Not content with appointing a new head coach in the coming days, Chelsea are plotting a massive £135m move for Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior. The Brazilian is not too happy in the Spanish capital, by all accounts, and is yet to agree an extension to his contract that runs until June 2027. This trifling situation could open up the possibility of a sale, to avoid losing the winger for nothing in 18 months.
Adam Wharton would not be short of suitors if Crystal Palace allowed him to leave in the summer, especially if he makes an appearance at the World Cup. Real Madrid have an interest in the England midfielder, boosted by the potential Vinícius loot, but they would face competition in Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United. The last three named would mean the 21-year-old could return to his native north-west.
The Eagles are priming themselves for a busy January after considerably failing over the summer, much to Oliver Glasner’s chagrin. The Bayern Munich right-back Sacha Boey, the Wolves midfielder João Gomes and the Auxerre midfielder Kévin Danois are on the shopping list in order to boost a thin squad.
After shaking his head at a prospective move to West Ham, Nathan Aké continues to consider the best destination for his future. He will be eager to get more minutes with a World Cup coming up, so the fluttering of eyelashes from Milan could be alluring for the Netherlands centre-back.
Another Manchester City centre-back on the move is Jahmai Simpson-Pusey who will be cutting short his loan at Celtic in order to try his hand in the Bundesliga with Cologne. The defender made a solitary appearance in the Scottish Premiership, not that playing for Celtic would have done much for his reputation.
A year after arriving at the Etihad Stadium, Omar Marmoush is already being linked with a move away. The Egyptian forward is playing second fiddle to Erling Haaland, so is not getting the opportunities he desires. Tottenham and Aston Villa are willing to swoop in for him and end his bench misery.
Speaking of underused strikers, Newcastle’s William Osula has barely had a kick in recent times. Eintracht Frankfurt have entered talks to acquire the Danish forward, who has supposedly already agreed personal terms on a move to Germany.
João Cancelo is looking for a new club because he wants a return to Europe from Al-Hilal. The right-back’s wages are rather high, making it a complex situation for any suits. Inter are open to bringing in the Portugal international, but the finances have to be right.
Luke O’Nien has slipped down the Sunderland pecking order since their promotion to the Premier League. The Championship looks like his spiritual home, so it is good news for him that Coventry, West Brom and Birmingham are monitoring his situation. Either way, he should probably set up property alerts in the West Midlands.
