Wednesday news (includes West ham)
Posted: 14 Jan 2026, 10:02
BBC
Manchester City are preparing to make an offer for Crystal Palace and England centre-back Marc Guehi, 25, before the end of the January transfer window, but are unlikely to meet Palace's asking price of above £35 million. (Talksport), external
But Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has been making calls in recent days to try to convince Guehi to join them in the summer. (Sky Germany), external
Despite the departure of head coach Ruben Amorim, Manchester United do not plan to bring back England forward Marcus Rashford, 28, when his loan spell at Barcelona ends. (Talksport), external
Manchester United and England Under-20 striker Ethan Wheatley, 19, will join Bradford City on loan until the end of the season. (Manchester Evening News), external
Nottingham Forest have made an enquiry for Bournemouth's English winger Marcus Tavernier, 26, but the Cherries do not plan to sell. (Daily Mail), external
Tottenham Hotspur are blocking all enquiries for French forward Mathys Tel, 20, despite loan interest from Paris FC. (Florian Plettenberg)
Bournemouth are continuing talks with Ferencvaros over a deal for Hungary midfielder Alex Toth, 20, after their initial £8.6m offer was rejected. (Sky Sports), external
Newcastle are considering signing a defender this month after England full-back Tino Livramento, 23, suffered a hamstring injury that will sideline him for eight weeks. (Sky Sports), external
Manchester City, Brentford and Tottenham are set to miss out on Nigeria Under-20 winger Suleiman Sani, 19, with RB Leipzig finalising a £4.5m deal with Slovakian side Trencin. (Daily Mail), external
Liverpool will not offload England defender Joe Gomez, 28, this month after Northern Ireland right-back Conor Bradley, 22, suffered a season-ending knee injury. (Football Insider), external
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is one of Real Madrid's top candidates to succeed Xabi Alonso as boss, with Antonio Conte and Enzo Maresca also being considered. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external
Arsenal do not intend to sell England defender Ben White, 28, despite his lack of game-time and interest from clubs including Everton and Manchester City. (Teamtalk)
Sky Paper Talk
PREMIER LEAGUE
Michael Carrick is not expected to be backed by the Manchester United hierarchy in the January transfer market - The Sun
Manchester United have made PSG boss Luis Enrique one of their primary targets as they search for the next permanent manager - The Mirror
Thomas Frank personally spoke to Conor Gallagher to convince him to make the move to Tottenham amid interest from Aston Villa - The Telegraph
Arsenal are considering a move for Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler - Daily Star
Rio Ferdinand believes that Benjamin Sesko could be the player who improves the most under Michael Carrick at Manchester United - Daily Mail
Chelsea forced the club's head of medical, Bryce Cavanagh, to sit in the technical area during games after Enzo Maresca allegedly ignored advice surrounding injured players - Daily Mail
RB Leipzig are preparing themselves for Premier League bids for Yan Diomande as they are finalising deal for 19-year-old winger Suleiman Sani, who has also been of interest of Manchester City and Tottenham - Daily Mail
Nottingham Forest are interested in Bournemouth's Marcus Tavernier, but the Cherries insist the player is not for sale - Daily Mail
Newcastle are considering a shock return for Matt Targett, who is currently on loan at Middlesbrough, following Tino Livramento's hamstring injury - The Sun
SCOTTISH FOOTBALL
Rangers face competition from English and German clubs to sign Sunderland's Dan Neil - The Scottish Sun
EFL
A number of Championship clubs have been alerted to the positive start Tom Lawrence has made in the A-League for Perth Glory - Daily Mail
Manchester United striker Ethan Wheatley is in talks with Bradford City over a loan move after being recalled from his spell at Northampton Town - Daily Mail
EUROPEAN FOOTBALL
Jude Bellingham has hit back at suggestions he suffered a falling out with former Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso on social media - Daily Mail
Xabi Alonso was undermined by his players during his time in charge at Real Madrid - The Guardian
Former Chelsea and Leicester City midfielder N'golo Kante is advancing in talks to sign for Turkish side Fenerbahce - The Athletic
Timo Werner is nearing the exit door for RB Leipzig, with a move to MLS side San Jose Earthquakes drawing closer - The Athletic
Guardian Rumour mill
Tom Davies
Liam Rosenior has been Chelsea manager for a whole week without making a signing. That is bound to be remedied soon enough, and one name that has been bandied about is that of Lucas Paquetá. The Brazilian midfielder is set to leave West Ham in this transfer window having has said he wants to leave the Premier League and join Flamengo because of his disillusionment with how he was treated over the spot-fixing allegations of which he was cleared. But the Brazilian journalist Renan Moura reports that people around Paquetá want to persuade him to stay in Europe, and Chelsea could move for him.
The future of Marc Guéhi was always likely to be one of the main plotlines of this transfer window, with original suitors Liverpool tussling with Manchester City over the defender’s services as he enters the last six months of his Crystal Palace contract. Arsenal have also shown interest but now entering stage left are Bayern Munich, whose sporting director, Max Erbl, has been having cosy chats with Guéhi’s agent at the Bundesliga champions’ training ground, according to Sky Italia.
Manchester City are also sniffing around Elliot Anderson and have reportedly made contact with Nottingham Forest about a move for the England midfielder, though not until the summer. Forest, in their turn, are keen on Marcus Tavernier but Bournemouth are insisting their winger is not for sale. Also on Forest’s radar is Youssef En-Nesyri but Everton could beat them in the race for the Morocco and Fenerbahce striker, while Forest maintain an interest in Wolves’s Jørgen Strand Larsen.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, like the cut of Alex Toth’s jib. The 20-year-old Ferencvaros and Hungary defensive midfielder is also of interest to Lazio but the Cherries are thought to be leading the race.
The Leeds winger Jack Harrison is on his way to Fiorentina, according to the Yorkshire Post. The 29-year-old has been at Elland Road, on and off, since 2018 and after various loan moves he could now be bound for Serie A, either permanently or on yet another loan. Newcastle and Spurs are also thought to be interested.
Sunderland are in the market for attacking reinforcements as they seek to shore up their top-half position in the Premier League. The Roma striker Artem Dovbryk is thought to have been offered to the Black Cats while Tammy Abraham, currently on loan from Roma at Besiktas, has also been linked with a Stadium of Light move, though Aston Villa are considered frontrunners for the 28-year-old. Besiktas, though, will demand compensation if they are to forfeit their £11m obligation to buy Abraham in the summer.
Middlesbrough want to bolster their Championship promotion campaign with a move for Brighton’s Jeremy Sarmiento. The Ecuador winger has struggled for consistent game time on loan at Cremonese and would reportedly be keen on a permanent move to the Riverside.
And a potential new arrival in the Women’s Super League could be Delphine Cascarino, who has been linked with London City Lions. The 28-year-old France winger has been at San Diego Wave for the past two seasons but L’Equipe reports that Cascarino could be open to a move to London and a reunion with the Lions’ owner, Michele Kang, who also owns Lyon, Cascarino’s former club.
Sport Witness
Newcastle United and West Ham approaches for same signing – Wages look key
By Naveen Ullal
Two months ago, AS reported Newcastle United, West Ham United and Aston Villa are all keen on Celta Vigo’s Óscar Mingueza. Unai Emery’s side had looked at the player a year ago but weren’t able to complete his signing.
Earlier this month, claims from Spain backed up Newcastle United and West Ham interest.
Recent claims elsewhere have mentioned Juventus and Liverpool as other interested parties. AS relay that and then share their own take on this case, and this is when they mention Newcastle United and West Ham.
The 26-year-old is in his final year of contract and his future beyond this season is wide open.
Earlier this season, the Spain international said he’s happy with his life, both on and off the pitch in Vigo. The La Liga side’s sporting director, Marco Garcés, has also talked about their desire to tie him down to a new contract.
That hasn’t happened yet, and his contract situation has alerted several European clubs. The former Barcelona man has been linked to Aston Villa and Marseille. AS relay it and report on the other clubs interested in securing his services.
This includes Newcastle United, West Ham, Atalanta and AC Milan. All of these clubs have made approaches, with AS not specifying whether they contacted his agent, Celta Vigo or both.
Newcastle United and West Ham have greater economic power
Newcastle United, West Ham and the Serie A duo all have greater financial resources that Celta Vigo. Therefore, a higher salary package wouyld be available, especially as a free agent.
Although his heart is in Vigo, AS insist the financial aspect makes it very difficult for Celta Vigo to renew his contract.
Newcastle United, West Ham and others can offer Mingueza a better salary than what the Spanish side can propose. In other words, ages look key to where the defender will play next season.
Had he been completely content in Vigo and not pushing for higher wages then a renewal would have been signed already. By dragging it out, the Spaniard can either push Celta for more money or see what other offers come his way.
Mingueza has played 22 matches for Celta Vigo this season.
The 4th Official
West Ham United Compete To Sign This 20-Year-Old French Defender: Does Nuno Need Him?
By Rohit Sarkar
Reports emerging from the continent, specifically via Quotidiano Sportivo, highlight that El Chadaille Bitshiabu is unsettled at RB Leipzig. The young French defender has found opportunities incredibly scarce during the 2025/2026 campaign. He has managed a mere 202 minutes of football across five appearances.
West Ham United are in the race for El Chadaille Bitshiabu
This lack of involvement has alerted several clubs across Europe. These clubs sense a chance to sign a talented prospect whose career has simply stalled in Germany. Bologna appear to be the most proactive suitor at this stage. A significant setback to Jhon Lucumí has forced the Italian side into the market.
The Colombian centre-back sustained a femoral bicep injury against Como. This injury will rule him out for approximately a month. So, Bologna’s hierarchy has initiated contact regarding Bitshiabu. They view him as a viable solution to plug their defensive gap.
However, they are not alone. A growing list of competitors, including Leeds United, Bournemouth, AS Monaco, West Ham United and Lyon, are also monitoring the 20-year-old’s situation. There is a real feeling that intense competition might price Bologna out of a move. The Italian club are hoping for a straightforward, low-cost transaction to cover their short-term injury crisis.
Does Nuno’s West Ham United Require Bitshiabu?
The links to West Ham United are worth watching, given the precarious position the London club find themselves in under Nuno Espírito Santo. The Hammers are currently languishing in the relegation zone, sitting 18th in the Premier League table.
Their defensive record is nothing short of catastrophic. They have already shipped 43 goals this season. Nuno took charge in September following Graham Potter’s departure. He is now fighting for his managerial life after a dismal run of ten games without a victory.
Does West Ham need Bitshiabu?
The statistics suggest a desperate need for defensive reinforcement. The current backline has proven porous and disorganised. It seems unable to stem the flow of goals that threatens to drag the club into the Championship. A young, physically imposing defender like Bitshiabu could offer the raw attributes they lack.
However, signing a 20-year-old with minimal match sharpness is a massive gamble. This is especially true when trying to shore up a relegation-threatened defence. Nuno typically favours tactical discipline and experience. Bitshiabu has not really had the chance to show those qualities lately.
While the Hammers clearly need fresh blood in defence, an unproven prospect might not be the immediate “fix the team requires. The board has backed Nuno with attacking signings like Pablo Felipe and Taty Castellanos. However, the club would be negligent if they ignored the defensive fragility.
Bitshiabu represents a high-risk, high-reward option. If the Frenchman adapts quickly, he could be a revelation. On the flip side, he could struggle with the physicality and pace of the Premier League after months on the Leipzig bench.
In that case, he could become another casualty of West Ham’s chaotic season. Ultimately, West Ham needs defenders. Specifically, they need defenders who can perform immediately, whether Bitshiabu fits that specific profile remains the critical question for the scouting department at the London Stadium.
Manchester City are preparing to make an offer for Crystal Palace and England centre-back Marc Guehi, 25, before the end of the January transfer window, but are unlikely to meet Palace's asking price of above £35 million. (Talksport), external
But Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has been making calls in recent days to try to convince Guehi to join them in the summer. (Sky Germany), external
Despite the departure of head coach Ruben Amorim, Manchester United do not plan to bring back England forward Marcus Rashford, 28, when his loan spell at Barcelona ends. (Talksport), external
Manchester United and England Under-20 striker Ethan Wheatley, 19, will join Bradford City on loan until the end of the season. (Manchester Evening News), external
Nottingham Forest have made an enquiry for Bournemouth's English winger Marcus Tavernier, 26, but the Cherries do not plan to sell. (Daily Mail), external
Tottenham Hotspur are blocking all enquiries for French forward Mathys Tel, 20, despite loan interest from Paris FC. (Florian Plettenberg)
Bournemouth are continuing talks with Ferencvaros over a deal for Hungary midfielder Alex Toth, 20, after their initial £8.6m offer was rejected. (Sky Sports), external
Newcastle are considering signing a defender this month after England full-back Tino Livramento, 23, suffered a hamstring injury that will sideline him for eight weeks. (Sky Sports), external
Manchester City, Brentford and Tottenham are set to miss out on Nigeria Under-20 winger Suleiman Sani, 19, with RB Leipzig finalising a £4.5m deal with Slovakian side Trencin. (Daily Mail), external
Liverpool will not offload England defender Joe Gomez, 28, this month after Northern Ireland right-back Conor Bradley, 22, suffered a season-ending knee injury. (Football Insider), external
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is one of Real Madrid's top candidates to succeed Xabi Alonso as boss, with Antonio Conte and Enzo Maresca also being considered. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external
Arsenal do not intend to sell England defender Ben White, 28, despite his lack of game-time and interest from clubs including Everton and Manchester City. (Teamtalk)
Sky Paper Talk
PREMIER LEAGUE
Michael Carrick is not expected to be backed by the Manchester United hierarchy in the January transfer market - The Sun
Manchester United have made PSG boss Luis Enrique one of their primary targets as they search for the next permanent manager - The Mirror
Thomas Frank personally spoke to Conor Gallagher to convince him to make the move to Tottenham amid interest from Aston Villa - The Telegraph
Arsenal are considering a move for Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler - Daily Star
Rio Ferdinand believes that Benjamin Sesko could be the player who improves the most under Michael Carrick at Manchester United - Daily Mail
Chelsea forced the club's head of medical, Bryce Cavanagh, to sit in the technical area during games after Enzo Maresca allegedly ignored advice surrounding injured players - Daily Mail
RB Leipzig are preparing themselves for Premier League bids for Yan Diomande as they are finalising deal for 19-year-old winger Suleiman Sani, who has also been of interest of Manchester City and Tottenham - Daily Mail
Nottingham Forest are interested in Bournemouth's Marcus Tavernier, but the Cherries insist the player is not for sale - Daily Mail
Newcastle are considering a shock return for Matt Targett, who is currently on loan at Middlesbrough, following Tino Livramento's hamstring injury - The Sun
SCOTTISH FOOTBALL
Rangers face competition from English and German clubs to sign Sunderland's Dan Neil - The Scottish Sun
EFL
A number of Championship clubs have been alerted to the positive start Tom Lawrence has made in the A-League for Perth Glory - Daily Mail
Manchester United striker Ethan Wheatley is in talks with Bradford City over a loan move after being recalled from his spell at Northampton Town - Daily Mail
EUROPEAN FOOTBALL
Jude Bellingham has hit back at suggestions he suffered a falling out with former Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso on social media - Daily Mail
Xabi Alonso was undermined by his players during his time in charge at Real Madrid - The Guardian
Former Chelsea and Leicester City midfielder N'golo Kante is advancing in talks to sign for Turkish side Fenerbahce - The Athletic
Timo Werner is nearing the exit door for RB Leipzig, with a move to MLS side San Jose Earthquakes drawing closer - The Athletic
Guardian Rumour mill
Tom Davies
Liam Rosenior has been Chelsea manager for a whole week without making a signing. That is bound to be remedied soon enough, and one name that has been bandied about is that of Lucas Paquetá. The Brazilian midfielder is set to leave West Ham in this transfer window having has said he wants to leave the Premier League and join Flamengo because of his disillusionment with how he was treated over the spot-fixing allegations of which he was cleared. But the Brazilian journalist Renan Moura reports that people around Paquetá want to persuade him to stay in Europe, and Chelsea could move for him.
The future of Marc Guéhi was always likely to be one of the main plotlines of this transfer window, with original suitors Liverpool tussling with Manchester City over the defender’s services as he enters the last six months of his Crystal Palace contract. Arsenal have also shown interest but now entering stage left are Bayern Munich, whose sporting director, Max Erbl, has been having cosy chats with Guéhi’s agent at the Bundesliga champions’ training ground, according to Sky Italia.
Manchester City are also sniffing around Elliot Anderson and have reportedly made contact with Nottingham Forest about a move for the England midfielder, though not until the summer. Forest, in their turn, are keen on Marcus Tavernier but Bournemouth are insisting their winger is not for sale. Also on Forest’s radar is Youssef En-Nesyri but Everton could beat them in the race for the Morocco and Fenerbahce striker, while Forest maintain an interest in Wolves’s Jørgen Strand Larsen.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, like the cut of Alex Toth’s jib. The 20-year-old Ferencvaros and Hungary defensive midfielder is also of interest to Lazio but the Cherries are thought to be leading the race.
The Leeds winger Jack Harrison is on his way to Fiorentina, according to the Yorkshire Post. The 29-year-old has been at Elland Road, on and off, since 2018 and after various loan moves he could now be bound for Serie A, either permanently or on yet another loan. Newcastle and Spurs are also thought to be interested.
Sunderland are in the market for attacking reinforcements as they seek to shore up their top-half position in the Premier League. The Roma striker Artem Dovbryk is thought to have been offered to the Black Cats while Tammy Abraham, currently on loan from Roma at Besiktas, has also been linked with a Stadium of Light move, though Aston Villa are considered frontrunners for the 28-year-old. Besiktas, though, will demand compensation if they are to forfeit their £11m obligation to buy Abraham in the summer.
Middlesbrough want to bolster their Championship promotion campaign with a move for Brighton’s Jeremy Sarmiento. The Ecuador winger has struggled for consistent game time on loan at Cremonese and would reportedly be keen on a permanent move to the Riverside.
And a potential new arrival in the Women’s Super League could be Delphine Cascarino, who has been linked with London City Lions. The 28-year-old France winger has been at San Diego Wave for the past two seasons but L’Equipe reports that Cascarino could be open to a move to London and a reunion with the Lions’ owner, Michele Kang, who also owns Lyon, Cascarino’s former club.
Sport Witness
Newcastle United and West Ham approaches for same signing – Wages look key
By Naveen Ullal
Two months ago, AS reported Newcastle United, West Ham United and Aston Villa are all keen on Celta Vigo’s Óscar Mingueza. Unai Emery’s side had looked at the player a year ago but weren’t able to complete his signing.
Earlier this month, claims from Spain backed up Newcastle United and West Ham interest.
Recent claims elsewhere have mentioned Juventus and Liverpool as other interested parties. AS relay that and then share their own take on this case, and this is when they mention Newcastle United and West Ham.
The 26-year-old is in his final year of contract and his future beyond this season is wide open.
Earlier this season, the Spain international said he’s happy with his life, both on and off the pitch in Vigo. The La Liga side’s sporting director, Marco Garcés, has also talked about their desire to tie him down to a new contract.
That hasn’t happened yet, and his contract situation has alerted several European clubs. The former Barcelona man has been linked to Aston Villa and Marseille. AS relay it and report on the other clubs interested in securing his services.
This includes Newcastle United, West Ham, Atalanta and AC Milan. All of these clubs have made approaches, with AS not specifying whether they contacted his agent, Celta Vigo or both.
Newcastle United and West Ham have greater economic power
Newcastle United, West Ham and the Serie A duo all have greater financial resources that Celta Vigo. Therefore, a higher salary package wouyld be available, especially as a free agent.
Although his heart is in Vigo, AS insist the financial aspect makes it very difficult for Celta Vigo to renew his contract.
Newcastle United, West Ham and others can offer Mingueza a better salary than what the Spanish side can propose. In other words, ages look key to where the defender will play next season.
Had he been completely content in Vigo and not pushing for higher wages then a renewal would have been signed already. By dragging it out, the Spaniard can either push Celta for more money or see what other offers come his way.
Mingueza has played 22 matches for Celta Vigo this season.
The 4th Official
West Ham United Compete To Sign This 20-Year-Old French Defender: Does Nuno Need Him?
By Rohit Sarkar
Reports emerging from the continent, specifically via Quotidiano Sportivo, highlight that El Chadaille Bitshiabu is unsettled at RB Leipzig. The young French defender has found opportunities incredibly scarce during the 2025/2026 campaign. He has managed a mere 202 minutes of football across five appearances.
West Ham United are in the race for El Chadaille Bitshiabu
This lack of involvement has alerted several clubs across Europe. These clubs sense a chance to sign a talented prospect whose career has simply stalled in Germany. Bologna appear to be the most proactive suitor at this stage. A significant setback to Jhon Lucumí has forced the Italian side into the market.
The Colombian centre-back sustained a femoral bicep injury against Como. This injury will rule him out for approximately a month. So, Bologna’s hierarchy has initiated contact regarding Bitshiabu. They view him as a viable solution to plug their defensive gap.
However, they are not alone. A growing list of competitors, including Leeds United, Bournemouth, AS Monaco, West Ham United and Lyon, are also monitoring the 20-year-old’s situation. There is a real feeling that intense competition might price Bologna out of a move. The Italian club are hoping for a straightforward, low-cost transaction to cover their short-term injury crisis.
Does Nuno’s West Ham United Require Bitshiabu?
The links to West Ham United are worth watching, given the precarious position the London club find themselves in under Nuno Espírito Santo. The Hammers are currently languishing in the relegation zone, sitting 18th in the Premier League table.
Their defensive record is nothing short of catastrophic. They have already shipped 43 goals this season. Nuno took charge in September following Graham Potter’s departure. He is now fighting for his managerial life after a dismal run of ten games without a victory.
Does West Ham need Bitshiabu?
The statistics suggest a desperate need for defensive reinforcement. The current backline has proven porous and disorganised. It seems unable to stem the flow of goals that threatens to drag the club into the Championship. A young, physically imposing defender like Bitshiabu could offer the raw attributes they lack.
However, signing a 20-year-old with minimal match sharpness is a massive gamble. This is especially true when trying to shore up a relegation-threatened defence. Nuno typically favours tactical discipline and experience. Bitshiabu has not really had the chance to show those qualities lately.
While the Hammers clearly need fresh blood in defence, an unproven prospect might not be the immediate “fix the team requires. The board has backed Nuno with attacking signings like Pablo Felipe and Taty Castellanos. However, the club would be negligent if they ignored the defensive fragility.
Bitshiabu represents a high-risk, high-reward option. If the Frenchman adapts quickly, he could be a revelation. On the flip side, he could struggle with the physicality and pace of the Premier League after months on the Leipzig bench.
In that case, he could become another casualty of West Ham’s chaotic season. Ultimately, West Ham needs defenders. Specifically, they need defenders who can perform immediately, whether Bitshiabu fits that specific profile remains the critical question for the scouting department at the London Stadium.