- Toni Kroos’ decision to spend Christmas in London has fuelled speculation the Germany international could opt to leave Real Madrid for Chelsea in the January transfer window. Juventus were linked with a move for the 2014 World Cup winner earlier this month.
- Sevilla will only sell reported Chelsea target Steven N’Zonzi if a club meets his £25.5m release clause. Juventus are also thought to be keen on the former Stoke midfielder.
- Sevilla are interested in taking Manchester United forward Anthony Martial on loan for the remainder of the season, in a deal which could see him link up with compatriot Samir Nasri, who is currently on loan at the La Liga club from Manchester City.
- Manchester United’s move for Victor Lindelof has hit a snag, with the Swede’s former club Vasteras locked in a dispute with Benfica over one of the clauses that was agreed when he joined the Portuguese giants.
- Everton have wrapped up a £10m deal to bring highly-rated Charlton teenager Ademola Lookman to Goodison Park next month.
- Everton boss Ronald Koeman is also lining up a £15m move for Derby midfielder Will Hughes and is pondering a bid for out-of-favour West Brom striker Saido Berahino, who is a target for Inter Milan and Roma
- Chelsea will make a move for Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez and could offer goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to the Spanish club as part of the deal.
- Antonio Conte will not allow striker Michy Batshuayi to leave Chelsea on loan, despite overlooking the Belgian for selection in the absence of Diego Costa for the 3-0 win over Bournemouth. Batshuayi is yet to start a Premier League game and has been linked with a loan move to West Ham.
- Long-serving Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva is close to agreeing a January loan move to Inter Milan. The Serie A side will consider a move for Chelsea’s Jon Obi Mikel, should a deal for the Brazilian fail to materialise.
- Arsenal have been installed as the favourites to sign France international Dimitri Payet, should West Ham decide to part with their prized asset in January.
- Crystal Palace boss Sam Allardyce is keen to lure Jermain Defoe back to London after working with the former West Ham and Tottenham striker during his time as Sunderland manager.
