Memphis Depay has been linked with a move away from Barcelona, having had a frustrating 2022-23 season.

The Dutchman has only made a handful of appearances for the Blaugrana, following an off-season of busy transfer activity at Camp Nou.

Depay had been linked with several clubs, including Premier League outfits Manchester United, Arsenal, Newcastle United and Tottenham.

TOP STORY – MEMPHIS TO EXIT BARCELONA FOR ATLETICO

Depay will leave Barcelona to join Atletico Madrid with an agreement reached on a fee of approximately €3-4million, reports Fabrizio Romano.

The Dutch forward is set to travel to Madrid to complete the formalities and medicals soon.

According to Romano, the 28-year-old will sign a two-and-a-half-year deal with Atleti.

ROUND-UP

– Fabrizio Romano claims Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Yann Sommer will undergo medical tests with Bayern Munich on Thursday, before signing his contract with the Bavarians with the deal done between the clubs.

– Sky Sport Italia claims Roma are willing to sell Nicolo Zaniolo in January at the right price, approximately €40m, as the likes of Tottenham, Arsenal, West Ham United  and Borussia Dortmund circle.

– Real Madrid are interested in Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho but the Red Devils have made an improved contract offer for the Argentinian, reports The Independent.

– Arsenal are happy to wait until the end of the season to pursue West Ham's Declan Rice, after missing out on Mykhaylo Mudryk, claims The Sun.

– Tottenham have made a first bid for Sporting right-back Pedro Porro, which included a player plus guaranteed money, but the Portuguese club have turned this down, according to Fabrizio Romano. Sporting want €45m (£39m) with talks ongoing.

– Chris Wood is on the cusp of joining Nottingham Forest on loan from Newcastle United, reports The Athletic. The deal would include an option to make the move permanent.

– West Ham tabled an offer for Aston Villa forward Danny Ings, reports The Telegraph.

Premier League heavyweights Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle United are reportedly preparing to target Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who may leave the Serie A leaders at the end of the season.

Osimhen, 24, became Napoli's club-record signing when he arrived at the club for €70million in July 2020, and he has met all expectations.

After scoring 14 goals in 27 league appearances last season, Osimhen has raised the bar, finding the back of the net 12 times with four assists during his 14 league fixtures in 2022-23.

With Napoli nine points clear at the Serie A summit and seeking their first title since the 1989-90 season, a January sale is off the table, but talks are expected to heat up at the end of the campaign.

TOP STORY – NAPOLI SLAP €150M PRICE TAG ON PREMIER LEAGUE TARGET OSIMHEN

According to Il Mattino, Napoli believe that if Chelsea new-boy Mykhaylo Mudryk is worth €100m (£88.5m), then Osimhen is worth €150m (£133m).

The Nigerian international's contract ties him to the Italian side until 2025, giving I Partenopei enough leverage to hold firm at what they believe is a fair valuation, but they will be forced to listen to offers at the end of the season if he shows no indication of signing an extension.

The report states Arsenal, United and Newcastle have already made their interest clear, although Arsenal specifically appear to be weighing up a number of expensive options after opting against meeting Mudryk's asking price.

ROUND-UP

– The Times is reporting Arsenal have made 24-year-old West Ham midfielder Declan Rice their top priority in the post-season transfer window, and the England international could cost £80m.

– According to The Telegraph, Newcastle have enquired about Chelsea trio Conor Gallagher, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Hakim Ziyech.

– Newcastle have also reportedly joined Leicester City in the pursuit of 24-year-old Fiorentina forward Nico Gonzalez, who will cost at least €45m (£40m), per TuttoMercatoWeb.

– 90min is reporting Leeds United have increased their bid for 22-year-old Angers midfielder and Morocco standout Azzedine Ounahi to £22.2m (€25m).

– The agent of 25-year-old Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma has reached out to Liverpool, Tottenham and West Ham in an effort to organise a move to the Premier League this month, per Relevo.

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe claimed his side were given the spur they needed to beat Fulham by Aleksandar Mitrovic's calamitous double-touch penalty.

Alexander Isak came off the bench to head an 89th-minute winner, with a 1-0 victory sending the Magpies third in the Premier League, after former Newcastle striker Mitrovic failed to capitalise from the spot.

In bizarre scenes, the Serbia international slipped as he took his attempt, illegally hitting the ball twice as he sent his effort into the net, with the goal disallowed and Newcastle given a free-kick as a result.

"The double touch I couldn't see, but I was really pleased to see it go that way," Howe said.

His high-flying team were lifted, and Howe said: "These moments can sometimes do that. Something happens, a flash point, we didn't concede. The crowd were really good for us from that moment on."

Fulham were awarded their penalty in the 66th minute after a challenge by Kieran Trippier on Bobby De Cordova-Reid, with Fulham already demanding a spot-kick after Andreas Pereira was, to their mind, fouled moments earlier.

"I thought the first challenge could have been a penalty. That wasn't given. The second one I didn't think was but was bizarrely given," Howe told Sky Sports.

Newcastle's victory puts them third in the Premier League, level on points with fourth-placed Manchester United who have a game in hand against Crystal Palace to play in midweek.

Fulham head coach Marco Silva felt the match officials gave his team very little "from the first minute" of the game at St James' Park.

"So many things to say about the ref's performance. But first I will say that I am really proud of the players and my team," Silva told Sky Sports.

"We had ambition, quality, desire and showed why we are doing so well this season."

Pointing to the first incident for which Fulham wanted a penalty, as Dan Burn seemed to impede Pereira, Silva said: "It is a clear penalty, red card for the player and the game would be completely different. The fourth official gave it, but the referee made his decision."

Silva added: "Credit to Newcastle, they are a really strong side as well. We missed a penalty, and we should have attacked more. Credit to them for not giving us more chances.

"We knew that we could not press for the full 90 minutes. We were very unlucky this afternoon. Very unlucky the way we lost this game. It went against us."

Tottenham and Newcastle United are both keeping a close eye on forward Nicolo Zaniolo despite a mediocre stretch of form with Roma.

The 23-year-old has 11 Italy caps to his name, but he has struggled to show his quality this season.

From 13 Serie A appearances this term, including 12 starts, Zaniolo has only scored one goal with zero assists, after a 2021-22 season where he contributed only two goals in 28 league games.

Despite his disappointing goal tally, Zaniolo is reportedly demanding a significant pay increase to re-sign in Italy's capital, forcing Roma into a difficult decision.

TOP STORY – PREMIER LEAGUE CLUBS CIRCLE FOR ZANIOLO

According to Calciomercato, Tottenham head coach Antonio Conte is a fan of Zaniolo, while the "increasingly ambitious" Newcastle are "waiting for new developments".

For Tottenham, their top priority remains retaining the services of Conte, and that could mean taking a leap of faith to secure one of his targets.

The report states the most recent negotiations between Roma and Zaniolo's agents ended with no progress, and with 18 months remaining on his contract, his transfer value will likely not get any higher than it is right now.

ROUND-UP

– The Times is reporting Newcastle also have strong interest in 25-year-old Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves.

– According to Caught Offside, Chelsea could sign 25-year-old Borussia Monchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram for €10million this month as his contract expires at the end of the season.

– Tottenham, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund are among the teams scouting impressive 18-year-old Oscar Gloukh from Maccabi Tel Aviv, who could be purchased for €9m, per The Sun.

– The Daily Mail is reporting 29-year-old Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could leave the club this month, with six months remaining on his contract.

– Liverpool are trying to convince 26-year-old Fiorentina midfielder and Morocco standout Sofyan Amrabat to head to Anfield, but he prefers Atletico Madrid, per The Mirror.

Arsenal have been slapped with a £40,000 fine for failing to control their players in the recent 0-0 draw with Newcastle United.

Gunners players mobbed referee Andy Madley in the 95th minute of the stalemate on January 3, convinced they should have been given a penalty.

Granit Xhaka's cross struck the arm of Jacob Murphy from a few yards away, and Madley opted against awarding a penalty.

Arsenal players reacted furiously, surrounding the official, while head coach Mikel Arteta vented his frustration on the sidelines.

A statement from the Football Association on Friday confirmed their punishment.

It read: "Arsenal have been fined £40,000 for breaching FA Rule E20.1 during their Premier League fixture against Newcastle United on Tuesday, January 3.

"Arsenal admitted they failed to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during the 95th minute. An independent regulatory commission imposed the club's sanction during a subsequent hearing."

Arsenal are also awaiting confirmation of another sanction relating to the FA Cup, having been charged for the same offence after players reacted in a similar fashion to another penalty claim against Oxford United.

Eddie Howe will support a "remorseful" Joelinton after a drink-driving charge, but the Newcastle United boss has not yet decided whether to drop the midfielder this weekend.

Joelinton starred in Newcastle's 2-0 EFL Cup quarter-final win against Leicester City on Tuesday, scoring one goal and creating the other for Dan Burn.

However, the Brazilian was arrested in the early hours of Thursday morning for being over the prescribed limit for alcohol at the wheel of a vehicle.

Joelinton will appear in court on January 26, between the two legs of Newcastle's cup tie against Southampton – the Magpies' first major semi-final since 2005.

The incident has marred what had been a great week for Newcastle, with a huge Premier League clash with Fulham to come on Sunday.

Newcastle enter the weekend in third place, with Fulham in sixth, but head coach Howe told reporters on Friday he had yet to decide what Joelinton's role would be in the match.

No player has made more appearances (47) or starts (45) or played more minutes (3,845) for Newcastle in all competitions since Howe's November 2021 appointment.

Howe added: "It came very much as a shock. Joe was very upset and remorseful yesterday.

"He knows the seriousness of the situation, and so do we as a club. I think he understands his responsibilities, and we are now supporting him.

"We will deal with the matter internally. From day one, he's been a very good professional and hugely passionate about his career and the club.

"I was very surprised about what happened. We will back him and support him but also educate him about what happened. Everyone makes mistakes."

Joelinton has turned his career around under Howe, with only three players topping his nine goal involvements in the coach's tenure.

He has played a key role in Newcastle's 13-match unbeaten Premier League streak; a 14th game without defeat against Fulham would tie the club's record run in the competition.

With or without Joelinton, Fulham represent a tough test, despite losing the reverse fixture 4-1 at Craven Cottage – a rare match in which Newcastle's number seven was left on the bench.

Marco Silva's side could even close to within a point of Champions League-chasing Newcastle with a win, but the Fulham boss said of a top-four challenge: "We are in a great position in the table, but we are not going to change anything from our goals until we achieve that.

"It is clear for me the goal is still at the same level. No one in our football club will achieve the goals until we achieve it. Until we remain in the Premier League, we are not changing anything from our aims and our ambitions.

"We are an ambitious football club, definitely, and I'm ambitious as a manager; my players, too. But we have to be realistic. We are really pleased how we have been playing, how we have achieved great results for us, but the Premier League is really tough."

Arsenal's interest in Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Mykhaylo Mudryk is well known, having pursued him in the last transfer window.

The 22-year-old Ukraine winger has scored 10 goals in 18 appearances for Shakhtar this term, enhancing his value.

Mudryk has also had interest from Sevilla and Chelsea, with the Gunners having reportedly previously made two bids for his services.

TOP STORY - GUNNERS CLOSE IN ON AGREEMENT FOR MUDRYK DEAL

Arsenal have tabled a fresh third bid worth €70m (£62m) plus add-ons for key target Mykhaylo Mudryk of Shakhtar Donetsk, claims Fabrizio Romano.

Talks are ongoing with no breakthrough but the two parties are getting closer to agreement, while Mudryk posted a praying emoji on Instagram in a sign he wants to make the move.

The Daily Express claims that the two clubs have come to an agreement on the fee, with negotiations entering the "final stage".

ROUND-UP

- Al Hilal, rivals of Cristiano Ronaldo's new Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, are plotting a €275m move for World Cup winner Lionel Messi from Paris Saint-Germain, reports Mundo Deportivo. The Sun has reported Messi's father Jorge has been spotted in Saudi Arabia too.

- Arsenal are also again interested in Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic, reports La Repubblica. According to the report, the Serbian is valued at €110m (£97.7m).

- Sport claims that Newcastle United have tabled an offer for Barcelona's Dutch forward Memphis Depay.

- PSG are set to offer Milan Skriniar a €12m-a-year contract, provided he agrees to leave Inter on a free transfer, reports La Repubblica. Skriniar's Inter deal concludes at the end of this season.

- AS reports that PSG have accepted a bid for Wolves for 30-year-old Spanish midfielder Pablo Sarabia.

- Besiktas are turning to Wolves' forward Raul Jimenez to replace Manchester United-bound Wout Weghorst, according to Fotospor.

After a week's break for the FA Cup, the Premier League is back with a full round of fixtures this weekend – in fact, some teams have midweek games too.

As such, fantasy football managers turn their attention back to team selections, transfers and captain choices.

Using Opta data, Stats Perform has picked out four options that might be worth your consideration…

Dean Henderson (Nottingham Forest v Leicester City)

Forest endured a pretty brutal reality check upon their long-awaited return to the Premier League, but things have started looking up in the past few weeks.

Henderson has undoubtedly been a shrewd addition between the posts and his recent form reflects Forest's general improvement.

Four of his five Premier League clean sheets this term have come in his seven most recent appearances, while Forest have collectively restricted their opponents to two or fewer shots on target in four of their past five outings.

Sven Botman (Newcastle United v Fulham)

Newcastle have excelled in many areas this term, hence their position in the top four. Defensively they have been solid, and Botman has more than played his part.

Eddie Howe's men have kept a clean sheet in each of their past four league games, with Botman playing at least 87 minutes in all of them.

Only four players have contributed to more clean sheets than his seven this season, and another will see the Magpies record five successive top-flight shutouts for the first time.

Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United v Manchester City)

Granted, Fernandes is not exactly an "out there" selection, so this is more of a reminder of the value he can represent.

For starters, he is in good form having provided an assist in each of his past two league games, and for the season only Kevin De Bruyne (41) has created more chances in open play (40).

While he only has three assists, his 4.3 expected assists is the third best in the division, suggesting his team-mates have not fully made the most of his craft.

But with Marcus Rashford in such form and a big game against City – following by a midweek trip to struggling Crystal Palace – up next, Fernandes will be a leading candidate to be decisive.

Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion v Liverpool)

From a slightly obvious pick to a real wildcard, but bear with us.

Ferguson has made a big impact at Brighton over the past few weeks. The 18-year-old has been involved in three goals across his past two games (two goals, one assist).

If he gets another goal against Liverpool at the weekend, he will be the youngest player (18 years and 87 days on Saturday) to score in three consecutive Premier League games since Michael Owen (18y, 12d).

Is it written in the stars?

Hearts manager Robbie Neilson accepts Socceroos forward Garang Kuol is not the "finished article" but is thrilled to land the 18-year-old on loan from Newcastle United.

The Edinburgh club confirmed the temporary signing – subject to international clearance – of Kuol from the Premier League side on Thursday, reportedly beating several Championship clubs to him.

Kuol impressed with two cameos for Australia at the 2022 World Cup, where the Socceroos reached the round of 16 for the second time.

In September, the teenager agreed a pre-contract deal to join Newcastle in January from A-League club Central Coast Mariners, with the Magpies eager to loan him out for first-team experience.

The Egypt-born talent only debuted for Central Coast in December 2021 and made just 22 first-team appearances – netting seven goals – before joining Newcastle.

"It's fantastic news that Garang has committed himself to Hearts for the next six months," Neilson said.

"It's no secret that we were extremely interested in him and he came up for a look around last week. He was impressed with what he saw and what we're trying to do here, which is pleasing.

"We're getting a player who is by no means the finished article but there is a lot of talent there – you don't get called up to and play in the World Cup for nothing.

"He'll offer us new options going forward as we look to continue our good form and continue to make progress in the league and in the Scottish Cup, and we're really looking forward to working with him."

Kuol joins fellow Australians Kye Rowles, Cammy Devlin and Nathaniel Atkinson at Hearts. All four were part of the Socceroos' World Cup squad.

"The gaffer also persuaded me to come here with the plan that he put to me for my development," Kuol said.

"Overall, the club has great ambitions and goals, and that was something I wanted to be involved in. I think it was a very good decision."

Hearts are third in the Scottish Premiership with 32 points from 20 games, 26 points behind leaders Celtic.

Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton has been charged with drink-driving and will appear in court at the end of January.

The 26-year-old was pulled over by police in the early hours of Thursday morning and subsequently arrested for being over the prescribed limit for alcohol.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "Shortly before 01:20am today, officers pulled over a vehicle in the Ponteland Road area of Newcastle and arrested the occupant.

"Joelinton Cassio, 26, of Ponteland, has since been charged with driving whilst above the prescribed limit for alcohol."

Joelinton will appear before magistrates in Newcastle on January 26, which is sandwiched between the two legs of United's EFL Cup semi-final with Southampton.

The Brazilian has played in 21 of Newcastle's 23 games this season, starting 19 of those – only five players have featured more times.

Manchester United will face Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup semi-finals, while Newcastle United meet Southampton.

Erik ten Hag's side beat third-tier Charlton Athletic 3-0 in the last eight and will travel to the City Ground for the first of the two-legged semi-final clash, as United search for a first trophy since 2017.

Forest have struggled in the Premier League as they battle to avoid the drop but edged past rivals Wolves on penalties after a 1-1 draw on Wednesday, moving just two games away from the Wembley Stadium showpiece.

Newcastle were dominant in a 2-0 win over Leicester City to reach the competition's semi-finals for the first time since 1976 and will visit the Premier League's bottom side Southampton for the first leg.

Nathan Jones' side registered an unlikely 2-0 quarter-final win over Manchester City, becoming just the third side to defeat Pep Guardiola's City in the EFL Cup, after West Ham and Manchester United (twice).

The first leg of the last-four clashes will be played on the week commencing January 23, with the second leg to follow the week after.

Sheffield Wednesday have denied a lack of adequate stewarding contributed to overcrowding at Saturday's FA Cup tie with Newcastle United at Hillsborough Stadium, while pledging to cooperate with a Football Association (FA) investigation.

Newcastle's FA Cup campaign was cut short by a surprise 2-1 defeat to the League One side, with Josh Windass' brace eliminating the Champions League-chasing Magpies.

However, the game was marred by reports of away fans experiencing overcrowding in the Leppings Lane End – the site of 1989's Hillsborough disaster, which led to the deaths of 97 fans after a crush at an FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.

The FA and the Sports Grounds Safety Authority have since pledged to review the reports, and the club said they would cooperate with those investigations via a statement on Wednesday.

"Further to a request from the Football Association on the afternoon of Monday January 9, Sheffield Wednesday has now submitted its comprehensive observations to the governing body following last weekend's Emirates FA Cup third-round tie with Newcastle United," the statement began.

"Whilst it is inappropriate to outline in full the details of the submission at this time, the club feels it is important to emphasise that the stewarding numbers in place within the visitors' section of the stadium exceeded the requirements of the safety certificate. 

"The allocation of tickets issued to Newcastle supporters also complied absolutely with the safety certificate.

"In addition, fewer supporters entered the visitors' turnstiles when aligned to the number of tickets allocated and sold.

"There were no reports of injuries or medical assistance required on the West Stand logged with the club's first aid operations manager before, during or after the game.

"Whilst we continue to assist and engage with the FA and explore all options, the club will be making no further comment at this time."

Newcastle United reached the EFL Cup semi-finals for just the second time after Dan Burn and Joelinton scored in a 2-0 victory over Leicester City on Tuesday.

Eddie Howe's side were stunned by Sheffield Wednesday in Saturday's FA Cup loss but responded with a dominant showing to reach the EFL Cup last four for the first time since 1976.

Leicester goalkeeper Danny Ward thwarted Newcastle for large parts in a one-sided contest at St. James' Park before Burn and Joelinton netted twice in the space of 12 second-half minutes.

Newcastle will await Wednesday's semi-final draw as they seek long-awaited silverware, while they remain in the hunt for an unlikely top-four finish in the Premier League amid a remarkable season.

Sean Longstaff should have fired Newcastle into a first-minute lead but inexplicably blasted Joe Willock's cross wide, before Bruno Guimaraes arrowed narrowly off target.

Ward showed rapid reflexes to push away Longstaff's drive as Howe's hosts continued in the ascendancy but without reward before the interval.

A fingertip stop by Ward pushed Joelinton's low attempt onto the left post just after the interval, while Burn headed a glorious chance over before the Leicester goalkeeper denied a stinging Longstaff effort.

Burn soon made amends by gliding inside and slotting a right-footed finish into the bottom-right corner to score his first goal for his boyhood club.

Joelinton added a second after racing onto Miguel Almiron's throughball and sliding beyond Ward, before Jamie Vardy missed two late opportunities in an otherwise toothless Leicester showing.

What does it mean? High-flying Magpies end quarter-final hoodoo

Despite falling to League One's Wednesday in the FA Cup, Newcastle continue to enjoy an incredible season, sitting third in the Premier League and still in with a chance of EFL Cup glory.

The Magpies had lost their last seven quarter-final ties in this competition since their run to the final in the 1975-76 campaign but ended that streak to earn further plaudits for the impressive Howe.

Manchester United defeated Charlton Athletic to reach the last four, while Manchester City – who visit Southampton on Wednesday – remain in the competition but Newcastle will fancy their chances after another memorable showing at home.

Terrific Trippier

As has been the case for much of the season, Kieran Trippier was central to the majority of Newcastle's attacking play as the right-back delivered another creative masterclass.

Linking up with Almiron on the right flank, Trippier created a game-leading five chances and was a constant nuisance for Leicester left-back Luke Thomas.

Ward efforts in vain

Leicester had not conceded in the EFL Cup until Burn's strike, with Brendan Rodgers' side defeating Stockport County, Newport County and MK Dons without their net being breached.

In truth, the Foxes were fortunate to be in the contest for so long at Newcastle, given the excellent Ward – who has come under scrutiny for some Premier League performances this term – made seven saves.

What's next?

Newcastle return to Premier League action at home to Fulham on Sunday, while Leicester visit rivals Nottingham Forest the day before.

Negotiations are continuing as Manchester United seek to secure out-of-favour Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix on a loan deal this month.

Joao Felix became Atletico's club-record signing back in 2019 when they purchased him from Benfica for €126million, but he has failed to live up to his potential under Diego Simeone.

The Portuguese international with 28 senior caps has only started seven of the 15 LaLiga fixtures he has been available for this campaign, but has recently hit some form, scoring four goals in his past three appearances prior to Sunday's 1-0 loss to Barcelona.

Joao Felix's performances at the World Cup, coupled with his rediscovered nose for goal, have begun to rehabilitate a depressed transfer value – and he is said to be United's for the taking.

TOP STORY – UNITED IN THE BOX SEAT FOR JOAO FELIX

According to the Mirror, United have been given the "first option" on any Joao Felix deal, meaning they will have 48 hours to match any bid Atletico perceive to be acceptable.

United are understood to have submitted a loan offer, inclusive of a £3m (€3.4m) fee, while also covering the 23-year-old's wages, but this was rejected.

As a counter, Atletico proposed a £9.5m (€10.8m) loan fee as well as a commitment to a mandatory £70.5m (€80.2m) transfer fee at the end of the season.

The report also included information that the Spanish side are expecting a bid from Arsenal, while Fichajes add the Rojiblancos have strong interest in United youngster Alejandro Garnacho – a former member of Atletico's youth academy.

ROUND-UP

– According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea will turn to versatile RB Leipzig attacker Dani Olmo if they are unsuccessful in their pursuit of Shakhtar Donestk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk. 

– Tottenham have locked in on Everton and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford as their desired replacement for captain Hugo Lloris, per the Mirror.

– ESPN is reporting Arsenal, Chelsea, United, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Bayern Munich and Milan are all competing for Borussia Monchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram as he enters the final six months of his contract.

– According to Sky Sports Germany, Leeds United are taking a close look at Hoffenheim forward Georginio Rutter. The Bundesliga club have confirmed there is Premier League interest, having elected to leave Rutter out of their upcoming friendly against Servette. 

– Diario Sport is reporting Arsenal and Newcastle are the two main sides monitoring Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde, who could become available at the end of the season if he decides to not extend his contract beyond 2024.

The winners of Manchester City's FA Cup third-round clash with Chelsea will face Premier League leaders Arsenal or Oxford United.

Top-flight champions City host Chelsea on Sunday, with Arsenal's bid for a record-extending 15th FA Cup success beginning with a visit to the League One U's on Monday.

Holders Liverpool, who overcame Chelsea on penalties in the 2022 final, will head to Brighton and Hove Albion if they can get past a replay with Wolves.

Manchester United host a Reading side managed by former midfielder Paul Ince, while Tottenham head to second-tier Preston North End.

Sheffield Wednesday's prize for stunning Newcastle United is a home draw against fellow League One side Fleetwood Town, while non-League high-flyers Wrexham welcome Sheffield United.

Elsewhere, West Ham head to third-tier Derby County, and struggling Southampton will take on Blackpool after the Seasiders dumped out Nottingham Forest.

Ties will be played on the weekend of 28 January.

FA Cup fourth-round draw in full:

Preston North End v Tottenham

Southampton v Blackpool

Wrexham v Sheffield United

Ipswich Town v Burnley

Manchester United v Reading

Luton Town or Wigan Athletic v Grimsby Town

Derby County v West Ham

Stoke City v Aston Villa or Stevenage

Blackburn Rovers v Forest Green Rovers or Birmingham City

Walsall v Leicester City

Sheffield Wednesday v Fleetwood Town

Manchester City or Chelsea v Oxford United or Arsenal

Bristol City or Swansea City v Chesterfield or West Brom

Brighton and Hove Albion v Liverpool or Wolves

Fulham v Sunderland

Boreham Wood or Accrington Stanley v Cardiff City or Leeds United