Varane on his way out of United
Crashing out of the Champions League last month and breaking a string of unwanted records, it is no secret that Manchester United have come under a huge amount of scrutiny this season.
With growing speculation over Eric ten Hag’s long-term future at Old Trafford, the Red Devils appear set for what will be a hectic January transfer window.
Although the ex-Ajax boss might be desperate to add to his squad during the January transfer window, it looks like several United’s first-team stars will be heading for the exit.
While United might have continued to show a string of defensive issues this season, Raphael Varane has struggled to find any kind of stability and there has been continued speculation over his relationship with ten Hag.
With reported interest from the likes of Saudi Arabia, it has been suggested that United are unwilling to offer the French defender a new deal and he could be on his way out this month.
Manchester United have decided against triggering an option to extend Raphael Varane’s contract by 12 months 📃
This leaves the defender free to hold talks with foreign clubs over a summer transfer from today 🔴
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 1, 2024
Soucek pens new West Ham deal
Punching their Europa League knockout stage ticket last month and really firing on all cylinders this season, West Ham have seen their summer recruits make an immediate impact since arriving at the London Stadium.
However, while the duo of Mohamed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen might have continued to spearhead the Hammers’ top-six charge this season, Thomas Soucek is certainly enjoying a new lease of life in east London.
Relishing his more advanced role following Declan Rice’s £105million move to Arsenal, the Czech Republic international has already notched eight goals across all competitions so far this season.
Becoming a key part of David Moyes’ success and featuring in all of West Ham’s 18 Premier League appearances this year, Soucek has put pen to paper on a new three-year extension.
With his new deal valid until the summer of 2027, the former Sparta Prague star also rejected potential interest from Serie A heavyweights Inter Milan who were reported to have been monitoring Soucek’s situation closely.
We are delighted to announce that Tomáš Souček has signed a contract extension with the Club ⚒️
— West Ham United (@WestHam) January 1, 2024
PSG keen on Phillips
While Kalvin Phillips might have only arrived at the Etihad last year, the England international finds himself at the heart of a Manchester City nightmare.
Although Pep Guardiola might have been filled with praise for the former Leeds midfielder, Phillips has drastically struggled to find any kind of regular first-team action in the blue half of Manchester.
While the Sky Blues might have made real history last season as they became the first English club since 1999 to be crowned treble champions, Phillips was forced to watch on from the sidelines.
Yet to start a single Premier League contest this season, the Man City outcast has accepted that it is best for both parties to kick start his career away from the defending champions.
Despite continued interest from both Newcastle and Italian icons Juventus, it has been heavily reported that PSG are also monitoring Phillips’ situation and are keen on mounting a January swoop.
💣💥 | 🏴 | PSG are planning to make an opening bid to sign Manchester City’s 27-year-old midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
🔵 #PSG 🔵 #MCFC◼️ Juventus and Newcastle United are in the race to sign the English player. https://t.co/Ga9RMlzYUH pic.twitter.com/mZCcI1LCl7
— Ekrem KONUR (@Ekremkonur) January 2, 2024
Tottenham inch towards Dragusin deal
Gaining a string of plaudits since they welcomed Ange Postecoglu to north London over the summer, it is no secret that Tottenham have a Champions League return at the top of their agenda this season.
However, while Spurs might have quickly gained a reputation for their free-flowing approach in the final third, it appears that the former Celtic boss is keen on adding defensive reinforcements.
With Eric Dier expected to leave the club this month and Cristian Romero out for the next month after sustaining a muscle injury, Postecoglu appears to be close to getting his number-one target through the doors.
Although Tottenham might have remained keen on a January swoop for Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo, it appears that discussions are well underway for the highly-touted Radu Dragusin.
With the Genoa ace making it clear that he wants to complete a Premier League switch this month, discussions have already taken place between both parties and an agreement could be agreed in the next few days.
⚪️🇷🇴 Radu Dragusin has accepted all details of Tottenham contract proposal as personal terms have been agreed, as revealed last week.
Despite public statements on new deal, he’s now waiting for Spurs.
Spurs and Genoa remain in talks to get the deal done very soon ⏳⌛️ pic.twitter.com/sY6xdt5d0H
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 2, 2024
Ancelotti rules out defensive reinforcements
While Real Madrid might have eventually finished 10 points adrift of defending their La Liga crown last season, Los Blancos have certainly come roaring back this time around.
With some in Carlo Ancelotti’s camp dreaming of the chance to mount both a domestic and European charge in 2024, there has been continued speculation that the Spanish icons could be set for a hectic January transfer window.
However, despite more speculation that Madrid could be planning another blockbuster swoop for PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe, the former AC Milan boss has publicly ruled out a new defender arriving at the Bernabeu.
Despite speculation that Madrid were eyeing a potential return for ex-defender Varane, Ancelotti has stated that he is currently happy with his defensive options in the Spanish capital.
Watching French starlet Aurélien Tchouaméni continue to shine since featuring at the heart of Ancelotti’s defence, Los Blancos are instead focusing their January attention elsewhere.
⚪️⛔️ Real Madrid decision not to sign new CB in January is 100% final?
Carlo Ancelotti: “I can repeat that once again. We will not sign new centre back in January”. pic.twitter.com/Hbf67VZNmv
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 2, 2024
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