THE fee to bring Joao Felix to the Premier League has been revealed as Atletico Madrid are open to a loan move, according to reports.
David Ornstein of the Athletic has stated that a €21 million package has been discussed with English clubs.
This includes a €15million loan fee to Atletico Madrid and the rest covering Felix’s wages.
Elsewhere, Chelsea have agreed a deal for Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile and he could be announced as early as TODAY.
The 21-year-old is now set for a medical with the club as he looks to complete the transfer.
The Blues have also signed Vasco midfielder Andrey Santos, 18, and are awaiting confirmation.
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Stay tuned with all the latest transfer news…
- Jon Boon
Konate eyed by Real Madrid
Ibrahima Konate is a shock transfer target for Real Madrid, according to reports.
France publication Media Foot claim Carlo Ancelotti is a huge admirer of the Liverpool centre back.
However, a move in January appears unlikely – with the LaLiga side willing to wait until the summer to land their man.
Liverpool are reluctant to sell, but a huge offer could persuade them to part with the France defender.
- Jon Boon
Forest's transfer plans
Steve Cooper has revealed Nottingham Forest are open to doing business in the January transfer window.
He told Sky Sports: "I'll work day by day with the players at the training ground but I'm trusting the club to get the work done.
"There is that sense of 'Forest signing players again' but we've picked up some long-term injuries since the summer. Jesse [Lingard] is out for a month now so we if we can add the right players in the right positions we'll do that."
- Jon Boon
Lukaku's Boehly reveal
Romelu Lukaku revealed he was allowed to leave Chelsea after telling owner Todd Boehly how he felt about Thomas Tuchel.
The Blues’ record £97.5million signing also confirmed he has no intention of ever returning to Stamford Bridge and wants to stay at Inter Milan.
Lukaku, 29, said: “Boehly decided to let me leave after I told him the whole truth about my relationship with Tuchel.
“It was a great chat – I told him my version of what happened.
"Then I had the opportunity to return to Inter and Boehly opened the door for me.”
But the 104-cap Belgium ace is determined to stay in Italy before returning to his boyhood club Anderlecht.
He added: “Everyone knows what I want.
"I hope to stay at Inter. I love this club and we will speak to Chelsea in order to find a solution.
“Inter fans are really special, for me they are the best in the world.
“Because even if we are in difficulty they are always there to help the team.
"It was a surprise for me, I thought they were angry with me.
“But in the end they know I’ve always had Inter in my heart. Even if I left, they know I’ve always had Inter in my heart.
“I’ve had conversations with my team-mates, with people from the club and they know I’ve told the truth about why I left.
“Now I’m back and I hope to stay in the future. I mean that for me Inter is worth everything.
“The idea is to finish my career with Anderlecht. I’m nearly 30, my son started school here and plays in the Inter academy. I want to stay here and do things right.”
- Jon Boon
Ferdinand defends pal Ronaldo
Rio Ferdinand has defended Cristiano Ronaldo for cashing in with a mega-money move to Saudi Arabia.
Ferdinand believes Ronaldo "deserves" his £173million-a-year Al Nassr contract more than Wayne Rooney and David Beckham with their own lucrative "swansongs" in the USA.
Portugal legend Ron, 37, opted for a country criticised for its human rights record after reportedly receiving little interest from Europe.
But fellow Manchester United legend Ferdinand reckons "no man on the planet" has earned a money-spinning transfer more than Ronaldo.
The former England centre-back is furious at claims it's "sad" and a "disgrace" that Ron chose Saudi Arabia.
Ferdinand told his Vibe with FIVE podcast: "Let a man go and live, let a man go and enjoy it."
- Jon Boon
Conte blasts Tottenham's transfer policy
Antonio Conte says Tottenham can’t live up to "crazy" expectations if they don’t spend like their Premier League rivals.
Conte said: “I continue to repeat that last season we made a miracle.
“It happened, why? Because we played only one competition and we played with 12 or 13 players that didn’t have injuries in the last 15 games.
“We did a miracle, but I knew what the situation was and then I was very clear with the club (over what was needed) to become title contenders.
“I remember very well in the summer people talked about Tottenham as title contenders but it was a bit crazy to see this.
“To become title contenders, to become a team ready to fight to win something, you need to have a solid foundation, which means to have 14 or 15 strong players, with quality, and the other young players to develop.
“Every season, you can add two players – but two players priced £50m, £60m, £70m.
“In this way, it means you are signing important players who can improve the quality and the level of your team. But this is a process, guys.”
- Jon Boon
Dumfries linked with Chelsea
Chelsea are tipped to bid big for Denzel Dumfries after Reece James’ latest injury woe.
But Manchester United are also keen on Inter Milan’s £53million-rated right-wing back.
The Dutchman shone in the World Cup as crock James missed out.
And after 11 weeks sidelined, the England star only lasted 53 minutes of his comeback, a 2-0 win over Bournemouth on December 27.
James could be absent for another month due to his new knee problem.
And Sport Italia suggest Dumfries could be catapulted into top place on Chelsea chief Graham Potter’s wishlist for the January transfer window.
- Jon Boon
Haaland celebrates NYE
Erling Haaland celebrated New Year’s Eve in style.
The giant Norwegian enjoyed an evening out with girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen at the swanky Ivy restaurant in Manchester.
The Manchester City star, 22, had a night on the tiles just hours after scoring in his side’s disappointing 1-1 draw with Everton.
Haaland and Isabel, 18, looked to be in good spirits despite the result as they entered The Ivy via a secret side passage.
And it’s believed the pair were joining family at a private dining area to see in 2023.
The Ivy’s website showed there were two menus available for the occasion, one starting at £75 per head and the other £110.
- Jon Boon
Jimenez to leave
Raul Jimenez could be allowed to leave Wolves, according to report, if they find another striker.
The Premier League club have already brought in Matheus Cunha from Atletico Madrid.
And boss Julen Lopetegui wants another striker – which could relegate the Mexico to third choice, claim the Daily Mail.
- Jon Boon
Souness slams Lloris
Former Liverpool star Graeme Souness has slammed Tottenham's Hugo Lloris for having the "worst record of any goalkeeper" in the Premier League.
He said: "I'm not a fan of Lloris.
"Since the start of last season, he has made four errors which have led to goals – that's the worst record of any goalkeeper.
"He is past his sell-by date."
- Jon Boon
Luiz still interested in Gunners move
Douglas Luiz stuck a knife through the heart of Spurs, scoring in a 2-0 win for Aston Villa against Arsenal’s North London rivals.
But, months before he was linked to the Gunners – after stalling on signing a new contract.
The Brazilian has since signed a new deal with his club Aston Villa.
However, according to the Football Insider he is still keen on joining Mikel Arteta’s men.
- Jon Boon
Ronaldo had MLS offer
Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly had just ONE other transfer offer before joining Al-Nassr.
And it’s reckoned the race was neck-and-neck before Ronnie plumped for a mega-money move to the Middle East.
The Blue Testament claims Ronaldo could have ended up at a different club instead.
It was widely reported that he was holding out for offers from Champions League clubs, with Chelsea and Bayern Munich linked.
However, the only other offer that came Ronaldo’s way was from MLS outfit Sporting Kansas City.
- Jon Boon
Gakpo thought he was Utd bound
World Cup star Cody Gakpo admits he thought he was joining Manchester United.
But the Dutchman has no regrets about opting for a £37million move to rivals Liverpool instead.
Gakpo declared: “It was difficult this summer. It was a very intense period.
“I tried to find my peace but it was difficult. I thought I was going to Man Utd, but in the end it didn’t work out.
“Leeds came in. They are a good club but I asked myself should I really go there, and when you have a lot of doubts it is not good.”
- Jake Sanders
Leeds close to signing defender
Leeds are closing in on the signing of RB Salzburg centre-back Maximilian Wober, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Both player and clubs are in agreement with the deal with the Elland Road club set to pay in excess of €12m.
Wober has played more than 100 times for the Austrian champions and has worked under Jesse Marsch previously when he was Salzburg boss.
- Jake Sanders
Lukaku sends Chelsea message
Romelu Lukaku doesn't want to return to Chelsea at the end of his loan spell at Inter Milan.
The Belgian striker is currently back at San Siro following a failed first season with the Blues.
His loan deal runs out at the end of the season, but he wants to remain in Italy.
He told Sky Sports: "I spoke to Chelsea about my relationship with the coach and I decided to come back to Inter.
"Things went very fast and I'm happy. I hope to stay at Inter, Inter for me is everything. But we need to find a way with Chelsea."
- Jake Sanders
Badiashile update
Benoit Badiashile is expected to sign a six-and-a-half year deal at Chelsea, according to L'Equipe.
He's still expected to be part of the Monaco squad for their game with Brest.
But the defender will then travelling to London on either Sunday or Monday to complete his move to Stamford Bridge.
- Jake Sanders
Dubravka’s loan deal ends at United
Newcastle have recalled Martin Dubravka from his loan spell at Manchester United.
The goalkeeper made the switch on a season-long loan but has seen his stay at Old Trafford end early.
Dubravka made two appearances for the Red Devils, both in the Carabao Cup, and the last of those less than two weeks ago against Burnley in the fourth round.
He was left out of the squad for the wins over Nottingham Forest and Wolves.
- Jake Sanders
Spurs prepared to axe defender after bust-up
Tottenham are prepared to sell right wing-back Emerson Royal following a bust-up on the training ground.
The Brazilian has generally been Antonio Conte's number one during his time in charge.
But Royal was left on the bench at Brentford on Boxing Day with Matt Doherty getting the nod.
And Football Insider claim that Spurs are now willing to let him leave in January after falling out with a member of the coaching staff.
- Jake Sanders
Tottenham close to first January signing
Tottenham are closing in on the signing of Sporting Lisbon star Pedro Porro, according to the Star.
Antonio Conte has been in the market for a right wing-back for several months and looks to have finally got his man.
The report claims that Porro is set to complete his move to North London before the end of next week and will cost £35m.
He faced Spurs twice in the Champions League this season and has played almost 100 times for the Portuguese club.
- Jake Sanders
Chelsea reach agreement for defender
Chelsea have agreed a fee with Monaco to sign Benoit Badiashile, according to reports.
The centre-back is now set for a medical before finalising a switch to Stamford Bridge.
According to The Athletic, the Blues have had a £33million bid for Badiashile accepted by Monaco.
The Frenchman has also agreed personal terms with Chelsea and the transfer is set to be finalised soon.
Badiashile, 21, will undergo a medical before joining the club on a long-term deal.
- Jake Sanders
Exclusive by SunSport’s Alan Nixon
Aston Villa are keeping an eye on Jordan Pickford’s contract issues — as they brace themselves for offers for World Cup winner Emi Martinez.
Pickford has yet to settle a new deal at Everton and that has alerted his admirers.
Those, of course, include Chelsea — as we first revealed in November.
But Villa are keen on him, too, if Argentine hero Martinez gets a big-money move in this month’s transfer window.
There has been a lot of noise from the Martinez camp about interest from several clubs.
Bayern Munich are among the big sides who may make a move.
- Jake Sanders
Happy New Year footy fans
There are no less than five top sides battling it out for Dusan Vlahovic.
The Serbian striker could leave Juventus with the club in turmoil after their board dramatically quit.
Arsenal, Man Utd and Chelsea are leading the race from England, says Calciomercato.
But Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are also known to be interested.
Meanwhile, Newcastle could face a transfer blow as Manchester City have opened talks with Argentine wonderkid Maximo Perrone.
The 19-year-old plays for top-flight team Velez Sarsfield in his hometown of Buenos Aires.
And City have opened talks over a £6.5million move, says the Mail.
That's despite longstanding interest from Newcastle, as well as Wolves and Benfica.
Elsewhere, ex-Liverpool and Barcelona star Luis Suarez has joined Brazilian outfit Gremio.
The striker left boyhood club Nacional in November following a short spell.
But Suarez has now signed for the SEVENTH club of his career.
He's penned a two-year contract with the South American giants after reportedly rejecting offers from Saudi Arabia and the MLS.
Finally, Sergio Ramos could be reunited with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr.
Marca claims the Saudi Arabian giants are still plotting big moves despite landing Ronaldo in a mega-money deal.
And PSG veteran Ramos is top of their wishlist after struggling in France.
- James Orr
Exclusive by SunSport’s Alan Nixon
Aston Villa are keeping an eye on Jordan Pickford’s contract issues — as they brace themselves for offers for World Cup winner Emi Martinez.
England goalkeeper Pickford, 28, has yet to settle a new deal at Everton and that has alerted his admirers.
Those, of course, include Chelsea — as we first revealed in November.
But Villa are keen on him, too, if Argentine hero Martinez gets a big-money move in this month’s transfer window.
There has been a lot of noise from the Martinez camp about interest from several clubs.
Bayern Munich are among the big sides who may make a move.
- Anthony Chapman
Exclusive by SunSport’s Alan Nixon
Man Utd are trying to jump into the race for Sunderland wonderkid Chris Rigg.
Red Devils bosses would love to land the 15-year-old prospect as one for their future.
But Newcastle remain strong favourites to sign the central midfielder from their fiercest rivals, who is also wanted by Everton.
Rigg is rated the best of his age in the country and has already captained England's Under-16s.
- Anthony Chapman
Exclusive by SunSport’s Alan Nixon
Man Utd midfielder Hannibal Mejbri is on the wanted list of French giants Marseille.
The Tunisia international is currently on loan to Birmingham City in the Championship.
But Marseille are keen to step in — and sent one of their top men to check his progress last week.
Meanwhile, forward Charlie McNeill may go out on loan to find his form.
- Anthony Chapman
Mudryk drops Arsenal transfer hint
Arsenal target Mykhailo Mudryk has dropped a big hint he could join the Gunners in January.
Mudryk, also linked with Chelsea, shared a compilation video showing his best goals and skills of 2022 on Instagram.
And he used the song Circo Loco by 21 Savage and Drake over the highlight footage, which includes the lyrics: “Still gotta see the Gunners win Premier League.”
Mudryk then posted a picture of Mikel Arteta and Brighton's Roberto De Zerbi, his former Shakhtar manager, saying: "Top 2 coach."
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