Inter Milan have jumped into the sprint for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, but Liverpool still appear to be leading the pack for the England international. At 25, Guehi’s blend of composure and pace has clubs circling, and Serie A heavyweight Inter want to add his steel to their back line as the January market heats up.
Bournemouth hiding a secret — Semenyo’s release clause
Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo reportedly carries a release clause, yet the Cherries are keeping the number tightly under wraps as they fight to keep the 25-year-old Ghana forward. Linked with Tottenham and Manchester United, Semenyo’s direct running and sheer athleticism make him a tempting winter target — if any suitor can meet Bournemouth’s terms.
Young talents on blue-chip radars
Chelsea and Barcelona are both watching Dinamo Zagreb’s 16-year-old Portuguese forward Cardoso Varela, a raw talent already creating ripples across Europe. Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund have scouted Barcelona’s 17-year-old midfield prospect Guille Fernandez, and big clubs are quietly logging prospects early to jump ahead of rivals.
Brighton standing firm on Baleba
Brighton have no intention of cashing in on midfielder Carlos Baleba in January despite last summer’s interest from Manchester United. The 21-year-old’s engine and box-to-box threat remain part of Brighton’s long-term blueprint, and they’re keeping him out of the market for now.
United’s shifting priorities
Manchester United appear to prioritise Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, 21, over Baleba as they refine their midfield wish list. At the same time, United are also weighing up a contract extension for Casemiro — but only if the veteran Brazil midfielder accepts a pay cut. Interest in Casemiro from Brazil and Saudi clubs persists, yet new boss Ruben Amorim could argue for his experience to stay in place.
Goalkeepers, defenders and contract housekeeping
Barcelona’s Marc‑André ter Stegen has made it clear he intends to stay despite interest from the Premier League, while Barca have also eyed Palace full-back Daniel Muñoz — only to be met by Palace’s reluctance to sell mid-season. Back in England, Newcastle’s new sporting director Ross Wilson is preparing a contract audit to prevent another high-profile exit after the Alexander Isak saga.
Chelsea calm amid agent drama
Chelsea say they are unconcerned by the public falling-out surrounding Moisés Caicedo’s agent, and the club are poised to reward the Ecuadorian with a new deal to blunt Real Madrid’s reported interest.
Market mood
The transfer window’s winter chapter is shaping up as a mix of guarded strategy and bold bids: clubs are protecting core assets, chasing youthful upside and weighing veteran influence against wage realities. Expect a flurry of approach-and-counterapproach moves as January draws closer and the race for reinforcements intensifies.