The transfer window for Europe’s biggest clubs might be closed, but they are still working tirelessly behind the scenes to line up the arrival of their next star. Transfer Talk has been scouring the world’s media to see who could be heading to your club when Jan. 1 arrives.
TOP STORY: Morata and Higuain swap deal ‘agreed’
Chelsea want a new striker, while AC Milan aren’t overly happy with theirs — so it seems like a match made in heaven that Alvaro Morata and Gonzalo Higuain are set for a sensational swap deal.
Chelsea striker Morata has failed to impress under Maurizio Sarri, while Higuain is reportedly desperate to reunite with his former boss and is ready to cut short his loan move from Juventus to change clubs.
Sport Mediaset report that Higuain will take up a six-month loan to Chelsea, with Morata sealing an 18-month loan to Milan. What Juventus think about the whole situation isn’t clear, but they’re probably so focused on keeping Cristiano Ronaldo happy that they aren’t too bothered.
PAPER TALK
Arsenal and Everton to battle for Oxford
Once upon a time you couldn’t move for clubs interested in West Ham defender Reece Oxford. Then he signed a new deal and talk of a move dried up. Now Hammers manager Manuel Pellegrini has suggested that the 20-year-old might actually not have a future at the club.
Still, Arsenal are desperate for defenders and Everton just shipped six goals in defeat to Tottenham so… The Daily Mirror claim that both clubs are keen.
PSG, Everton close in on Watford star
Paris Saint-Germain could offer £30 million for Watford midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure — but the French player’s former manager Marco Silva wants him at Everton, according to the Daily Mail.
The 25-year-old Doucoure joined Watford in 2016 from Ligue 1 side Rennes and signed an extension this summer to stay until 2023.
While a return to France may be in the cards should PSG have their way, other Premier League sides such as Arsenal and Tottenham have also shown interest.
Bayern Munich CEO sees Xabi as manager material
Xabi Alonso is currently studying for his coaching qualifications, and the Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge thinks the former Liverpool and Real Madrid star could one day coach the German giants.
In an interview with German magazine Kicker, Rummenigge said he hopes Alonso will manage at Allianz Arena, calling him a “a natural authority.”
“He had fantastic coaches and he speaks several languages. He is an extraordinary person,” Rummenigge said of the 2010 World Cup winner.
The Spaniard finished his stellar club career with Bayern Munich, winning three straight Bundesliga titles.
Tap-Ins
— Brighton & Hove Albion are on the verge of securing Al-Duhail forward Youssef Msakni until the end of the season, according to Goal. The Tunisia international has missed considerable time with an ACL injury but the Qatari side’s star winger could soon be be plying his trade in the Premier League.
— Former Arsenal and Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna will remain with the Montreal Impact for another season. The former France international joined the MLS side last August after a short stint with Italian Serie B side Benevento.