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European paper round-up: Juventus want Gonzalo Higuain off wage bill for good

Gonzalo Higuain during the FA Cup Fourth Round match between Chelsea and Sheffield Wednesday at Stamford Bridge on January 27, 2019 in London, United Kingdom.

All the latest news from Europe, including Juventus' efforts to offload Gonzalo Higuain, while James Rodriguez is considering his next move.

The transfer window may now be closed until the summer, but that doesn't mean the rumour mill has stopped turning.

So we asked our friends at Football Whispers to scour the European media to bring you the latest news and gossip from the continent.

Italy

Juventus are not interested in taking Gonzalo Higuain back after the striker's loan stint at Chelsea comes to an end. The Italian champions are unwilling to pay his high salary, especially now that they are set to add Aaron Ramsey to their extensive wage bill.

Juve are under the impression Chelsea will look to secure the 31-year-old's services on a permanent basis, but that may depend on whether Maurizio Sarri is still in charge come the summer. (Calciomercato)

Daniele Rugani is set to sign a contract extension with Juventus which will commit the defender to the club until 2023.

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Juventus defender Daniele Rugani is admired by Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri
Image: Daniele Rugani has played 78 times for Juventus

The Chelsea transfer target has impressed for Max Allegri's side in the absence of injured duo Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini. The contract extension will double Rugani's wages. (Calciomercato)

Having secured Ramsey from Arsenal, Juve have set their sights on Real Madrid left-back Marcelo. The Brazilian has been heavily linked with a move to Turin following Ronaldo's move there from the Spanish capital.

Marcelo, who is close friends with Ronaldo, is keen on the idea of moving to Italy but will not join the Serie A leaders unless Alex Sandro, the current first-choice in his position, is sold. (Tuttosport)

Napoli are edging closer to signing Villarreal midfielder Pablo Fornals after reaching a verbal agreement with the player. The 22-year-old seems a natural replacement for China-bound Marek Hamsik. (Corriere dello Sport)

Marcelo could join up with former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus.
Image: Marcelo has been at Real Madrid since 2007

Portugal

Benfica forward Joao Felix, with whom several of Europe's top clubs have been linked, may be set for a bumper new deal which would see his release clause increase to £175m.

Liverpool, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are all said to have scouted the 19-year-old in recent weeks. Felix was on target once again on Sunday as Benfica annihilated Nacional 10-0. (A Bola)

Germany

Barcelona have won the race to sign Luka Jovic. The Serbian striker, on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt from Benfica, has lit up the Bundesliga this season, scoring 14 goals in 19 games.

Luka Jovic celebrates after scoring for Eintracht Frankfurt
Image: Jovic is the Bundesliga's top scorer

The 21-year-old is seen by Barca as the ideal long-term successor to Luis Suarez and will edge out competition from Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Chelsea to get him. Jovic is likely to cost the Catalans in excess of £70m. (Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung)

Spain

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri has lost the confidence of the dressing room after Sunday's humiliating 6-0 defeat to Manchester City. The Italian is fighting to save his job with this month being make-or-break.

The Blues face Malmo in the Europa League last 32 before hosting Manchester United in the FA Cup. They round out the month with the Carabao Cup final against City before a league encounter with Tottenham. (AS)

James Rodriguez is not keen on a move to the Premier League. The Colombian, on loan at Bayern from Real Madrid, is unsure where he will be playing his football next season with uncertainty over whether or not Real are keen to reincorporate the 27-year-old into the squad.

James Rodriguez
Image: Rodriguez has been on loan at Bayern since 2017

Rodriguez will not be short of options, though. Juventus are said to be interested and may find themselves in the driving seat for his signature in the summer. (Marca)

France

Paris Saint-Germain trained in a 4-2-3-1 system ahead of their Champions League clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford. PSG boss Thomas Tuchel, without Neymar, Thomas Meunier and Edinson Cavani, has tinkered with his system and looks to be entertaining the possibility of playing Kylian Mbappe up top with Dani Alves, Julian Draxler and former United man Angel di Maria in behind. (L'Equipe)

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