Xavi to replace Valverde as Barca manager
Xavi will take over from Ernesto Valverde as manager of Barcelona, sources have confirmed to Goal.
However, it remains to be seen whether the legendary former midfielder will take the reins straight away, or at the end of the season.
Bayern consider Barca’s Semedo
Bayern Munich are considering a summer move for Barcelona right-back Nelson Semedo, claim Mundo Deportivo.
Reports have linked Tottenham with a move for the 26-year-old Portugal international in January, but Barca are believed to be reluctant to let him leave before the end of the season.
Bayern are believed to be in the market for a new first-choice right-back with Joshua Kimmich moving into midfield.
Roma want Rangers left-back
Roma want to sign Croatian left-back Borna Barisic from Rangers, according to the Sunday Post.
Steven Gerrard has already confirmed the Ibrox side are in talks to extend Barisic’s contract, but Roma are thought to be willing to pay a significant sum for him.
Napoli’s Elseid Hysaj and Bordeaux’s Youssouf Sabaly have also been linked.
Foden to replace David Silva, confirms Guardiola
Pep Guardiola says Manchester City won’t sign a replacement for David Silva, because Phil Foden is ready to step into his boots.
Silva is set to leave the club at the end of this season, paving the way for Foden to slip into the first team.
Arsenal’s Mavropanos targeted by Nurnberg
German second-division side Nurnberg want Arsenal defender Konstantinos Mavropanos on loan, report Bild.
Nurnberg are third from bottom in the second tier, with their leaky defence having conceded 34 goals in 18 games.
However, it is claimed that a number of German clubs in the Bundesliga and 2.Bundesliga hold an interest in the 22-year-old.
Inter reach agreement with Eriksen
Inter have reached an agreement with Christian Eriksen for a contract running until 2024, claim the Gazzetta dello Sport.
However, the Serie A title challengers are still yet to find a deal with Tottenham for a transfer.
It is claimed Eriksen will earn a net salary of €7.5 million (£6m/$8m) plus bonuses.
Flamengo to take Maia on loan
Flamengo are expecting to take defensive midfielder Thiago Maia on loan from Lille, report Globo Esporte.
The 22-year-old Brazilian moved to Francefrom Santos in the summer of 2017 but, after two years of regular football, has made only three appearances in Ligue 1 this season.
Maia was part of the Brazil team which won Olympic Gold in 2016, but he is yet to make his senior debut for his country.
Timbers close on Niezgoda
Portland Timbers are close to completing a move for Legia Warsaw striker Jaroslaw Niezgoda, according to ESPN.
The 24-year-old Polish striker is expected to cost $3.8 million, with a yearly salary around $750,000.
However, it is thought it could take some time for the relevant medical checks to be completed before the deal can go through.
Cabrera departs Melbourne City
Javier Cabrera has terminated his Melbourne City contract by mutual consent, the club has confirmed.
The Uruguayan only joined the A-League side at the beginning of the season but is now set to return to his homeland.
Melbourne City have been linked to the signing of Kiwi attacker Marco Rojas as a possible replacement.
Pulido arrives in Kansas following record move
Mexican striker Alan Pulido has touched down in Kansas after joining Sporting KC for a club-record fee.
While the deal was done in December, the 28-year-old has only now landed in the United States.
Pulido scored 12 goals across 18 Liga MX appearances last season and will now look to continue that form in MLS.
Unfortunately for Pulido, his reception in Kansas wasn’t exactly a warm one…
AC Milan begin talks for Begovic
Bournemouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic is a target for AC Milan, according to the Daily Star.
The 31-year-old has recently returned to the Cherries following a loan spell with Qarabag FK.
While Bournemouth have rejected fresh loan offers for Begovic from Aston Villa and West Ham, they have begun talks with AC Milan.
Wages are the main stumbling block with the keeper currently earning £110,000 a week.
Man Utd make £12.5m bid for Birmingham prodigy
Manchester United are ready to offer Birmingham City a deal worth over £12.5 million in a bid to sign Jude Bellingham, reports the Mirror.
The 16-year-old midfielder has made 23 Championship appearances this season, scoring three goals in the process.
A lifelong Birmingham fan, Bellingham is reluctant to leave the club so soon – but the Red Devils are clearly desperate to land the young star.
Arsenal considering move for Calhanoglu
The Gunners have a reinforcement in their sights.
AC Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu is a possible loan target for Arsenal, according to the Mirror.
The 25-year-old is eager to move in January as he looks to secure more regular game time before the Euro’s.
Calhanoglu has made 18 Serie A appearances this season, scoring twice and claiming one assist.
Van de Beek to join Real Madrid in summer
Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek will join Real Madrid and not Manchester United at season’s end, according to the Mirror.
The summer move is “more than 80 per cent” certain with Los Blancos ready to pay £46 million (€54m/$60m) to sign the 22-year-old.
Van de Beek reportedly could have joined the Red Devils at the beginning of the season but the club opted against a deal.
Man City join race for Grealish
Pep Guardiola is considering trying to lure Jack Grealish to Manchester City in the summer, reports the Metro.
The Aston Villa star has attracted plenty of interest this season with Manchester United the most heavily linked with a move.
But the Red Devils’ rivals now look ready to join the race with City reportedly eyeing up to five new signings over the summer.
