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Pogba heading home to PSG?

Paul Pogba has been attracting attention from other clubs. 

PSG are reportedly ready to splash their oil dollars again with a move for France's current golden boy Paul Pogba. Italian agent Ernesto Bronzetti, who helped facilitate Carlo Ancelotti's move to Real Madrid, says the reigning Ligue 1 champions are prepared to bud big bucks to capture the Juventus midfielder. "Juve will do well to get 50/60 million euros," Bronzetti has said. "A deal is not very far away. Agnelli has made it clear that they can't keep Pogba." Well, well.

23.00 GMT: An update on Thibaut Courtois now, and he has revealed that talks over his future have begun with Chelsea. "My agent is currently talking with Chelsea," he told Knack. "One of the weeks I'll have a chat with Jose Mourinho -- when we meet hasn't been decided yet. January is a busy month for me and also for Chelsea." He is currently on loan at Atletico and has never actually played for Chelsea.

22.23 GMT: Having had one offer rejected, Rennes are ready to improve their bid for Espanyol forward Thievy Bifouma, 21.

21.44 GMT: Parma striker Antonio Cassano has revealed he had hoped to move to Sampdoria this month but has accepted he will be going nowhere.

21.26 GMT: Fiorentina midfielder Borja Valero says Giuseppe Rossi is a big loss, but they have a big enough squad to cope without going out and signing reinforcements.

20.59 GMT: AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has said there will be no more new signings for the Serie A club this winter.

20.11 GMT: Napoli apparently interested in taking Luis Alberto from Sevilla, according to AS. The young left-back who recently broke into the Spain squad has been linked with plenty of other teams - including Real Madrid, and has a 30 million-euro release clause, although AS reckon that cash-strapped Sevilla would take 18 million euros for a player who a year ago was playing for their B team in Spain’s third tier. No new quotes from principals though.

19.44 GMT: Besiktas' hopes of luring Ronaldinho back to Europe are over. The Brazil international has pledged his future to Atletico Mineiro by signing a new contract, as announced by the club's president Alexandre Kalil on Twitter. It reads: "The fans are annoying but the man loves them. Renewed!"

19.04 GMT: PSG are monitoring Iker Casillas' uncertain situation at Real Madrid, according to le10sport.

18.20 GMT: Here's the full story of Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino saying the club have not received offers for any of their key players.

17.45 GMT: Auxerre say they have had no contact with Borussia Monchengladbach over Paul-Georges Ntep, 21, who has been linked to the German club.

17.35 GMT: Rumours rumble on over Fulham's plans for the January transfer window, and AS reports that Bryan Ruiz is close to a loan move to Real Betis. The Spanish side are bottom of the Primera Liga with 11 points from 18 games, while the Cottagers are not faring much better -- Rene Meulensteen's men are just two points off the Premier League relegation zone.

17.23 GMT: DONE DEAL! Bournemouth youngster Jayden Stockley has rejoined Torquay on a one-month loan deal, the Championship club announced on their official website. The 20-year-old cut short his time at Leyton Orient earlier this season to join the League Two strugglers' relegation battle.

17.16 GMT: DONE DEAL! Conor Newton has extended his loan spell with St. Mirren until the end of the season, the Magpies have announced on their official website.
The 22-year-old midfielder spent the first half of the campaign with the Buddies, and scored the winning goal for the Saints in Scottish League Cup final last season.

17.10 GMT: There could be more bad news for West Ham -- Sassuolo's director of sport Nereo Bonato has told FCInternews that the club are in talks with both Inter and Parma to sign forward Ishak Belfodil. "Do we want to buy out Parma's half? As we have always said, Sassuolo are interested in the player." The Hammers target is co-owned by i Nerazzurri and i Crociati, and Sassuolo's interest in the striker would be another bad blow for under-fire Upton Park boss Sam Allardyce.

17.02 GMT: Michael Bradley's agent Alberto Faccini says the the Roma midfielder's transfer to MLS side Toronto is complete. "Michael made this choice and Toronto, in just two days, has closed the deal," he told Radio Radio in Italy. "There is a very important project for him at Toronto, which made an investment that is one of the most expensive in recent years." READ MORE.

16.55 GMT: Steve Bruce has apologised to West Brom and Sunderland for reports linking his club Hull with moves for Shane Long and Steven Fletcher.
"First and foremost I really want to try and apologise to West Brom as a club, nothing has come from us and the same goes for another 'bid' for another striker. We haven't bid for anyone yet," he said.

16.45 GMT: Borussia Dortmund are being linked with a host of players this month, and Sport Bild reports that their latest targets could be Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira and former playmaker Shinji Kagawa, who is currently struggling at Manchester United.

16.35: DONE DEAL! Toronto are keeping up their January recruitment drive by signing up academy forward Jordan Hamilton on professional terms.

16.22 GMT: More from Mauricio now -- Southampton boss Pochettino told reporters in his Thursday afternoon press conference that Southampton do not currently have any plans to add to their squad, but that those plans may well change. So stick with us as January flies by, Saints fans.

16.15 GMT: DONE DEAL! Everton winger Matthew Kennedy has joined Tranmere on a one month youth loan deal, according to the Premier League club's official website.

16.10 GMT: Arsene Wenger has admitted Theo Walcott's long-term knee injury could force him into the transfer market. "[Walcott’s injury] has accelerated speculation first and of course my desire as well -- but let's not forget about Serge Gnabry who can play in the first team," he told the club's official website.

16.02 GMT: DONE DEAL! West Brom youngster Kemar Roofe has agreed a one-month loan extension with Cheltenham Town, the League Two side confirmed on their official website.

15.57 GMT: Liverpool fans can sleep a little more soundly as Liverpool defender Daniel Agger has rubbished reports linking him with a move to Napoli this month. He told Danish publication Jyllands-Posten in quotes translated by Sky Sports: "I'm not thinking about moving at the moment, not at all. I've only seen what the papers say and I can't really do anything about it. There is no reason to believe these rumours." READ MORE.

15.45 GMT: Showing patience in the January transfer market is often easier said than done, but John Cross believes Arsene Wenger should take his time and do business carefully this month. He argues on our ESPN FC blog that adding some attacking depth is key to Arsenal's title charge, but that the Gunners does not have to spend big to get good results. READ MORE.

15.38 GMT: Here's our full story on Cabral making a loan move from Sunderland to Genoa for the rest of the season. READ MORE.

15.30 GMT: Michael Laudrup refused to confirm whether Swansea are set to sign Blackpool forward Tom Ince, and suggests the leap from the Championship to the top flight is a big step for any player. "I think I can't really say so much about that," he told a press conference today. "He is a talent, he has played for England Under-21s. It is a long way to go. One thing is playing in the Championship, another is the Premier League. I think there is a lot of talk and rumours and speculation so let's leave it there."

15.21 GMT: David Moyes is in desperate need of star names to rescue Manchester United this January -- and Goal reports that Robin van Persie could be back in time to face Chelsea on 19 Jan. after undergoing specialist fitness work in Holland. The striker's return would be as good as a new signing for the beleaguered Moyes as he looks to strengthen the Red Devils.

15.15 GMT: Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino has told the press that there have been no bids for Rickie Lambert or Luke Shaw -- which should calm any nerves Saints fans had about losing either player this month.

15.02 GMT: Arsenal fans may be pleased to know that Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata has said before that his future may lie away away from los Blancos: "Real Madrid have been my team since I was little and will be all my life, but I think the important thing is to have a relevant role in the team," he told Minuto 116 in November. "If I ever feel that's not the case, I would look at other options."

14.55 GMT: Some more Sunderland transfer news now -- and Gus Poyet is being coy on Liam Bridcutt's proposed move to the Black Cats: "No comment on that one until it is finished." Poyet managed the Brighton player during his time as Seagulls boss, and is eager to improve his midfield options.

14.45 GMT: Football Italia reports that Maxime Gonalons looks set to stay with Lyon after the club dismissed a bid from Napoli for the winger, despite his agent Fredric Guerra comnfirming to Rtl.fr that the player had agreed a deal with the Italian side. "Now [after the move's collapse] there will be no tug-of-war with Lyon, Maxime knows the situation of the team and the club in which he grew up."

14.35 GMT: DONE DEAL! Sunderland have confirmed that midfielder Cabral has joined Genoa on loan for the rest of the season. We'll have more on that as we get it.

14.30 GMT: We've got the full story on Hannover confirming that Cardiff City have registered an interest in former Manchester United striker Mame Biram Diouf. READ MORE.

14.25 GMT: DONE DEAL! Torino have signed Panagiotis Tachtsidis from Catania on a loan deal. The 22-year-old has struggled for game time since joining the Sicilians this summer from Genoa, and moves for the rest of the season.

14.15 GMT: Here's our full story of Thomas Schaaf no longer being in the running for the West Brom job. The 52-year-old was believed to be close to striking an agreement with the Premier League club on Wednesday night but is now no longer in contention, sources have told ESPN FC. READ MORE.

14.05 GMT: Tony Pulis has told reporters that he want to bring in signings who will fight to keep Crystal Palace in the Premier League, and has no space for time-wasters this month. "I don't want to be bringing players in if I can help it who just turn up and want to jog through six months. We need players who are going to really, really roll their sleeves up, work hard and make a difference, or add to what we've got already."

13.55 GMT: Now for news on one of the negative aspects of the transfer window -- Robert Lewandowski is considering hiring personal security for the last few months of his Borussia Dortmund contract. The forward is set to face the wrath of angry Dortmund fans after he agreed to join Bayern Munich in the summer, and Maik Barthel -- one of Lewandowski’s agents -- told Bild: "Yes, we are seriously considering it."
READ MORE.

13.45 GMT: The Independent reports that Manchester United are cooling their interest away from Fabio Coentrao, with David Moyes doubting whether the Real Madrid full-back has the determination or talent to drastically improve the Red Devils.

13.30 GMT: Better news for Sunderland fans after a difficult season now -- Guys Poyet has confirmed the Black Cats are close to sealing the signing of Estudiantes defender Santiago Vergini. "With Vergini, we're close. I've talked to him and it's well on the way. I've known him for years." The Sunderland boss also declared his interest in signing Argentina goalkeeper Mariano Andujar and Internacional forward Ignacio Scocco this month.

13.20 GMT: Here's our full story on Malaga finally confirming the signing of Pablo Perez from from Newell’s Old Boys after reaching an agreement with Manchester City defender Martin Demichelis over wages owed. READ MORE.

13.12 GMT: Stoke news for you now, and Wolfsburg have turned down an offer from the Potters for attacker Ivica Olic, according to the Bundesliga club's sporting director Klaus Allofs. "There is not a single reason to let go of our top scorer," he told kicker. READ MORE.

13.05 GMT: While Arsene Wenger may be searching for a replacement for the injured Theo Walcott in January, the Metro reports that Nicklas Bendtner will hand the Gunners boss a timely boost by returning to action quicker than expected. The Dane was thought to be out for a number of weeks with an ankle injury, but is now apparently just days away from returning to training.

12.55 GMT: The Fulham Chronicle reports that Harry Redknapp is finding it hard to move on Shaun Wright-Phillips as no Championship clubs can afford to pay his high wages. "It's difficult. It's only Premier League clubs who could afford to take him on his wages. Other clubs aren't going to put up that type of money."

12.45 GMT: Over to France now where Lyon look likely to offer 33-year-old back-up goalkeeper Remy Vercoutre an extension to his contract, which expires in the summer. In other goalkeeping news, Yohann Pele, 31 -- once tipped to become a major star -- is having a trial with Sochaux following his release by Toulouse last year.

12.30 GMT: Wigan are trying to sign Cardiff striker Nicky Maynard despite heavy interest from QPR and Nottingham Forest, according to talkSPORT. The 27-year-old has struggled for form at the Bluebirds, and the Latics want another attacker to keep up their Championship promotion chances.

12.25 GMT: PREMIER FANTASY! While you’re following all the transfer news today, why not buy your own Premier League squad by playing our new fantasy game for the second half of the season? Even if you got it all wrong in the first half of the season you can now start from scratch. Current managers are reminded to pick their new squads ahead of Saturday’s Hull v Chelsea kickoff.
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12.20 GMT: DONE DEAL! Reading striker Dominic Samuel has joined Dagenham and Redbridge on a one month youth loan, according to the club's official website.

12.15 GMT: More from Italy now, where TuttoMercato reports that Sunderland and PSV have made contact with Roma over US international Michael Bradley. The midfielder has been strongly linked with a move to Toronto, but may be persuaded by an offer to play in the Premier League -- for the rest of the season, at least.

12.10 GMT: Reports in Italy suggest Cabral is close to finalising a move to join Genoa from Sunderland -- we'll have more on that as the story develops.

12.05 GMT: Here's our full story on Lille president Michel Seydoux insisting that Salomon Kalou will be going nowhere in January. "At 87 million euros, perhaps he might go," he said. "And even then only maybe." A bit steep, some may argue -- but that's the January transfer window for you. READ MORE.

11.56 GMT: Ajax winger Viktor Fischer is attracting a lot of attention this January according to A Bola, who are reporting that Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea are all after the highly-rated 19-year-old. There could be competition to the Premier League trio in the form of Bayern Munich and Roma though.

11.50 GMT: We've got news from Everton for you now, and Toffees boss Roberto Martinez has played down reports suggesting Spartak Moscow winger Aiden McGeady is set to complete a move to Goodison Park. "The situation is that Aiden’s still registered with another club. As you know, I will never be disrespectful by speaking about a player who is registered with another club. Aiden fits into that category." READ MORE.

11.45: DONE DEAL! Brentford have signed Arsenal striker Chuba Akpom on a one-month loan deal, the Premier League side have announced on their official website.

11.40 GMT: More bad news for West Ham fans after their side was battered by Manchester City last night -- Parma are reported to have vetoed Ishak Belfodil's move from Inter to Upton Park. They own half of his registration and it seems as though they will not allow the forward to join the Hammers for a temporary spell.

11.30 GMT: With Celtic top of the Premier League, it seems Neil Lennon is eager to enhance his midfield options. Linked to Stromsgodset midfielder Stefan Johansen, the club's sporting director Jostein Flo has now confirmed the Scottish club's interest to VG Nett, but denied that a bid has been made.

11.25 GMT: DONE DEAL! Liverpool have allowed promising 19-year-old full-back Ryan McLaughlin to join Barnsely on a one-month loan deal, the Premier League side announced on their official website.

11.20 GMT: Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins has denied a deal for Blackpool star Tom Ince is close: "At our club, at our level, we always look for young players we can possibly add to the squad but whether we get any further with Tom Ince or other players remains to be seen," he told talkSPORT. "At the moment it is pure speculation, but young players are always great to bring in, to see their careers develop, and we feel our club is right for that."

11.12 GMT: DONE DEAL! Leeds have agreed a deal to sign Hull winger Cameron Stewart, the Championship club have announced on their official website. The 22-year-old has joined on an initial loan deal, but has also signed a three–year contract, which will become effective from the summer.
United manager Brian McDermott said: "He has pace, he gives us something different, and he is hungry to do well."

11.05 GMT: The Alvaro Morata saga continues, as the Mail reports that Real Madrid are asking for a 1.7 million-pound fee from Arsenal in order to land the young striker on loan until the end of the season. That's a steep amount for a six-month deal, but if the Spaniard can lead them to Premier League glory, it would be a price worth paying.

11.00 GMT: Hartlepool United have confirmed on their official website that Matty Dolan has returned to Middlesbrough after spending four months on loan with the League Two side.

10.55 GMT: More from Spain now as Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay was spotted in Paris this week, fuelling rumours that PSG are set to move for in-form forward Antoine Griezmann. The French winger has been in superb form in the Primera Liga with 13 goals in 12 games, and the French champions are reportedly willing to meet his 30 million euro buy-out clause. However, both the player and his current club would much prefer a deal to be done in the summer.

10.51 GMT: Here's our full story on Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois wanting a quick decision on whether he will return to play at parent club Chelsea or play elsewhere next season.READ MORE.

10.45 GMT: The Telegraph reports that Wilfried Zaha is desperate for a loan move to try and force his way into Roy Hodgson's plans for the World Cup. The Manchester United winger has barely played since moving to Old Trafford this summer and wants to play regularly, with Theo Walcott's injury opening up chances for forward players to prove themselves in the second half of the season.

10.40 GMT: We've got an update for the Sunderland fans among you -- John O'Shea has urged Sunderland to keep Phil Bardsley as he represents the “heart and soul” of the club. Brighton meanwhile have revealed they have rejected a transfer request from midfielder Liam Bridcutt as he looks to reunite with former Seagulls boss Gus Poyet at the Black Cats.

10.35 GMT: In more Manchester United news, the Sun reports that a number of players could stand to see their salaries slashed by as much as 25 per cent if the club fail to qualify for the Champions League this season. A poor second half to the season could well mean more upheaval this summer if those reports are accurate.

10.30 GMT: Juventus are keen on additions this January, but one player who could be on his way out of the club is Claudio Marchisio -- the Express reports that Manchester United are lining up a 20 million-pound bid for the midfielder to rescue their season.

10.23 GMT: Ivan Rakitic has told footmercato.net he is "proud" to be linked with PSG, but added he hopes to repay the faith Sevilla have shown in him. READ MORE.

10.20 GMT: It's good to be back -- Barcelona forward Lionel Messi said he has no intention of ever playing for another club after returning to action with two goals in Wednesday's 4-0 Copa del Rey last-16 first-leg win over Getafe at the Camp Nou. "My idea is to stay here and play my whole career at Barcelona,” Messi said. READ MORE.

10.15 GMT: While Inter may or may not make headway with Dani Osvaldo this month, the Italian side are set to loan 18-year-old striker Adama Guidiala to Marseille for six months.

10.10 GMT: More on Erik Lamela now -- the Daily Mail reports that Juventus are keen on the young Spurs forward, but won't make a move for him until the summer, while the Mirror reports that i Bianconeri will offer cash plus Mirko Vucinic to land the winger this month.

10.05 GMT: Over to Italy now, and Paolo Cannavaro is set to leave Napoli after falling out of favour with manager Rafa Benitez. The 32-year-old defender's agent says he is "very sorry about the situation and doesn't want to feel he is a burden on the club," with Lazio regarded as potential destination.

10.00 GMT: Hull meanwhile have used Twitter to deny a deal has been done for West Brom striker Shane Long, and therefore no medical will be taking place today.

09.57 GMT: There have been rumours of Inter being interested in a loan move for Southampton striker Dani Osvaldo this month, and CNN reporter Tancredi Palmeri has just tweeted that despite contact being made, a deal is unlikely.

09.50 GMT: Elliott Ward has signed a new contract with Bournemouth to keep the defender with the Championship club until June 2016.
Post by AFC Bournemouth.

09.42 GMT: West Brom are lining up Quique Flores to take over at the Hawthorns, according to the Birmingham Mail. The paper reports that both Thomas Schaaf and Dave Jones were ruled out of the running last night, but there are hurdles to overcome in terms of FLores taking over. The biggest issue could apparently be the compensation package wanted by his current UAE club Al-Ain, while the manager would presumably want a generous pay packet and transfer budget to overhaul the Baggies' squad.

09.30 GMT: The Metro reports that Alex Kacaniklic believes Fulham want Dimitar Berbatov to stay and help the Cottagers stay in the Premier League this season. "It is up to him what he wants to do but we need the best players to make sure we stay in the Premier League and Berba is one of them."

09.22 GMT: DONE DEAL! Malaga finally completed the signing of Pablo Perez from Newell's Old Boys last night, according to the club's official website. Malaga were only able to complete that deal after paying what they owed to Martin Demichelis [about 400,00 euros in back wages], and the Man City defender defended himself on Twitter [@demichelisok] from Malaga fans accusing him of betraying club which helped him so much. "They lied to me for 12 months saying that everything was sorted out, that it was not serious. Was it not better that we told the truth." Also: "There are things which must be respected, not to just let them go ALL the time." Local press picked up the tweets, which have since been deleted from Demichelis' account.

09.15 GMT: Thibault Courtois looks to be gearing up to decide whether he will return to Chelsea or stay at Atletico Madrid -- and the 21-year-old goalkeeper appears to have no intention of going to Stamford Bridge to be back-up to Petr Cech. "About my future, I cannot wait much longer. I need to make a decision with Chelsea as soon as possible, in March, but at the moment I do not really want to talk because there are so many games and you must be focused." AS says that Atletico will make huge effort to sign him as a fourth loan year on loan from the Blues is unlikely, but the club may not have the money it would need to prise him away from London.

09.05 GMT: Goal reports that Tottenham are ruling out a loan move for Erik Lamela, with the big-money summer signing set to stay given Spurs' current injury problems. The Argentine winger will apparently stay at White Hart Lane unless the circumstances drastically change this month.

08.47 GMT: German tabloid Bild is speculating that Borussia Dortmund could make a move for Arsenal teenager Serge Gnabry. The paper links the Germany under-21 international with a summer transfer as Dortmund try to reinforce their squad following Robert Lewandowski's decision to leave the club for Bayern Munich.

08.15 GMT: Paul Pogba to PSG - could we be about to see the biggest move of the transfer window?

07.46 GMT: Switching our attention to Ligue 1, it seems another Inter Milan youngster is hitting the headlines, with the Nerazzurri reportedly set to loan 18-year-old striker Adama Guidiala to Marseille for six months.

07.33 GMT: In a break from the daily Marc Ter Stegen-to-Barcelona update, let's consider who may actually be Ter Stegen's replacement in goal for Borussia Moenchengladbach. Kicker reckons FC Basel's Yann Sommer is currently the favourite, while other candidates mentioned are Freiburg's Oliver Baumann and Frankfurt's Kevin Trapp.

07.19 GMT: Over to Germany, where it has already been a busy transfer window. Today, kicker reports that Frankfurt midfielder Sebastian Rode, 23, will join Bayern Munich on a free transfer in the summer. The deal has long been agreed and it is only a question of when it will be announced.

07.00 GMT: Time for our daily morning foray into Europe. Italy is first on the list as West Ham's move for Inter Milan forward Ishak Belfodil looks like it may be thwarted by Parma, who hold half of the player's registration. The Hammers appeared to have agreed on a loan deal with the Nerazzurri, but Parma are reported to have vetoed the move, according to Italian transfer market expert Alfredo Pedulla, who claims Parma were not happy that the English club were invited to Milan for talks without their consent.

05.00 GMT: So, is Coentrao to United off? The big issue for the Red Devils, according to the Independent? His lack of playing time -- the Portuguese international has only started four games this season and is currently sidelined with a thigh injury that's kept him out for two months.

Elsewhere, the Mirror reports that Everton and Roberto Martinez are closing in on Spartak Moscow and Republic of Ireland winger Aiden McGeady. The pacy McGeady has been in the Russian Premier League since leaving Celtic but is said to be angling for a move back to the United Kingdom. With the Toffees needing squad depth and McGeady offering the kind of direct wing play shown by Barcelona loaner Gerard Deulofeu, this would be a tidy bit of business for Martinez. Contract terms have reportedly been agreed, with a medical scheduled at Goodison Park in the coming days.

Whispers out of the North East suggest that Luuk de Jong and Newcastle United are working on a deal. The 22-year-old Dutch striker has struggled since moving from FC Twente to Borussia Monchengladbach and is hoping that a Prem switch can help him regain his fine form. De Jong was prolific in the Eredivisie, even netting 25 goals in the 2011/12 season, but has failed to score in the Bundesliga this term after 13 games.

Last but not least tonight, the Daily Star reports that 21-year-old Blackpool winger Thomas Ince has plenty of suitors both home and abroad to choose from should he leave the Tangerines. Son of Man United midfielder Paul, the England Under-21 star has attracted interest from Tottenham, Newcastle United, and Swansea City -- as well as Serie A side Udinese. The big issue at present is his price tag: the aforementioned clubs are willing to meet the 4 million pound valuation -- due to a clause in his contract, Liverpool would receive 50 per cent of any sale fee -- while Ince could be available for a bargain 300,000 pounds if he sees out his current deal and leave as a free agent in the summer. Decisions, decisions...