Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd want two, Arsenal plot deal, Everton twist, Messi talks Neymar

Transfer news LIVE: Saturday October 19

• Manchester United are prioritising two deals as Ed Woodward and co. gear up for the January transfer window
• Arsenal have set their sights on Athletic Bilbao ace Unai Nunez to bolster their defence in the new year
• Everton might be interested in appointing former Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri as Marco Silva’s replacement
• Barcelona star Lionel Messi has discussed the prospect of Neymar potentially returning to the Nou Camp

08:45 UPDATE: Pulisic to stay at Chelsea

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has ruled out sending Christian Pulisic out on loan.

“No,” was Lampard’s reply when asked if Pulisic could be loaned out. “With Christian he’s come to us in a big move, let’s make no mistake about it, and then he’s just turned 21 recently, and we’ve got a competitive squad here.

“I said it before the last game, I always have a problem who to pick and people make my decisions in training or how they’re playing, and at the minute with winning four on the bounce I need the edge of staying in the team and keep performing and everyone is the same.

“With Christian coming here, we have to protect him for that fact because he’s young. Christian, as with every player in the squad, needs to work hard in training, keep improving in training, see the direction we’re going, be a part of it, and show what you can do on a match day, and all the players are the same there.”

08:30 UPDATE: Rangers stars to stay

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has indicated Allan McGregor and Ryan Jack are almost certain to be playing their football at Ibrox next season.

“Allan’s is pretty self-explanatory. If Allan plays a certain amount of games, then a year kicks in anyway, so watch this space,” Gerrard said.

“How many games, I don’t know. You’ll have to ask Ross Wilson. He’ll have all the contracts in his top drawer.

“But it would be close before the winter break. Definitely around then, if he keeps playing well. He is in a good place, in good form and we expect him to be here next year. That is never in doubt.”

On Jack, Gerrard added: “In terms of Ryan Jack, a new deal is imminent.”

08:20 UPDATE: Celtic exit ruled out

Celtic manager Neil Lennon is certain Odsonne Edouard will be going nowhere when the transfer window opens again.

“There’s no chance of him leaving in January. Absolutely not,” said Lennon. “We’ve got too much to do here. He is a class player and is pivotal to us.

“We may or may not be in Europe after January, so that’s even more reason for him not to go. It wouldn’t hinge on that, absolutely not, but it would be a nice carrot for him, a reason to settle himself.

“I don’t like watching him playing for other teams. When I heard about his hat-trick, I was like, ‘Oh no!’

“But, seriously, it is great for the profile of the club and I think it is fantastic for him that he is playing so well for club and country.”

08:10 UPDATE: Chelsea and Liverpool want Cook

Chelsea and Liverpool are keeping tabs on Lewis Cook ahead of potentially launching raids on Bournemouth for the midfielder.

Cook has battled his way back from a serious knee injury and is now back in Eddie Howe’s first-team plans on the south coast.

The Daily Mail reckon Chelsea and Liverpool are making checks on the England international’s progress at the Vitality Stadium.

Frank Lampard and Jurgen Klopp may be set for a battle for his signature, with both managers eager to snare up-and-coming talent.

07:55 UPDATE: Messi on Neymar return

Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi admits people at the Nou Camp have mixed feelings on Neymar possibly making a comeback.

“We still talk and we’re in a group with Luis Suarez. We chat every now and again,” Messi said, when asked about Neymar.

“The topic of his return is a complicated one. First, because it’s difficult for him to leave there.

“Second, for the way he left [Barcelona]. There are people at the club and season ticket holders who don’t want him back.

“He’s one of the best players in the world but I also understand the other way of thinking. It’s complicated.”

07:40 UPDATE: Allegri to Everton

Everton may just have Manchester United managerial target Massimiliano Allegri in their sights in a potential threat to the Red Devils’ plans going forward.

Transfer expert Ian McGarry has lifted the lid on a representative getting in touch with Allegri’s people regarding taking over at Goodison Park.

“A well known agent has contacted Massilimiliano Allegri representatives in the last seven days to find out whether or not he would be interested in taking over from Marco Silva if he was to be sacked,” McGarry said on Reach PLC’s Transfer Window Podcast.

“This is a normal process and what we cannot confirm is if this was instructed by Everton, these things often happen in this way.”

07:20 UPDATE: Arsenal eye £30m ace

Arsenal have set their sights on Unai Nunez as manager Unai Emery prepares to make another splash in the transfer market in January.

The Daily Mail reckon the Gunners see the £30m centre-back as an attainable target due to his limited game time in Spain.

Nunez has already been capped by the Spanish national team and is one of the most highly-rated prospects in La Liga.

Arsenal are not alone in tracking him, however, with their Premier League rivals Everton also showing some interest.

07:00 UPDATE: Man Utd want two signings

Manchester United are eager to add a striker and a midfielder to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad when the transfer window opens in the new year.

Express Sport understands Ed Woodward is preparing to back the Norwegian with cash in a bid to help propel United up the Premier League standings.

United are in the market for a forward having let Romelu Lukaku leave over the summer and failed to replace the prolific hitman.

A midfielder is also on the short list following the departures of senior squad members Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera earlier this year.