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          Barcelona must break the bank to land Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho

          • ESPN staffJan 2, 2018, 12:56 AM

          The transfer window is heating up! Transfer Talk brings you live updates on all the latest rumours and done deals. Check out all the confirmed January moves so far on our transfers page.

          TOP STORY: Reds demand 'astronomical' Coutinho fee

          The transfer window has only been open for a matter of hours, but Philippe Coutinho's name already looms large.

          After the summer saga over whether or not Liverpool playmaker Coutinho would join Barcelona, speculation has continued to surround a potential move.

          And the Telegraph reports that "after Barcelona's presumption they will sign him in this window was taken to extreme levels" when Nike, their kit manufacturer, advertised a Coutinho shirt, Liverpool "will demand an astronomical fee" to even consider a sale.

          It adds that although the shirt promotion was soon taken down, "the arrogance surrounding the advert fuelled the sense of intrigue."

          Liverpool, who rejected three big Barcelona offers for Coutinho in the summer, will continue to stand firm after what the Telegraph calls "an extraordinary marketing blunder."

          LIVE BLOG

          22.40 GMT: And we wrap things up for today with some good news for La Liga leaders Barcelona regarding their club-record signing from last summer Ousmane Dembele. The France international has been cleared to return to competitive action and could feature for Ernesto Valverde as early as Thursday's Copa del Rey first leg against Celta Vigo.

          22.20 GMT: Checking back in with MLS for a trio of deals as the Portland Timbers sign 24-year-old Julio Cascante from Saprissa, LAFC adds journeyman defender Jordan Harvey and FC Dallas acquire former Serie A and Premier League defender Reto Ziegler.

          21.40 GMT: Liverpool prospect Ryan Kent hasn't enjoyed the most productive loan in the Bundesliga this season and now Kicker reports that the 21-year-old will be recalled to England early as a result.

          Kent has made just seven appearances for Freiburg since linking up over the summer.

          21.17 GMT: Here's a big DONE DEAL in Major League Soccer! U.S. international midfielder Sacha Kljestan has been traded to Orlando City SC by the New York Red Bulls.

          The 32-year-old will be expected to fill the gap left by Kaka, who retired in December, and they'll use the $150,000 in Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) accompanying the Red Bulls captain to Florida for further roster reconstruction this offseason.

          Meanwhile, the Red Bulls get forward Carlos Rivas and defender Tommy Redding in return. Read the full story here.

          20.57 GMT: Arsenal are on the verge of sending Stephy Mavdidi on loan to Charlton, according to ESPN FC sources.

          Mavdidi, 19, was on loan at Preston North End but the Gunners are considering cutting that stay short so he can go to Charlton for the remainder of the season. Read the full story here.

          20.39 GMT: Here's a reported deal involving Championship leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers, as the Express & Star reports they've beaten (!) Real Madrid (!!) to the signing of Rafa Mir from Valencia.

          You read that correctly: Wolves have beaten Real Madrid to a signing.

          Mir, 20, has been prolific in the Spanish club's reserves but also has two senior appearances to his name. He'll reportedly sign a four-year deal at Wolves to help boost their squad depth and, we presume, assets for future sales.

          20.16 GMT: If Besiktas do sell Cenk Tosun to Everton as is being reported this week, they'll need a replacement striker and Turkish outlet NTV Spor reckons that Leicester and Algeria front-man Islam Slimani is at the top of their list.

          Slimani hasn't really settled at the King Power Stadium, managing just eight goals since arriving on Aug. 31, 2016. Newcastle are also interested in the 29-year-old forward.

          19.53 GMT: Are West Ham about to make a move? Sky Sports sources reckon that David Moyes is eager to sign Stoke and Wales midfielder Joe Allen this month, though reports indicate that the struggling club will need to be wowed by any offer given that they're not in selling mode.

          In fact, the Potters are in the market to bolster their thin squad and Corriere dello Sport thinks they're close to grabbing Sebastien De Maio, a 30-year-old centre-back currently plying his trade at Bologna.

          19.31 GMT: How about a possible move involving one of Major League Soccer's stars?

          The Sun reports that Orlando City and Canada striker Cyle Larin, who has been linked with a move to Leeds United and Besiktas, is preparing to go to Germany instead. The 22-year-old was spotted at Borussia Monchengladbach, who are now consider the front-runners for his signature given their track record at developing young talent.

          Larin has scored 44 goals in three MLS seasons since being drafted.

          19.06 GMT: The hubbub surrounding Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma continues steadily, with plenty of speculation as to whether or not he'll still be in the Italian capital next season, but one club that will NOT move for him is Juventus.

          Not according to manager Massimiliano Allegri, anyway.

          "[Wojciech] Szczesny is [Gianluigi] Buffon's heir, I've already said that and I repeat it... Donnarumma is a young lad who has to grow, he's at Milan and he's forging his path. But Juventus have Buffon's replacement."

          Shenanigans or the honest truth? Who can say... read the full story here.

          18.50 GMT: Here's an intriguing bit of news from Paris Saint-Germain...

          To recap: that's PSG third-string goalkeeper Remy Descamps going out on loan to Ligue 2 and as ESPN FC correspondent Jonathan Johnson notes, it could impact a January move for back-up goalie Kevin Trapp. The young German shot-stopper has been linked to Liverpool and reportedly wants a move but Descamps' loan may force him to stay put.

          18.26 GMT: Man United fans will remember Fabio da Silva fondly but Middlesbrough fans will soon join the ranks of his former clubs as the 27-year-old defender from Brazil is set to return home.

          According to the Northern Echo, Da Silva requested a transfer back home due to homesickness and the desire to be closer to family, with Botafogo leading the pack of clubs interested in his services. The Northern Echo also reports that new 'Boro boss Tony Pulis had omitted the full-back from both of his matchday squads as the club tries to honour his wishes.

          Da Silva made 48 appearances for the Wearside club since joining in the summer of 2016. Said Pulis: "Fabio seems a wonderful lad, a great kid, and he's been good around the place, there's been no bad feeling or anything like that. He's worked hard, so we'll wait and see."

          18.03 GMT: Are Everton in the market for a new central midfielder? The Liverpool Echo reports that Sam Allardyce & Co. are mulling a move for Nice's Jean Michael Seri in January.

          Seri, 26, was reportedly scouted by Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona last summer but having remained at the south coast club, he's helped the Cote d'Azur side stick in Ligue 1's top six, anchoring the midfield so that Mario Balotelli and Wesley Sneijder can shine.

          Everton could use a player like him given the lack of stability in the centre of the pitch. Can they seal a deal?

          17.44 GMT: Let's stick with Chelsea for another entry. The bookmakers reckon the Blues are favourites to sign Juventus centre-back Giorgio Chiellini, especially with reports (see 14.05 GMT) that David Luiz will be exiting Stamford Bridge. There you have it.

          17.27 GMT: Sorry, Chelsea fans, but it doesn't look like there will be a January move for Celtic forward Moussa Dembele.

          The Evening Standard reports that the Blues' interest in the 21-year-old from last summer has cooled in the months since as the club looks at other options. Dembele, 21, has eight goals and three assists for Celtic in all competitions this season but Antonio Conte is currently weighing up a move for Monaco's Thomas Lemar or Red Star Belgrade's Richmond Boakye instead.

          As you were.

          17.08 GMT: Here's a DONE DEAL for you in the Premier League! Huddersfield Town have confirmed the signing of Dutch international defender Terence Kongolo on loan from AS Monaco.

          The 23-year-old centre-back has been signed through July 2018. Read the full story here.

          16.42 GMT: Antonio Conte has said it will be "impossible" for Chelsea to sell or loan out any players in the January transfer window unless they are replaced by new signings. Blues correspondent Liam Twomey has the latest.

          16.07 GMT: A source close to Paris Saint-Germain has told ESPN FC that Grzegorz Krychowiak and Jese Rodriguez are among several players who could find new clubs in the January transfer window.

          15.50 GMT: Remember ex-Tottenham man Sandro? He looks to be heading to Serie A strugglers Benevento. Things are looking up for them at last -- they won in Serie A at the weekend at the 19th time of asking.

          15.48 GMT: For more on West Ham's pursuit of Allen, step this way.

          15.30 GMT: If Liverpool did lose their key man, West Ham's Manuel Lanzini has emerged a potential replacement:

          15.25 GMT: Venezuela international Junior Moreno is heading to D.C. United from Zulia, according to this report.

          15.18 GMT: More now on our top story: could Coutinho really leave Liverpool this month? The Reds were adamant he would stay in the summer but that stance appears to have changed:

          15.15 GMT: He's been linked with a move to Chelsea in the past and Roma's Radja Nainggolan has some explaining to do. His New Year's Eve celebrations were a little over the top and he has apologised.

          14.53 GMT: Here's Rob Dawson following up those claims about Darmian and interest from Serie A. Read more here.

          14.42 GMT: Could Manchester United's Matteo Darmian be on the move this month? He's fallen out of favour at Old Trafford but remains well regarded in Italy. His agent has been talking:

          14.35 GMT: Bad news for David Moyes if his interest in Stoke's Joe Allen is real:

          14.29 GMT: ESPN FC's club correspondents from Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and more discuss their team's transfer plans for the month and predict who could be on the move in the market. Read more here.

          14.05 GMT: Conte also spoke about the prospect of Eden Hazard or David Luiz leaving Chelsea this month.

          14.00 GMT: Antonio Conte has been talking about Chelsea's plans in the January transfer window.

          13.35 GMT: Real Madrid have spent €143 million on 18 different players in January, with decidedly mixed results. But they are in need of a big-name arrival this month.

          Harry Kane, Mauro Icardi, Alexis Sanchez, Eden Hazard, Sergio Aguero and Antoine Griezmann are all names who have been linked, even though the chances of any of these moving to the Bernabeu as soon as January appear slim at best. Read more here.

          13.10 GMT: Southampton and Everton have made enquiries about the availability of Arsenal forward Theo Walcott during the January transfer window, sources close to the Gunners have told ESPN FC. Read more here.

          12.48 GMT: PSV Eindhoven striker Luuk de Jong is linked with a move to Mexico with America.

          12.25 GMT: Is there any chance of AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma going to Juventus? Massimiliano Allegri is clear in his answer.

          "[Wojciech] Szczesny is Buffon's heir, I've already said that and I repeat it," he is reported as saying. "Donnarumma is a young lad who has to grow, he's at Milan and he's forging his path. But Juventus have Buffon's replacement."

          12.06 GMT: Sky Sports reports that Huddersfield are close to making Monaco defender Terence Kongolo their latest addition.

          11.40 GMT: Leon Goretzka's agent has denied reports in Spain and Germany that the Schalke midfielder has agreed to join Bayern Munich when his contract expires in the summer. Read more here.

          11.19 GMT: AS have an interesting angle on Cristiano Ronaldo's situation. The story, headlined "Cristiano is waiting for a call from the club to renew his contract," says the €24 million net Ronaldo earns per annum is a lot less than the €40m a year received by Barcelona's Lionel Messi or Paris Saint-Germain's Neymar, even though those players have had less success recently.

          11.00 GMT: It is reported in Italy that Juventus want to sign Emre Can this month rather than wait until the summer. With Naby Keita not set to join Liverpool until the end of the season it is unlikely the Premier League club would be willing to sanction a move.

          10.42 GMT: Leicester boss Claude Puel will speak to Riyad Mahrez about his future with Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal linked to signing him.

          He said: "I like this player and I'd like to keep our best players. We will ask him the question, for me I am happy to play with the team with Riyad, with Jamie [Vardy] and others. You say the word, speculation. I would like to keep all my best players." Read more here.

          10.10 GMT: With the window open, Mark Ogden takes a look at the names -- including Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil, Emre Can and Antoine Griezmann - being discussed with regard to potential moves. Read more here.

          10.04 GMT: Gianluigi Buffon has given an interview to Gazzetta dello Sport in which he says AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma would not make a mistake by joining Juventus and replacing him.

          9.45 GMT: More from Wenger... He has been talking about the futures of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, saying: "We have not lost them yet. And secondly we will respond to that by bringing in players of top quality. Read more here.

          "This club has lost many, many big players and have always responded very well."

          9.30 GMT: Arsene Wenger has been talking ahead of Arsenal's Premier League game against Chelsea on Wednesday. And he has been discussing one Chelsea player in particular. David Luiz.

          9.12 GMT: RB Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has said Naby Keita has not asked for an early transfer to Liverpool while dismissing concerns the midfielder's commitment could wane in his final months at the club.

          "Neither Naby nor his agent have made the request to leave the club in the winter," the Leipzig chief told Bild. "There are contracts, and they say that he will be a Liverpool employee from July 1 onwards." Read more here.

          08.50 GMT: Schalke are closing in on Juventus star Marko Pjaca. According to WAZ, the loan deal could be completed today and then be announced in Schalke's winter training camp in Spain. The 22-year-old winger only made 20 appearances for Juve after joining from Dinamo Zagreb in the summer of 2016.

          08.37 GMT: Marca reckons that Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is all set to join Real Madrid this month but the move could be held up by an injury.

          08.22 GMT: According to Portuguese outlet Record left-back Faouzi Ghoulam could leave Napoli and join United if they meet his £53m release clause.

          08.00 GMT: Good morning and welcome to the Transfer Talk live blog for Tuesday, Jan. 2. We'll kick off with news that Jose Mourinho has refused to rule out making January signings, saying his Manchester United squad is "in trouble" because of injuries and suspensions.

          "I don't know," Mourinho said when asked whether he would add to his squad this month.

          "I know that in this moment we are in trouble. Maybe in two or three weeks time we recover some players. Can we improve our team now or do we wait for the summer to try to do it? It is something I cannot say. Read more here.

          Barca fear City, United interest in Umtiti

          Barcelona are concerned that Manchester United or Manchester City could move for defender Samuel Umtiti and are poised to offer him a new contract, the Mail says.

          Citing reports in Spain, it reports that the France centre-back "looks set for a bumper new deal" after his performances "sparked interest -- as did the £50 million release clause in his current contract."

          Umtiti, sidelined with a hamstring injury, is likely to begin talks over new terms in the near future, and the Mail says Barca have made keeping the 24-year-old a priority.

          Everton Tosun deal on brink of collapse?

          How quickly things can change. On Sunday, reports said Everton could announce the signing of Besiktas striker Cenk Tosun by Tuesday. Now, according to the Mirror, they may not announce it all.

          It reports that the move is "in danger of collapse" after Besiktas increased their asking price for the Turkey international "at the 11th hour" when Everton had believed a £25m deal was done.

          The Merseysiders "are now ready to pull the plug if Besiktas continue to demand a higher price."

          Swansea keen on West Ham duo

          Swansea have an eye on two West Ham players, one of whom used to star for them, according to the Guardian.

          It reports that they want to sign both Diafra Sakho and Andre Ayew but adds that a successful move for Ayew -- who cost West Ham £20m when he joined from the Swans -- "is viewed as unlikely because of his salary."

          Swansea's interest is mirrored by the Hammers' monitoring of defender Alfie Mawson and midfielder Ki Sung-yueng, and the report says "much could hinge on what business, if any, Swansea are prepared to do with West Ham in the other direction."

          The Welsh club do not want to lose Mawson or Ki but believe they have a realistic chance of signing Senegal international Sakho, who wants regular football ahead of the World Cup.

          Tap-ins

          - Celtic forward Moussa Dembele could be on his way to the Premier League, with Stoke, Brighton, West Ham and Everton all interested.

          The Sun reports that Stoke could be at the front of the queue after sending scouts to watch Dembele against Rangers at the weekend, but Brighton "are expected to table a £20m offer."

          - Championship leaders Wolves are being linked with a move for Norwich City striker Nelson Oliveira, the Eastern Daily Press reports. Oliveira was a target for Reading in the summer.