The January transfer window has been slow to get going this month, but might be start to heat up as clubs try to bolster their squads for the second half of the season.
Kieran Trippier is on the list for clubs like Bayern Munich, although Newcastle United are likely to want to hold onto the player Eddie Howe described as the “heartbeat” of the side.
Kalvin Phillips is a wanted man with Newcastle, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid all interested in the out-of-favour Manchester City midfielder, with other clubs also monitoring the situation.
Chelsea are prepared to let Armando Broja leave – but only for a substantial fee of £50m, with Ivan Toney a key name on both the Blues’ and Arsenal’s wishlists. Brighton striker Evan Ferguson has also been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, although the Seagulls have put a high price on the forward, valuing the teenager as over £100m.
Barcelona target cut-price midfielder after Premier League clubs reject two offers
Barcelona are looking for a cut-price midfielder deal, having failed in loan bids for Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips and Tottenham Hotspur’s Giovani Lo Celso.
The Catalan club need cover in the area but have a limited budget and do not want to overly commit given they will eventually welcome Gavi back from injury.
While long-term options may be preferred this summer if the budget increases.
Several clubs have nevertheless been left frustrated with Barcelona’s approach, as they have been made proposals that just didn’t suit them or their players.
Phillips and Lo Celso were high on manager Xavi’s list but neither is happening. City ultimately received a better offer for Phillips from West Ham United, who were able to cover more of his wages.
The deal will also include an option to buy, although the London club may not be able to stretch to his current salary come the summer.
Barcelona have meanwhile repeatedly spoken to Spurs about Lo Celso, but the White Hart Lane hierarchy again felt they had only been made low-ball offers.
The terms of the loan and arrangement on wages were well short of what Spurs want.
Lo Celso himself is also enjoying his football under manager Ange Postecoglou, who has been transparent with the midfielder about how often he will play.
Barca continue their search and would prefer to do a temporary deal this month.
