Liverpool
It’s not always easy to know what’s going to happen at Liverpool – they moved quickly for Luis Diaz last January in a move that slightly surprised everyone. It looks like this January could be quieter in terms of incomings, but what about outgoings?
To sell players you always need the right proposals; at the moment, there are no official negotiations or bids yet so it’s still quiet. I’m told that, despite speculation, they are not planning for Naby Keita to leave in January, as things stand.
With Nat Phillips and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, it depends on the bids and if Liverpool will be able to find replacements for them.
Elsewhere, Jurgen Klopp spoke to South Korean TV and admitted “one of the big mistakes in my life” was not signing Son Heung-min when he was Borussia Dortmund manager.
Liverpool could now struggle to see off competition from Real Madrid for Jude Bellingham after the Spanish giants’ talks with the Borussia Dortmund star (CaughtOffside)
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola on Man City plans for January: “We are not going to sign anyone in January. We have the squad.”
Man City decided to proceed with Manuel Akanji deal in the final days of the summer window as perfect last opportunity for this season plans.
Manchester United
I’m told Luke Shaw was never close to leaving Man Utd in the summer. The idea has always been to proceed with Tyrell Malacia and Shaw – a new left-back and an experienced left-back, so nothing new on this one.
I don’t expect anything to change with this situation in January, let’s see in the summer, but for now it’s too early to say.
There’s been more speculation about the goalkeeping situation at Old Trafford due to recent interest in Diogo Costa, who has just signed a new contract at Porto. I thought I’d summarise the situation below:
There is no decision yet on David de Gea, still the same situation – we’ll see when Man United and Erik ten Hag will decide. I think Dean Henderson will look for different options after going out on loan to Nottingham Forest this season.
With Costa, Man Utd are going to continue to monitor him as he’s a top talent and has a release clause in his new deal with Porto.
Sevilla
Sevilla and Mexico winger Jesus Corona will miss the World Cup due to an ankle injury, as confirmed in an official statement.
Southampton
Southampton are getting closer to complete the appointment of Nathan Jones as new manager: he has confirmed that he’ll speak to Southampton board on Wednesday.
Jones added that he feels “ready for PL” but also that his departure from Luton is “not guaranteed.”