LIVE! Transfer news and rumours: Mbappe confirms future PSG exit, Henderson to join Ajax
Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the latest transfer news and rumours from around the world of football on Wednesday, January 17.
Stick with us below to keep up to date with all of today's transfer rumours and done deals.
Today's key events
Arsenal's Cedric Soares 'in talks over Besiktas move'
Arsenal and Besiktas are reportedly locked in negotiations over a deal to send Cedric Soares to the Turkish Super Lig club.
The 32-year-old has been largely frozen out of Mikel Arteta's squad during the 2023-24 campaign, only making one appearance in the Champions League and another in the EFL Cup.
In spite of the absences of Takehiro Tomiyasu, Jurrien Timber and Thomas Partey - who played at right-back at the start of the season - Cedric continues to be overlooked for top-flight minutes thanks to Ben White's availability.
Cedric has been an unused substitute in each of Arsenal's last eight Premier League games, and the consensus is that he will struggle to make matchday squads when the Gunners' injured defenders return to fitness.
Sergio Reguilon 'completes Brentford medical ahead of loan move'
Tottenham Hotspur defender Sergio Reguilon has reportedly completed his medical with Brentford ahead of a loan move to the Bees.
The Spanish left-back returned to Hotspur Way earlier this month following a short stint at Manchester United, where he made 12 appearances in all tournaments under Erik ten Hag.
Reguilon only made the first XI on four occasions in the Premier League, though, having faced stiff competition from Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot while on the books at Old Trafford.
As a result, Tottenham terminated Reguilon's Man United loan spell six months early, but the 27-year-old currently does not feature in the plans of first-team boss Ange Postecoglou, who has made Destiny Udogie his first-choice left-back.
Southampton make second bid for Burnley's Manuel Benson?
Southampton have reportedly submitted a second offer to Burnley for winger Manuel Benson during the January transfer window.
The 26-year-old was a key part of the Clarets squad which cantered to the Championship title last season, scoring 11 goals and providing three assists in 33 second-tier appearances.
However, the arrivals of Luca Koleosho and Wilson Odobert from Espanyol and Troyes respectively in the summer have led to Benson's game time being restricted so far in 2023-24.
The former Belgian youth international has featured in just 73 minutes of Premier League football this term, starting his only top-flight match in the defeat against Aston Villa on August 27.
Rio Ferdinand urges Man United to move for Karim Benzema
Former Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand has urged the 20-time English champions to make an attempt to sign experienced striker Karim Benzema before the end of the January transfer window.
The Red Devils are open to loan additions this month, and a recent report claimed that Benzema had emerged as a target, with the ex-France international potentially available on loan from Al-Ittihad.
The 36-year-old has scored 12 goals and registered five assists in 20 appearances for his Saudi Pro League side this season, having arrived on a free transfer from Real Madrid last summer.
There is currently speculation surrounding Benzema's future, as he has not linked up with his teammates in Dubai for their training camp.
Plymouth sign Alfie Devine on loan from Tottenham
Plymouth Argyle have announced the signing of Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Alfie Devine on loan for the remainder of the 2023-24 season.
The 19-year-old joins Ian Foster's side after being recalled from his previous loan at League One outfit Port Vale, where he scored three goals and provided three assists in 26 games during a successful spell.
Having earned his stripes in League One, Devine will now test his mettle in the Championship for the next few months and follows fellow Spurs man Ashley Phillips to Home Park on a short-term deal.
Argyle boss Foster already has experience working with Devine, who was moving up the England youth ranks while playing for Wigan Athletic, and the 47-year-old claimed that bringing the midfielder to the club was a "no-brainer".
Tom Holmes signs for Luton Town and returns to Reading on loan
Holmes is a Hatter.
— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) January 17, 2024
Tom Holmes has signed for an undisclosed fee and has been loaned back to Reading until the end of the season! ๐ค pic.twitter.com/cbQpsqOSix
Kayden Harrack, Peter Angelov released from Queens Park Rangers
R's youngsters Kayden Harrack and Peter Angelov have left following the expiry of their contracts ๐
— QPR FC (@QPR) January 17, 2024
We wish them well for the future ๐
Dundee sign Curtis Main on one-and-a-half-year deal
Main joins the Dark Blues!
— Dundee Football Club (@DundeeFC) January 17, 2024
Dundee Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of Curtis Main on a one-and-a-half-year deal, subject to international clearance.
Read the full announcement: https://t.co/aE1SSM8oGE
Welcome to The Dee Curtis!#thedee pic.twitter.com/jpRXSt8sUP
Xavi: 'Barcelona cannot afford to make further January signings'
Barcelona head coach Xavi has revealed that there will be no further incomings at Camp Nou this month due to the club's well-documented financial problems.
Vitor Roque had initially been expected to complete a move to the Catalan outfit in July, but the 18-year-old officially joined the La Liga champions from Athletico Paranaense at the start of this month.
Barcelona are currently without six players through injury, with Gavi, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Raphinha, Joao Cancelo, Inigo Martinez and Marcos Alonso all sidelined.
Meanwhile, Ronald Araujo and Lamine Yamal are also unavailable for Thursday's Copa del Rey clash with Unionistas through suspension.
O'Neil: 'Fraser goal does not change Wolves transfer plans'
Head coach Gary O'Neil has suggested that he has no intention of rushing the development of Nathan Fraser.
During the first half of the January transfer window, Wolves allowed each of Fabio Silva and Sasa Kalajdzic to go out on loan to Rangers and Eintracht Frankfurt respectively.
While those decisions were taken for the pair to earn regular first-team football elsewhere, it also benefitted Wolves' well-documented FFP situation.
Although O'Neil has also indicated that work is being conducted behind the scenes to acquire at least one alternative, Fraser has moved himself into the reckoning this week.
Anthony Martial 'wants to continue career in European football'
Anthony Martial will reportedly reject offers from Saudi Arabia this summer to continue his career in European football, with the forward widely expected to leave Manchester United in June.
The Red Devils have decided against activating an extension in the Frenchman's contract, and his terms with the 20-time English champions are due to expire at the end of the campaign.
Man United are believed to be open to January offers for the former Monaco youngster, but it is unlikely that he will be on the move before the end of the transfer window.
Martial is instead expected to leave on a free transfer this summer, and there have been claims that a number of clubs in the Saudi Pro League are interested in his services.
Pellistri 'in advanced talks over Granada move'
Granada have reportedly put themselves in pole position to secure a loan deal for Manchester United winger Facundo Pellistri.
The Spanish outfit have endured a dismal campaign in La Liga thus far, collecting just 11 points from their 20 matches in 2023-24.
However, sitting just five points adrift of 17th position in the table, Alexander Medina's side remain in contention to eventually get out of trouble.
Goals have not necessarily been an issue with Granada having scored more strikes than seven teams in the top flight, yet it appears that Nazarรญes are eager to strengthen in the final third.
Veteran goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu leaves Nice for Karagumruk
After four months at #OGCNice, Salvatore #Sirigu has officially left the club, with the 37-year-old goalkeeper moving to Turkish top-flight side @karagumruk_sk.
— OGC Nice ๐ฌ๐ง๐บ๐ธ (@ogcnice_eng) January 16, 2024
OGC Nice would like to thank the Italy international, who has earned 28 caps for his country, for his professionalism... pic.twitter.com/3kCsD4XEUm
Liverpool's Thiago 'wanted by Flamengo, Al Ettifaq'
Flamengo and Al Ettifaq are allegedly interested in signing Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara.
Having made 97 appearances across his first three seasons at Anfield, Thiago is a valued member of the squad by Jurgen Klopp.
However, a hip injury has prevented the Spain international from making a single outing during the 2023-24 campaign.
The latest update is that the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich man may be ready to return to training with the Premier League leaders at some point next month.
Mbappe confirms that he will leave PSG in the future
Kylian Mbappe has acknowledged that he will not spent the remainder of his career at Paris Saint-Germain.
Since representing the French giants since 2017, Mbappe has established himself as one of the greatest players in their history.
As well as winning 13 pieces of silverware, the France international has netted 238 goals in all competitions, becoming the club's highest-ever goalscorer.
Given his status on the world scene, Mbappe's future has been a constant hot topic for debate, particularly in recent years when Real Madrid have held a long-standing interest.
Brendan Wiredu extends Fleetwood Town deal until 2026
Wiredu 2026 ๐คฉ
Fleetwood Town are delighted to announce Brendan Wiredu has agreed a new two-and-a-half-year deal with the club, meaning he will stay on the Fylde Coast until the summer of 2026.#OnwardTogether | @brendanwiredu — Fleetwood Town FC (@ftfc) January 17, 2024
"I've got to thank the club for showing faith in me to extend my deal, something that's been in talks for a long time now, and now I can focus on my football now it all signed and sorted," Brendan told the official Fleetwood Town website.
"I've adjusted to staying in the North West well; coming from London was hard but everyone has made me feel welcome. People in the local community have made this feel like home which has made everything easier.
"Personally, I feel like I've done well coming up to League One and have managed to help the team as well. One thing I won't forget, and probably the fans won't either, is when we made history in the FA Cup last season!"
Richard Keogh leaves Wycombe Wanderers by mutual consent
๐ Thank you and good luck to Richard Keogh, who leaves us by mutual consent.
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) January 17, 2024
Al-Hilal sign Renan Lodi from Marseille
๐ฌ The destination to Saudi Arabia.. Toward #AlHilal ๐
— AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) January 17, 2024
pic.twitter.com/EV31e9BPTu
Villa 'win race for Serbian youngster Nedeljkovic'
Aston Villa are reportedly closing in on the signing of Red Star Belgrade youngster Kosta Nedeljkovic.
With the West Midlands outfit competing for the Premier League title, it is anticipated that Unai Emery will eventually make at least one senior addition to his squad before the end of January.
Villa may have to wait until the likes of Calum Chambers and Bertrand Traore, who have each been made available for transfer, find a new club.
Nevertheless, it appears that Emery and the club's recruitment team also have one eye on the future having made an effort to sign Nedeljkovic this month.
Liverpool, Arsenal 'to battle for Wolves' Ait-Nouri'
Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Rayan Ait-Nouri has reportedly emerged as a potential transfer target for Liverpool and Arsenal.
Since initially moving to Molineux on loan in 2020, Ait-Nouri has gone on to make 97 appearances in all competitions, contributing four goals and eight assists.
Despite spending time out of the team under previous boss Julen Lopetegui, the Algeria international has flourished in Gary O'Neil's wing-back system.
While the 22-year-old does not have a single goal or assist to his name during 2023-24, he has only enhanced his reputation with his performances.
Jordan Henderson 'agrees to join Ajax from Al Ettifaq'
Al Ettifaq midfielder Jordan Henderson is on the verge of completing a swift exit from the Saudi Pro League to join Ajax, according to a report.
Given his previous unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ Community, the 33-year-old sparked widespread fury when he left Liverpool for Saudi Arabia - where homosexuality is punishable by death - after a 12-year spell at Anfield.
Henderson strenuously denied that he was motivated to join Al Ettifaq for financial reasons amid reports of a ยฃ700,000-a-week deal, instead insisting that he wanted to help grow the game in the Middle East.
Henderson was immediately appointed captain and has been a regular fixture in Steven Gerrard's XI, but only six months after joining, it was reported that the England international was pining for a move back to Europe.
Juventus Women complete deal for Giulia Bison
Giulia Bison joins Juventus! ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐, ๐๐ข๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ข๐!
— Juventus Women (@JuventusFCWomen) January 17, 2024
๐ฌ๐งโก๏ธ https://t.co/l3Hbq2KNav
๐ฎ๐นโก๏ธ https://t.co/iFvGVzIbrR pic.twitter.com/2ohhWmkQmm
Crystal Palace youngster John-Kymani Gordon loaned to AFC Wimbledon
John-Kymani Gordon has joined AFC Wimbledon on loan until the end of the season ๐ค
— Crystal Palace F.C. Academy (@CPFCAcademy) January 17, 2024
Good luck, JKG โค๏ธ๐
๐๏ธ https://t.co/1mxwdKauU5#CPFC pic.twitter.com/30V9PkSTr4
Transfer rumours: Ederson to Newcastle, Benrahma to Marseille, Ejaria to Plymouth
Newcastle United are reportedly exploring a January deal for Atalanta BC midfielder Ederson.
The Magpies are finding it difficult to do business this month due to the rules surrounding Financial Fair Play, but news of Joelinton's long-term thigh problem could see them enter the market for a new midfielder.
According to Sky Sports News, Newcastle are keeping a close eye on Ederson's situation at Atalanta with a view to potentially making an offer for him before the end of the winter window.
Ederson's Italian club are believed to be willing to listen to offers in excess of ยฃ35m for a player who has also been linked with Manchester United this month.
Tottenham Hotspur recall Alfie Devine from Port Vale loan
We can confirm that we have exercised the option to recall Alfie Devine from his loan spell at Port Vale.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 17, 2024
Ratcliffe 'planning to bring elite striker to Man United this summer'
Manchester United's incoming minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly planning to bring an elite centre-forward to Old Trafford during this summer's transfer window.
Ratcliffe was in the stands for Man United's 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, a match which saw both Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford register.
Hojlund is the team's leading goalscorer this season with seven, but Rashford only has four, and the Red Devils are short of options at centre-forward, with Anthony Martial still on the sidelines.
Martial only has a contract at Old Trafford until this summer, and the Frenchman is widely expected to move on, which will open up space in the squad for a new striker to arrive.
Greenock Morton convert Iain Wilson loan into permanent deal
๐ตโช Greenock Morton can today confirm that Iain Wilson's loan deal from Queen of the South has been terminated and the midfielder will join immediately on a permanent deal until Summer 2025.
— Greenock Morton (@Morton_FC) January 16, 2024
โก๏ธ https://t.co/XKTGYVMItE pic.twitter.com/iDhm0X2pLa
Man United 'make enquiry for Barcelona's Ronald Araujo'
Manchester United have reportedly asked for information on Ronald Araujo's situation at Barcelona, with the Red Devils identifying the centre-back as a leading transfer target.
Bayern Munich continue to be heavily linked with the Uruguay international, and it is understood that the German champions are still pushing to sign him during the January transfer window.
However, Barcelona are unlikely to allow the defender to depart in the middle of the 2023-24 campaign unless an substantial offer from Allianz Arena arrives.
According to German journalist Florian Plettenberg, Bayern view him as their 'top target', with the German club's head coach Thomas Tuchel determined to secure his signature.
Man United's Alvaro Fernandez completes Benfica loan move
Manchester United have announced that left-back Alvaro Fernandez has joined Portuguese giants Benfica on loan for the second half of the 2023-24 campaign.
The 20-year-old had been on loan at Granada, but it was announced over the weekend that his spell with the La Liga outfit had come to an end ahead of the expected switch to Benfica.
According to the Manchester Evening News, the Primeira Liga outfit have an obligation to purchase the full-back if he makes a certain number of appearances this season.
The report claims that Benfica also have a separate buy option if he does not feature in the required amount of matches, while Man United have a buy-back option and sell-on clause.
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
