#transfers

#transfers

Barcelona's plans to strengthen their defence have suffered a clear setback, with a new report from CER revealing that competition for Nico Schlotterbeck is intensifying. According to the update, the likes of Liverpool and Bayern Munich have now entered the race, significantly complicating Barcelona's pursuit of the Borussia Dortmund defender.

Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton, 29, is a target for Saudi Pro League clubs and the Magpies could be open to letting the Brazil international leave depending on the conditions of any deal. (Teamtalk), external Manchester City and Norway winger Oscar Bobb, 22, may look to leave the club if they complete the signing of Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo, 25, from Bournemouth in January. (Fabrizio Romano), external Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski, 37, could be tempted by a move to Saudi Arabia as there is uncertainty over the Poland international's future at the Nou Camp. (AS - in Spanish), external

I think in all the press conferences I've been in, I've always said I don't think we'll be doing loads of business in January. If we find some players, we'll be delighted to do it and the CEO will be as well, and the owners, if we can do it. But I think it's more to do with trying to have a plan where the ownership want us to have a plan and want us to prepare and do everything in a certain fashion.

I reckon there's something special about being Newcastle's number nine, Crouch said (h/t Chronicle). Whenever I go up there, I feel like it's a football city and when I think of the old centre forwards that have played well for Newcastle, you're like the hero, aren't you? If I had scored goals for Newcastle Even the music before the game they play up at Newcastle.

Rather than viewing the decision as a setback, Chelsea's hierarchy are projecting confidence in their current attacking depth and long-term planning. The club believe they are well stocked in wide and attacking positions and are keen to prioritise development over reactive spending. Chelsea have faith in their current attacking options There is a strong internal push to double down on the progression of summer signings Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens, both of whom are seen as key pillars of Chelsea's attacking future. In addition, Chelsea have been encouraged by the return to fitness of Estevao Willian, whose injury absence disrupted earlier plans.

With the Hammers struggling for goals in the Premier League, Coventry City's in-form striker Ellis Simms has emerged as a key target to lead the line at the London Stadium. According to a recent report from The Telegraph, West Ham have identified Ellis Simms as a primary option to bolster their attacking ranks this winter. While the club has also monitored Wolves forward Jorgen Strand Larsen, the financial hurdles for the Norwegian are significant.

When this season began, it looked liked Liverpool would have an embarrassment of riches in their forward ranks following a summer transfer window blitz that saw Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike join the already formidable trio of Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo and Federico Chiesa. However, as we stand currently, only Ekitike and Chiesa will be 100% available for the Reds when they take on Wolves in their next fixture.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig. The 19-year-old attacker has done quite well in Germany this season, and he could prove to be a long-term acquisition for Tottenham. They need more quality and depth in the final third. The Ivorian will add pace, flair, and goals to the side. He is a young player with a lot of potential, and he could develop into a key player for Tottenham with the right guidance.

He has been relegated to more of a backup role because Cherki has come in and hit the ground running, and Doku and Foden have both stepped up. Savinho is a top player, but at the moment, he's not improving or making himself a regular there. Guardiola doesn't see him as a starter ahead of those other players I named, so there's every chance that if they get an offer, they could let him go.

Fikayo Tomori has spoken about AC Milan's resurgence so far this season, admitting that he has an eye on the World Cup next year. In the last winter transfer window and in the summer mercato, there were some doubts about whether Tomori would remain at Milan. Juventus and Tottenham were apparently interested, but he rejected their advances to try and get back to his best at Milan.

Did I feel we'd go through periods without a win? Of course I did. It's how the Premiership works, when you're one of the smaller clubs. Did I think it would be as long as it has been? No, I'll be honest with you.

Eric Garcia, 24 out of 24 - FC Barcelona Number 24 is a special one for Eric Garcia. He has worn this shirt number since returning to Barça in the 2021/22 season, and it's also the number of games that the team has played across all competitions this season, and Eric is the only player to have appeared in every single one of them!

Aston Villa are on an astonishing run of form that has catapulted them into the Premier League's top three: They've won 10 of their past 11 league games, and nine in a row across all competitions. During that span they've beaten league leaders Arsenal and second-place Manchester City, plus they've won every single league game off the back of a midweek European fixture, which is notoriously tough to do.