Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd eye four, Tottenham want Ibrahimovic, Chelsea, Arsenal issues

Transfer news LIVE – Friday November 22

• Manchester United have got a cluster of forwards on their wish list
• Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho might reunite with Zlatan Ibrahimovic
• Chelsea might find it tough to offload wantaway Olivier Giroud in January
• Arsenal ace Lucas Torreira has hinted he might be leaving the Emirates

Man Utd warned off deal

Manchester United won’t have a chance of landing transfer target James Maddison in January, claims former Premier League ace Craig Burley.

“Of course Manchester United would interest him,” Burley told ESPN FC. “And also, I think Manchester United are interested in him.

“Not before the end of the season, because we don’t know what Leicester will do this season. It could be a great season for Leicester City, and he’s a big part of that.

“United did want [Youri] Tielemans, and Leicester managed to coax him into coming there, so you’re talking about trying to convince a guy who is going to get an offer from Man United. If they sold him in January, Brendan Rodgers may as well pack his bags and go, I don’t think it’ll happen there. But I think there’s potential for it to [happen] next summer.”

Brendan Rodgers speaks out

Brendan Rodgers insists there was “nothing” in rumours surrounding him potentially taking over Tottenham prior to the appointment of Jose Mourinho.

“There’s nothing to talk on it. This game is full of gossip and speculation,” Rodgers said. “The only thing I’ll say is I’m very happy here at Leicester.

“I’ve literally just joined the club, in February. Everything has been great since we’ve been in.

“We have a project here that we want to develop and my sole focus, along with my team and my staff, is on that.

“In this game, I’ve learned that you will always be linked with other jobs.”

Tottenham with Zlatan Ibrahimovic

So, just how could Tottenham line up with Zlatan Ibrahimovic if Jose Mourinho signs the striker again?

The veteran is unlikely to dislodge England hotshot Harry Kane in the Premier League, but could be useful as a support player.

Ibrahimovic has shown he has a creative touch just as much as he’s a ruthless finisher throughout his career.

Express Sport has taken a look at how he could slot into Tottenham’s starting XI under Mourinho right HERE.

Real Madrid president’s plan

Real Madrid chief Florentino Perez only teases the prospect of reappointing Jose Mourinho to get improved performances out of his underperforming stars.

Spanish newspaper Sport claim the Bernabeu president is not really all that interested in taking the Portuguese back to Madrid.

However, he sees leaking the possibility of Mourinho taking the reins again as a way to motivate Real’s players.

Mourinho’s appointment at Tottenham this week is said to have seen Real stars breathe a sigh of relief as they fear his return to the Spanish capital.

Rangers bids prediction

Former Premier League ace Noel Whelan believes Rangers are bound to field interest in Alfredo Morelos when the transfer window opens.

“The more goals Morelos keeps scoring, the bigger problem Rangers have got,” Whelan told Football Insider.

“You look at Premier League teams who need a goalscorer, they’re going to be looking at Morelos.

“I’m sure there will be offers for him in January. He’s scoring bundles of goals, playing brilliantly, he’s young and has room for improvement.”

Barcelona manager plot

Barcelona might fight off competition from the likes of Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Manchester United to land the newly-available Mauricio Pochettino.

The Argentine is a free agent having been let go by Tottenham this week but is not short of admirers thanks to his impressive stint in north London.

The Sun report Barcelona may lure the former Espanyol gaffer back to La Liga if they get rid of their own manager, Ernesto Valverde.

Valverde has failed to hit the heights expected of him at the Nou Camp and Pochettino represents a tantalising option if Barcelona show him the exit door.

Celtic star wanted

Crystal Palace are set to turn their attention to Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard after being priced out of a move for Olivier Giroud.

The Frenchman has enjoyed another strong start to the season under Neil Lennon, catching the eye of Roy Hodgson and co. in the process.

And, at 21, he represents a better long-term investment than 33-year-old Giroud, who wants big wages if he is to leave Chelsea in January.

Edouard has been touted around the £20m mark and Express Sport understands Palace might slap in a bid for him in the new year.

Liverpool ace in demand

Liverpool playmaker Adam Lallana has emerged as a target for Paris Saint-Germain as they prepare for Edinson Cavani to leave the Parc des Princes.

Lallana has fallen down the pecking order at Anfield after injuries derailed his career and Jurgen Klopp signed more spritely options.

Express Sport understands a return to Southampton – where he made his name – was on offer last summer, however a move did not transpire.

The Mirror now report PSG could team Lallana up with Kylian Mbappe and Neymar when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Arsenal midfielder problem

Arsenal boss Unai Emery may end the January transfer window a midfielder light with Lucas Torreira hinting an exit is on the cards.

Speaking about his future, the Uruguayan said now is not the time to think about a move, before opening the door to a new-year switch.

“Today Arsenal needs me to be focused,” Torreira said. “I can’t start talking about another team.

“I need to be focused and when the transfer window arrives we will see what will happen.

“I don’t know what can happen in the future, but I wish I could play in Boca. It’s a dream that I have for what that institution represents.”

Chelsea striker issue

Chelsea might be stopped from securing a fee for Olivier Giroud because the striker’s wage demands are scaring would-be suitors off.

Express Sport understands the Blues are willing to sell the Frenchman in January if a £5m bid for his services comes in.

However, the fact he wants £7m a year at his next club has left Marseille, Montpellier, Lyon, Crystal Palace and Inter Milan with second thoughts.

Chelsea face losing Giroud for nothing if they do not sell him in January, with the targetman’s contract running out at the end of June.

Tottenham want Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Former Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic could return to the Premier League with Tottenham if new boss Jose Mourinho gets his way.

The Telegraph report Mourinho is keen on a reunion with the big hitman, who he previously managed at Old Trafford, as well as at Inter Milan.

Ibrahimovic is a free agent having just left LA Galaxy following a goal-laden stint in the MLS after his return from a serious knee injury.

AC Milan are also sniffing around the Swede, but Tottenham will be able to offer him Champions League football – which isn’t on offer at the San Siro.

Man Utd eye four

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has Callum Wilson and Richarlison on a four-man transfer hit list ahead of the January window.

The Bournemouth and Everton forwards have both impressed during their respective spells in the Premier League and are in United’s sights.

The Evening Standard report United have looked further afield too, with Erling Braut Haaland and Timo Werner also on United’s radar.

Haaland has made his name in Austria with Red Bull Salzburg, while Leipzig plays in his native Germany with their sister club RB Leipzig.