The summer transfer window was unlike any other; see all the major deals and check out how we graded the biggest signings. And just because the window is shut until January, that doesn’t mean the rumours won’t keep coming. Here’s the latest gossip and speculation.
TOP STORY: Barca, Liverpool in for Pulisic
Liverpool and Barcelona could battle it out for the signature of Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic, reports El Nacional.
Both sides are said to be interested in the United States star, with the Blues said to prefer a move to Spain over a Premier League rival.
However, the LaLiga club are not in a financial position to make an offer currently. New boss Xavi Hernandez is said to be able to make an offer in 2023 if possible, with a swap deal also potentially on the table.
Chelsea have reportedly asked for more than €50 million if they are to negotiate a move for Pulisic away from Stamford Bridge.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp knows the 23-year-old from his time in charge at Borussia Dortmund and the report claims that he was interested in the winger in 2019 but lost out to the current Premier League leaders.
Pulisic has struggled with injuries so far this season, missing the majority of the early part of the season. He picked up an ankle knock in September and with him unable to currently hold down a position in the first-team, the Blues are said to be willing to move him on if clubs match their valuation.
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LIVE BLOG
08.00 GMT: Manchester United have held discussions with former Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde about the possibility of becoming interim manager, sources have told ESPN’s Rob Dawson.
United began their search for a short-term appointment to take the team until the end of the season on Sunday after dismissing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Valverde, who led Barca to LaLiga titles in 2018 and 2019 before leaving in January 2020, is one of the names in the frame along with former Borussia Dortmund manager Lucien Favre and ex-RB Leipzig coach Ralf Rangnick.
Rangnick, now working at Lokomotiv Moscow, has privately distanced himself from the job, but initial talks have been held with Valverde.
After Solskjaer’s departure, Michael Carrick was put in charge temporarily, and despite his winning his first game 2-0 against Villarreal on Tuesday, sources have told ESPN that the club remain committed to bringing in someone else between now and the summer.
Sources have told ESPN that Mauricio Pochettino is United’s top target as the club’s next permanent appointment, but the former Tottenham Hotspur boss is under contract with Paris Saint-Germain until 2023 after signing an extension in the summer.
– Ogden: Man United’s options for next manager
PAPER GOSSIP (by Luke Thrower)
– Real Madrid are interested in Manchester City loanee Pedro Porro, reports Mundo Deportivo. The 22-year-old is on a two-season loan spell at Portuguese side Sporting and he has reportedly impressed the Blancos hierarchy. However, Sporting do reportedly have the option in their deal to make the loan move permanent.
– Atletico Madrid are one of a number of sides weighing up a move for Benfica striker Darwin Nunez. According to Calciomercato, the Uruguay international is set to be a key figure in next summer’s transfer window, with LaLiga club Atletico paying particular attention to the 22-year-old.
– Chelsea have set a valuation of £14m to move on midfielder Ross Barkley in January, says journalist Ekrem Konur. The 27-year-old is believed to be free to leave the club in the upcoming months, with Newcastle, Leeds and Burnley all reportedly interested in a transfer for the playmaker.
– Manchester United are eyeing a free transfer in the shape of Barcelona player Ousmane Dembele, according to El Nacional. The winger is out-of-contract at the end of the season and is free to negotiate deals with clubs abroad in January.
– Liverpool, Leicester and Newcastle are monitoring Olympiakos wonderkid Aguibou Camara, reports the Sun. The 20-year-old has impressed for the Greek side since his move from Lille, with the versatile midfielder providing a useful option across the midfield and out wide.
