Transfer Talk: Man Utd circling two Dutch strikers for Ten Hag،
The winter transfer window is now open in Europe, and there are plenty of moves being made and plenty of gossip swirling. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumors, comings and goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Man Utd plan next striker move
Ajax Amsterdam striker Brian Brobbey and Bologna star Joshua Zirkzee are both being considered by Manchester United, with the Premier League club looking to bring in reinforcements in attack, according to Sky Sports Germany.
When it comes to Brobbey in particular, United boss Erik ten Hag is a driving force behind the club's interest in the 21-year-old after the pair worked together at Ajax. It was a move the Red Devils considered over the summer, but their big striker during that window was Rasmus Hojlund. Despite this, contact between Brobbey and Ten Hag remained, with the two apparently enjoying working together.
The report states that while the United manager is keen to sign Brobbey this window, a deal for the Netherlands international will be more likely to be completed this summer – as long as Ten Hag is still at Old Trafford.
Ajax are unwilling to let Brobbey leave just yet, with the striker having recorded 13 goals and four assists in 25 matches in all competitions, despite the Dutch giants' struggles this season.
Brobbey's compatriot Zirkzee has also impressed this season, recording eight goals and four assists in 22 matches in all competitions for a Bologna side who sit seventh in Serie A.
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Paper gossip
– Newcastle United have rejected Atletico Madrid's investigation into a loan move for Callum Wilson, indicates the Mail, which adds that the Magpies would be more open to a permanent offer from the team currently fifth in La Liga. The move would be an example of clubs looking to take advantage of Newcastle's Financial Fair Play predicament, while the 31-year-old is said to be open to talks with Atleti if a deal is agreed between the clubs.
– Port Vale attacking midfielder Liam Brazier is attracting interest from Barcelona, despite having only made three senior appearances in the EFL Trophy for the League One side, according to the Mirror. Brazier is also being looked at by various Premier League clubs, with interest having played a part in Port Vale's decision to hand the 17-year-old his first professional contract.
– West Ham United set to break transfer record by signing Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface, says the Sun. While the 23-year-old has been linked with Newcastle United and Chelsea, Hammers technical director Tim Steidten is pushing for the move, with head coach David Moyes also behind the idea.
– Napoli made contact with Nottingham Forest midfielder Orel Mangalareports Sky Sports Italia, although the two sides are quite far apart when it comes to the 25-year-old's salary. Gli Azzurri are hoping to sign Mangala on loan with the option of making the deal permanent, with a possible adjustment paid to Forest if they do not accept that option.
– Aston Villa submit improved offer for Middlesbrough striker Morgane Rogersreports Fabrizio Romano, who describes this offer as “important”. The 21-year-old remains Villa's priority for the January transfer window, while Rogers sees joining the Premier League club as a big opportunity.
