Norwich City manager Philippe Clement has issued a firm hands-off warning after Toronto FC tabled a substantial £13.4 million offer for American striker Josh Sargent. The 25-year-old USA international informed his boss he was unavailable for Sunday's FA Cup tie against Walsall due to the ongoing transfer speculation swirling around him.
Clement's Firm Stance on Sargent Future
Speaking after his side's 5-1 victory, Clement revealed the striker had sent him a message the previous evening declaring himself unfit to play. "He sent me a message yesterday evening that he was not available to play today because of transfer things that are in his head," the manager stated. He was unequivocal about the club's position, adding, "The club has been really clear about that so he will not leave this transfer window."
Despite Clement's definitive statement, talks are expected to continue this week. Sargent is understood to be keen on a return to Major League Soccer to be closer to his family, but Norwich are resisting any sale during the January window.
Premier League and Championship Transfer Round-Up
Elsewhere in a busy period for the transfer market, several other deals are progressing. Brentford have secured the signing of 18-year-old forward Kaye Furo from Club Brugge for a fee of £8 million. The promising teenager arrives from the Belgian Pro League as the Bees look to the future.
West Ham United are actively seeking defensive reinforcements and have made an enquiry for versatile Metz player Alpha Toure. The 19-year-old Senegal youth international can operate in midfield or cover at centre-back and left-back.
At Tottenham Hotspur, forward Mathys Tel is attracting loan interest from Paris FC and several Bundesliga clubs. Although he started in Saturday's match against Aston Villa, Tel is pushing for more regular game time to bolster his chances of making France's squad for the upcoming World Cup. Meanwhile, Spurs are advancing in negotiations to sign left-back Souza from Brazilian side Santos.
Contract News and Further Speculation
Sheffield United have confirmed a new deal for striker Patrick Bamford. The 32-year-old has put pen to paper on an 18-month contract, which includes an option to extend.
Leeds United remain in contact regarding a potential move for Union Berlin centre-back Danilho Doekhi, whose contract expires in the summer. In related news, Union Berlin have agreed to sign defender Zeno Van Den Bosch from Royal Antwerp.
Leicester City are considering a late move for Birmingham City's Lyndon Dykes, though the Scotland international is close to agreeing a loan switch to Charlton Athletic. The Foxes, desperate for more attacking options but constrained financially, may need to sell players first. Their hopes of signing free agent Michail Antonio were dashed by a fresh training injury. The club is prepared to offload Harry Winks and Wout Faes, with Bournemouth eyeing Abdul Fatawu and Monaco monitoring Boubakary Soumare. Academy talents Jeremy Monga and Lorenz Hutchinson are also drawing attention from other clubs.
