The transfer window for all of Europe's big five leagues is closed, but that doesn't stop Transfer Talk from rummaging around about who will be moving where come January.
Atleti ready move for Fabregas
After recently saying he'd like to stay at Chelsea and wished new manager Maurizio Sarri had taken over at the club sooner, Cesc Fabregas could reportedly be moving on from Stamford Bridge.
The Mirror reports that La Liga title contenders Atletico Madrid are ready to make a January move to bring the former Barcelona midfielder back to Spain.
Fabregas' contract with Chelsea expires in the summer of 2019 and the Blues could use the winter window to recoup at least some of the approximate €33 million fee they paid to bring him to the club in 2014.
The 31-year-old Fabregas was adamant that he has more to offer one of Europe's top clubs, and despite his desire to stay at Chelsea, the outlet reports "with Ross Barkley and Mateo Kovacic ahead of him in the pecking order and Sarri likely to see him as merely a back-up to Jorginho, the Spaniard could move on."
Atleti join AC Milan on the short list of potential suitors should the Spain international, who has 110 caps and 15 goals for La Roja, leave in search of regular minutes.
Liverpool in pole position for Arsenal's Ramsey
Liverpool have taken the lead in the race to land Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey once he becomes a free agent next summer, according to The Sun.
The Wales international said he has no plans to leave Arsenal in January, but he now appears set to exit the Emirates during the 2019 summer window after the club withdrew their contract offer last month.
According to the report, a move to AC Milan was seen by bookmakers as the most likely next step, but Jurgen Klopp's crew have made up ground and are now installed as 9-2 favourites to land the Gunners' longest-serving player.
United see Ghoulam bid knocked back
Manchester United have seen their €45m offer for left-back Faouzi Ghoulam turned down by Napoli, according to reports in Italy.
The Manchester Evening News quotes Calcio Mercato in saying the coveted Algeria international won't be on his way to Old Trafford despite the hefty bid with the Serie A side "keen to keep hold of the player."
No bother, though, as the Evening News adds United have since set their sights on Atletico Madrid's Lucas Hernandez, with the paper quoting Marca in saying United have made a "dizzying offer" for the France international and are prepared to double the wages he's currently enjoying in Spain.
Hernandez is reportedly receptive to joining the Red Devils and Jose Mourinho's men are encouraged by his €70m buyout clause.
Tap-ins
- The Sun says Chelsea are ready to make a move for Brescia midfield sensation Sandro Tonali. The Blues had scouts on hand to watch the 18-year-old in his team's 4-1 Serie B win against Padova last weekend, but the Premier League outfit may need to move quickly as some of the top clubs in Italy like Juventus and Roma are also said to be keen on securing the rising star's services.
- Paris Saint-Germain want Arsene Wenger to become their general manager after the January transfer window, with sporting director Antero Henrique's future under threat, sources have told ESPN FC.
- Inter Milan sporting director Piero Ausilio has said Mauro Icardi is set for a new deal at the club. The Argentina forward's contract runs until 2021 and Ausilio says there is no rush to extend it, although he believes a renewal could be signed any time.