Transfer window has kicked into high gear with a potential merry-go-round on the horizon. Chelsea are inching closer to a move for Higuain while Arsenal are still fighting to acquire Denis Suarez to Barca. Spurs have their own striker search to contend with in lieu of Kane’s injury. So which are the major deals affecting the Premier League big 6?
The Manchester City boss has confirmed they are in the market for a long-term replacement for central midfielder Fernandinho
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has confirmed they have drawn up a shortlist of potential targets to replace one of their key players. Fernandinho has been a crucial component of Guardiola’s side – and they have lost the only two games he has missed this season.
“I think with the way we play we need a guy who has of course physicality, is quick in the head and reading where our spaces to attack are,” Guardiola said
“We are searching for that position,” he said. “We took a look.”
Ashley Cole agrees a £15,000-a-week deal join Derby
Ashley Cole has agreed on terms on a £15,000-per-week deal to join Derby and help old friend Frank Lampard in the push for promotion from the Championship.
The 38-year-old’s shock return to English football comes after Lampard persuaded owner Mel Morris to loosen the purse strings for his former Chelsea team-mate.
Cole’s wage will include bonuses and the official announcement of his deal with the Rams is set to be confirmed within the next 48 hours.
Ashley Cole set to sign for Derby County on Monday after agreeing to link up with former Chelsea team-mate Frank Lampard | @JPercyTelegraph https://t.co/1hGVyIcRuI
— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) January 19, 2019
Ferguson revives Lallana rumours
England international Adam Lallana has fallen down the pecking order at Anfield.
It has led to links with a temporary switch to Rangers to reunite with Reds legend Steven Gerrard, although Gerrard recently denied those rumours. However, Gers legend Barry Ferguson has backed the club to complete the impressive coup of signing Lallana.
He said on PLZ Soccer: “See if this was six, eight weeks ago? I know Defoe was mentioned and obviously Davis, these two signings have happened, and now I’m beginning to believe Adam Lallana.
“I think he’s a top, top player. If Rangers get him, they’ve got an even better chance to snatch the title away from Celtic. But he is a top, top player. If Rangers pull that off, I’ll need to give them a handshake.”
https://twitter.com/RedsAddictLFC/status/1086548954932805634
Arsenal face Rodriguez competition
Arsenal could face competition in their bid to sign James Rodriguez after he was linked with a shock move to Serie A. According to Corriere Dello Sport, Rodriguez could link up with former boss Carlo Ancelotti at Napoli as he ponders an early exit from his loan at Bayern Munich.
The Colombian enjoyed his best season at Real Madrid under Ancelotti and the experienced Italian is a known admirer of the attacking midfielder.
Fulham cast doubt over Cahill move
Claudio Ranieri has admitted for the first time that Fulham’s bid for Gary Cahill is in trouble.
The Whites have been trying to sign the centre-back for the past three weeks.
Chelsea isn’t standing in his way but the 33-year-old’s willingness to join their battle for Premier League survival has seemingly been called into question.
Ranieri said: “Gary is a very important player and for us, it would be fantastic.
“But I don’t know if he wants to come and fight with us.”
Ranieri throws Gary Cahill’s Fulham transfer into doubthttps://t.co/iu44aHEqX6 pic.twitter.com/I0DGRI7RoS
— The Sun Football ⚽ (@TheSunFootball) January 19, 2019
Crystal Palace will resist any Manchester United move for their right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Manchester United and Chelsea have joined the hunt for rising starlet Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Crystal Palace are braced for summer transfer window offers for defender Wan-Bissaka after being made aware of the mounting interest in their academy product.
The 21-year-old has been one of Palace’s standout performers since being given his debut by Roy Hodgson last February, cementing his place as their first choice at right-back. But Palace are in no mood to let Wan-Bissaka go and the Evening Standard say they will fight all the way to keep him in south London.
Fellaini transfer off
Marouane Fellaini has been sidelined for up to four weeks – ruling him out of a January move from Manchester United. United was ready to listen to offers for Fellaini, who has played just 31 minutes in seven games under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
AC Milan and Porto were linked with a move for the 31-year-old, but a calf injury has ruled the midfielder out for up to a month, meaning the Belgium international is staying put at United.
“Fellaini is the long-term one that’s out,” said Solskjaer.
