Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld has also been linked with a move to Barcelona
Wednesday 17 October 2018 11:15, UK
Clubs across Europe are busy preparing for the January window, assessing their squads to see where reinforcements are required.
That means the transfer rumour mill never stops, so we asked our friends at Football Whispers to round up all the latest news and gossip from the continent.
Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar is open to a move back to Barcelona and the Catalan club are thought to be willing to consider the return of their former player. The Brazilian forward is currently unhappy in the French capital, and is worried that he will be overshadowed by World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe at the Ligue 1 side. (El Mundo Deportivo)
Barcelona continue to be linked with a number of centre-backs, and they will look to make a move for one of them in the January transfer window. The club's first-choice target is Ajax defender Matthijs De Ligt, but he will be difficult to get mid-season. Tottenham's Belgian centre-back Toby Alderweireld is an alternative target, and the 29-year-old is considered a realistic option given that his contract expires at the end of the current campaign, although Spurs to have a year-option in his deal. (Marca)
Another candidate Barca are considering is a short-term loan deal for former Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic. The 34-year-old Serbian currently plays for Zenit Saint Petersburg, and though the deal may suit Barcelona, it might not be ideal for the Russian club who are looking to return to the Champions League after finishing a disappointing fifth last season. (El Mundo Deportivo)
Marcos Alonso has been offered a contract extension at Chelsea even though his current deal still has over two seasons left to run. A new contract will be signed this month and could be announced within days, tying the player down at the club until at least 2022. Barcelona and Real Madrid have been interested in the Spain full-back, but he would prefer to sign a new deal with Chelsea. (AS)
Cagliari midfielder Nicolo Barella is an Arsenal transfer target. The Italian international is wanted by a number of clubs in Italy while Liverpool are also keen on landing the 21-year-old. The Gunners see Barella as a possible replacement for Aaron Ramsey, who is out of contract in the summer. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
Tottenham will rival Juventus and Internazionale for Danish centre-back Joachim Andersen, who could cost up to £30m. The 22-year-old has impressed for current side Sampdoria, who have made a good start to the new Serie A campaign. Inter are favourites to sign the defender who is yet to be capped by Denmark. (Sport Mediaset)
There are yet to be any formal offers for in-demand Chelsea transfer target Krzysztof Piatek, according to the player's agent. The Polish striker has more than a goal per game for Genoa in Serie A this season, and is attracting interest from across Europe. "There has been no official offer for our player from any club. Many clubs have contacted us in recent weeks, but I cannot name them." said the player's representative, Szymon Pacanowski. (CalcioNapoli24)
The latest Liverpool transfer rumours have raised the possibility that Divock Origi could leave the club in the near future. The Belgian is yet to feature in a match-day squad this season and Galatasaray and Besiktas are both interested in the striker. (Turkish-Football)
