Bruno Fernandes is on the verge of joining Manchester United, with Sporting set to receive around £60m, but the Portuguese midfielder will play in the Lisbon derby tonight against Benfica, which puts the deal in some doubt. Atletico Madrid’s Marcos Llorente could become available due to a lack of playing time, with Diego Simeone eager to shuffle his squad – namely through Edinson Cavani, but Paris Saint-Germain want a big fee, despite the Uruguayan being out of contract in the summer. Arsenal will hope to give Mikel Arteta a couple of new players, either on short-term loans or free transfers, with Layvin Kurzawa an option from PSG to bolster their left-back options. Manchester City do not look likely to sign players, despite being significantly off the pace that Liverpool have set, and the Reds are comfortable right now, both with their lead in the Premier League and the fact they have acquired Japan’s Takumi Minamino from RB Salzburg.
Chelsea could be busy, both in and out: OIivier Giroud looks set for Inter Milan, while the Italians are also looking to add Ashley Young from Man United as Antonio Conte eyes a title in his first season in charge at the San Siro. Tottenham Hotspur have appeased Jose Mourinho to a degree by adding Gedson Fernandes on an 18-month loan and could dip back into the market to add Ze Luis from Porto to cover for Harry Kane, who is out for almost the entirety of the remainder of the season.
Ernesto Valverde’s departure could see Quique Setien handed a few new faces at Barcelona, but it seems as if the Catalans want to trim their squad firstly, with Jean-Claude Todibo set for Schalke in a £25m deal. The 20-year-old joins on loan with a number of options to buy and buy back. Here we detail the latest rumours and news around the continent as we enter the final two weeks of the season.
Obstacles remain but Bruno Fernandes could soon be a Manchester United player. In negotiations involving the agent Jorge Mendes, Fernandes is keen on a move to Old Trafford, which leaves Sporting and United to settle on a fee.
That is not a mere formality. United’s preference in this window has always been to explore short-term options for cover in midfield, so as not to block or complicate moves planned for the summer, with James Maddison still greatly admired by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and others at the club.
Senior club sources stressed the difficulty of making January signings at the start of the window. Solskjaer refrained from making any adjustments to his squad this time last year while still serving as caretaker manager and this time last week, he was playing down the chance of any new arrivals.
Simeone discusses Lemar future
"The facts speak for themselves, better than words. It is certain that he has not been able to show all his qualities," Simeone said.
"Each time that he has been available, I have tried to play him. I have always been enthusiastic about his qualities as a player.
"He has not met the expectations set for him, but we have always had the same expectations.
"Today, who is to know if he will stay or not. His representatives are working hard. The clubs, they operate on what they need."
1) Rashford injury scuppers Solskjaer’s Liverpool plans
Marcus Rashford’s goal at Old Trafford in October is the only reason why Liverpool have not made a perfect 21-game start, and Manchester United’s ability to cause the league leaders problems at Anfield on Sunday will be hampered by a potential back injury to their top scorer. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer thinks he has found “a nice way of playing” against Jurgen Klopp’s side. He is undefeated in two meetings, to be fair, having defended deep and countered quickly on both occasions. But if Rashford is unavailable then United will lose a large part of their threat on the break and another surprise result would seem unlikely. (Mark Critchley)
2) Chelsea have golden chance to tighten top-four grip
After a valuable point at Molineux last time out in the Premier League (snapping a three-game losing streak), Steve Bruce will have been thrilled to see a more fluid display from Newcastle midweek. Against an admittedly overmatched Rochdale in the FA Cup third round replay, Miguel Almiron continues to purr after a slow start to life in England with his second goal in as many games. While, crucially, Joelinton finally broke an agonising dry spell for his first goal since August. Now it’s Chelsea at home, who clicked in equally impressive fashion at home against a hapless Burnley side plummeting towards the relegation zone. But should Bruce’s side revert back to their more reactive shape, this game could resemble something often seen by the Blues at Stamford Bridge this season, where they are tasked with probing resilient opponents. But with Reece James and Callum Hudson-Odoi starting to burst with confidence, Frank Lampard may have unearthed more cutting edge out wide, which will be needed at St James’ Park. Chelsea will be especially eager to secure the points, knowing fifth-placed United have a daunting trip to Anfield to come on Sunday, meaning their five-point cushion in fourth could grow yet further. (Jack Rathborn)
3) The most important game this weekend...
Liverpool are playing Manchester United this weekend, but there can be no doubt what is the most important fixture. Bottom-placed Norwich welcome next-to-bottom Bournemouth knowing they cannot barely afford anything but a win if they are to stay up this season. Yet Bournemouth are sinking without a trace and they too are desperate for all three points; Eddie Howe’s future might depend on it. Neither side have a win in their past six games, so this match may not be high on quality, but you can be sure it will be overflowing with tension and emotion. (Lawrence Ostlere)
*** DONE DEAL KLAXON ***
United confirm Young departure
“Well, to be fair, I think it was for Ashley, you know,”
explained Solskjaer.“He is 35 in the summer and, if he gets a two-year contract somewhere, I think it's up to him to take that. We weren't ready to offer that.
“He's been a good servant for the club. He's been captain and he's won trophies, leagues, cups, but we've got players coming through.
“So it was time now, then. When Ashley's head and mindset was on 'yeah, I want to try this', why not do it now?
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