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Manchester United are keen to strengthen this month and are now reportedly willing to pay the release clause of one of their well-documented targets.

Manchester United January transfers

Given his side's inability to consistently carve out results this campaign, Erik ten Hag will be keen to utilise the January window as a launchpad to reboot Manchester United's campaign as the Dutchman endeavours to elevate their standing in the Premier League.

Speculation has already ran wild over who the Red Devils could look to recruit this window, especially in the forward areas, as identifying and acquiring support for Rasmus Hojlund and Anthony Martial in attack creeps up the priority list at Old Trafford.

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Speaking in his Daily Briefing via CaughtOffside, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Manchester United are keeping informed on Bayern Munich striker Eric Choupo-Moting as they look to add variety in the final third.

Romano stated: "Bayern Munich striker Eric Choupo-Moting is one of many names being discussed internally. It’s nothing concrete, nothing advanced yet. Still, Bayern have Harry Kane and Mathys Tel as options up front, so obviously there’s not so much space for Choupo-Moting and Man United have been informed of his situation. At the moment it’s not a negotiation, from what I’m told, but it may become one to watch."

The Cameroon international is believed to be part of a four-man shortlist of strikers who the Red Devils could try to entice to the North West, with Timo Werner, Thomas Muller and Serhou Guirassy also in their thinking.

United willing to pay Guirassy release clause

According to reports in Spain, via The Faithful MUFC, Manchester United are ready to pay a fee of £15.1 million to sign Stuttgart striker Guirassy this month, which is in line with his release clause at the Bundesliga outfit.

Serhou Guirassy in-game statistics – Bundesliga (Sofascore)

Goals per game

1.2

Shots per game

3.4

Shots on target per game

1.8

Expected goals

11.56

Big chances missed

10

Average match rating

7.86/10

The outlet claim that the Guinea international has been on the radar at Old Trafford for quite some time and is now viewed as an option the Red Devils could look to invest in; however, he will not be available during January as he is on international duty at the African Cup of Nations.

Previously dubbed "incredible" by Dean Jones on the Ranks FC podcast, the 27-year-old has already notched 19 goals and two assists in 16 appearances this campaign across all competitions (Guirassy statistics – Transfermarkt).

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Looking ahead, Guirassy could provide a spark in attack at Manchester United if he were to move to England this month, though we will need to wait and see on that front.

Journalist Paul Brown has shared some detail behind a "serious" last-gasp deadline day Fulham bid to sign Tottenham star Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

Fulham deadline day signings

Despite the links to a plethora of stars very late in the window, Fulham did little business yesterday but did manage to seal a dramatic late loan move for AC Milan defender Fode Ballo-Toure.

The Senegal international, who plays as a left-back, joins Adama Traore, Raul Jimenez, Calvin Bassey, Steven Benda, Alex Iwobi and former Leicester City defender Timothy Castagne as Marco Silva's main summer signings.

Fulham were also boosted by star midfielder Joao Palhinha remaining at the club, as his proposed move to Bayern Munich collapsed in the eleventh hour.

The Portugal international had even travelled for a medical with Bayern, but the Whites ultimately didn't give the green light to the move, possibly because they couldn't source a late replacement.

Hojbjerg, who was a mainstay for Spurs under Antonio Conte last season, has found game time difficult to come by in Ange Postecoglou's new-look Tottenham system.

The Dane, as a result, was being chased by Fulham during the latter stages of the summer window – with journalist Brown sharing what he's heard on the matter to GiveMeSport.

Indeed, it is believed Fulham were the "last club" to make a "serious" last-ditch offer to sign Hojbjerg, but the move didn't come to fruition.

The former Southampton star is now left in "limbo" as a result of this, as explained by Brown to GMS:

“Hojbjerg is also one who isn't going to be allowed to leave. I think Fulham were the last club to make a serious offer, but they no longer need to decide what to do about how they replace Joao Palhinha, and I'm not sure he was their first choice there.

“So, he's currently in limbo. It is interesting that Ange Postecoglou also said today that he's not going to be freezing anyone out. If any of the fringe players they're trying to sell end up staying beyond the deadline, they will be reintegrated.

“He's not quite as strict on squad numbers as other managers and he is willing to work with a slightly bigger squad, while he says that right now it's not a problem in terms of numbers in training or anything like that.

How good is Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg?

While Palhinha staying reduces the need for Hojbjerg, in a hypothetical universe, he may well have been a capable deputy for the ex-Sporting CP ace.

The Denmark international ranked as one of Spurs' best-performing players per 90 last term, according to WhoScored, with Hojbjerg also registering the highest pass accuracy (88.6%) of any Tottenham player with over 10 starts.

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He chipped in with nine goal contributions in the league, four goals and five assists specifically, and former Spurs keeper Paul Robinson praised Hojbjerg for his performances at the back end of last year.

"I’ve been surprised by how much he has stepped up this year," said Robinson to Football Insider.

“I thought he was the one who would make way for Yves Bissouma. The club spent a lot of money on Bissouma. I think Hojbjerg recognised that and stepped up.

“He is playing to a level that we have never seen before. He is playing his best football in a Spurs shirt."

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane is open to a potential move away from north London this summer but he and his camp are not agitating for a move.

Who wants to sign Harry Kane?

The 29-year-old striker is now coming into the final year of his deal with his boyhood club and speculation as to whether he will see that final season out remains rife.

Indeed, the England captain has finished his campaign for the Lilywhites having shone in what was a seriously underwhelming term for the club.

Kane was able to net a whopping 30 goals in the Premier League which was just six off the league's top scorer Erling Haaland who was playing Pep Guardiola's extraordinary Manchester City side.

And having impressed once again in a Spurs shirt, Kane is believed to have attracted the interest from Manchester United and Real Madrid.

This comes two years after the England captain was believed to be pushing for a move away from north London amid the interest from City.

However, speaking on the Five YouTube channel, David Ornstein has claimed this is not the case this summer with the striker's camp very much in contact with the chairman Daniel Levy:

"As far as I know, he is open to all opportunities, including Real Madrid, I'm not aware that he would not play outside the Premier League like some have suggested."

"Harry Kane, his family, they love Spurs, they're Tottenham supporters, it would do them no greater pleasure than to succeed, win trophies, compete in the Champions League with Tottenham, that is their ideal scenario.

"But we're not living in an ideal world. And that's why they are open to everything. I don't sense they're agitating, like some perceive them to be in the summer of 2021. I think there is communication on this occasion with Daniel Levy, which there wasn't at that time. And so I think things are very calm."

Will Kane sign a new deal?

There are contrasting reports over the interest coming from Madrid now with some claims from Spain suggesting Los Blancos could be willing to wait until next summer to make their move for Kylian Mbappe.

If this is the case then it could possibly halve Kane's options this summer to just United as Erik ten Hag looks to solve their issues up top.

However, it is believed Levy would be willing to allow Kane to run his contract down next season rather than allowing him to leave this summer for the Red Devils.

Given United are said to be so desperate to address their issues at striker this summer, missing out on Kane could potentially see them find an alternative long-term option.

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If this were to be the case, then it could put some serious question marks as to where Kane could actually move.

And there is certainly potential for this to work in Tottenham's favour if Kane's options are to fade away as it could leave the £200k-per-week striker open to signing a new deal in north London.

As Ornstein suggests, it appears the striker would be open to staying at Spurs this summer and there is no burning desire to force a move, currently.

So if his options are to fade over the coming months, it could possibly leave Spurs his most attractive offer.

Arsenal reporter for GOAL Charles Watts has been left buzzing over the news that Bukayo Saka is close to signing a new contract, dubbing it ‘massive’.

The Lowdown: Saka contract update

As per The Daily Mail, Saka is close to signing a new deal worth over £10m-per-year, as he is convinced that the North London club are heading in the right direction under Mikel Arteta.

‘Significant’ progress has been made over the last few weeks, with Saka making it clear that he wants to stay, and the principles of an agreement are already in place.

The deal would be worth £200,000-per-week, likely making him the club’s highest-paid player.

The Latest: ‘Massive’ news

Taking to Twitter, Watts expressed his delight at the news of Saka’s contract, dubbing it ‘massive’:

“Tough to put it into words how huge it is for Arsenal that Saka’s new deal is imminent. Just massive for the club. Still a few details to be sorted, but biggest hurdles have been overcome. With Martinelli, two of football’s top talents committed on long term deals. Massive.”

The Verdict: Big boost

Saka signing a new long-term deal is no doubt a big boost for Arsenal.

The winger has nine goals and eight assists in the Premier League so far this season, more than any other Gunners player, while he also averages more crosses (1.1) per game than any of his team-mates.

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At just 21 years of age, he is a huge talent with still so much potential, emphasised by the fact that he has already been capped 24 times by England.

Saka was linked with a move to title rivals Manchester City this summer, and so it is imperative that they extend his deal in order to protect his value and fend off interest.

Leeds United have been handed a tough test for their return to Premier League action this evening following the recent World Cup break, with the Elland Road outfit set to play host to champions Manchester City.

This fixture did not prove particularly fruitful for the Whites last season as the Yorkshire side shipped 11 goals without reply in those two meetings, with it even more concerning that that miserable record came prior to Erling Haaland’s arrival.

The Norwegian hotshot – who was born in Leeds – will seemingly be hoping to maintain his rampant start to life in English football with another clinical showing later today, with the 22-year-old having already bagged 18 goals in just 13 league games thus far.

Although manager Jesse Marsch will likely be concerned with trying to stop his former Red Bull Salzburg asset from adding to that tally, the American should also be considering how his own attacking unit can hurt the opposition, with the 49-year-old seeking to avoid a third successive league defeat.

The former RB Leipzig man has, however, seen his preparations disrupted amid the injury woes of a number of his key men, with it now an anxious wait to see if the likes of Jack Harrison, Crysencio Summerville and Rodrigo – among others – will be fit to feature against Pep Guardiola’s side.

That lengthy list of potential absentees could well provide a chance for summer signing Wilfried Gnonto to prove his worth from the start, however, with the Italy international having been restricted to just three top-flight appearances so far this term.

The 19-year-old’s only start in the league in the current campaign for his new club came in the defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last time out, with the teenager having been hooked at the break in that 4-3 thriller.

Nevertheless, the former Zurich starlet – who scored 12 goals and recorded ten assists in 74 games during his time in Switzerland – has shown flashes of his quality during his time in England thus far, having particularly impressed during the club’s recent mid-season friendly fixtures.

That impact was lauded by pundit Noel Whelan, who suggested that the youngster could now be deserving of a more prominent role heading into the second half of the campaign:

“I think he’s ready. Everyone has seen that. He’s had time to settle into the football club, into the environment, new teammates – and now he looks ready, and very hungry.

“There have been some real moments of brilliance in these friendlies. He’s like a firework when he gets on the ball because he’s just got so much energy.

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“He is definitely a very exciting player and someone who can make a difference in this second half of the season.”

Having been eased into his new surroundings in recent months, the time has seemingly come for Gnonto to truly show what he can do by being given a consistent run in the side, with the club’s injury woes set to provide him what that platform to impress.

While it may not be ideal circumstances to unleash such a raw talent against the might of City, the 5-foot-7 sensation could well prove the hidden gem who can make the ‘difference’ tonight.

Manchester City supporters have been handed a significant update on Phil Foden’s mooted new deal at the Etihad Stadium.

The Lowdown: Foden set for fresh terms?

The 22-year-old has been tipped to sign a new deal for the past year, with reports suggesting that he will put pen to paper on a blockbuster contract.

Since being introduced to the first team on a more regular basis at the back end of 2019/20, Foden has gone on to become a mainstay and a crucial player under Pep Guardiola.

The homegrown ace and boyhood City fan has totalled a fantastic 48 goals and 35 assists across 170 appearances in all competitions whilst also making crucial contributions towards the Sky Blues’ recent success.

As a result, Etihad chiefs are reportedly prepared to offer bumper new terms to convince Foden to remain in Manchester.

The Latest: Foden agrees new Man City deal…

Writing for the Irish Independent, reporter James Ducker of The Telegraph has shared an exciting update on the saga.

He claims that Foden has ‘agreed a deal’ which will more than double his current City salary to around £250,000 per week.

City are apparently ‘on the verge’ of announcing the midfielder’s fresh deal, which could tie him to the club ‘until 2028’.

Goal Machine! Show your love for Erling Haaland with this awesome t-shirt! Click here to buy… The Verdict: Brilliant news…

Foden allegedly being set to extend his stay comes as a real boost for the Citizens, given his quality and potential to be a one-club man.

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At his current trajectory, the England international could go on to become a City legend if he decides to remain at Eastlands for the rest of his promising career.

Foden’s love for the club is well documented, and to us it is no surprise that this brilliant news has emerged.

Celtic are believed to be pursuing a move for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Edouard Michut, with the youngster seemingly set for a departure from the Parc des Princes this summer.

What’s the word?

According to journalist Nicolo Schira, the Parkhead outfit are said to be “working” on a deal for the 19-year-old, with the asking price potentially set to be around €6m (£5m).

Writing on Twitter about the Old Firm giants’ interest in the teenager, the transfer insider stated: “Celtic are working to try to sign PSG’s young talent Edouard Michut. Paris want €5-6M (£4.3-£5m) and a % on the future sale.”

This follows a report from Fabrizio Romano earlier this week that claimed the Hoops were interested, while also revealing that the player’s current side are open to letting him leave this summer.

Marco Verratti 2.0

The young Frenchman may be an unknown quantity to most – having made just eight senior appearances for the Ligue 1 side thus far – although the belief is that he could well be set for big things in the coming years, having caught the eye in the Parisien outfit’s youth ranks.

Dubbed “highly technical” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the promising playmaker will add further creative flair to Ange Postecoglou’s midfield ranks, with the club in need of additional depth following the departures of Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton.

Although it may take time for Michut to settle to life in Scottish football, supporters can begin to get excited at just what a highly-rated talent they could have on their hands in the long-term, with the £2.7m-rated gem having even drawn comparisons to current PSG teammate, Marco Verratti.

That is some praise indeed considering the talent of the 29-year-old Italy international, with Verratti having previously been described as “one of the best midfielders in the world” by German legend Bastian Schweinsteiger.

The former Pescara man – who joined his current side in 2012 – has been performing at the elite level for a number of years now, having notably played a key role in the European Championship success for his country last summer.

A master in possession and the man to keep things ticking, the diminutive maestro compares favourably to those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, ranking highly in a string of attacking metrics, including in the top 1% for progressive carries and the top 2% for progressive passes and dribbles completed.

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Managing to match the serial-winning gem will no doubt pose a real challenge for young Michut, although the belief is that he has the quality to do so, with Verratti himself having previously lavished his teenage colleague with praise, dubbing the France U19 international as “decisive” earlier this year.

It looks as if  Postecoglou could potentially have his own world-class midfielder in his ranks if the starlet is to sign this summer.

AND in other news: Ange could form “special” duo with Celtic bid for £2.1k-p/w target, imagine him & CCV

Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie believes Rangers’ fatigue could play into the Hoops’ hands in their crucial Scottish Premiership meeting.

The Lowdown: Massive game at Parkhead

Arguably the biggest league game of the season takes place at Parkhead on Sunday afternoon, as Ange Postecoglou’s side host their biggest rivals.

Celtic are six points clear with four matches remaining this season, so victory for them this weekend would surely mean them regaining their league crown.

It promises to be a nerve-shredding occasion between two of world football’s biggest adversaries.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/key-latest-celtic-updates-4/” title=”Key latest Celtic updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

The Latest: McAvennie discusses Rangers weakness

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie claimed that Rangers’ midweek Europa League makes the Hoops the resounding favourites on Sunday:

“I’m fairly optimistic we will get a result on Sunday. Celtic are well-rested and Rangers won’t be so we have to exploit that.

“I’m hoping we can blow Rangers away and I think with the crowd behind us then we will. Rangers just defended for their lives against Leipzig so that should tire them out.

“But the last time they faced us after a European game they won so we have to be at our best to get something. Hopefully there are goals, Kyogo will want an Old Firm goal to his name for sure.

“I think it will be a good game with lots of goals because Rangers need the win. If they commit men forward it will open them up at the back and we can swarm them.  Ange will want a bit of revenge after that cup loss as well but I do think we will get the job done.”

The Verdict: Celtic undoubted favourites

McAvennie makes a fair point, with Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side getting through a huge amount of work on Thursday night, as they lost 1-0 away to RB Leipzig.

On the flip side, Celtic have had an entire week to prepare for the match, affording Postecoglou time on the training ground with his players, as well as keeping them fresh.

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This certainly plays in their hands going into the game – it’s now a case of proving that they have more legs and quality, as they look for a priceless three points.

In other news, a pundit has reacted to a key Celtic transfer update. Read more here.

Manchester United are keen on signing Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn in the summer.

That’s according to The Telegraph, with a number of Red Devils fans giving their thoughts to the news on social media.

United aren’t expected to be busy during the January transfer window, with the club turning their attentions towards a busy summer.

Midfield is thought to be an area where United want to strengthen, with McGinn featuring against Ralf Rangnick’s side in a 1-0 FA Cup defeat last week.

The Telegraph’s James Ducker revealed on Monday that the 27-year-old is admired by Old Trafford technical director Darren Fletcher and could be valued at around £40m. Should his contract situation remain the same in the Midlands, the Scot would have two years left on his deal in the summer, although he is expected to be offered new terms.

United fans react

@utdreport shared the links regarding McGinn on social media. Here is what these United fans had to say in reply, with a mixture of responses available to view below, where one supporter labelled it as ‘ridiculous’.

“Wow”

Credit: @3112Christian

“This is fantastic”

Credit: @Bosun_Betiku

“This is ridiculous when he costs as much. He does why not get someone more suited to the manager like Zakaria whilst saving a lot of your money for a better player and get them now, I don’t really just see the point, just trying to throw us off surely!”

Credit: @detectivechimpR

“These are the types of players we need ‘work horse’ ”

Credit: @Jornwathe4

“Shame on Man United.”

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Credit: @manutdtimes

“If we’re even looking at this it’s absolutely ridiculous”

Credit: @henryja04492394

In other news: ‘Conte at it again’ – Lots of Man Utd fans react as Spurs now eye move for £120k-p/w ace

The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards has dropped a worrying update from behind-the-scenes at Newcastle United amid continued speculation over Steve Bruce’s future.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days had suggested that Bruce was set to be axed ahead of this weekend’s Premier League game against Spurs, but with just a couple of days to go now before Sunday’s clash, no action has yet been taken.

And now, Edwards has revealed that those behind-the-scenes at the club are beginning to worry about the situation and what is likely to happen.

Initially on Twitter, he said: “Mood darkens around St James’ Park with lack of clarity over Steve Bruce’s future.”

Then, in a follow-up article for The Telegraph, he added: “Worryingly, training ground sources have said the mood has darkened in the last couple of days, with coaches fearing they are about to lose their jobs and players lacking focus because of the lack of clarity.

“Both players and staff are taking a day off on Thursday and that surely represents the moment to reveal whether Bruce is going to stay on or not.”

Fans will be worried

When the takeover was confirmed, Newcastle fans would surely have been hoping, if not expecting, Bruce to be gone and a new man (if temporary) in charge for the game against Spurs.

The clash against Nuno Espirito Santo’s side seemed like the perfect stage for a fresh new era, especially with it being at home to St James’ Park – having Bruce in the dugout for a game of such significance in the club’s history was almost unthinkable.

But according to Edwards, the lack of action over Bruce has those inside the training ground feeling like they have been left in the dark, unsure of where they stand with the new regime.

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That is hardly the kind of preparation and feel-good momentum anyone would have wanted heading into the first game of the PIF era.

The longer the new owners leave it to relieve Bruce of his duties and make it clear what their plans are – either appointing a new manager straight away or confirming Graeme Jones as some sort of caretaker boss – fans will be worried.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are keen on making this landmark appointment…