to find a replacement.
Nolito has also been heavily linked with a move to the Nou Camp this month, with reports suggesting that the club want to pay the €18million fee after June 30 for accounting reasons.
08:11
Have Leicester found their new striker?
Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri hinted that he needs a new striker this weekend, and the Foxes have now been linked a move for Sampdoria frontman Eder, says Sky Sport Italia.
A fee of £8million for the 29-year-old has been mooted, with Inter also on his case.
The Brazilian-born Italian has scored 12 times in 19 Serie A games this season and the Foxes are reportedly ready to offer him a three-year deal worth £1.6million per season.
07:55
Kevin Wimmer going nowhere
Tottenham defender Kevin Wimmer has been linked with a move away from White Hart Lane this month, but Sky are reporting that Spurs will not let the defender part ways during the current window.
The Austrian made his Premier League debut when he came off the bench against Crystal Palace on Saturday but had been linked with a move to Schalke, after he failed to break up the Vertonghen-Alderweireld partnership at the back for Spurs.
07:49
Patrick Roberts heading out of Manchester City?
Manchester City starlet Patrick Roberts could be heading out of the Etihad in search of first-team football.
The 18-year-old has struggled to break into the City first-team squad since his £11million signing from Fulham in the summer, managing just three substitute appearances for Manuel Pellegrini’s side.
But the Daily Mail report that the forward could be heading to Celtic on loan for the rest of the season on the proviso that he gets some first-team mintes under his belt.
07:35
Gervinho heading to China
Serie A side Roma have confirmed that they are in talks over the transfer of former Arsenal man Gervinho with Chinese side Jiangsu Suning.
The Ivorian has scored six times this season, but was left out of last night’s 1-0 loss against Juventus as negotiations continue.
“I can confirm there are negotiations on-going for Gervinho to China,” said Roma director Mauro Baldissoni. “When a player expresses the desire to leave, there’s no point keeping him.”
07:27
Bayern and Real set for summer battle over Lewandowski?
If you’ll forgive us momentarily for looking ahead to the summer window next, as Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are set to duke it out over Robert Lewandowski.
The Spanish side are reportedly going to pull out all the stops to land the Polish striker in a £75million move from Bayern say the Sun, but as you’d imagine, the Bundesliga side won’t exactly roll over and let Zindane’s side get their man.
The forward has three years left on his deal and no get-out clause that Real could take advantage of.
07:10
Teixeira says he wants to quit Donetsk this month
Chelsea and Liverpool target Alex Teixeira has told Shakhtar Donetsk he wants to quit the club this month.
Both clubs are battling to sign the 26-year-old Brazilian who has scored 26 goals in 25 games this season.
He said: “I would like to move in this transfer window and have told them [Shakhtar] that. They have received a very good offer and they are working on a solution. But if I don’t go now then I will leave in the summer.”
Darren Lewis has more here.
06:59
Chelsea set to seal Pato deal?
Alexandre Pato has been a regular name in this transfer blog over the past couple of weeks and he could finally be about to secure his move to the Premier League.
According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea were finalising a deal to land the Brazilian striker on loan from Corinthians last night, as they look to bolster their firepower before the Champions League gets back under way.
The former AC Milan forward returned to Brazil three years ago after netting 63 goals in 150 games in Serie A and will provide back-up for Diegp Costa, who was on the money yesterday, when he scored the first half winner for the Blues at Arsenal.
06:48
Yesterday’s biggest done deal…
In case you missed it yesterday, Manchester United reject Victor Valdes has joined Standard Liege until the end of the season, the club confirmed.
The former Barcelona goalkeeper has played just twice in the 12 months since he moved to Old Trafford.
Those two appearances came at the back end of last season and he has not been in a single matchday squad this campaign.
United boss Louis van Gaal exiled the 34-year-old in the summer, leaving him out of squad for the pre-season tour of America after claiming he refused to play for the reserve side.
“He is not selected because he does not follow our philosophy,” Van Gaal said in July. “There is no place for one player [who does not do do that].”
Read more here.
06:30
Atletico fighting to keep Griezmann?
Atletico Madrid have admitted they face a fight to hold on to Antoine Griezmann .
The 24-year-old is admired by both Manchester clubs and Chelsea along with Real Madrid and PSG.
He has scored 43 times in 81 appearances since joining Atletico in 2014 and is under contract until 2020.
Boss Diego Simeone, however, has conceded that Griezmann and Atletico could yet get an offer that they cannot refuse either this month or in the summer.
Darren Lewis has more here.