Transfer news LIVE: £37m Gakpo flies in for Liverpool medical, Chelsea in ADVANCED talks with Badiashile | The Sun
CODY GAKPO is flying to Merseyside to have a medical ahead of his £37million move to Liverpool.
PSV ace Gakpo has been heavily linked with a Premier League move since the summer, with Manchester United also interested.
In a statement, the Dutch club said: "PSV and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement on the upcoming transfer of Cody Gakpo.
"The 23-year-old attacker will immediately leave for England where he will undergo the necessary formalities to complete the transfer."
Meanwhile, Chelsea are in advanced talks to sign Monaco star Benoit Badiashile according to Fabrizio Romano.
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- Joshua Jones
Cody in 'Kop deal' and Ron set for Al-Nassr medical
Manchester United target Cody Gakpo has "agreed" to join Liverpool and Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to have a medical with Al-Nassr.
Arsenal were also keen on PSV's Holland winger Gakpo, 23.
But the Dutch giants put out a statement saying a club-record sale to Liverpool had been agreed in all but "formalities".
That official release was promptly deleted but a £37million move is soon expected within days.
Meanwhile, Al-Nassr believe they are on the brink of luring Manchester United outcast Ronaldo in an eye-popping £173million-a-year-deal.
The Portugal legend, 37, has struggled to attract attention from top European clubs.
It's claimed Atletico Madrid attacker Joao Felix would prefer to join PSG over Prem giants.
Arsenal, United and Chelsea are among the Portugal star's many admirers.
Everton reportedly lead interest from Prem rivals in Old Trafford winger Anthony Elanga.
Finally, Newcastle are ready to bid for West Ham's Scotland Under-21 defender Harrison Ashby next month.
- Ian Tuckey
Liverpool ‘reach Cody agreement’
Liverpool are closing in on the signing of PSV Eindhoven star Cody Gakpo after reaching an agreement to sign him.
Gakpo has been heavily linked with a Premier League move since the summer. He bolstered his reputation with three goals for the Netherlands at the World Cup.
And the Reds have now reached an agreement in negotiations with PSV, the club have confirmed.
In a statement, the club said: “PSV and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement on the upcoming transfer of Cody Gakpo.
“The 23-year-old attacker will immediately leave for England where he will undergo the necessary formalities to complete the transfer.
“Both clubs are not making any announcements about the transfer fee. ‘But this is a record transfer for PSV,’ said general manager Marcel Brands.
The PSV management completed the transfer on Boxing Day and gave Gakpo permission to travel to England. Gakpo will cost an initial £37million and the forward could complete a medical in the next 48 hours.
Jurgen Klopp hinted at January business when recalling the impact Luis Diaz made after signing in the last winter window.
He said: “We have two long-term injuries up front. Last January, Luis Díaz came in which was very helpful for that part of the season. Doing something similar this time? If it was a positive move, why not?”
- Ian Tuckey
Magpies ‘keen on Ashby’
West Ham will be bracing themselves for an approach from Newcastle for youngster Harrison Ashby, according to Sky Sports.
The 21-year-old is entering the last six months of his contract and it is believed that Eddie Howe sees him as someone that could help improve his defensive options.
The Scot has played for the Hammers’ first team on multiple occasions but thinks his future is away from the London Stadium.
- Ian Tuckey
PSG linked to Utd and Arsenal target Felix
Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are still being linked to Joao Felix.
It’s claimed the Blues have been offered Atletico Madrid’s Portugal attacker on loan.
And it’s thought the battle for any permanent deal would be between United and Arsenal – IF he chooses the Prem.
But Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio told Dutch outlet Soccernews that Felix, 23, would prefer to join PSG.
- Ian Tuckey
Everton join Elanga race
Manchester United winger Anthony Elanga is being targeted by Everton for a January move, reports suggest.
But other Premier League clubs also want the the Sweden star, 20
According to the Daily Mail, manager Frank Lampard wants a new striker and wideman to ease his side’s relegation fears.
The Merseysiders kept tabs on Elanga during the summer transfer window and are keen on rekindling their interest next month.
However, Everton will have to work within the loan market and will have to overcome a bidding war with other Prem rivals.
Elanga is understood to be frustrated with his role at United due to a lack of first-team football.
- Ian Tuckey
Liverpool 'reach Cody agreement'
Liverpool are closing in on the signing of PSV Eindhoven star Cody Gakpo after reaching an agreement to sign him.
Gakpo has been heavily linked with a Premier League move since the summer. He bolstered his reputation with three goals for the Netherlands at the World Cup.
And the Reds have now reached an agreement in negotiations with PSV, the club have confirmed.
In a statement, the club said: "PSV and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement on the upcoming transfer of Cody Gakpo.
"The 23-year-old attacker will immediately leave for England where he will undergo the necessary formalities to complete the transfer.
"Both clubs are not making any announcements about the transfer fee. 'But this is a record transfer for PSV,' said general manager Marcel Brands.
The PSV management completed the transfer on Boxing Day and gave Gakpo permission to travel to England. Gakpo will cost an initial £37million and the forward could complete a medical in the next 48 hours.
Jurgen Klopp hinted at January business when recalling the impact Luis Diaz made after signing in the last winter window.
He said: “We have two long-term injuries up front. Last January, Luis Díaz came in which was very helpful for that part of the season. Doing something similar this time? If it was a positive move, why not?”
- Ian Tuckey
Enzo coy on Utd link
Enzo Fernandez insists he is only thinking about Benfica despite links to Manchester United and Liverpool.
The Argentina midfielder, 21, picked up a World Cup winner's medal and the young player of the tournament award in Qatar.
And he's had an extended break as his Portuguese club don't resume action until facing Braga on Friday.
He said: "I don’t know about my future or proposals, that’s what my representative is taking care of.
"I don’t want to get into the subject. I am focused on Benfica, we have a game on Friday."
- Ian Tuckey
Arsenal ‘held talks’ for Felix
The Gunners have reportedly held talks over a move for Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix.
The Portuguese attacker is believed to want out from the La Liga side, with Arsenal one of the clubs interested in taking him to the Premier League.
Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has suggested that discussions have taken place between the two clubs.
He told GiveMeSport: “It’s true they had conversations with his agent, Jorge Mendes.
“But it depends on the conditions of the deal because if it’s more than €100million (£88m), I think it is going to be difficult.”
- Ian Tuckey
Al-Nassr optimistic of Ron deal
Al-Nassr have reportedly scheduled a medical for Cristiano Ronaldo and club chief Marcelo Salazar has confirmed that they are in talks to sign him in a huge deal.
There is plenty to discuss for both the club and the 37-year-old with Salazar saying it’s a “negotiation of enormous magnitude.”
Ronaldo supposedly has a £173million-a-year offer on the table, but SunSport understands he is yet to decide whether to join the club or not.
Al-Nassr seem confident that the transfer is going to happen, even booking a medical for Ronaldo and accommodation for his representatives, according to CBS Sports.
They claim the club are optimistic a deal could be finalised for the opening of the January transfer window.
The formalities have supposedly been sorted and Ronaldo would be handed a big role in terms of running Al-Nassr and in Saudi Arabia’s potential bid to host the World Cup in 2030.
Club chief Salazar told Flashscore: “I’m not allowed to say yes or no. Let’s wait and see how things unfold until the end of the year.
“This is a negotiation of enormous magnitude, not only for the club, but for the country and for world football, and which has to be conducted by higher authorities.”
- Ian Tuckey
Fernandez links hot up
Manchester United are being increasingly linked to Enzo Fernandez after his superb World Cup for triumphant Argentina.
Journalist Bruno Andrade has even suggested United are now frontrunners for the Benfica midfielder, 21.
And 90min claim the Red Devils began monitoring the former River Plate star before Qatar.
- Ian Tuckey
Time for Brand new club?
Third-choice left-back Brandon Williams could be set for a permanent Manchester United exit.
The Englishman, 22, made his first appearance of the season, as a five-minute sub, in last Wednesday’s 2-0 Carabao Cup home win over Burnley.
And The Athletic say the former Norwich loanee could finally be leaving his home-city club.
- Ian Tuckey
Gunners in £52.5m Mudryk approach
Arsenal have stepped up their pursuit of Ukrainian superstar Mykhaylo Mudryk with an opening bid of £35million plus a further £17.5m in add-ons.
That offer is likely to be rejected by Shakhtar Donetsk, who are looking for as much as £60m for the exciting 21-year-old.
But the Premier League leaders are optimistic that a deal can be struck and believe the player is eager to move to the Emirates in the January transfer window.
And they hope that offering more of the fee up front could be enough to persuade Shakhtar to cash in on their ten-goal star.
Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke has already given the green light for a New Year spending spree to boost his team’s shock title bid.
And with striker Gabriel Jesus likely to be sidelined for the next two months following knee surgery, Mikel Arteta is keen to add more fire power to his squad as soon as the transfer window opens on Sunday.
But they are not going to have things all their own way and with Manchester City, Chelsea and Real Madrid all having been linked with the player in the past, Shakhtar are hoping that Arsenal’s bid will start an auction.
- Ian Tuckey
Magpies 'keen on Ashby'
West Ham will be bracing themselves for an approach from Newcastle for youngster Harrison Ashby, according to Sky Sports.
The 21-year-old is entering the last six months of his contract and it is believed that Eddie Howe sees him as someone that could help improve his defensive options.
The Scot has played for the Hammers’ first team on multiple occasions but thinks his future is away from the London Stadium.
- Ian Tuckey
Elanga 'frustrated'
Sweden winger Anthony Elanga is reportedly frustrated at his lack of chances with Manchester United.
Everton and other Premier League clubs have been linked with the 20-year-old.
Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag is expected to target a new striker next month.
That's not just because of Cristiano Ronaldo's departure but also as Jadon Sancho is struggling to re-establish himself.
- Ian Tuckey
Everton join Elanga race
Manchester United winger Anthony Elanga is being targeted by Everton for a January move, reports suggest.
But other Premier League clubs also want the the Sweden star, 20
According to the Daily Mail, manager Frank Lampard wants a new striker and wideman to ease his side's relegation fears.
The Merseysiders kept tabs on Elanga during the summer transfer window and are keen on rekindling their interest next month.
However, Everton will have to work within the loan market and will have to overcome a bidding war with other Prem rivals.
Elanga is understood to be frustrated with his role at United due to a lack of first-team football.
- Ian Tuckey
Martial backs Utd squad
Anthony Martial is confident Manchester United's current squad can get them in the Champions League.
Despite links to Cody Gakpo and Joao Felix, Martial has played a regular part under boss Erik ten Hag this season.
And even though Cristiano Ronaldo's departure has increased speculation more firepower will be brought in next month, the fit-again Frenchman backed himself and team-mates.
United resume their Premier League campaign at home to Nottingham Foreat tomorrow night.
And Martial, 27, said: "We’ve put in a lot of good work and it has been a bit like a pre-season for us.
"We’ve worked on fitness training and getting into top shape physically, and I’ve benefited a lot from that personally."
"We’ve a very good team of players, with a great dynamic about us, a lot of victories already under our belt, we now just have to keep on in those winning ways.
"Lots of matches coming up now but, apart from those who went to the World Cup, there has been time for some rest, and they will now also have had a few days off, so we hope we will all return in good shape for the challenges ahead."
- Ian Tuckey
‘Big fight’ to sign Rice
West Ham manager David Moyes has warned Manchester United and Chelsea that they will not be “rolling over” to let Declan Rice leave the club.
The Hammers captain has been linked with an exit from the London Stadium after becoming one of the top midfielders in the country.
But Moyes is hopeful of keeping him as the Scot said: “He wants to win, and he wants to play for a really good side, which is going to give him that opportunity to do so.
“We hope that we can reach the Champions League — it is looking difficult at this moment in time.
“But we are not just going to roll over and let Dec walk out of the building, that is for sure. It is going to be a big fight.”
- Ian Tuckey
Utd happy if new keeper will Costa lot
Manchester United are prepared to spend big to land Diogo Costa, according to reports.
Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag is considering replacing first-choice keeper David de Gea.
And Poret's Costa is rated top of the list of alternatives after his fine World Cup for Portugal
Spaniard De Gea's £375k-a-week deal expires at the end of the season but Old Trafford chiefs have reportedly indicated a willingness to trigger an extension.
United want to reduce de Gea's wages to closer to £100k, according to AS, but negotiations are taking some time.
- Ian Tuckey
PSG linked to Utd and Arsenal target Felix
Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are still being linked to Joao Felix.
It's claimed the Blues have been offered Atletico Madrid's Portugal attacker on loan.
And it's thought the battle for any permanent deal would be between United and Arsenal – IF he chooses the Prem.
But Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio told Dutch outlet Soccernews that Felix, 23, would prefer to join PSG.
- Ian Tuckey
United 'on Enzo trail'
Manchester United are being increasingly linked to Enzo Fernandez after his superb World Cup for triumphant Argentina.
Journalist Bruno Andrade has even suggested United are now frontrunners for the Benfica midfielder, 21.
And 90min claim the Red Devils began monitoring the former River Plate star before Qatar.
- Ian Tuckey
Ethan duel
Ethan Erhahon is wanted by League One duo Portsmouth and Forest Green Rovers.
And St Mirren have accepted bids of £350,000 for the highly-rated midfielder.
Erhahon is set to leave the Scottish Premiership side when the transfer window opens next week.
The 21-year-old has impressed for St Mirren this season, making 16 appearances in the top-flight and already has the over 100 club games to his name.
His contract expires at the end of the campaign and a move south of the border is expected.
Erhahon was hailed by St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson last month, who said his rising star could shine for Glasgow giants Celtic or Rangers.
- Ian Tuckey
Williams tipped for exit
Third-choice left-back Brandon Williams could be set for a permanent Manchester United exit.
The Englishman, 22, made his first appearance of the season, as a five-minute sub, in last Wednesday's 2-0 Carabao Cup home win over Burnley.
And The Athletic say the former Norwich loanee could finally be leaving his home-city club.
- Ian Tuckey
Martinelli close to new contract
Arsenal could be close to a new long-term deal for Brazil winger Gabriel Martinelli.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reckons the 21-year-old is in the "final stages" of agreeing a deal.
Martinelli has spoken of his desire to stay with Mikel Arteta's Gunners.
And Arteta is similarly keen to tie up fellow starlets Bukayo Saka and William Saliba to new contracts.
- Ian Tuckey
Ronaldo 'set for Al-Nassr medical'
Al-Nassr have reportedly scheduled a medical for Cristiano Ronaldo and club chief Marcelo Salazar has confirmed that they are in talks to sign him in a huge deal.
There is plenty to discuss for both the club and the 37-year-old with Salazar saying it's a "negotiation of enormous magnitude."
Ronaldo supposedly has a £173million-a-year offer on the table, but SunSport understands he is yet to decide whether to join the club or not.
Al-Nassr seem confident that the transfer is going to happen, even booking a medical for Ronaldo and accommodation for his representatives, according to CBS Sports.
They claim the club are optimistic a deal could be finalised for the opening of the January transfer window.
The formalities have supposedly been sorted and Ronaldo would be handed a big role in terms of running Al-Nassr and in Saudi Arabia's potential bid to host the World Cup in 2030.
Club chief Salazar told Flashscore: "I'm not allowed to say yes or no. Let's wait and see how things unfold until the end of the year.
"This is a negotiation of enormous magnitude, not only for the club, but for the country and for world football, and which has to be conducted by higher authorities."
- Ian Tuckey
'Blues' target Moukoko far apart in Dortmund talks'
Chelsea have been handed a boost in their transfer pursuit of Youssoufa Moukoko, according to reports.
Moukoko, 18, has been monitored by the Blues for some time and they are expected to make a move for him imminently.
And with Moukoko contracted to Borussia Dortmund until the summer, the club are under significant pressure to secure of the future of the prodigy.
But the two parties remain a way apart in their valuations of his next contract and consequently there is a significant "risk" over a transfer next summer.
According to Bild, a final contract offer for the teenager has been made by the club.
The offer is said to be worth £5.3 million. However, Moukoko reportedly wants an offer of £6.2m per season.
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