25 Dec 2021 11:16:41
Players where interest has been shown:
Yves Bissouma (CM/ DM) Brighton would like to continue to resist any approaches although time may be running out now - with the player having made known his desire for the club to consider offers for him although has not formally requested a transfer. He shares a "representative" with Pepe who he spent a season with at Lille and he failed to persuade Arsenal to move for him - and they have now likely moved on. Interest of Spurs may not have departed with Mr Mourinho with them moving on Sissoko and looking for an upgrade on Ndombele - although he will not be first choice. Monaco may have provided an option but I suspect the price will be too high for them and they have a first choice preference.

he is not home grown which makes him less attractive to most English sides although Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool have spoken with his representative. He is not first choice for Manchester City but they could return - Manchester United do not currently have space in the midfield and have a preferred target to replace Pogba and clear DM targets, but don't lose sight of them - Liverpool interest remains but they may not have the money without sales. Leicester were also keen but opted for another. There is a further complication in that his family is directly involved in all major decisions and another an off-field issue. Brighton have made clear to one side who enquired that they will be looking to get as close as they can to £50M - although that seems rather unlikely now. As it stands right now, a move to Liverpool is unlikely.

Renato Sanches (CM) Lille are happy to let the player move on due to the constant muscle injuries he suffers; they wanted €20M cash or €30M with payments spread out although that could increase if Jorge Mendes can find multiple bidders or if there is no sale in January. Klopp has praised him in the past and he would be a more affordable replacement for Wijnaldum, but interest is not yet firm again but Liverpool could look to reducing the fee or even perhaps offering Origi in exchange - but Lille need cash. Barcelona had a sustained interest but they have moved on. I had thought prior interest of Wolves would likely have left with NES but they could take a chance on him joining on a loan to buy deal after his recent injury - they may even be in a position to look for a cheaper straight cash deal in January. Arsenal would need to make space due to their imbalance between DM and CM. Milan may provide an option but would rather save money and utilise loanees Tommaso Pobega and Yacine Adli to cover for the departing Kessie. The concern would be injury issues and, although talented, he is inconsistent. Maybe something can be done.

Jude Bellingham (CM) Manchester United and Chelsea were keen before he moved to Germany and will be interested again when he is made available for sale - and expect interest from Manchester City and potentially Liverpool as well. Dortmund will not be forced in to selling him next year and will seek a huge fee when he is sold.

Youri Tielemans (CM) will not sign a new contract so will be available in the summer at a reduced fee. His agent confirms that there is interest from Real Madrid who are looking for a Luka Modric replacement and that he has been approached by a third party representing Newcastle and is aware that other clubs, including Bayern Munich and Liverpool have scouted the player. Seems unlikely.
Franck Kessié (CM) Efforts are being made to secure a new contract, but the issue is over the wages continues with Milan struggling. Could potentially be sold but I expect agreement to be reached eventually else there will be a lot of interest with Juventus looking to meet his demands. Interest of Mr Mourinho at Spurs and now Roma remains. Spurs also want him as an Ndombele replacement but the player remains keen to move to Chelsea to eventually replace Kante - but Chelsea turned down the offer from his agent initially although a proposal is on the table that would suit both clubs and the player. His agent has also approached Manchester United and PSG but both sides would need to move a player on in order to add Kessie - but both are interested. His agent has also spoken with Liverpool and Leicester who may be interested in agreeing a pre-contract in January but both have preferred targets. Will move elsewhere.


Philippe Coutinho (AM/ CM) was available in the summer and was actively being offered around to English, Italian and German sides - but the clubs approached like Spurs, Arsenal, Wolves, Leicester Liverpool and Everton had preferred options or no interest and would only look to him if options dried up and if a loan to buy option were available - but Barcelona ideally wanted cash and still do. Italy may provide an option on loan but that won't suit Barcelona which might well rule out Lazio. Milan would not be a surprise at the right price. If Barcelona cut their losses then they may look to an exchange and might see who clubs like Juventus have available. Kia wanted to get him in to Arsenal ahead of Odegaard or Aouer - but that came to nothing.

Kia will knock on Edu's door again in January and try and strike a deal - but with Odegaard signed it is hard to see where he would fit in without Smith Rowe departing. Kia will also try Spurs again, who do have space in their squad but unless they soon turn things around their focus might be elsewhere. A deal involving Ndombele may be suggested. Kia has approached Newcastle but they have no immediate need for a superagent and need to resolve other issues before buying players and it is an unattractive option for Pipco. Liverpool will likely also be approached but I doubt would be interested - but you never know.
Florian Wirtz (AM) has admirers in Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Bayern Munich. Newcastle have a very experienced third party scouting players in Germany for them and have also looked at Wirtz. Has signed a new long-term contract but is playing well and Bayern might well look to an offer in the summer. Bayer Leverkusen will not want to sell and will point to the length of his contract. One for 2023 perhaps.

Aguibou Camara (AM) Although he has only just moved to Olympiakos, Lille have declared an interest in taking the player back and a number of PL sides have been sending scouts to watch him - including Liverpool and Leicester - but getting a Work Permit to play in England would be very difficult. Additionally, Villareal and Monaco have been watching. Not out of the question.
Luis Diaz (LW/ LM/ AM/ F) Porto rejected an offer from Spurs in 2020 and Mr Mourinho is thought to be keen on taking him to Roma and moving Justin Kluivert on permanently. Spurs do remain keen and Atletico have a declared interest. The player has been offered to Chelsea and Everton and has been scouted by Newcastle, Manchester United, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund at the behest of his agent although with Ancelotti gone Everton are not an option. His agent would like to organise a move to Real Madrid but they will not be looking to spend the required €80M cash on him. Unless the price drops considerably, Liverpool can be discounted.

Jarrod Bowen (RW/ LW) I am still not aware of any formal approach to West Ham by Liverpool, but Bowen is a player who would be an ideal replacement for the now departed Shaqiri - and he is HG. Liverpool have a good relationship with his agent and have apparently spoken with him. I don't know if West Ham would be open to selling. Their focus is on other positions. So it makes some sense if West Ham are open to a sale and if the player accepts a bit-part role. Previously Leicester had an approach turned down by West Ham. Spurs want to add competition to Moura but Bowen would want to be a starter so any club signing him would need to convince him of their project. I would not rule it out.

Moussa Diaby (LW/ RW) Bayer Leverkusen were approached about the player by Borussia Dortmund in the summer - they made it clear that he was not for sale. Liverpool have taken a look at him as a potential Salah replacement. Very unlikely.
Marco Asensio (RW/ LW) Goals have largely dried up and his representative is working with a third-party agent to find a club willing to pay something like €40M for the player. The third party has said that the player ideally wants a club in the Champions League but the discussions he has had have been with Leicester City and Leeds so far and admits knocking on the door of other PL clubs including Arsenal and Spurs - who opted for a deal involving Gil. Milan and Juventus have been approached but have shown no interest. I suspect he might be seen as an option but only if Salah or Mane is sold by Liverpool but would not be first choice. Real Madrid will be open to using him in a part exchange deal of some type but finding a buyer at the asking price might be difficult but will try and do something with Dortmund or Seville. Unlikely.

Mikkel Damsgaard (LW/ AM) Spurs asked after a price for the player at the behest of Mr Mourinho who may have taken his interest on to Roma, but they don't seem to have the space unless Pastore or Mkhitaryan were to leave. Spurs lost the plot rather and made a particularly low offer in the summer. If they are serious they will return and make a serious offer. Real Madrid consider him an option at the right price if they sell Isco. Sampdoria saying Southampton and Leeds, and more recently Aston Villa, have all enquired about the availability of the player who only joined last summer. Aston Villa have added Leon Bailey to Trezeguet already so would be looking to use him in an AM role.

Juventus see him as a potential addition but game time would be restricted. Sampdoria have told Milan that they are not open to being given their "off cuts" in exchange and want a huge cash deal - but Milan would need to sell Leao to bring him in - and they also need the money after completing the Tonali deal. Leeds have a compelling need to add a LW/ AM player and might well push. Liverpool are well placed in the wide positions but could see him as an AM player they are in need of. Don't lose sight of Juventus or Lazio. Sampdoria are reluctant to sell but I suspect more clubs will be showing an interest. I expect him to stay another year unless a very good offer is made.

Kingsley Coman (LW/ RW) Bayern Munich are open to moving the player on and adding a fresh face if a new contract is not signed. He has already been discussed with an English side but they have not made an offer and it is dependent on a departure. The player has not ruled out signing a new contract but there may not be a good enough offer coming. The asking price could be beyond what any club will pay. Nagelsmann would like him to stay but his representative sees better options elsewhere. Bayern Munich said €100M plus to an English side who enquired. Liverpool are amongst a number of clubs who have asked after his availability - but unless Mane or Salah leave there is no starting place for him and even then he is very likely beyond their financial means. Bayern Munich say only one side has directly approached them. Not first choice for Chelsea or Juventus.

Adama Traore (RW) Valencia, Leeds and West Ham have asked Wolves about his availability and it would not be a surprise to see some interest from Spurs. Could potentially still interest Klopp who has had the hots for him before. Wolves will want a new contract agreed. Liverpool interest has not gone away and Adama Traore is not keen on a new contract at Wolves. If a move were to happen, one of the "front three" would certainly leave in the summer. To fund it Liverpool would either need to sell players, Wolves to accept a payment plan again or they would have to borrow the money. As I have said before, Klopp really likes him and it is certainly a possibility but there is little return in goals and Sarr might be a better option in that respect. Valencia may be open to an exchange for Goncalo Guedes.

Ismaila Sarr (RW/ LW/ F) is possibly available regardless of Watford being promoted. Wolves have enquired after him - wanting to be kept informed just in case Adama Traore is sold. Crystal Palace have him on their list of potential Wilfried Zaha replacements, but he is not their first choice, although they could turn to him if their first-choice heads elsewhere (which he will) . Liverpool are interested inasmuch as he is another player like Adama Traore that Klopp has had his tongue down the throat of, but whilst he would make a good replacement for Shaqiri consideration would need to be given to (a) would Sarr want to limit his playing time to that which Shaqiri gets, (b) he is not Home Grown, (c) he would block Harvey Elliott's progression, (d) he would cost £30M or thereabouts, and (e) like many players asked about, would depart for AFCON when it happens as he is Senegalese. I am not aware of any approach to Watford by Liverpool but they have spoken with his agent. If Mane or Salah were to leave Liverpool, it makes a great deal more sense and would provide the funding.

Jeremy Doku (W) Bayern Munich turned their attention to him but have stepped back after being told an asking price by his agent that reflected Rennes paying over the odds for him and the club will look to keeping him another year - as Rennes do not consider him for sale. Liverpool have had a long term interest in the player. Real Madrid consider him an option to replace departing wingers. It was suggested to Arsenal that he would be a good replacement if they can off-load Pepe. Perhaps one for the summer but lack of goals might be a concern for Liverpool, but don't rule him out at all.

Luis Diaz (LW/ LM/ AM/ F) Porto rejected an offer from Spurs in 2020 and Mr Mourinho is thought to be keen on taking him to Roma and moving Justin Kluivert on permanently. Spurs do remain keen and Atletico have a declared interest. The player has been offered to Chelsea and Everton and has been scouted by Newcastle, Manchester United, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund at the behest of his agent although with Ancelotti gone Everton are not an option. His agent would like to organise a move to Real Madrid but they will not be looking to spend the required €80M cash on him.

Ousmane Dembele (LW/ RW/ F) Klopp's interest does not seem to go away but the attraction will be that he is a Free Agent although his preference is likely to be elsewhere unless Salah or Mane were to leave. He will be a Free Agent in the summer - Barcelona may try again with a new contract or a January sale but his agent is offering him around now - looking for a large signing on package from the usual suspects. Barcelona may spring a surprise in January and look to see if something could be done with potential targets at Juventus or Milan to reduce the price. They may also look to an exchange with Chelsea for Rudiger but the Chelsea interest is elsewhere rather than Dembele. With Sancho arriving it is hard to see interest from Manchester United although they have been approached. A discussion has been held with Newcastle. }

Karim Adeyemi (S) Interest from several sides who have been watching including Barcelona and Liverpool but will not be sold in January. Bayern Munich were told Adeyemi is not for sale and his agent says eventually a move to RBL is planned and I would expect him to be playing in Germany next season. However, Bayern Munich will look to early discussions to try and strike a deal for next summer or just possibly 2023. RBS will continue to resist an early sale but will be will open to an auction next summer. I would not rule out an offer from Borussia Dortmund. Won't be moving to Liverpool.

Players who might leave or interest has been shown in:
Loris Karius (G) will be sold for whatever the club can get or released in January for nothing if another club shows an interest. Union Berlin saw the price Liverpool wanted as too high. Greuther Furth and Basel may offer a solution in January at a very low fee or may opt to look to agreeing a deal to take him as a Free Agent in the summer. Another lesson to be learned by Liverpool when pricing sales.
Nathaniel Phillips (CB) West Ham interest remains and an enquiry has been made by Brighton who are seeking a CB addition in January. If not over-priced he should get a move.

Thiago Alcantara (CM) At 31, he could be sacrificed in the summer to make space for additions.
Naby Keita (CM) I am told he is looking to stay but Liverpool might want to see what options they can find for him.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (CM/ RW) AOC is uncomfortable with his lack of game time and options are being sought by his agent.
Mo Salah (RW) I suspect the contract situation is made complicated because of his expectation to be the post-Ronaldo poster boy at Real Madrid - and might of been if the financial expectations were better. Approaching 30 he might now be thinking that opportunity has gone for good and his "agent" might well be pressing for a huge deal in terms of money and length of contract that would not suit the club - hence there being no agreement so far. I would not completely discount Barcelona as an option but it would require at least one player in exchange and he knows that Real Madrid have a much preferred target.

Divock Origi (S) The interest of Cercle Brugge has gone due to asking price. Fenerbahce were interested in a loan with an option to buy. Crystal Palace had him on a list of potential Batshuayi and Wickham replacements but moved on. He will be somewhere down the extensive list of strikers West Ham were considering but might be a realistic option as they need to fix two key problems. Wolves offer an option but not at the asking price. Mainz have an interest. Liverpool will keep him if they cannot get the price they want.

1.) 25 Dec 2021
25 Dec 2021 14:06:09
What a fantastic Christmas treat! Thanks very much Ed002, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.

Other than a pre-contract situation in January, with multiple players out of contract in the summer, is it unrealistic to expect a January arrival?

{Ed002's Note - I hope the club will not buy for the sake of it and make sure they get whoever they decide they want in the long term. I am not so sure that the club will be able to do much in January.}

2.) 25 Dec 2021
25 Dec 2021 14:09:23
Thanks Ed002. Awesome info as always. Guess a lot will depend on outgoings and how much can be raised.

3.) 25 Dec 2021
25 Dec 2021 15:09:07
Merry Christmas Ed! Appreciate the update.

4.) 25 Dec 2021
25 Dec 2021 16:18:36
In regards to Salah and Barcelon you said if they moved it would require a player in exchange, is that Liverpool wanting a player or Barcelona wanting to offload? And who would it most likely be.

{Ed002's Note - They would offer a selection of players such as Coutinho and Dembele.}

5.) 25 Dec 2021
25 Dec 2021 18:23:21
Thank you very much, Ed02. Merry Christmas to you.

{Ed002's Note - And you. Thanks.}

6.) 25 Dec 2021
25 Dec 2021 19:10:08
The gospel 👌🏻.

7.) 25 Dec 2021
25 Dec 2021 20:53:59
Thanks Ed 👍🏻.

8.) 25 Dec 2021
25 Dec 2021 21:56:05
Thanks Ed - great read - concise and to the point. Thanks for taking the time and effort.

As w3 get to the end of another difficult year I’d like to say thanks to all the Ed’s for their efforts and to everybody who contributes. We don’t always agree but that’s a good thing - it would be nowhere near as interesting if we did. The best football site on the inter web thing by mikes.

Bring on 2022 - English and European Champions, here we come!

{Ed002's Note - We appreciate the continued support of the site. Enjoy the holiday season.}

9.) 26 Dec 2021
26 Dec 2021 12:22:43
Thank you so much eds2. It is very much appreciated mate. I hope you enjoyed your Christmas
Do you think Brighton mite consider a swap plus money for bissouma and Nathaniel Phillips?

{Ed002's Note - Brighton wsill resist a sale, so it seems unlikely.}

10.) 26 Dec 2021
26 Dec 2021 12:42:21
The only person I listen to for LFC transfer news thanks ed2!

11.) 26 Dec 2021
26 Dec 2021 18:18:48
You certainly don’t skimp on details Ed. Thank you! I hope you had a good Christmas and hopefully a boozy new year to follow.

As for what we’re looking at, selling any of our starters for Traore would be crass stupidity by the club, as would be accepting any deal from Barcelona for Salah which included their deadwood. There’s not one player at Barcelona even remotely worth taking, their current league position and performances in the champions league is testament to how awful and how far they’ve fallen. Essentially a one man team has been found out.

12.) 26 Dec 2021
26 Dec 2021 20:02:11
Ed002 simply brilliant.

Thank you. Have been an avid pupil of yours and Ed001 on this site since the near administration and the takeover from Hicks and Gillett.

My best wishes to you for a peaceful and healthy New Year.

13.) 27 Dec 2021
27 Dec 2021 00:31:06
interesting to see what happens. Hope we are smart with the little amount we may have available.

14.) 27 Dec 2021
27 Dec 2021 07:04:05
I don't see Haaland in that list. : ( presume that's because we haven't shown interest, or our interest is in a different galaxy :)

15.) 27 Dec 2021
27 Dec 2021 13:51:25
Thanks Ed! Hasn’t doku now agreed a deal, I think it was with atalanta?

{Ed002's Note - No, maybe you are thinking of Boga.}

16.) 27 Dec 2021
27 Dec 2021 16:25:10
Thank you Ed!

17.) 30 Dec 2021
30 Dec 2021 16:24:26
Offering couthino or dembelle as a replacement for salah is like offering a Ford fiesta for a ferrari, abs madness and we'd be out of our minds to spend hald a second even concidering it.