LIVE! Transfer news and rumours: Arsenal, Chelsea scout Diomande, Chelsea want Luke Shaw
Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the latest transfer news and rumours from around the world of football on Monday, January 15.
Stick with us below to keep up to date with all of today's transfer rumours and done deals.
Today's key events
Burnley's Scott Twine joins Bristol City on loan
Bristol City have announced the signing of Burnley midfielder Scott Twine on loan for the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign.
The 24-year-old has spent the first half of the season on loan at fellow Championship outfit Hull City, making 25 second-tier appearances for Liam Rosenior's side, scoring four goals.
Following the arrival of Liverpool loanee Fabio Carvalho at the MKM Stadium, there was a feeling that Twine would be recalled by Burnley in order to sort out another temporary move.
Since joining from League One side MK Dons in the summer of 2022, the attacking midfielder has featured 18 times for Vincent Kompany's side, scoring three times.
Four Premier League clubs 'to rival Juventus for Kalvin Phillips'
Newcastle United, West Ham United, Everton and Crystal Palace are all set to rival Juventus for the signature of Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, according to a report.
The 28-year-old is widely expected to leave the Etihad Stadium in the January transfer window as he has struggled to gain regular first-team football under manager Pep Guardiola.
Phillips has started just five of his 31 appearances for Man City since joining from boyhood club Leeds United in July 2022, and he has allegedly been given the green light by the Citizens to seek pastures new.
A host of clubs from across Europe have been credited with an interest in signing Phillips, including Serie A leaders Juventus.
Liverpool's Luke Hewitson extends Stalybridge Celtic loan
Luke Hewitson will remain on loan at Stalybridge Celtic until the end of the season. ⤵️ — Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 15, 2024
"Luke Hewitson will remain on loan at Stalybridge Celtic until the end of the season," read a statement from the club.
"The 19-year-old goalkeeper joined the Greater Manchester-based side in August and has gone on to make 28 appearances to date, with his temporary switch now extended for the remainder of 2023-24.
"Hewitson moved to Liverpool as an U15 player from Sunderland and signed his first professional contract back in 2021."
Man City 'to complete Claudio Echeverri signing on January 25'
Manchester City are reportedly set to complete the signing of River Plate starlet Claudio Echeverri as soon as the Argentine transfer window opens at the end of this month.
The Citizens are understood to have fended off interest from La Liga champions Barcelona to win the race for the signature of the highly-rated 18-year-old attacking midfielder.
According to Sky Sports News, Man City have reached an agreement in principle with River Plate to sign Echeverri for an initial €14m (£12m) plus performance-related add-ons.
Echeverri is set to return to River Plate on loan, but discussions with Man City are still ongoing over the length of the loan deal.
Arsenal, Spurs to step up Santiago Gimenez pursuit this summer?
Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham are reportedly among a number of clubs considering a summer move for Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez.
The 22-year-old has been one of the most prolific strikers in Europe so far this season, scoring 21 goals in 23 appearances for Feyenoord across all tournaments.
Gimenez has netted 19 of those goals in just 17 Eredivisie matches to help Feyenoord climb up to second in the table, albeit still 12 points adrift of runaway leaders PSV Eindhoven.
The Mexico international previously scored 28 goals in 50 appearances for the Rotterdam-based outfit in his first season with the club in 2022-23 after joining from Mexican side Cruz Azul.
Celtic's Adam Montgomery joins Motherwell on loan
#CelticFC's Adam Montgomery has joined Motherwell on loan until the end of the season.
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 15, 2024
Best of luck, Adam! 🍀 pic.twitter.com/C7bMbJ2ewq
West Brom's Mo Faal joins Walsall on loan
We can confirm Mo Faal has joined @WFCOfficial on loan for the remainder of the 2023/24 season. ✍️
Good luck, Mo! 💪 — West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) January 15, 2024
"Albion forward Mo Faal has joined Sky Bet League Two team Walsall on loan for the remainder of the 2023/24 campaign," read a statement from the club.
"Faal links up with the Saddlers having represented fellow fourth-tier side Doncaster Rovers in the first half of the term, scoring nine goals in 33 appearances in all competitions.
"The Gambian-born striker, who has played twice for Albion's senior side, is under contract at The Hawthorns until the summer of 2025.
"Everyone at The Hawthorns wishes Mo all the best for his time at the Poundland Bescot Stadium."
Napoli 'considering move for Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah'
Napoli are reportedly weighing up a January swoop for Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah.
The 24-year-old is facing an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge having failed to establish himself as a first-team regular under head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Chalobah featured regularly for the Blues in pre-season, but injuries and the addition of new signings in the summer transfer window have resulted in the defender falling down the pecking order in West London.
The academy graduate has made a total of 63 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions since and including his debut in 2021, including 34 outings last season, but is yet to make a single appearance in the current campaign.
Ross County sign Cardiff's Eli King on loan
Ross County FC are delighted to announce the signing of talented midfielder Eli King on loan from Cardiff City.
— Ross County FC (@RossCounty) January 15, 2024
Eli, 21, joins us from the Championship side following a successful loan spell with Morecambe where he quickly became a fan favourite. He also had a loan spell with... pic.twitter.com/E0QHPSL3Fm
Northampton bring in Tony Springett on loan from Norwich
✍️ We are pleased to confirm the signing of Tony Springett on loan from Norwich City! 🙌
— Northampton Town (@ntfc) January 15, 2024
Welcome to NN5, Tony! 👋
Transfer news in association with @EightyEightLtd 🤝#ShoeArmy 👞 pic.twitter.com/sgp2nh391p
Watford's Imran Louza joins Lorient on loan
ℹ️ Imrân Louza has joined Ligue 1 side FC Lorient on loan until the end of the season.
Good luck, Imrân. 👊 — Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) January 15, 2024
"Watford FC confirms that midfielder Imran Louza has joined French side FC Lorient on loan," read a statement from the club.
"The Moroccan will link up with the Ligue 1 club until the end of the season. Louza has played 17 times for the Hornets this season, scoring once.
"The 24-year-old arrived at Watford from Nantes in 2021 and has played 60 times in total, finding the net six times. Good luck in France, Imrân!"
Plymouth's Tyreik Hill joins Bradford on loan
Tyreik Wright has joined Bradford City on loan for the remainder of the season.
Good luck in Yorkshire, Tyreik. 💪#pafc — Plymouth Argyle FC (@Argyle) January 15, 2024
"Tyreik Wright has joined Bradford City on loan until the end of the season," read a statement from the club.
"The winger will head to Yorkshire having found opportunities hard to come by this season with only seven appearances for Argyle across all competitions.
"We wish Tyreik well for his loan spell at the Sky Bet League Two side."
Chelsea lining up January moves for Benzema, Firmino?
Chelsea could consider a shock January move for either Karim Benzema or Roberto Firmino, according to a report.
The West Londoners are known to be in the market for a new centre-forward despite spending in excess of £1bn on new players in the Todd Boehly era.
Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson both arrived at Stamford Bridge last summer, but the former has been hampered with injuries this season, while the latter has been inconsistent in front of goal and is now away with Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Armando Broja, meanwhile, is yet to reach the heights expected for Chelsea, so Pochettino has had to rely on the brilliance of midfielder Cole Palmer, who is the club's top scorer so far this season with nine goals in all competitions.
Bristol City sign Taylor Gardner-Hickman from West Brom
Yours 'til 2027! ❤️
— Bristol City FC (@BristolCity) January 15, 2024
Taylor Gardner-Hickman has signed a permanent deal at #BristolCity! ✍️ pic.twitter.com/YP7nUPiDey
West Bromwich Albion sign Andreas Weimann on loan
Announcing Andi! 🇦🇹
We're delighted to confirm the signing of @andiweimann on loan for the remainder of the season! ✍️ — West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) January 15, 2024
"I'm really looking forward to the next few months. I know a lot about the club and I've been around the area for a while now," he told the club website.
"I just want to help as much as I can and get this club to where it wants to be.
"I'm definitely a team player, but I also think I've got goals in me. Hopefully I can bring goals, assists and experience to the team."
Manager Carlos Corberan added: "Andi has proven himself to be an excellent Championship player for many years, and we are pleased to have him with us.
"He adds quality and experience to our attacking options and is a welcome addition to the group.
"He is fit and ready to play which is also important. We're looking forward to working with Andi and I'm confident he will make a positive contribution during his time here."
Ajax 'intensify pursuit of Jordan Henderson on permanent deal'
Ajax have stepped up their interest in signing Al Ettifaq midfielder Jordan Henderson on a permanent basis, according to a report.
The 33-year-old ended his 12-year association with Liverpool last summer to move to the Saudi Pro League and link up with former Reds teammate Steven Gerrard at Al Ettifaq.
However, Henderson's controversial £12m transfer to the Middle East drew criticism having previously offered his support for the LGBTQ+ Community.
It was initially reported that Henderson had been offered £700,000 a week over a three-year contract, but the midfielder has denied such claims and has insisted that his move to Saudi Arabia was not financially driven, although he is still believed to be earning in excess of £350,000 a week at Al Ettifaq.
Real Betis, Villarreal 'interested in Sheffield United-linked Ben Johnson'
Real Betis and Villarreal are reportedly interested in signing West Ham United defender Ben Johnson, who has also captured the attention of Sheffield United.
The 23-year-old has played a bit-part role for David Moyes at the London Stadium this season, featuring just twice in the Premier League, starting once.
Since making his debut in February 2019, Johnson has appeared on 93 occasions for the Hammers, forming part of the side which helped the club to Europa Conference League glory last term.
The right-back has been a regular fixture for the England Under-21s in recent years, earning 10 caps for Lee Carsley's men, however the youngster is not close to a senior call-up.
Arsenal, Chelsea 'to scout Ousmane Diomande at AFCON'
Arsenal and Chelsea will reportedly send scouts to watch Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The 20-year-old earned his fourth international cap for AFCON hosts Ivory Coast in last weekend's 2-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau in their opening Group A fixture.
Diomande has quickly established himself as one of the most sought-after central defenders in Europe since bursting onto the scene with Sporting.
Since joining from Danish club FC Midtjylland in January last year, Diomande has made 38 first-team appearances for Sporting in all competitions, including 20 starts so far this season.
Chelsea 'discuss possible bid for Villa forward Duran'
Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran has reportedly emerged as a potential January transfer target for Chelsea.
The 20-year-old is closing in on a year spent at the West Midlands outfit having arrived from Chicago Fire at the start of 2023.
While the Colombian was always going to be regarded as one for the future and backup to Ollie Watkins, Duran has allegedly been left frustrated with the amount of opportunities that he has received from Unai Emery.
Although seven starts have been made in all competitions, each of Duran's 26 appearances in the Premier League have come from the substitutes' bench.
Bristol City close to signing Burnley's Scott Twine?
Bristol City are reportedly prepared to welcome Burnley midfielder Scott Twine on loan for the remainder of the 2023-24 season.
The 24-year-old is currently on loan at fellow Championship outfit Hull City from Turf Moor, making 25 second-tier appearances for Liam Rosenior's Tigers so far.
Twine made the switch to the North-West from League One side MK Dons in the summer of 2022 for around £4m, helping Vincent Kompany's men secure promotion to the Premier League last term.
Despite suffering an injury-riddled campaign in Lancashire, the attack-minded midfielder featured 14 times in the league for the Clarets, scoring three goals.
Sutton sign Nino Adom-Malaki on loan from Millwall
🤝 Nino Adom-Malaki has joined Sky Bet League Two side, Sutton United, on loan until the end the season.#Millwall
— Millwall FC (@MillwallFC) January 15, 2024
"Nino has been training with the first team regularly since I arrived and he's definitely a player who's got potential for the future. At this moment, he needs to be playing senior games and this is a great opportunity for him," said Millwall boss Joe Edwards.
Calvin Ramsay returns to Liverpool from Preston loan spell
Liverpool have announced that Calvin Ramsay has returned to the club from his loan spell at Preston North End.
The Scotland international dropped down to the Championship with the aim of securing regular first-team football in the 2023-24 campaign, having been plagued by injuries during his first campaign at Liverpool.
However, Ramsay missed the first three months of the season due to a knee injury and subsequent operation, forcing him to wait until November 28 for his debut in a 4-0 loss to Middlesbrough.
The right-back subsequently made his first and only start for Preston in a 2-0 loss to Queens Park Rangers on December 1, after which he rejoined Ryan Lowe's absentee list with COVID-19.
Reading defender Tom Holmes 'undergoing Luton Town medical'
Tom Holmes has reportedly arrived at Luton Town for a medical ahead of a permanent switch from League One strugglers Reading.
The 23-year-old has not featured as heavily as in recent campaigns for the Royals, making just nine third-tier starts in 2023-24 for the relegation-threatened club.
Holmes graduated from Reading's academy in December 2017 but had to wait until 2020 to really cement his spot in the first-team thinking, becoming a regular as the Berkshire club attempted to fight off relegation from the Championship last term.
The centre-back had a change of scenery for the 2019-20 term, when he has loaned out to Roeselare in Belgium's second tier, although he only made 11 appearances.
Joel Cotterill returns to Swansea from Stockport loan
🦢 Joel Cotterill has returned from his loan spell at Stockport County with immediate effect. — Swansea City AFC (@SwansOfficial) January 15, 2024
"Joel Cotterill has returned from his loan spell at Stockport County with immediate effect," read a statement from Swansea.
"The 19-year-old midfielder joined the Edgeley Park side on a season-long loan in August, and has made 11 appearances in total, scoring his first senior goal in the recent League Two win over Sutton United.
"Cotterill has been with the Swans since the age of eight, signing a first professional contract in June 2022 and since extending terms to the end of June 2026.
"Cotterill made his senior debut for the club in August 2022, coming on as a substitute against Oxford United in the Carabao Cup."
Sheffield United 'interested in Chris Mepham'
Sheffield United are reportedly interested in signing Bournemouth defender Chris Mepham this month.
The 26-year-old has failed to be a regular starter for the Cherries this term, making only eight appearances, with just two of those being starts in the Premier League.
Since joining from Thomas Frank's Brentford in January 2019 for £12m, Mepham has gone on to feature 116 times for the South-coast club, scoring twice.
The centre-back continues to be a key fixture in Rob Page's Wales squad and will be hoping to help his country reach this summer's Euro 2024 in Germany.
Transfer rumours: Nedeljkovic to Aston Villa, Rothwell to Southampton, Munoz to Palace
Aston Villa are reportedly closing in on the signing of Red Star Belgrade teenager Kosta Nedeljkovic.
The 18-year-old is a product of the Red Star academy and made his senior debut for the club in August, featuring as a second-half substitute in a Serbian top-flight win over Napredak.
Nedeljkovic has since made 18 first-team appearances for Red Star in all competitions this season, including four outings in the Champions League group stage – one against holders Manchester City in December.
The right-back has seemingly caught the eye of Unai Emery, as journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that Aston Villa are edging closer to signing the Serbia Under-19s international for €9m (£7.7m).
Roma 'keen to cut short Sanches loan from PSG'
Roma reportedly remain eager to end the loan spell of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Renato Sanches.
During the summer, the acquisition of the Portugal international was regarded as an important business by Roma as they bid to break back into the top four of Serie A.
However, Sanches has not lived up to expectations with just three starts and six substitute appearances being made in all competitions.
The only time that the 26-year-old has played more than an hour in any fixture is the 61 minutes that he was given against FC Sheriff in the Europa League on December 14.
Fulham's Olly Sanderson joins Sutton on loan
Olly Sanderson has joined Sutton on loan. ➡️
Good luck at Gander Green Lane! — Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) January 15, 2024
"Olly Sanderson has been recalled from his loan at Oxford City, and will now head to Sutton United for the remainder of the campaign," read a statement from Fulham.
"It marks a step up for the striker, as he swaps the National League for the Football League.
"During his time with Oxford, Sanderson found the net 13 times in 29 appearances, and he now turns his attentions to helping Sutton preserve their League Two status.
"The U's drew 2-2 with high-flying Barrow in new manager Steve Morison's first game in charge on Saturday, and Sanderson could make his debut this weekend when they travel to Mansfield Town.
"Everyone at Fulham would like to wish Olly the best of luck during his time at Gander Green Lane."
Man United chiefs 'have reservations over Olise move'
Manchester United officials are reportedly in disagreement over a future move for Crystal Palace midfielder Michael Olise.
The France Under-21 international is participating in his third season at Selhurst Park since making the switch from Reading in 2021.
At the time, it was unclear whether Olise would be able to establish himself as a Premier League player, but he has only gone from strength to strength with the Eagles.
An impressive return of nine goals and 17 assists have been posted in 72 appearances in England's top flight, 11 of the assists in question coming in 2022-23.
Benzema 'excluded from Al-Ittihad training camp amid Man United links'
Karim Benzema will reportedly not feature in Al-Ittihad's upcoming training camp amid speculation regarding a surprise January exit.
In the summer, Benzema ended his long-term association with Real Madrid in order to make the switch to the Middle East.
The 36-year-old has since scored 11 goals from his 19 appearances for the Saudi Pro League outfit, those strikes coming in three different competitions.
However, things have been fair from plain-sailing since his arrival, last season's champions already a mammoth 25 points adrift of leaders Al-Hilal in the standings.
Jonathan Panzo returns to Nottingham Forest from Cardiff loan
Jonathan Panzo has returned from his loan spell at @CardiffCityFC.
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) January 15, 2024
"Jonathan Panzo has returned to Nottingham Forest from his loan spell at Cardiff City," read a short club statement.
"The 23-year-old joined the South Wales side in September and made five appearances in all competitions."
Sheffield United youngster Antwoine Hackford signs new contract
Arbourthorne born Antwoine Hackford has signed a new contract until the summer of 2026 🙌 — Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) January 15, 2024
"I am delighted to have signed, and I know now that I need to push on in these next two years to earn the next contract," he told the club website.
"Being born in Sheffield and being involved in the setup since I was nine, it is an honour to have been handed this opportunity and to be in a position to keep representing my boyhood club.
"I've enjoyed the experiences with the first team this season, and the challenge now is to get fit again and work really hard to try and earn another opportunity."
Manager Chris Wilder added: "I gave Antwoine his debut here when he was 16, so I know he's a talented lad.
"Along with Andre (Brooks) and others, this again shows you the belief the club, myself and the staff have in the young players here.
"Like Brooksy and Oliver Arblaster, Antwoine is a Sheffield lad and I know through experience just how special that connection is between the local players and the supporters.
"They love to see some of their own coming through, and the challenge now for the likes of Antwoine is to kick on again and make that next step up."
Exeter also confirm Yanic Wildschut contract talks
📝 Discussions are ongoing with Yanic Wildschut on extending his stay at the club, further details will follow when available.#ECFC #SemperFidelis pic.twitter.com/ZfPwBe66TK
— Exeter City FC (@OfficialECFC) January 15, 2024
Exeter duo sign new contracts
✍️ We are delighted to announce that @calebwatts_ and @shaun_macone have signed extensions until the end of the season 👏
Caleb's contract includes the option of an extra year!
🔗 The full story ➡️ https://t.co/9nIT1IgZVy#ECFC #SemperFidelis pic.twitter.com/fA3n766Drc — Exeter City FC (@OfficialECFC) January 15, 2024
"Shaun has great standards every single day and has been a great addition, and you can see the four goalkeepers working hard every day to push each other," said manager Gary Caldwell.
"We can't underestimate what people like Shaun bring to the performance on a match day, whether than be in training before or during the match itself and how they contribute, such as Stevenage when he was running up and down the line helping defenders.
"Caleb burst onto the scene with his goal and debut and picked up that niggly injury followed by that more serious one he is still recovering from. He will be back on the grass this week and then over the next few weeks we will build his fitness.
"He is a player who has real quality and we felt like we should give him the opportunity to show that quality on a more consistent basis and build his fitness. Hopefully he will get the run of games he needs."
Sociedad 'ready to join race for Spurs winger Gil'
Tottenham Hotspur winger Bryan Gil has reportedly emerged as a potential transfer target for Real Sociedad.
The Spanish outfit can claim to have enjoyed a productive first half of the season courtesy of having qualified for the Champions League last 16.
However, their form in La Liga has been mixed, just eight victories coming from their 20 matches and their winless streak standing at four games.
As a result, Imanol Alguacil's side sit in sixth position in the standings, nine points adrift of fourth-placed Barcelona, while they have scored considerably fewer goals than the five teams above them.
Man United 'among clubs ready to hijack West Ham Guirassy move'
West Ham United are reportedly likely to face competition from Manchester United in the race to sign Stuttgart forward Serhou Guirassy.
Before this season, the Guinea international was not on the radar of some of the biggest clubs in Europe due to his modest form in France and Germany.
However, a career-best run of 17 goals from 14 Bundesliga fixtures and an alleged £17.5m release clause has led to the 27-year-old becoming one of the most sought-after frontmen in Europe.
With Stuttgart sitting in third position in Germany's top flight and holding a four-point advantage in the race for the Champions League, a transfer is far from a foregone conclusion.
Chelsea 'regard Man United's Shaw as long-term target'
Chelsea reportedly hold an interest in signing Manchester United defender Luke Shaw.
Despite their £1bn-plus outlay across the previous three transfer windows, the Blues allegedly remain in the market for new additions.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino is said to be interested in acquiring a new centre-back, central midfielder and forward before the end of January.
Whether that materialises remains to be seen, it far from a simple process due to Chelsea having to be wary of breaching FFP regulations in the short and long term.
Transfer rumours: Lenglet to stay at Villa, Soyuncu battle, Meija to Sevilla
On-loan Aston Villa defender Clement Lenglet is reportedly set to remain with the Premier League powerhouses until the end of the season.
The Barcelona-owned centre-back has often struggled to displace Diego Carlos, Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa in the Villans' rearguard, playing just 10 matches in all competitions this season.
Lenglet has earned five starts in the Europa Conference League, but he has featured from the first whistle on just four occasions in the Premier League and did not even make his debut in the top flight until December.
The Frenchman's peripheral standing has led to suggestions that he could call time on his Villa Park stint early amid talk of interest from AC Milan, but according to The Independent, that will not be the case.
Welcome!
Good morning and welcome to another day of transfer news and rumours!
Before we get started with a look at all of today's biggest transfer talk, let's first have a quick recap of what happened yesterday.
Yesterday's top stories
Click here to read full details of all yesterday's transfer news and rumours
