Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd close to January agreement, Liverpool and Arsenal enter talks

Transfer news LIVE | Express Sport is on hand to bring you all the latest rumours and gossip

Thursday, October 24

• Man Utd are preparing a double raid for both Boubakary Soumare and Moussa Dembele

• The Red Devils are also targeting Brescia midfielder Sandro Tonali

• Liverpool and Arsenal have made contact with the representatives of Denis Zakaria

• Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette could leave Arsenal

Mario Mandzukic agreement

Manchester United are close to agreeing a deal that would see Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic join the club in January, according to Tuttomercatoweb.

Mandzukic has been deemed surplus to requirements at Juventus and the 33-year-old veteran has yet to feature at all this season under new boss Maurizio Sarri.

The former Croatia international is keen on a move away from Turin and a deal was nearly completed with United during the summer but the club were not willing to meet his reported £300,000-a-week wage demands.

However, it has been reported the target-man is now willing to drastically reduce his demands in order to seal a move to Old Trafford.

New target acquired

Barcelona are interested in signing Lille forward Victor Osimhen.

That’s according to Spanish newspaper Sport, who claim the La Liga champions are looking for a long-term successor to Luis Suarez.

Osimhen arrived at Lille from Belgian outfit Charleroi in July but has already shown his ability with eight goals and two assists in 14 appearances.

Bayern Munich and AC Milan are also claimed to be monitoring the Nigeria international, 20.

Arturo Vidal > Ivan Rakitic

Inter Milan are favourites to complete the signing of Ivan Rakitic in January.

But Antonio Conte has his sights set on a different Barcelona midfielder.

That’s according to Tuttosport, who claim Conte would rather sign Arturo Vidal ahead of the Croatia international.

It’s said the former Chelsea tactician wants a more aggressive and combative player through the door and he views the Chilean as the ideal target.

Double raid

Manchester United are reportedly preparing a double raid on Ligue 1 with moves for both Boubakary Soumare and Moussa Dembele.

That’s according to ESPN FC, who claim Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side view Soumare as a “potential heir” to unsettled star Paul Pogba.

And the Red Devils could get him on a free at the end of the season if Lille fail to tie him up to a new deal.

If United were to look to bring him in January, the report suggests Lille would be asking for somewhere close to £35million.

It is also suggested United are looking to bolster their attacking options to help carry the load from Marcus Rashford and Martial by going after Lyon’s £45million-rated Dembele.

Sandro Tonali latest

Manchester United have joined the crowded pursuit of Italy talent Sandro Tonali.

Tonali has impressed for Brescia in Serie A this season – attracting attention from PSG, Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund.

The 19-year-old, who’s been likened to AC Milan and Juventus legend Andrea Pirlo, has 62 senior appearances for the club and made his international debut in October against Liechtenstein.

Now, The Sun claim Manchester United have entered the race and could snap up his services for around £40million.

Denis Zakaria chase

Liverpool and Arsenal have made contact with the representatives of Borussia Monchengladbach star Denis Zakaria.

That’s according to Sky Deutschland, who claim the Premier League duo have held an initial meeting with the midfielder’s entourage.

Manchester United and Tottenham have both been linked with the 22-year-old Switzerland international, who has played every minute for Monchengladbach this season.

Zakaria is contracted until June 2022 and a report carried by Die Fohlen claim the Bundesliga club would listen to offers in excess of £43million.

Lacazette and Aubameyang concern

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette could leave Arsenal if they fail to qualify for the Champions League this season.

Arsenal are four points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea after 10 games with toxicity rife around the Emirates following the embittered 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

According to The Telegraph, Unai Emery needs to keep his side in the hunt for the top four to avoid the sack.

The report adds that Aubameyang and Lacazette may well leave if Arsenal do not secure Champions League football this season.

The club has engaged in contract talks with both strikers of late but the duo are reluctant to commit their future to a club not playing in Europe’s premier competition.

Mario Mandzukic blow

Manchester United could be gazumped in their pursuit of Juventus forward Mario Mandzukic.

The Red Devils are thought to be leading the battle to sign the out-of-favour Croatia international, who has been snubbed by manager Maurizio Sarri.

The Italian champions are prepared to sell Mandzukic for £9million in January and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants him at Old Trafford to bolster his forward options.

However, Tuttosport claim Mandzukic’s head could be turned if Bayern Munich come knocking.