Live transfer blog: January 3rd - Chelsea's striker pursuit suffers knockout blow
As Chelsea kicked off the January transfer window with the big money capture of Christian Pulisic, the market is in full swing to help beat the blues after Christmas and New Year. Here, we run through the latest rumours and roundup the possible movers donning today's gossip column.
Juventus rule out striker's move to Chelsea
Juventus have ruled out the possibility of Gonzalo Higuain joining Chelsea during the January transfer window.
The Blues were heavily linked with a move for the Argentine over the summer as a possible reunion between the striker and Maurizio Sarri was mooted.
However, Higuain eventually joined AC Milan and despite reports suggesting Chelsea could move for the on-loan hitman this month, which would see Alvaro Morata move to San Siro, Juventus have moved to quash speculation linking the 31-year-old with a Stamford Bridge switch.
“He remains one of the best strikers in the world, he showed it in these seasons in Europe, he scored everywhere,” Juventus' sporting director Fabio Paratici is quoted as saying by the London Evening Standard.
“About his future, I think he’s important for AC Milan, he’s a great striker and they want to keep him. I know very well Gonzalo, he is a simple and passionate guy who lives with great enthusiasm. It can happen even to the best players not to score for four or five games.”
Chelsea have been linked with a move for a new striker this month, with Callum Wilson a target for the west London side.
Christian Eriksen stalling on new Tottenham deal
Tottenham are growing increasingly fearful that they’ll have to cash in on key creator Christian Eriksen sooner rather than later as he stalls on signing a new contract, states the London Evening Standard.
The Dane has just 18 months left to run on his current deal with the north London side and Spurs are desperate for him to extend his stay in the capital.
La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid have previously been linked with a move for Eriksen, who has seven assists to his name this season, a return bettered only by Eden Hazard and Ryan Fraser (both 9) in the Premier League.
The 26-year-old has been a consistent performer for Spurs following his 2013 arrival from Ajax and despite offering him a double-your-money offer last month, Eriksen is in no rush to pledge his long-term future to the club.
Watford have no interest in selling PSG’s number one target
PSG will have to wait until the end of the season at the earliest if they are to land number one target and Watford star Abdoulaye Doucoure, according to the London Evening Standard.
Reports last month suggested that PSG had agreed personal terms with Doucoure over a £50m move this month.
However, the Hornets are adamant that Doucoure will not be leaving Vicarage Road in January as Watford aim to retain the services of the 26-year-old, who joined the Premier League from Rennes for just £8m in 2015, until the summer.
Bayern Munich return with improved offer for Chelsea youngster
Bayern Munich have upped their offer to £30m for Chelsea teenager Callum Hudson-Odoi, reports the Sun.
The Bundesliga giants, who trail league leaders Borussia Dortmund by six points coming into the winter break, are looking to overhaul their ageing squad, with at least one winger their top priority in January.
Arjen Robben is leaving at the end of the season and with Franck Ribery widely expected to follow the Dutchman out of the Allianz exit, Bayern are aware they need to invest out wide.
Hudson-Odoi has emerged as a top target for Bayern, but having already seen a £20m bid rejected by Chelsea, the German outfit are gearing up to return with a £30m offer.
The Blues are eager to tie Hudson-Odoi, who has 18 months left to run on his current contract, down to a new deal, but having barely gotten a look in under Maurizio Sarri this season, the 18-year-old is seeking a move in order to aid his development.
