Leeds United are reportedly closing in on a new club-record signing in the form of Hoffenheim forward Georginio Rutter.

Rutter, 20, played his junior football in France with Rennes before joining Hoffenheim as an 18-year-old in 2021.

After emerging as an impressive prospect this past season with 20 substitute appearances among his 33 total Bundesliga outings, he has now broken into the best XI, making 11 starts while taking part in all 15 league fixtures to this point.

The six-foot tall striker only has two goals and two assists to show for this campaign, but boasts an impressive highlight reel of intricate dribbling and playmaking in the final third, and has done enough to catch the eye.

TOP STORY – LEEDS LOOK TO HOFFENHEIM FOR POTENTIAL RECORD SIGNING

According to Sky Sports Germany, Rutter will cost in the range of €40million to pry away from Hoffenheim, while his contract ties him to the German side until 2026.

That figure is well clear of the €30.6m Leeds paid for Valencia forward Rodrigo in 2020, potentially shattering their club-record signing.

The report states a potential deal is close, and Rutter is expected to have a medical at Elland Road in the next 48 hours.

ROUND-UP

– Chelsea have identified 25-year-old Borussia Monchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram and 20-year-old PSV forward Noni Madueke as two key targets, per the Times.

– The Times is also reporting West Ham have renewed their interest in 25-year-old Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri, and will look to add him on loan for the rest of the season.

– According to Foot Mercato, Arsenal are getting closer to securing 21-year-old Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk for a fee believed to be around €100m.

– Tottenham will have to meet Pedro Porro's £36.7m release clause to secure the right-back this month, with The Guardian claiming Sporting are under no pressure to sell.

– Foot Mercato is reporting Wolves are interested in bringing in Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka on loan until the end of the season.

Cody Gakpo highlighted Virgil van Dijk's influence on his decision to join Liverpool after the Reds formally confirmed his arrival from PSV on Wednesday.

The Netherlands international has signed for Jurgen Klopp's side in a move reportedly worth an initial £37million (€42m) on the back of an impressive World Cup campaign.

Gakpo's arrival on Merseyside is a major boost for Klopp's men and a blow to rivals Manchester United, where the forward had been heavily tipped to join his countryman Erik ten Hag.

Speaking to Liverpool's website after sealing his transfer, Gakpo said it was another Dutchman who helped convince him he was making the right call in moving to Anfield.

"At the moment I was calling [in] with the coach, he came into the office and saw me," Gakpo said of Van Dijk. "We chatted a little bit. We spoke a lot over the phone [in] the last days.

"What he told me was that this is the right move for me to make and for me to develop and to become a better player, that the club is massive, but also like a real family.

"I think that's also very important for me because I'm a family guy. He said only good things. I'm happy that he's here, so he can help me with some stuff. I'm really grateful to be here."

Amid injuries to Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota, Gakpo's arrival offers a major offensive boost to Liverpool, with the 23-year-old having scored nine goals and provided 12 assists in 14 Eredivisie games this season.

Klopp could not hide his delight at getting the move over the line, saying: "It really is great news for us that we have been able to do it.

"The work that has gone into this has been really impressive and in the end, we have managed to sign a player who we have known about for quite some time and who we believe will have a bright future with us.

"There is a lot to like about Cody. He is still only 23 years old, but he already has a lot of experience. 

"We know he is a smart footballer and a smart person, so we are excited to be able to work with him."

Eyebrows were raised when Liverpool made the first big move ahead of the imminent January transfer window.

Cody Gakpo had been strongly linked with a move to their old rivals down the East Lancs Road, but instead of Manchester United, the 23-year-old Dutchman will be playing his football at Anfield after sealing a move to Merseyside worth a reported initial £37million (€42m).

One of the other reasons it came as a surprise was all the talk around Liverpool's transfer activity being based on the midfield, an area where Jurgen Klopp has struggled for consistency both in terms of performances and availability.

However, with attacking pair Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz both out of action for the next two or three months at least, Klopp has focused on adding to his forward ranks instead, and on paper Gakpo is an interesting choice.

So, why have Liverpool turned to him in their bid to kick-start a disappointing campaign?

Dominating the Eredivisie

Gakpo settled well in the Dutch top-flight after coming through the ranks at PSV.

After making his debut as an 18-year-old in February 2018 against Feyenoord, he improved for goals year-on-year, eventually making 159 appearances, scoring 55 times and recording 50 assists for the club.

But it's since the start of the 2021-22 season that Gakpo has found another level, with no player having more goal involvements in the Eredivisie in that time than his 46 (21 goals, 25 assists). In fact, no other player in Europe's top 10 leagues has tallied both 20+ goals and 20+ assists over the same period.

Only Ajax's Dusan Tadic (44 involvements) comes close among Eredivisie players, having played seven more games than Gakpo (48 to 41).

His form earned him a spot in Louis van Gaal's Netherlands squad for Qatar 2022, where Gakpo became the first Dutch player to score in his first three World Cup games.

He did so from a centre-forward position, but Gakpo has primarily featured from the left of the attack for PSV, and that could be where he gets most of his minutes at Liverpool.

How he compares to Liverpool's attacking options

Despite playing as something resembling more of a classic number nine for the Oranje in Qatar, Gakpo was deployed from the left in the majority of his appearances for PSV this season.

But the fact he's been able to operate in different roles for PSV and the Netherlands will have been another tick for Klopp, who could opt to use Gakpo centrally if needed once Diaz and Jota return.

In the meantime, expect to see him on the left, with Mohamed Salah on the right and Darwin Nunez down the middle.

Both will look forward to playing with someone who can provide ammunition from a wide role, with all 14 of Gakpo's assists in games he has started this season for PSV coming from him playing on the left.

But beyond his output, Gakpo looks a good stylistic fit for the Reds. Quick, dynamic and good on the ball, he possesses the ability to both beat his marker and stretch play.

Salah is, of course, Liverpool's key man in attack, but Gakpo's arrival should relieve some of the burden on the Egyptian.

Of Liverpool's forwards, only Salah has been more creative than Gakpo this term, creating 2.2 chances from open play per 90 minutes in the Premier League, while the Dutchman has managed 2.0 per 90 in the Eredivisie.

Gakpo actually averaged more shots per 90 than Salah (4.1 to 3.6), though that's perhaps to be expected given he was PSV's talisman, and the comparative strength of the Eredivisie in relation to the Premier League should also be taken into account.

Nevertheless, it highlights Gakpo's positive mentality and the sort of attacking intent he should bring to a frontline that has been erratic this season.

Having the right mentality can be a vital element when it comes to thriving under Klopp at Liverpool considering the intensity they play at when at 100 per cent. That goes beyond chance creation and shot frequency, though.

Perhaps one of the main attributes that attracted Liverpool to Gakpo is this regard is his ability to win the ball high up the pitch, a key part of their high pressing approach.

Gakpo has won the ball in the attacking third 0.8 times per 90 this season in the league, more than any of Diaz (0.6), Salah, Roberto Firmino (both 0.5), Nunez (0.4) or Jota (0.0).

Can Gakpo fill old shoes?

One player who particularly excelled in such an intense role for Liverpool was Sadio Mane, who left the club for Bayern Munich at the end of last season.

Many have argued that one of the key reasons for the Reds' inconsistent form this campaign is the absence of Mane, with Diaz and Nunez both considerably different players to the Senegal star.

Gakpo could hardly be considered a Doppelganger either, though aspects of his style can be compared to Mane, who won the ball back in the attacking third 0.7 times per 90 in the Premier League last season.

The Dutchman's numbers this year are almost all ahead of Mane's from last year, though again the strength of both leagues must be taken into account.

Mane averaged 2.7 dribbles per 90 with a 54.7 per cent success rate. His frequency of 0.3 big chances created per 90 was way down on Gakpo's 1.0 average this term, while the former Red tallied 3.1 shots each game.

He scored 16 goals in 34 league games last season before departing Anfield, but provided just two assists, so in Gakpo Liverpool arguably have someone more adept at being able to both score and provide.

The pressure will be on Gakpo straight away as there is a gaping hole on the left of Klopp's attack until Diaz and Jota return, but if his career trajectory and numbers are anything to go by, it's reasonable to think he can have a similar impact to the one Diaz had when the Colombian arrived from Porto last January.

It is, at the very least, a statement of intent as Liverpool look to recover their season.

Liverpool have completed the signing of Cody Gakpo in their first move of the January transfer window.

Netherlands forward Gakpo joins from PSV, where he had spent his entire career to date.

A move this season was long anticipated, and Gakpo's performances at the World Cup, where he scored three goals for the Oranje, made a January switch an inevitability.

Manchester United were thought to be favourites for the versatile frontman, but PSV announced on December 26 they had agreed a deal with Liverpool.

That transfer has now been completed, subject to a work permit, after Gakpo travelled to England for a medical.

The 23-year-old told the club's website after his signing was confirmed: "I feel really good, I'm really excited to be here. I'm looking forward to start training and start playing for this amazing club.

"I think this is a great club for me to come in and try to show what I can [do] and try to help the team to achieve more beautiful moments that they already did in the past years.

"I think for me personally it's also good to develop here and there's a lot of great players here [who] I can learn a lot of things from."

Gakpo, who has reportedly cost Liverpool around £37million (€42m), scored nine goals and provided 12 assists in 14 Eredivisie matches this season.

The last player to contribute more goal involvements through 14 games in the Dutch top flight was ex-Liverpool superstar Luis Suarez, who had 25 for Ajax in 2009-10, the season before he joined the Reds.

Gakpo boosts a Liverpool attack missing both Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota due to injury, while he will ease the load on Darwin Nunez, who is enduring a mixed first season.

The arrival of Cody Gakpo will mark "the end" for Roberto Firmino at Liverpool, according to former Reds defender Jose Enrique.

Brazilian forward Firmino has spent the last seven and a half seasons with the Merseyside giants, winning the Premier League and Champions League among a host of honours.

His contract is due to expire at the end of this season, however, and Enrique believes the impending signing of Gakpo from PSV is a signal that time is almost up at Anfield for Firmino.

PSV announced on Monday evening a deal is in place to take Netherlands international Gakpo to Liverpool, in what they said will be a record sale for the Dutch club.

Their previous record sale saw Hirving Lozano join Napoli for a reported €45million, and the size of Liverpool's investment indicates they are buying Gakpo for a starting spot.

With Mohamed Salah signing up to a new deal in the close season, and the likes of Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez also looking to play regularly, when fit, Firmino may be squeezed out.

Klopp has been a big advocate of Firmino's qualities, so the situation may not be as clear-cut as Enrique makes it, but the Spaniard sees Firmino having no future with his current club.

Writing on Instagram, Enrique claimed: "I believe this means is the end of firmino with us. It happens when we sign Luis Diaz with mane. I believe is going to be the same this time with gakpo and firmino. Do you agree?"

Liverpool elected to sell Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich in June, as Enrique pointed out, after bringing in Diaz at the start of the year and then striking a deal to acquire Nunez from Benfica.

There is a natural evolution happening within the Liverpool forward ranks, with the long-established front three of Salah, Mane and Firmino having already fragmented.

Enrique, 36, had a five-year stay at Liverpool that ended with his release at the end of the 2015-16 season. He has since retired and works in the media.

Although Liverpool did not immediately comment on Monday's news coming out of PSV, Reds goalkeeping coach John Achterberg wrote beneath a recent Instagram post from Gakpo: "Welcome to the club Cody."

Gakpo will want to play consistently, with the 23-year-old having also been linked with the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid.

He has earned his big move after shining for Ruud van Nistelrooy's side.

He has scored nine goals and provided 12 assists in 14 Eredivisie games this season, the third-highest tally of goal contributions (21) after 14 games in the league since the 1999-00 season – only Van Nistelrooy (27 in 1999-00) and former Liverpool man Luis Suarez (25 in 2009-10) have bettered that tally.

Gakpo also impressed for the Netherlands at the World Cup in Qatar, where he scored three goals.

Liverpool have reached an agreement to sign Netherlands international Cody Gakpo, his club PSV have announced.

Gakpo has been linked with several of Europe's biggest clubs – including Manchester United and Real Madrid – after emerging as a key part of Ruud van Nistelrooy's side. 

The forward has scored nine goals and provided 12 assists in 14 Eredivisie games this season, the third-highest tally of goal contributions (21) after 14 games in the league since the 1999-00 season – only Van Nistelrooy (27 in 1999-00) and former Liverpool man Luis Suarez (25 in 2009-10) have bettered that tally.

While Erik ten Hag's United have been linked with Gakpo for several months, reports on Monday claimed Liverpool were close to signing the 23-year-old for an initial £37million (€42m) fee.

Having impressed for the Netherlands at the World Cup in Qatar, where he scored three goals, Gakpo is now on course to arrive at Anfield in the January transfer window.

A statement from the Eredivisie giants said: "PSV and Liverpool have reached an agreement on the proposed transfer of Cody Gakpo.

"The 23-year-old attacker will leave for England imminently where he will be subjected to the necessary formalities ahead of the completion of the transfer."

The statement added that both clubs would not make an announcement on the fee, but general manager Marcel Brands did say: "this is a record transfer for PSV," with the club's previous record being the sale of Hirving Lozano to Napoli for a reported €45m.

Should a deal be completed, Gakpo will provide competition in the forward line for Jurgen Klopp's team, who are currently without injured pair Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota.

Liverpool have reached an agreement to sign Netherlands international Cody Gakpo, his club PSV have announced.

Gakpo has been linked with several of Europe's biggest clubs – including Manchester United and Real Madrid – after emerging as a key part of Ruud van Nistelrooy's side. 

The forward has scored nine goals and provided 12 assists in 14 Eredivisie games this season, the third-highest tally of goal contributions (21) after 14 games in the league since the 1999-00 season – only Van Nistelrooy (27 in 1999-00) and former Liverpool man Luis Suarez (25 in 2009-10) have bettered that tally.

While Erik ten Hag's United have been linked with Gakpo for several months, reports on Monday claimed Liverpool were close to signing the 23-year-old for an initial £37million (€42m) fee.

Having impressed for the Netherlands at the World Cup in Qatar, where he scored three goals, Gakpo is now on course to arrive at Anfield in the January transfer window.

A statement from the Eredivisie giants said: "PSV and Liverpool have reached an agreement on the proposed transfer of Cody Gakpo.

"The 23-year-old attacker will leave for England imminently where he will be subjected to the necessary formalities ahead of the completion of the transfer."

Should a deal be completed, Gakpo will provide competition in the forward line for Jurgen Klopp's team, who are currently without injured pair Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota.

Virgil van Dijk would like to see Liverpool sign some "new players" in the January transfer window.

After scoring in Liverpool's 3-1 win at Aston Villa on Monday, Van Dijk hinted at possible transfer activity from the Merseyside club, with reports suggesting he could soon be joined at Anfield by Netherlands team-mate Cody Gakpo.

The Athletic reported on Monday that Liverpool are in "advanced negotiations" with PSV for the forward for an initial fee in the region of £37million (€42m).

Manager Jurgen Klopp oversaw his team's first league game back since the World Cup, still missing attacking duo Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota through injury, with neither likely to be back until February at the earliest.

"Hopefully the injured players can come back soon, and hopefully we can welcome some new players at our football club," Van Dijk said after the win at Villa Park.

"We will see. I think that quality is always welcome at Liverpool."

Gakpo has scored nine goals and provided 12 assists in 14 Eredivisie games this season, the third-highest tally of goal contributions (21) after 14 Eredivisie games since 1999-00, ironically behind his PSV head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy (27 in 1999-00) and former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez (25 in 2009-10).

The 23-year-old also scored three goals for the Netherlands at the World Cup before their eventual elimination on penalties in the quarter-final against Argentina, who went on to lift the trophy in Qatar.

Jose Mourinho is a man in demand at international level, with Brazil reportedly rivalling Portugal in pursuit of his signature.

The 59-year-old is currently employed by Serie A club Roma, having joined in 2021 on a three-year contract.

There are reports that Mourinho is not entirely happy in the Italian capital, specifically regarding player attitudes and the club's financial limitations.

TOP STORY – BRAZIL TO MAKE SHOCK MOVE FOR MOURINHO

Brazil will make a sensational swoop to make Jose Mourinho their new national team boss to replace the departed Tite, according to la Repubblica.

An intermediary of Brazil's national setup will fly into Italy to meet up with the Roma head coach – who has also been linked to the Portugal job – and begin negotiations face to face.

Brazil had been linked with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, having reportedly turned to super agent Jorge Mendes to aid their pursuit of a new head coach.

ROUND-UP

– Journalist Bruno Andrade claims Manchester United have "overtaken" Liverpool in the race to sign World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez from Benfica. United boss Erik ten Hag is willing the trigger his €120m release clause.

– Manchester United have commenced talks with PSV winger Cody Gakpo, reports The Daily Mirror. Gakpo netted three goals in three World Cup group games.

– Fabrizio Romano claims that Barcelona have no intention of selling midfielder Franck Kessie or full-back Hector Bellerin in January.

– Paris Saint-Germain are interested in Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio, reports SPORT. Arsenal have also been linked with the 26-year-old, while Ara claims Barcelona are monitoring the situation and may swoop.

– PSG are also interested in signing Manchester United's Brazilian midfielder Fred, claims The Sun. That is despite United recently triggering a 12-month extension on Fred's contract.

– Bayern Munich have added Leeds United's French goalkeeper Ilhan Meslier to their transfer targets, reports MediaFootMercato. Bayern are looking for cover the injured keeper Manuel Neuer.

Jadon Sancho is unlikely to feature when Manchester United host Nottingham Forest as Erik ten Hag hopes performance psychologist Rainier Koers can help to revitalise the winger.

Sancho last featured for United in a 1-1 draw with Chelsea on October 22 and was absent from Gareth Southgate's England squad for the World Cup in Qatar.

With the former Borussia Dortmund player subsequently left out of United's travelling party for a training camp in Spain, Ten Hag said he was "not in the right status or fitness state" to participate.

Having secured a place in the EFL Cup quarter-finals by beating Burnley on Wednesday, United return to Premier League action at home to Forest on Tuesday, but Sancho is unlikely to feature.

Asked whether the 22-year-old will play at Old Trafford, Ten Hag said: "I don't think so."

Earlier this month, Ten Hag said Sancho's underwhelming form was the result of physical and mental factors, and the Dutchman has hinted sports performance psychologist Koers could help him return to form.

Koers describes himself on his personal website as a 'life coach', and Ten Hag believes he has plenty to offer to the likes of Sancho but also United as a whole.

"He [Koers] is here for the whole season, working as part of the coaching staff on man management," Ten Hag said.

"He is working with the squad, but also with the staff and with all the departments.

"That's his job – one of his jobs – to get the right spirit in individuals and in the team."

Sancho's lack of form has done nothing to dispel rumours United could move for Cody Gakpo in the January transfer window after he impressed for the Netherlands at the World Cup, but Ten Hag was unwilling to discuss the PSV winger.

Asked whether he was impressed by Gakpo's displays in Qatar, Ten Hag said: "There were many, many good players at the World Cup."

PSV head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy accepts in-demand forward Cody Gakpo may be on his way out of the club in the January transfer window.

Gakpo has been linked with the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Liverpool after impressing at Qatar 2022 with the Netherlands.

The 23-year-old became only the second player in World Cup history, after Italy's Alessandro Altobelli in 1986, to open the scoring in all three games in the same group stage.

He failed to find the net in the knockout stages against the United States and Argentina, with the latter ending the Netherlands' run on penalties at the quarter-final stage.

PSV director of football Marcel Brands recently declared only a club-record fee would prise him away, and Van Nistelrooy will not stand in Gakpo's way should he wish to leave.

"I enjoyed watching him [in Qatar]. He deserves this because of how he has behaved, how he's continued to work and continued to perform," Van Nistelrooy told Voetbal International.

"I was able to help him from very close by and that makes me proud. And then I'll give him his path when it comes.

"If I have the choice, I prefer the summer [window], but it can also be now. You just know there comes a time when you can't say no."

Gakpo boasts 17 goals and eight assists in 31 games this season, including a division-leading nine goals in the Eredivisie.

Speaking during the Netherlands' World Cup campaign, Gakpo said he will "think about" any interest that arrives from Man Utd, who showed an interest earlier this year.

"I thought about Manchester United before, but when that didn't happen I didn't know anymore and started to doubt," Gakpo said.

"Then Leeds United came and I wondered if I should go there. Now I'll wait for everything. I haven't heard from Manchester United yet, but when they come, I'll think about it."

PSV are not back in league action until January 7 when hosting Sparta Rotterdam at Philips Stadium.

Newcastle United are reportedly looking to add more firepower to their forward line, and have identified Napoli's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as one of their "main priorities".

Kvaratskhelia, 21, arrived in Napoli in July after a €10million purchase from Georgian side Dinamo Batumi, having previously played with Russia's Rubin Kazan before the invasion of Ukraine allowed foreign players to leave.

The Georgia international with 19 senior caps under his belt has been a revelation for Napoli, starting 11 of the 12 games he has been healthy for, resulting in six goals and seven assists for the Serie A leaders.

He has been just as impressive in the Champions League, collecting both a goal and an assist in back-to-back wins over Ajax, after contributing an assist in a 4-1 demolition of Liverpool.

Just six months after his arrival in Italy, the exciting winger's transfer value has skyrocketed, and Napoli will be faced with a tough decision about whether to cash-in on the player dubbed 'Kvaradona'.

TOP STORY – NEWCASTLE PLAN MOVE FOR GEORGIAN SENSATION KVARATSKHELIA

According to The Times, Kvaratskhelia has been scouted regularly by Newcastle this season, and they have been so impressed that "he has become one of the club's main priorities for the next two transfer windows".

With Napoli in the hunt for their first Serie A title since the 1989-90 season, it remains to be seen if they would part ways with one of their key contributors, but a bid in excess of €50m could force the Italian side into a serious meeting.

Newcastle are also enjoying their best season in some time, and although they will have their sights set on a Champions League berth, the Magpies will likely persist at the end of the season if a transfer in January is not an option.

ROUND-UP

– Mediafoot is reporting Manchester United are considering a move for 31-year-old Atletico Madrid and France forward Antoine Griezmann, while The Telegraph claims the Red Devils are after 23-year-old PSV and the Netherlands standout Cody Gakpo.

– According to The Times, Wolves are planning a busy transfer window, with Todofichajes reporting they want Spanish international Isco from Sevilla, as well as United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, per Express and Star.

– Journalist Ekrem Konur believes Everton have entered the bidding war for 22-year-old Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus after his excellent World Cup for Ghana.

– Sky Sports is reporting Leicester City, Wolves and West Ham are all showing interest in 22-year-old Morocco midfielder Azzedine Ounahi, who plays for Angers in Ligue 1.

– According to Calciomercato, Paris Saint-Germain are confident they will land Inter centre-back Milan Skriniar on a free transfer at the end of the season. 

Chelsea are reportedly weighing up a bevy of forward options in the January transfer window, including Milan's Rafael Leao and Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic.

The Stamford Bridge side are said to have already come to terms on a deal worth at least €10million for 19-year-old striker David Datro Fofana from Norwegian side Molde, per Fabrizio Romano, but their hunt for reinforcements will not stop there.

With young Chelsea striker Armando Broja set for an extended stint on the sidelines due to injury, they are looking to bring in at least one more new face – or perhaps an old face.

TOP STORY – CHELSEA LOOK TO SERIE A FOR NEW MARQUEE FORWARD

According to Calciomercato and ESPN, Chelsea are engaged in discussions about Serie A forward Leao, Vlahovic, and Roma's Tammy Abraham – who left Chelsea in August 2021.

Recent reports claimed Milan had rejected a €70m offer from Chelsea for Leao, and are trying to hold out for his full €150m release clause, but ESPN's update states it will take "at least €80m" – a figure that is not scaring the Premier League side away.

Vlahovic is also believed to be available due to Juventus' behind-the-scenes turmoil, while Abraham has a €75m buy-back option, but that price is said to be above what Chelsea are willing to pay for him.

Meanwhile, the Evening Standard are reporting Atletico Madrid have offered Chelsea two more options up top, giving them the opportunity to buy Joao Felix or Matheus Cunha.

ROUND-UP

– Mundo Deportivo is reporting Liverpool will have to pay £87m for 21-year-old Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who they are believed to have made a pre-agreement with.

– According to 90min, Manchester City have circled Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham and Arsenal's Bukayo Saka as two key targets going forward.

– Manchester United, Newcastle United and Real Madrid are the teams competing for the signature of breakout PSV talent Cody Gakpo, per the Mirror.

– Sport are reporting Barcelona are the favourites to sign Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot, as he would prefer to head to Spain instead of the Premier League.

– According to SoccerNews, the agent of Fiorentina midfielder and Morocco standout Sofyan Amrabat is pushing for his move to Liverpool.

Milan's Portuguese forward Rafael Leao will be a key player of interest in the January transfer window.

The 23-year-old helped Milan clinched the Italian Serie A title last term, netting 11 goals for the Rossoneri.

According to reports, Leao is unwilling to pen a contract extension with Milan, who failed to meet his demands.

TOP STORY - CHELSEA GET JUMP IN RAFAEL LEAO CHASE

Chelsea have emerged as the frontrunners in the hotly contested pursuit of Milan forward Rafael Leao, claims GiveMeSport's Dean Jones.

Leao enters the final 18 months of his Milan contract in January, with interest also reportedly coming from Real Madrid and Manchester City.

Milan may be willing to let the Portuguese depart in January if they cannot convince him to sign a new deal, rating him at £86million (€100m).

ROUND-UP

– Chelsea's planned mid-year move for RB Leipzig's Christopher Nkunku will not be brought forward to January despite a season-ending ACL injury for Armando Broja, reports Fabrizio Romano.

– CBS's Ben Jacobs claims Dusan Vlahovic exiting Juventus in 2023 is a "very real possibility", including a possible January move, with Chelsea among the clubs in contact with the Serbian's representatives.

– Real Madrid have joined the race for Netherlands international Cody Gakpo, claims AS. Manchester United are also interested in the PSV forward, who was pursued by Leeds United in the last transfer window.

– ESPN claims Manchester United will enquire with Benfica about the status of Portugal striker Goncalo Ramos, who netted a hat-trick against Switzerland at the World Cup.

– Bayer Leverkusen are interested in signing West Ham full-back Vladimir Coufal, claims Sky Sports. The Czech, who is contracted until 2024 with the option of another year, also has interest from two other Premier League clubs.

Cody Gakpo will only leave PSV for a "record transfer" amid continued links to Manchester United and Real Madrid, according to the Eredivisie side's director of football Marcel Brands.

A host of Europe's elite clubs are reportedly interested in the Netherlands international, who became only second player in World Cup history to open the scoring three times in the same group stage in Qatar.

The 23-year-old boasts 17 goals and eight assists in 31 games this season, with Liverpool and Bayern Munich also said to be interested in Gakpo.

United are suggested to be the frontrunners, having already attempted to sign Gakpo in the past window, though Brands will demand a sizeable sum for the forward.

"When you talk about Cody Gakpo and the price tag, how many clubs are able to buy a player of that calibre?," Brands said on an appearance with the PSV Supporters Association. 

"You are talking about maybe 10 or 12 clubs in Europe. You have to need a player in that position and be able and willing to spend the money in January, which is normally less hectic than the summer.

"We have yet to see if it all happens. He has no clause or anything, and no amounts have been agreed on either. The agreements that were made were there before my time.

"It must be a record transfer for PSV anyway, so then you know in which direction it is going."

With the January transfer window looming and the Netherlands out of the World Cup after a quarter-final defeat to Argentina, Brands insists no decision has been made over Gakpo's future.

"In the media, it seems like all the clubs are lining up, but the reality is that we don't know anything about interest or anything yet. It's quiet," he added.

"I've spoken to Cody, he's going on vacation for ten days. If something happens, it is perhaps known to Cody or his management, but not to us yet."

Ajax convinced United to pay £81.3million (€95m) for Antony in August, though Brands believes that transfer is not an accurate representation of what PSV may be able to demand for Gakpo.

"But that had nothing to do with market conformity, but with a club that is in panic and a trainer who insisted on him," he continued. 

"Many players have left for market value in recent times, such as Gabriel Jesus [to Arsenal] for fifty million or Erling Haaland [to Manchester City] for 75 million."