Thursday 4 January 2018 09:56, UK
Our friends at Football Whispers have scoured the continental press to bring you the latest transfer news from across Europe.
Manchester City are interested in Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti. The impressive 24-year-old ball-playing centre-back, regarded by many as the best player in La Liga in his position this season, has a €60m (£53m) release clause in his contract at the Nou Camp, a figure that would not deter the Premier League leaders. (L'Equipe)
Barcelona are confident of wrapping up a deal for Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho this month. Contrary to the Catalan side's ill-fated summer pursuit of the player, the Anfield club are now willing to negotiate the Brazilian's sale, with "All roads leading to Coutinho" for Barca. (MARCA)
Coutinho's proposed move to Barcelona will make him the second-most expensive player in history, but Real Madrid could have signed the Rio de Janeiro-born playmaker for just €2m (£1.78m) in 2008. Los Blancos rejected the chance to land the Barcelona transfer target, who instead joined Inter Milan. (MARCA)
Coutinho is now just "one step away from becoming a Barca player". The La Liga table-toppers presented a €130m (£115m) offer for the midfielder on Wednesday and, while the Reds value him at €150m (£133m) , there is a belief that the two clubs can meet in the middle to get a deal done. (Sport)
Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane is eying a summer move for Chelsea forward Eden Hazard, and is willing to sweeten the pot by offering Manchester United transfer target Gareth Bale in part-exchange for the gifted Belgian. (Don Balon)
Highly rated Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has already signed a contract with Real Madrid. The 23-year-old Spaniard's Bernabeu terms include two different start dates: one in June, when his Bilbao contract expires; and another for this month in the event the European champions are able to agree a fee for his services. (AS)
Big-spending Milan could be set to offer an escape route from Arsenal to England winger Theo Walcott. The former Southampton man is looking to leave the Emirates this month in search of regular playing time ahead of the World Cup. The big-spending Rossoneri are willing to take the 28-year-old on loan for the remainder of the season. (Corriere dello Sport)
Liverpool midfielder Emre Can, out of contract in the summer and a Juventus transfer target, will not be leaving Anfield this month. Rather than cash in on the 23-year-old Germany international, the Reds will hang on to Can at the risk of losing him for free at the end of the season. (Sky Germany)
