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    Five Premier League transfers that could still go through this week as cash-strapped clubs make last-ditch moves

    THE January transfer window has been a busy time of year for clubs in previous years.Last year’s window broke records thanks in large part to Chelsea’s huge spending spree, but this winter could hardly be more different.
    The likes of Conor Gallagher have an uncertain future ahead of the transfer deadlineCredit: Rex
    Instead of splashing the cash, clubs have been pinching pockets to ensure they comply with Premier League profit and sustainability rules.
    This has seen a number of low cost or loan deals come about as opposed to huge spending.
    For some clubs, however, complying with financial rules also means selling players.
    SunSport have looked at five transfers which could still go through before Thursday’s transfer deadline.
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    Jhon Duran
    Aston Villa star Jhon Duran is the most likely target for the Blues this monthCredit: Alamy
    It is no secret that Chelsea are after a new frontman, and Aston Villa star Jhon Duran appears to be their man after the Blues stepped up their interest last week.
    The 20-year-old has been billed as the most realistic target for Mauricio Pochettino’s side considering his young age and smaller wages compared to other targets such as Karim Benzema.
    Conor Gallagher
    Gallagher remains heavily linked to Tottenham before the window shutsCredit: Getty
    While Chelsea want to sign a forward, their huge transfer outlay means the club must sell, with Tottenham-linked Conor Gallagher representing pure profit from an FFP perspective due to coming through the academy.
    Reports have suggested Chelsea want £50m for Gallagher, who has captained the team for most of the season and has just 18 months left on his contract at Stamford Bridge.
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    Miguel Almiron
    Miguel Almiron could be sold to help Newcastle comply with FFPCredit: Getty
    Miguel Almiron looks set to be the main casualty of Newcastle’s need to comply with financial fair play rules as Al Shabad and Al Ahli have emerged as potential destinations for the 29-year-old.
    The Toon are preparing for his exit with belts tightened at St. James’ Park after the club posted losses of £73.4m in their 2022/23 accounts.
    Kieran Dewsbury-Hall
    A transfer for Kieran Dewsbury-Hall will depend on whether Brighton or Brentford match Leicester’s asking priceCredit: Getty
    Kieran Dewsbury-Hall has been linked with a Premier League return in recent days with Brighton and Brentford both keeping tabs on the Leicester star.
    However, any deal will depend on the clubs meeting the Foxes asking price of £35m, with talks being held.
    Jacob Ramsey
    Eddie Howe denied reports saying Newcastle have made an approach for £50m-rated Jacob RamseyCredit: Getty
    Aston Villa Jacob Ramsey has attracted interest from a number of top clubs both in England and abroad, namely Tottenham, Newcastle and Bayern Munich, with a reported price tag upwards of £50m.
    Reports suggested Newcastle have made an approach to sign the 22-year-old, though Eddie Howe swiftly denied a move had been made. More

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    Man Utd and Chelsea ‘linked with late transfer swoop for Barcelona flop’ who’s worth a staggering £216m

    CHELSEA and Manchester United are both keen on signing former Barcelona star Martin Braithwaite.The clubs both need to strengthen their forward lines and are battling it out to bring the Espanyol striker to the Premier League.
    Chelsea and Manchester United are keen to sign Espanyol striker Martin BraithwaiteCredit: Rex
    The January transfer window comes to an end on Thursday at 11pm.
    And Braithwaite – who is also a successful businessman with a £216m empire – could end up being a last-minute signing.
    The 32-year-old is the top scorer in the Spanish second division this season with 11 goals.
    Espanyol sit fifth in the table and are in the fight for an immediate promotion back to La Liga.
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    However, an unusual detail in the striker’s contract means Chelsea and United would prefer to sign him this summer.
    He currently has a £6million release clause in his contract, which expires next summer.
    But should Espanyol get promoted, he will be able to leave for free.
    If the club remains in the second tier the forward will be worth £500,000.
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    Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag needs to add firepower up front, with neither Marcus Rashford or Rasmus Hojlund reaching ten goals yet this season.
    The Blues are still in a transition period, with Mauricio Pochettino’s misfiring side stumbling to a 0-0 draw against Aston Villa on Friday.
    Braithwaite’s hopes of making Denmark’s Euro 2024 squad would be boosted if he can secure top-flight football.
    The Dane was at Barcelona for two-and-a-half years, scoring ten goals in 58 games.
    But he was released by the Catalan giants after he reportedly refused to have his contract mutually terminated, leading to claims he held Barca to “ransom”. More

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    When does the 2024 January transfer window close? All info as Premier League teams scramble before deadline day

    TIME is running out for clubs to get their business done in the January transfer window – and there could be some blockbuster deals in the pipeline.Jadon Sancho was frozen out of the Manchester United first team by Erik ten Hag before returning to Borussia Dortmund on loan.
    Jadon Sancho went on loan back to Borussia DortmundCredit: Getty
    Timo Werner completed a shock loan move to TottenhamCredit: Rex
    Ex-Chelsea star Timo Werner made a shock switch from RB Leipzig to join up with Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham.
    And all eyes are on Brentford’s talisman Ivan Toney as teams circle in an attempt to land his signature this winter.
    But when exactly does the January transfer window slam shut?
    When does the January transfer window close?
    The January transfer window will officially close for Premier League sides THIS Thursday, February 1 at 11pm GMT.
    Read more on January transfers
    However, leagues across Europe have agreed to the same deadline to make sure that deals cannot be completed outside of the window in England.
    This means clubs in La Liga, Ligue 1, Serie A and the Bundesliga also have to wrap up their deals by Thursday, February 1 at 11pm.
    It is the same time for the Championship clubs and the rest of the EFL.
    What notable deals have been completed in the January transfer window?
    Jadon Sancho returning back to Borussia Dortmund from Manchester United has been arguably the biggest deal of the window.
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    However, another huge deal this January is out-of-favour Manchester City star Kalvin Phillips making the loan switch to West Ham.
    Kalvin Phillips made the switch from Man City to West HamCredit: Getty
    Tottenham have also been busy as they recruited Timo Werner on loan as well as beating Bayern Munich to former Genoa star Radu Dragusin for £25million.
    In terms of outgoings, Chelsea starlet Ian Maatsen joined Borussia Dortmund during the same week as Sancho.
    And Sergio Reguilon ended his loan spell with the Red Devils before joining Brentford in another loan deal. More

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    Virgil van Dijk throws Liverpool future in doubt as he drops huge quit hint after Jurgen Klopp announces summer exit

    VIRGIL VAN DIJK has thrown his Liverpool future into doubt following Jurgen Klopp’s announcement that he will step down as manager.The centre-back has just 18 months remaining on his contract and he refused to commit his long-term future to the club.
    Virgil van Dijk refused to commit his long-term future to LiverpoolCredit: Getty
    The centre-back has impressed in the Premier League this season
    Van Dijk, 32, was asked if he will be part of the next era at Anfield after Klopp leaves at the end of the season.
    He replied saying: “That’s a big question. I don’t know.
    “The club will have a big job on their hands. To replace not only the manager but the whole staff, there are so many things that will change.
    “I’m very curious which direction that will go in but when that will be announced we will see our situation. I can’t say much about it.
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    “Obviously it will be the end of Jurgen Klopp’s era. I am very glad that I am still part of it. That is why I don’t like to speak about it. I am still part of it.
    “That is my main focus and we will see at the end of the season. Hopefully, we have the success that we all dream of and fight for each day and, by then, there will probably be more clarification for what the club wants for the future and then we will see.”
    Several key figures are set to leave the club including sporting director Jorg Schmadtke and coaches Pep Lijnders, Peter Krawietz and Vitor Matos.
    It appears Van Dijk is waiting to see who arrives as their replacements before deciding his future.
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    But he was adamant the squad’s mentality is still the same following Klopp’s decision to step down.
    He added: “Nothing has really changed. Obviously things will change at the end of the season and in the new season but at the moment it doesn’t and we have to keep doing the same things.
    “It’s easier said than done but I sense the rest of the boys think like that as well and it is the job for me to ensure we keep it that way. Today [Norwich match] was a good day. The manager said it in his press conference: ask everything there and then we go back to focusing on what we want to achieve.

    “That’s how I see it as well. We can speak about the situation about what will happen next year every week but it doesn’t change. It’s noise we don’t need and that’s why we focus on getting the job done and that’s why I feel nothing has changed.
    “It is still the same but at the end of the season there will be different things happening of course but that is for the club to sort out.”
    Former Red Xabi Alonso is the favourite to take over at Anfield following his success with Bayer Leverkusen, guiding the German club to the Bundesliga summit.
    While Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and Tottenham’s Ange Postecoglou are also understood to be on Liverpool’s radar.
    Jurgen Klopp has won five major honours with LiverpoolVan Dijk’s illustrious Anfield careerBy Tony Robertson

    VIRGIL VAN DIJK has been one of the best defenders in world football since joining Liverpool in January 2018.
    The Dutchman, 32, became the club captain this season following the exit of Jordan Henderson, though he has always been a central figure of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
    He helped the Reds end their 30-year English league title drought and has also helped to deliver the Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup.
    Individual awards have also been no stranger to the imperious defender.
    He has been named in the PFA Player of the Year three times, the Uefa Team of the Year three times, Fifa FIFPRO World XI three times and been named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season. He also finished runner up in the Ballon d’Or in 2019.
    His Liverpool record, with 246 appearances and 21 goals, has seen him named the Reds Players’ Player of the Season and Fans’ Player of the Season. More

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    West Ham re-open transfer talks to sign Jota and end former Celtic star’s Saudi Arabian hell

    WEST HAM have re-opened talks to sign ex-Celtic forward Jota from Al-Ittihad.The Portuguese winger, 24, joined the Saudi Pro League champions for £25million in July but has endured a nightmare stint in the Middle East.
    Jota could end his Saudi Arabian nightmare before the end of the windowCredit: Getty
    Al-Ittihad failed to register him to play in the league as the division’s rules state each club is only allowed eight foreign players in their squad.
    It means he has not featured in the Saudi Pro League since the start of September.
    He has played just six times over the last four and a half months, with those appearances coming in the AFC Champions League and Club World Cup.
    SunSport exclusively revealed back in November that his old Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou was weighing up a move for him in the January window as he looks to bolster his Tottenham side.
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    But now it appears West Ham are eyeing a deal for the attacker.
    The switch would be a loan move if David Moyes’ men are able to get it over the line – after they ended their interest in Nordsjaelland teenager Ibrahim Osman.
    But it is also understood there is a tax issue involved in the deal for Jota which could prove difficult to resolve.
    This is because Jota would have to pay a huge amount of tax to HMRC should he return to Britain having earned a tax-free salary in the Middle East.
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    Jota’s Saudi Arabian nightmareJota moved for £25million from Celtic to Al-Ittihad in the summer – with the Saudi Pro League champions also signing Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante.
    Yet his time in the Middle East has been a nightmare as Al-Ittihad decided not to register him for their squad to compete in the Saudi Pro League.
    That was due to the division’s rules that clubs are only allowed eight foreign players in their contingent.
    It means he has played 11 times since leaving Celtic and just six times since September.
    And he now appears to have joined the likes of Jordan Henderson, Aymeric Laporte and Karim Benzema in wanting out of Saudi Arabia.

    Foot Mercato are reporting positive talks have taken place between the clubs and that all parties believe an agreement can be reached.
    Jota, who has scored two goals for Al-Ittihad, is waiting to be given the green light to travel to the UK to undergo his West Ham medical.
    He is just the latest in a line of ex-European-based stars to be disgruntled by life in Saudi Arabia.
    Jordan Henderson left Liverpool for Al-Ettifaq in the summer, only to terminate his own contract and sign for Ajax earlier this month.
    Jota’s team-mate and Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema is being heavily linked with a move away from Al-Ittihad.
    And former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte recently slammed the Riyadh traffic in a scathing assessment of the country’s transport network. More

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    Divock Origi’s Nottingham Forest loan to be cancelled after just NINE games with ex-Liverpool star to seal transfer

    DIVOCK ORIGI is set to leave Nottingham Forest to join LA Galaxy on loan, according to reports.The striker has had a disastrous spell at the City Ground after failing to find the target in nine matches.
    Divock Origi is set to join LA GalaxyCredit: Getty
    He joined on loan in the summer from AC Milan but that deal is set to be cut short to allow a move to LA Galaxy, report Sky Sports News.
    Forest must sanction his departure but they are expected to do so given his struggles.
    Reports in Italy claim LA Galaxy’s loan deal for Origi will include an obligation to buy for £4.25million.
    Origi’s switch to Forest has proven to be a disaster with Premier League agents ranking the transfer as one of the worst of the summer.
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    Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are also planning some January business of their own with Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa targeted.
    However, the Portuguese stopper would cost a decent fee and that could scupper a deal because of Forest’s need to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.
    The club is already facing a minimum six-point deduction after being accused of breaching FFP profitability and sustainability rules.
    Forest reported an annual loss of £45.6m in their last accounts – but have a defence against the charge.
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    The club will point to the £47.5m sale of Brennan Johnson to Tottenham in the summer, claiming they would have complied with FFP rules if they had sold the winger to Brentford for £30m earlier in the transfer window.
    However, for the club’s sustainability they argue it was better to accept nearly £50m for Johnson in August. More

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    Chelsea trio set for exit as three Premier League clubs launch enquiries for Conor Gallagher

    THREE Chelsea players could still leave before the transfer window slams shut, according to reports.Clubs have just a matter of days to finalise deals before the February 1 deadline.
    Conor Gallagher is no closer to agreeing a new contract at ChelseaCredit: Rex
    Armando Broja is wanted by two Premier League sidesCredit: Alamy
    Trevoh Chalobah has been sidelined with injury all seasonCredit: Getty
    Chelsea are expected to have a busy end to the window with Conor Gallagher, Armando Broja and Trevoh Chalobah all potentially departing.
    Gallagher, 23, sees his contract at Stamford Bridge expire at the end of next season.
    The Athletic report that he is no closer to signing an extension and could be sold this month or in the summer.
    Gallagher has played 28 times this season and captained Chelsea on multiple occasions – but his importance to Mauricio Pochettino will not prevent a sale.
    READ MORE ON CHELSEA
    There has supposedly been enquiries about him from three teams in the top half of the Premier League.
    Tottenham and West Ham have been heavily linked with the midfielder in the past.

    Meanwhile, Broja, 22, and Chalobah, 24, are both available to leave on a permanent basis or in a loan deal with an obligation to buy.
    The striker faces an uncertain future with Wolves and Fulham interested.
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    Chalobah has not played at all this season due to injury and is looking to get back on the pitch after falling down the pecking order.
    The trio are all up for sale because they are Chelsea academy graduates.
    Selling the stars will help the Blues avoid breaking financial rules as homegrown players count as 100 per cent profit.
    Chelsea also reportedly remain interested in Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran.
    Chiefs view the 20-year-old prospect as a talent for the future.
    Gallagher has impressed in his manager in midfield this season More

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    Thomas Tuchel hints at next job after Bayern Munich as furious fans say ‘get him out of the club’

    THOMAS TUCHEL has dropped a huge hint on where he wants to manage next – and it left Bayern Munich fans fuming.The 50-year-old German boss has found himself under-pressure this term.
    Thomas Tuchel has revealed his desire to manager in SpainCredit: Getty
    He guided the club to the Bundesliga title last season after taking charge in March but Bayern currently trail leaders Bayer Leverkusen by two points.
    Tuchel has been criticised by some of Bayern’s former legendary players over his transfer signings and only has just over a year remaining of his contract.
    Now he has sparked speculation about his future by revealing that he would love to manage in Spain.
    And those remarks come on the same weekend that Barcelona manager Xavi announced that he is stepping down this summer after Saturday’s 5-3 defeat to Villarreal left them 10 points adrift of LaLiga leaders Real Madrid.
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    Tuchel, who won the Champions League during his time in charge of Chelsea, said: “Moving abroad would appeal to me again.
    “Spain has an extraordinary league. From my perspective, and based on my experience working with Spaniards, they are characterised by a tremendous amount of self-confidence.
    “When you speak with Spanish players, I quickly get the sense that you are engaging with the person.”
    His remarks did not seem to go down well with Bayern supporters as they soon vented their fury over the comments on social media.
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    “Get him out the club man,” wrote one.
    Another declared: “He wants to coach Barcelona.”
    A third claimed: “He literally is campaigning for the Barca job.”
    Another wrote: “Well, there is an open spot in Barcelona, and we, as Bayern fans, will be more than delighted to see you leave our club.”
    While a fifth said: “No respect for the club paying his wages.”
    Meanwhile, Tuchel could emerge as a target for another club.
    The Express have also claimed that his name has been added to the list of possible replacements for Erik ten Hag should Manchester United sack the Dutchman. More