The Premier League transfer window has closed, but the rest of Europe remains open for business. Plus, it’s never too late to look forward to January! Click here to view the latest transfers and keep up to date with the latest gossip below.
James’ change of heart
Despite months of speculation linking James Rodriguez with a move to either Atletico Madrid or Napoli, AS claims the Colombia international now looks set to commit his future to Real Madrid after playing his first match for Los Blancos in more than two years this weekend.
Rodriguez started and played 55 minutes of Real’s 1-1 draw with Real Valladolid on Saturday night, and was reportedly touched by the reception he received from a Bernabeu crowd that hadn’t seen him play for 825 days, whilst also receiving praise from manager Zinedine Zidane when he was substituted.
James’ reemergence in the first-team fold at Real has led to a change of heart from the former Porto man, who now looks set to withdraw his request to leave the Spanish capital and commit to at least one more season at the club.
Rakitic a step closer to Juve switch?
According to reports in Spanish publication Sport, Ivan Rakitic is edging closer to a move away from Camp Nou after he was left out of the starting lineup in Barcelona’s 5-2 victory over Real Betis on Sunday night.
Reports claim the Croatian’s omission was intended to send a clear message that the 31-year-old is surplus to requirements at the Catalan giants, with Barca chiefs hoping the exclusion will help push through a sale.
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It is believed that talks have already taken place between Barca representatives and delegates from Juventus over a deal for the former Sevilla midfielder, although any potential move relies on the Serie A champions offloading at least one player to balance the books.
Speaking about Rakitic being left out of the lineup to face Betis, Barcelona assistant manager Jon Aspiazu said the management team “prefer other options” in the Barca midfield.
Silva set for Lisbon loan, Milan want permanent switch
Sporting Lisbon are interested in signing AC Milan striker Andre Silva on loan, but Calciomercato claims the Rossoneri are only interested in shipping the Portugal international out on a permanent deal.
Silva has struggled to settle in Milan since signing from Porto in the summer of 2017, and spent last season on loan at La Liga side Sevilla, where he scored nine goals in 27 appearances.
A loan offer is on the table from Sporting, but Milan are keen to recoup some of the €38 million they spent to sign Silva two years ago, and fear that another loan will only see his value decrease.
Despite a move not being imminent at this stage, Silva’s future looks increasingly uncertain at the San Siro, after the 23-year-old was left on the bench in his side’s 1-0 defeat at Udinese on Sunday.
Tap-ins
– Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Victor Wanyama is due to arrive in Belgium tomorrow to complete a move to Club Brugge, according to the Daily Mail. The Kenyan is set to sign a four-year contract at the Jupiler Pro League runners-up, in a deal worth just shy of £14 million.
– Calciomercato claims Inter Milan full-back Dalbert has asked for 48 hours to mull over a move to Fiorentina, as part of a deal that would see Cristiano Biraghi head in the opposite direction in a player exchange deal.
– AC Milan have apparently cooled their interest in Atletico Madrid forward Angel Correa, after sporting director Frederic Massara announced that his club’s summer transfer business is complete. However, Calciomercato believes the 24-year-old’s agent is in Milan to try to push through a move for his client.