As the 2015 January transfer promises to provide a few more meaningful transfers, take a look back at the best transfers of last year’s winter transfer window, including Arsenal bust Kim Kallstrom.
The winter window is still open, and that means the LIVE transfer blog swings back into action. Find out the latest news, gossip and deals here.
TOP STORY: De Gea to insist on buyout clause?
Those pesky rumours surrounding David De Gea just won’t go away… the Mirror reports that while the Spanish goalkeeper may well sign a new Manchester United contract, his advisors are apparently insisting upon a buyout release clause being inserted into any deal offered up by Old Trafford.
With United set to offer the shot-stopper a huge contract extension in the 200,000-pound-a-week region, a buyout clause would be a big blow for United should Real Madrid decide to make a move in the future.
However, with just 17 months left on his current United contract, De Gea and his agents know they are firmly in control of negotiations, and can force pretty much any figures and stipulations they please — that’s what happens when you let potential starlets run their deals down, people.
PAPER ROUND
Arsenal to win Reus race?
The race for Marco Reus’ signature has taken its latest twist with the Daily Star reporting that the Borussia Dortmund star will snub interest from Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United to sign for Arsenal next summer.
As we all know, the 25-year-old attacker has a 25 million-euro release clause that activates come the end of the season, and interest will be high in his signature should he decide to move on from BVB.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has warned fans not to expect too much of new signing Gabriel Paulista, ahead of his side’s Premier League match with Aston Villa.
Reus is reportedly keen on working with Arsene Wenger, which would give the Gunners the edge in any battle for his signature — and it would make a massive statement of intent for the 2015-16 season.
Hummels set for late, late Old Trafford move?
Given that Borussia Dortmund have already kicked off the second half of their Bundesliga campaign, it seems highly unlikely that Mats Hummels will be leaving the relegation-threatened club.
Still, the Daily Mail reports that Manchester United will try and push through a last-ditch 37 million-pound move for the BVB captain as Louis van Gaal continues to try and rebuild his United defence.
Dortmund are in no financial need to sell, but there is always the off chance of dramatic deadline day high jinks from Old Trafford, so watch this space…
Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal says his team will be judged results from their direct competitors and clubs like Leicester City.
Tottenham to launch transfer raid for trio of forwards?
Harry Kane notched his 19th and 20th goals of the season against West Brom on Saturday, but Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino still looks likely to try and add Jay Rodriguez to his strike force before the window shuts.
The Mirror reports that the former Southampton boss is not giving up on signing his former player this winter, despite the Saints planning on offering the 25-year-old a new five-year deal.
What’s more, the same paper suggests that Pochettino is also chasing a deadline day deal for Dnipro winger Yevhen Konoplyanka.
The 26-year-old winger has been a long-term target for both Spurs and Liverpool, and despite reports suggesting he will stay in Ukraine, the fact his contract runs out at the end of the season could see him available for a cut-price five million pounds.
Further to that, the Star reports that Spurs are chasing former Chelsea winger Gokhan Tore.
Tottenham manager, Mauricio Pochettino spoke to the press following his side’s comfortable victory over West Bromwich Albion, and noted that they must now remain consistent to build off of this victory.
The 23-year-old Besiktas winger reportedly impressed Pochettino against his side in the Europa League this term, and would similarly offer thrust down the flanks to provide for the likes of Kane.
Strootman still No. 1 for Van Gaal
Poor old Kevin Strootman — the Roma midfielder has only recently returned to action after a nine-month layoff with a serious knee injury, and the 24-year-old Netherlands international now faces another lengthy spell out after an operation revealed he has injured the same knee.
Despite many assuming that would mean curtains for a potential move to Manchester United, the Mirror reports that Louis van Gaal still views Strootman as his No.1 midfield target this summer, and is not prepared to give up on a potential transfer.
Any move for the Dutchman would surely rely on the player returning for Roma before the end of the season and proving his fitness for an extended period, for United know all too well about rushing through deals considering their ill-fated capture of Owen Hargreaves.