Transfer news live: Spurs close on Gallagher, Chelsea move for £104m star, Real Madrid want Klopp
Tottenham are closing on bringing out-of-favour Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher back to the Premier League after hijacking Aston Villa’s move for the former Chelsea product, who has now undergone a medical ahead of a £35m switch as the January transfer window heats up.
Gallagher isn’t the only England international to have garnered strong Premier League interest, with Arsenal joining the race to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi. The Eagles skipper is said to prefer a move to the Gunners or Liverpool, but Manchester City are desperate to overcome any hurdles and secure his signature this month, while European heavyweights Bayern Munich have now also expressed an interest in the England centre-back.
Mikel Arteta’s side are also rumoured to have entered the race to sign Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr, with one outlet even reporting they will offer Gabriel Martinelli in a swap deal, but Chelsea, who have reportedly made a huge bid for Federico Valverde, are also reportedly still interested in Vini Jr.
Manchester United have meanwhile confirmed the appointment of Michael Carrick as interim manager and now look to strengthen their squad before the window closes, with Carlos Baleba, Marcos Llorente and Elliot Anderson all rumoured as targets, although Man City are also said to be eyeing Nottingham Forest talisman Anderson.
And while United’s managerial picture looks clearer for the short-term, speculation remains frantic over the future of the Real Madrid dugout after Xabi Alonso’s shock exit, with the Spanish giants hoping to lure former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp back into coaching in what would be a spectacular move.
Follow all the latest transfer news, gossip, rumours and done deals in The Independent’s live blog below:
Could Jurgen Klopp be lured back into management by Real Madrid?
Jurgen Klopp is in the running to be the next Real Madrid manager, if they opt to replace Alvaro Arbeloa in the summer.
Xabi Alonso left the club yesterday after less than eight months in the role, with Arbeloa put in charge for the foreseeable future.
But according to Sky Germany, Klopp, who is currently working as the head of global soccer for Red Bull, would be interested in taking the reins at the Bernabeu despite his long-term contract in his current role.
Klopp left Liverpool in 2024, saying he was “running out of energy” after landing six trophies during his time at Anfield, before taking the Red Bull role in January last year.
Will Castle14 January 2026 08:30
Conor Gallagher set for Tottenham medical ahead of £35m move
Conor Gallagher is on the verge of completing a £35m move to Tottenham after undergoing his medical last night, according to Sky Sports.
He is expected to sign a five-and-a-half year deal with the club, with Spurs successfully hijacking Aston Villa’s move for the Atletico Madrid midfielder.
The 25-year-old returns to the Premier League having left boyhood club Chelsea in 2024.
Will Castle14 January 2026 08:20
