Transfer Talk: Man United, Chelsea mull moves for Braithwaite،
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: Blues and United in surprise move for Braithwaite
Both Chelsea and Manchester United are considering a possible move for the Espanyol striker. Martin Braithwaitesuggests The Sun.
Braithwaite joined Espanyol from Barcelona in 2022 and had an impressive season in the Spanish second division, scoring 11 goals, which attracted the attention of the Premier League giants.
However, the report reveals that due to an unusual clause in his contract, United and Chelsea would prefer to wait until the summer before looking to agree a deal. It is reported that the Denmark international has a £6 million release clause in his contract which expires in July. If Espanyol stay in Liga 2, Braithwaite can leave for just £500,000, while promotion would see the former Middlesbrough striker leave for free.
United are reportedly keen to expand their attacking options, with the Red Devils struggling for a consistent source of goals. Midfielder Scott McTominay is United's top scorer in the Premier League this season, with six goals, underlining the need for manager Erik ten Hag to add more firepower up front.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are experiencing similar goalscoring problems. The Blues have scored just 35 goals in the Premier League this season, with only Manchester United scoring fewer among the top 10 teams in the English top flight.
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Paper gossip
– Aston Villa close to completing deal for Adelaide United goalkeeper Joe Gaucireports Sky Sports News. The 23-year-old is reportedly close to completing a move to the Premier League, with Gauci currently in the Asian Cup with Australia. Gauci will likely provide a replacement for Emiliano Martínez, strengthening Villa Park's goalkeeping depth.
– Tottenham Hotspur consider late approach to AFC Bournemouth Dominique SolankeHowever, the Cherries are desperate to keep the lead, says The Sun. The report states that Spurs are ready to agree a deal worth more than £50million for the 26-year-old, who has scored 12 Premier League goals this season. Although Bournemouth are reluctant to part ways with Solanke, they are understood to have identified potential replacements should they receive a lucrative offer.
– Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo has emerged as a potential option for Liverpool this summer, The Mirror reveals. The 26-year-old is believed to have caught the eye of Liverpool during their Carabao Cup semi-final clash and, with the defender out of contract this summer, he represents an attractive option for the Reds. The report states that Fulham are content to wait and see what happens, and although the player is aware the Cottagers want to keep him, he has already attracted the attention of the likes of AC Milan, which could signal a summer departure.
– Paris Saint-Germain consider summer approach for Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford, according to iNews. The report suggests that while United have no current plans to allow the England international to leave Old Trafford, PSG could consider another approach for the 26-year-old after trying to lure him to the club l 'last summer. Rashford has struggled to impress this season, scoring just four goals in all competitions.
– Hertha Berlin reportedly agreed to bring Arsenal midfielder Bradley Ibrahim to the club on a permanent contract. Fabrizio Romano reports that the 19-year-old will secure a deal that will keep him with the German side until 2027, while Arsenal also have a sell clause, as well as appearance-based add-ons. Additionally, it is understood that the Gunners have a 'rights of consideration' clause, which would allow the north London club to match any future bids for the midfielder should they ever wish to bring him back to the Emirates.
– Al Nassr agrees A$2 million deal to sign Melbourne City left-back Aziz Behich on loan, according to ESPN's Joey Lynch. The 33-year-old will join the Saudi Pro League club following the conclusion of the Socceroos' Asian Cup campaign.
