Transfer Window Heats Up With Major Premier League Moves
The January transfer window is now in full swing, with several significant developments emerging across English football. Clubs are actively pursuing reinforcements and offloading players as the mid-season market provides crucial opportunities to reshape squads.
Crystal Palace Stand Firm on Mateta Valuation
Crystal Palace are holding firm on their £40 million valuation for striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, who is determined to leave Selhurst Park. Nottingham Forest have followed their weekend enquiry with a formal £35 million offer, which includes a significant pay rise for the French forward. AC Milan are also monitoring the situation with interest.
Palace are already exploring potential replacements, with Wolverhampton Wanderers' striker Jorgen Strand Larsen identified as a target. However, the Eagles have yet to submit an official bid. Leeds United saw a £33 million plus add-ons offer for Larsen rejected last week and have not yet returned with an improved proposal.
Forest's Defensive Ambitions Extend to Dunk
Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche is targeting Brighton & Hove Albion defender Lewis Dunk, despite the centre-back signing a one-year contract extension with the Seagulls just last month. The 34-year-old England international is viewed as a proven Premier League performer who could complement Forest's existing defensive options, including Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo.
Fulham Close in on Manchester City Winger
Fulham are finalising a £30 million deal for Manchester City winger Oscar Bobb, with negotiations at an advanced stage. The Cottagers are also pushing ahead with talks to sign striker Ricardo Pepi from PSV Eindhoven, indicating a busy period of recruitment at Craven Cottage.
Tammy Abraham Nears Aston Villa Return
Aston Villa have agreed an £18 million fee with Besiktas for striker Tammy Abraham, who underwent a medical on Saturday after travelling to the UK. The Turkish club had previously paid £11.2 million to Roma as part of an obligation to buy in the loan deal that brought Abraham to Besiktas last summer.
Villa remain open to a loan return for midfielder Douglas Luiz, who is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest from Juventus, with John McGinn and Boubacar Kamara sidelined through injury. Chelsea made an enquiry about Luiz last week.
Juventus Explore Premier League Options
Juventus have been rebuffed in an attempt to take Tottenham Hotspur forward Randal Kolo Muani on loan. The French international is currently on loan at Spurs from Paris Saint-Germain. The Italian giants are also showing interest in Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee as they seek attacking reinforcements.
Roma's Left-Back Search Continues
Roma are actively seeking left-back options to facilitate Kostas Tsimikas' return to Liverpool. The Serie A club saw an initial £6.9 million offer for Wolverhampton Wanderers defender David Moller Wolfe rejected, with Wolves showing no interest in selling at present.
Liverpool's defensive injury concerns have deepened with Wellity Lucky ruled out for at least two months with a hamstring problem. The Anfield club have confirmed the signing of 17-year-old centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Austria Vienna for their under-21 squad.
Additional Transfer Developments Across the Divisions
Everton have rejected a £10 million offer from Lazio for midfielder Tim Iroegbunam, while Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil has passed his medical ahead of a loan move to Ipswich Town. The 24-year-old will be out of contract in the summer.
Norwich City have completed the signing of Brentford midfielder Paris Maghoma, who joined the Bees from Tottenham Hotspur in 2020. Bournemouth are two appearances away from triggering the mandatory £16.9 million purchase of full-back Alex Jimenez from AC Milan.
Chelsea have confirmed the signing of 17-year-old left-back Yisa Alao from Sheffield Wednesday for an initial £600,000. Meanwhile, Barry Bannan arrived in London for a medical ahead of completing his move from Sheffield Wednesday to Millwall.
Birmingham City are set to complete the £7 million signing of Deportivo Alaves winger Carlos Vicente, who chose the Championship club over Dutch giants Ajax. The 26-year-old is scheduled to undergo a medical today.
