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The January transfer window is almost upon us and there are rumours aplenty despite there still being plenty of World Cup football to be played before the mid-season market opens.
Jude Bellingham is among the main talking points as the Borussia Dortmund midfielder – a target for Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid – stars for England out in Qatar.
Bellingham is bound to fetch a fee of over £100million but is unlikely to be leaving Germany after the World Cup, with a summer exit from Dortmund far more likely. One player who is certain to find a new club after his international exploits out in the Middle East is Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo left Manchester United by mutual consent last month and is being courted by clubs across the globe. The Portugal captain is being heavily linked with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr, who have made a gigantic offer to the 37-year-old veteran that could reach £160m per year.
Elsewhere, Chelsea are keen on Croatian centre-half Josko Gvardiol of RB Leipzig. Croatia are into the World Cup quarter-finals after beating Japan last night with the defender’s price tag continuing to rise. He could cost over £75million come the summer window.
Follow all the latest transfer news and rumours with Express Sport below.
Spurs favourites for Kessie
Tottenham are favourites to sign Franck Kessie, it has been claimed. Kessie only joined Barcelona on a free transfer in the summer.
However, he has only made two La Liga starts so far this season. Spanish outlet Sport says the player’s future will be decided this month.
But Kessie is still expected to remain at the Camp Nou for the remainder of the campaign. Spurs are said to have made direct contact with Barca over a potential deal.
Dumfries agent concern
The agent of Chelsea and Tottenham target Denzel Dumfries hopes his client’s price doesn’t rise too much. The wing-back has been a star of the World Cup so far for the Netherlands.
And Rafaela Pimenta is concerned that Inter Milan could price Dumfries out of a transfer. The agent told Sky Sports Italy: “I hope his value doesn’t increase — otherwise it will be difficult to transfer him.”
Real leading Endrick race
Real Madrid are ahead of both Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain in the race to sign Brazilian wonderkid Endrick. Fabrizio Romano says Los Blancos are in talks over a deal worth around £51million.
Endrick is considered one of Brazil’s brightest young talents. He doesn’t turn 17 until next July but has attracted interest from some of Europe’s top clubs.
Al-Nassr close on Ronaldo
Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr are confident they will sign Cristiano Ronaldo after the World Cup. Ronaldo has been offered a staggering contract to prolong his playing career into his 40s.
Portugal face Switzerland in their round of 16 clash on Tuesday evening. But once their participation in Qatar is over, CBS Sports report that Al-Nassr believe Ronaldo will put pen to paper on a deal.
Leeds contract talks
Leeds are set to begin talks with Jack Harrison over a new contract in the coming weeks. Harrison’s current deal at Elland Road expires in 2024.
Tottenham and Newcastle were interested in signing the winger in the summer transfer window. But Leeds Live says Jesse Marsch’s side are desperate to tie up his future soon.
Gvardiol to Chelsea latest
RB Leipzig star Josko Gvardiol was the top defender target for former Blues boss Thomas Tuchel. Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is still keen on signing the Croatian.
However, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Barcelona are also all interested. Sky Sports Germany says Gvardiol’s release clause in his Leipzig contract does not become active until 2027.
United admit Bellingham defeat
Manchester United have admitted defeat in pursuit of England sensation Jude Bellingham. German transfer reporter Florian Plettenberg says the Red Devils are out of the race to sign him.
United attempted to sign Bellingham before he joined Dortmund in 2020. However, it appears they will not be in the running this time.
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