Transfer news and rumours LIVE: Newcastle eye Umtiti move

Newcastle are weighing up a move for Barcelona's Samuel Umtiti, with the Magpies looking to flex their new financial muscle, per <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/17156173/newcastle-umtiti-barcelona-transfer/" target="_blank">The Sun</a>.The Frenchman, a World Cup winner in 2018, has been cast to the fringes at Camp Nou and could be available for a relative cut-price purchase.Eddie Howe's side, as such, could look to secure his services in the new year.

Newcastle eye Umtiti move (The Sun)

LA Galaxy youngster Mauricio Cuevas has joined Club Brugge, according to <a href="https://www.hln.be/club-brugge/club-legt-met-18-jarig-talent-van-la-galaxy-tweede-wintertransfer-vast~ac3f7ea1/?referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddit.com%2F" target="_self">HLN</a>. The 18-year-old will play for the club's youth team, having featured for the U.S. up to the U-17 level while rising through the LA Galaxy's academy. He becomes the second MLS product to join Brugge, following Canadian star Tajon Buchanan.

Nabil Fekir is set to sign a new deal at Real Betis, according to <a href="https://www.diariodesevilla.es/realbetis/Pellegrini-plan-Betis-continua_0_1640238147.html" target="_self">Diario de Sevilla</a>. The club has re-signed a number of key figures in recent weeks, with manager Manuel Pellegrini signing a new deal through 2025. Sergio Canales and Borja Iglesias have also recently signed extensions.

Fekir set for new contract

Dynamo close in on new coach

Charlotte FC have signed goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina from Ludogorets, <a href="https://www.charlottefootballclub.com/news/charlotte-fc-signs-croatian-goalkeeper-kristijan-kahlina" target="_self">the club confirmed</a>. Kahlina signs a deal that runs through 2024 with an option for 2025 as he becomes the new club's first goalkeeper signing. “Kristijan is a well-rounded goalkeeper that fits into our game model. He makes good decisions when the ball is at his feet and compliments that with good aerial play and shot stopping,” said Sporting Director Zoran Krneta. “He comes to us with experience in European competition and is excited for the challenge of playing in Major League Soccer.”&nbsp;

Charlotte sign first goalkeeper

Newcastle are preparing to make an offer for Lille's Yusuf Yazici, <a href="https://www.sabah.com.tr/spor/futbol/2021/12/28/yusufta-rakip-newcastle" target="_blank">Sabah</a> reports.The 24-year-old midfielder has decided he wants to leave the French side and has caught the eye of Galatasaray, but Newcastle hope to get ahead of them and snap him up.

Newcastle plot January bid for Yazici

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">RB Leipzig and RB Salzburg are following Philadelphia Union's Paxten Aaronson with interest, I'm told. No surprise given family pedigree/clubs. Aaronson, 18, is the brother of Salzburg star Brenden Aaronson. Scored 3 goals in 600 MLS minutes, made US U20 int'l debut in November.— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) <a href="https://twitter.com/tombogert/status/1475867702342438918?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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RB Leipzig monitor Aaronson

Palmeiras have made an offer for New York City FC striker Valentin Castellanos, <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/soccer-transfers/story/4557300/sources-palmeiras-offer-$125m-for-new-york-city-fcs-valentin-castellanos" target="_blank">ESPN</a> reports.The Brazilian side hope to snap up the forward for $12.5 million but the bid does not match the MLS team's asking price of at least $15m.

Palmeiras make $12.5m Castellanos bid

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Toronto FC and Lorenzo Insigne have agreed to terms, per sources. He'll join TFC this summer— Michael Singh (@MichaelSingh94) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelSingh94/status/1475858395051839495?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Insigne agrees Toronto switch

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Chelsea are considering options to replace Chilwell. 🔵 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFC</a> First approach with Lucas Digne’s camp as he’s prepared to leave Everton. Sergiño Dest is appreciated - nothing advanced yet. Nicolás Tagliafico has been discussed weeks ago. Recalling E. Palmieri or Maatsen, plan B.— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1475859441656516613?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Chelsea eye Digne, Dest & Tagliafico as Chilwell replacement

Barcelona are still hopeful of signing Cesar Azpilicueta and Anders Christensen, says <a href="https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/barca-renuncia-operacion-chelsea-13033989" target="_blank">Sport</a>.The defenders are out of contract at the end of the season and the Camp Nou side have been in talks over a free transfer next summer. While both players are open to making the move, nothing has been decided yet.

Barcelona not giving up on signing Chelsea duo

Everton are considering a loan move for Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley, reports the <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2021/12/28/transfer-notebook-everton-eye-loan-move-chelseas-ross-barkley/" target="_blank">Telegraph</a>.Barkley left the Toffees for Chelsea four years ago but has struggled for regular action at Stamford Bridge and could be allowed to leave on a short-term deal.Everton boss Rafa Benitez is keen to strengthen his squad in January but has a limited to budget to work with, meaning he is likely to rely on the loan market.

Everton eye Barkley loan

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Toronto are ‘more than serious’ for Lorenzo Insigne, as reported days ago. They’re pushing. The official proposal has been discussed with Insigne’s camp. 🇨🇦⤵️ €11,5m per season net salary plus €4,5m add ons. Five year deal. Insigne is seriously thinking about it. <a href="https://t.co/oiqmgDBvkc">https://t.co/oiqmgDBvkc</a>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1475825322834776066?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Insigne seriously considering Toronto move 

Jorge Jesus has seen his contract as Benfica manager terminated by mutual consent, the club have confirmed via their <a href="https://www.slbenfica.pt/pt-pt/agora/noticias/2021/12/28/clube-benfica-futebol-jorge-jesus-rescisao-por-mutuo-acordo" target="_self">official website</a>.The news comes after the squad refused to train with the 67-year-old ahead of their Primeira Liga clash with Porto on Thursday.Benfica B boss Nélson Veríssimo has replaced Jesus on an interim basis, with the outgoing coach now expected to take up the top job at Brazilian outfit Atlético Mineiro.

Jorge Jesus leaves Benfica post

Marcelo could retire if he and Real Madrid are unable to come to a contract extension agreement - according to <a href="https://www.marca.com/futbol/real-madrid/2021/12/28/61c8c6b9ca47417a3d8b45a7.html" target="_self">Marca</a>.The 33-year-old has been linked with a return to his homeland as he approaches the final six months of his current deal.However, Marcelo has made it clear he wants to remain with Madrid, and if they cannot table suitable fresh terms he will consider hanging up his boots next summer.

Marcelo could retire if Madrid extension is not agreed

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Ferran Torres is ours until 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣7️⃣!— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1475826367677616130?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Barca confirm Torres signing

Lille have set a €30 million (£25m/$34m) asking price for Dutch defender Sven Botman - according to <a href="https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/tmw-botman-milan-resta-il-muro-del-lille-senza-un-offerta-da-almeno-30-milioni-non-si-muove-1626092" target="_self">Tuttomercatoweb</a>.Newcastle and Milan have both been strongly linked with Botman, with the latter already making contact with Lille over a potential loan deal in January.However, the French club won't let Botman go mid-season and look set to play hard ball in any negotiations over his exit next summer.

Lille set €30m Botman asking price

Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos is set to rejoin Real Betis - according to <a href="https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/real-madrid/20211226/1001729871/real-madrid-negocia-betis-traspaso-dani-ceballos.html" target="_self">Mundo Deportivo</a>.The 25-year-old returned to Santiago Bernabeu in the summer after a loan spell at Arsenal but has missed the first half of the 2021-22 campaign due to injury.Betis will submit an opening bid of £8.5 million for Ceballos, who initially began his career at Benito Villamarín Stadium, but Real will hold out for a slightly higher fee of £12.5m.

Ceballos set to rejoin Real Betis

Manchester United have rejected an approach from Sevilla to take Anthony Martial on loan,&nbsp;GOAL&nbsp;understands.The Liga side are interested in taking the French forward on loan until the end of the season, but it is understood their initial offer would not cover the striker’s wages and United have rejected it.&nbsp;Martial has told Ralf Rangnick he is looking for a new challenge after struggling for game time this season.&nbsp;Read the full story on <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/man-utd-reject-sevilla-loan-offer-for-anthony-martial/blteef2ce52db8ca05f" target="_self">GOAL</a>.

Man Utd reject Sevilla loan offer for Anthony Martial

Newcastle have set their sights on Lyon centre-back Jason Denayer - according to <a href="https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20211227_98464114" target="_self">Nieuwsblad</a>.The 26-year-old's current contract is due to expire next June and there has not been any sign of a potential extension as of yet.Newcastle may look to arrange a pre-contract agreement with Dendayer in January as Eddie Howe seeks to bolster his defensive options.

Newcastle set sights on Lyon's Denayer

Lazio are in advanced talks to sign Paris Saint-Germain full-back Layvin Kurzawa - according to <a href="https://twitter.com/marcoconterio?lang=en" target="_self">Tuttomercatoweb</a>.PSG wanted €4 million for the 29-year-old but the deal looks set to be finalised for just €2.5 ahead of the January transfer window.Kurzawa has been on PSG's books for the last six years but has yet to play for the club this season.

Lazio in advanced talks for PSG's Kurzawa 

Ferran Torres' €55 million (£46m/$62m) transfer to Barcelona from Manchester City has been delayed due to due to bureaucratic problems,&nbsp;GOAL&nbsp;can confirm.<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/barcelona-50m-deal-man-city-winger-ferran-torres/bltf590fd3ad3646f26">Barca reached an agreement to sign Torres last week</a>, and he underwent a successful medical at the club's training ground on Monday.Torres is expected to sign a five-year deal at Camp Nou, but the move has not yet been made official.Read the full story on <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/ferran-torres-55m-transfer-barcelona-manchester-city-delayed/bltf828dd2ba7f87bfa" target="_self">GOAL</a>.

Why Ferran Torres' €55m Barca transfer has been delayed

Paris Saint-Germain defender Abdou Diallo is the subject of interest from Milan - according to <a href="https://sport.sky.it/calciomercato/2021/12/27/diallo-milan-calciomercato-news" target="_self">Sky Italia</a>.The Italian giants have made contact with the 25-year-old's representatives ahead of the January transfer window.Milan want Diallo to provide cover for Simon Kjaer as he continues his recovery from a serious injury.

Milan interested in PSG's Diallo

Liverpool will have to fork out £67 million ($90m) to sign Luis Diaz from Porto in January - according to <a href="https://twitter.com/PSierraR/status/1475084205084323840" target="_self">WinSportsTV</a>.The Portuguese club will only let the 24-year-old go if his release clause is met in the winter window.However, if Liverpool wait until the summer to move for Diaz, Porto may be willing to lower their asking price to around £42m (£56m).

Liverpool will have to pay £67m to land Diaz

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">ℹ️ José Luis Mendilibar, nuevo entrenador del Deportivo Alavés. ➕ El técnico de Zaldibar dirigirá al equipo por primera vez en la sesión de las 11:00h. Ongi etorri, Mendi!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoazenGlorioso?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoazenGlorioso</a> 🦊— Deportivo Alavés (@Alaves) <a href="https://twitter.com/Alaves/status/1475740803771346945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">ℹ️ Javier Calleja deja de ser entrenador del Deportivo Alavés. Mila esker, <a href="https://twitter.com/javiercalleja_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@javiercalleja_</a>!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoazenGlorioso?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoazenGlorioso</a> 🦊— Deportivo Alavés (@Alaves) <a href="https://twitter.com/Alaves/status/1475728360512921600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Alaves sack Calleja & appoint Mendilibar as new head coach

Kylian Mbappe will be at Paris Saint-Germain "for a long time", according to Ronaldinho, who insists that the Real Madrid-linked striker is already at the "best club in the world".Mbappe has spent the last four years of his career at PSG but only has six months left to run on his current contract and talks over an extension have yet to progress.Madrid came close to signing the 23-year-old in the summer and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/real-madrid-must-be-punished-mbappe-pursuit-infuriating-psg/12aoexpeqrhvh19z769fxplobn">have been tipped to return for his signature in 2022</a>, but Ronaldinho sees him remaining at Parc des Princes for the foreseeable future.Read the full story on <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/mbappe-psg-long-time-real-madrid-linked-best-club-in-world/blt1e7a66b66380ed61" target="_self">GOAL</a>.

Mbappe already at 'best club in the world' - Ronaldinho

Real Madrid are looking at Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic as a potential alternative signing to Borussia Dortmund's Erling Haaland - according to <a href="https://www.elnacional.cat/es/deportes/dusan-vlahovic-237000-euros-semana-fiorentina-real-madrid-no-ficha-haaland_687443_102.html" target="_self">El Nacional</a>.Haaland will be top of the Blancos' shopping list next summer, but several other top European clubs are also chasing the Norwegian.If Madrid miss out, they will turn their attention to Vlahovic instead, with the 21-year-old set to push for a move away from Fiorentina after rejecting a new contract.

Real Madrid look at Vlahovic as Haaland alternative

Real Madrid are considering recalling Reinier from his loan spell at Borussia Dortmund - according to <a href="https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/real-madrid/20211227/1001729985/reinier-patata-caliente-madrid.html" target="_self">Mundo Deportivo</a>.Both the Blancos and the 19-year-old himself want to cancel the loan six months early due to a lack of regular minutes.Reinier has only appeared in 11 matches in all competitions since rejoining Dortmund on another season-long loan in the summer.

Real Madrid consider Reinier recall 

Inter are set to welcome offers for Stefan de Vrij in January - according to <a href="https://www.calciomercato.com/news/l-inter-e-la-strategia-per-de-vrij-c-e-un-piano-per-giugno-48466" target="_self">Calciomercato</a>.The Netherlands international has entered the final 18 months of his contract and talks over a renewal have stalled.If an offer of €20 million (£17m/$23m) or more comes in next month, Inter will gladly sanction De Vrij's departure.

Inter to welcome De Vrij offers

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Wolfsburg are pushing to sign Ricardo Pepi - they’re frontrunners but it’s not a done deal yet. Negotiations still ongoing with Dallas FC on final fee, not fully agreed. 🇺🇸 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wolfsburg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wolfsburg</a> Pepi is expected to leave MLS in January to join European football. Work in progress. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MLS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MLS</a> <a href="https://t.co/bZ9Qmxncwr">pic.twitter.com/bZ9Qmxncwr</a>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1475677199395168257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Wolfsburg working to finalise Pepi deal

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🔥Leeds United want to transfer Guilherme Arana from Atletico MG. 📞Talks are expected to begin in January. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Leeds?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Leeds</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LUFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LUFC</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Galo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Galo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtleticoMG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AtleticoMG</a> 🔻VOLE🔻 🔜 <a href="https://t.co/FGB5A8DzJX">https://t.co/FGB5A8DzJX</a> <a href="https://t.co/bamc0B7E28">pic.twitter.com/bamc0B7E28</a>— Ekrem KONUR (@Ekremkonur) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ekremkonur/status/1475440456620199940?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Leeds eye Arana move

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">✍ OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT| <a href="https://twitter.com/Rafinha?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Rafinha</a> joins la Real on loan. Welcome Rafael!!! 🔵⚪🔵<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RafaelTxuriUrdin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RafaelTxuriUrdin</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AurreraReala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AurreraReala</a> <a href="https://t.co/MGE1vBhVHa">pic.twitter.com/MGE1vBhVHa</a>— Real Sociedad 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 (@RealSociedadEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealSociedadEN/status/1475557357967007746?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Sociedad confirm Rafinha capture

Facundo Torres could be set to make the move to MLS, with the Uruguay international poised to head to Orlando, per <a href="https://www.espn.com.uy/futbol/uruguay/nota/_/id/9719576/penarol-condiciones-pronta-cerrarse-venta-facundo-torres-mls?ex_cid=TW_FansUy" target="_blank">ESPN</a>.The Penarol forward has impressed since breaking through in Montevideo and has caught the eye in North America.Now, he could be poised for a leap to Florida as he looks to take the next step.

Torres eyes MLS switch

Bayern Munich have picked up their pursuit of Leeds United's Raphinha, according to <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/17156058/raphina-leeds-bayern-munich-liverpool-transfer/" target="_blank">The Sun</a>.The Bundesliga heavyweights were linked with a move for the Brazil international earlier this month, joining Liverpool as a suitor for his services.Leeds remain keen to keep hold of the winger but are aware that they may not be able to match the offers presented by some of Europe's biggest clubs.

Bayern step up Raphinha pursuit

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Transfer news and rumours LIVE: Newcastle eye Umtiti move | Goal.com Australia

GOAL takes a look at the biggest transfer news and rumours from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and around the world