Football transfer rumours: Real Madrid eye shock Casemiro return; Chelsea plan £125m Barcelona raid

Real Madrid have reportedly explored the possibility of bringing Casemiro back from Manchester United in January, but the Brazilian midfielder has no interest in revisiting that chapter of his career, according to Brazilian outlet Trivela.

Manchester United are said to be prioritizing the signing of Viktor Gyokeres, who has thrived under Ruben Amorim at Sporting CP. The Sunday Mirror claims Gyokeres is their main transfer target. However, El Nacional reports that Gyokeres has previously declined opportunities to join Manchester United and Arsenal, sparking interest from Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta. Barcelona’s pursuit of a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski has also led them to consider Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic.

The Express suggests that Manchester United are targeting three left-sided full-backs: Alphonso Davies of Bayern Munich, Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, and Benfica’s Alvaro Fernandez, who previously played in United’s youth setup. Meanwhile, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Tottenham Hotspur are in a heated race to secure Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Diaz, with offers reportedly on the table, according to TodoFichajes.

Manchester City are eyeing Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton to bolster their central midfield, TEAMtalk reveals. Chelsea, on the other hand, are reportedly planning a significant £125 million bid for Barcelona’s defensive duo Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo, according to Fichajes.

Despite rumors, Real Madrid appear uninterested in signing Manchester City’s 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, even though the midfielder is said to be open to the idea, MARCA claims. Arsenal are also monitoring AC Milan midfielder Tijani Reijnders after his impressive performances this season, as per Fichajes.

In the Championship, Manchester City’s £20 million buy-back clause on Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap could hinder Chelsea’s interest in the player, according to the Express. Barcelona has entered the competition alongside Liverpool and Tottenham to sign Ajax defender Devyne Resnch, reports Diario AS. Meanwhile, Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku is said to be reconsidering his future at Stamford Bridge, frustrated by limited opportunities behind Nicolas Jackson, according to The Athletic.

Bayern Munich are determined to keep Joshua Kimmich from leaving on a free transfer next summer, amid interest from Real Madrid and Manchester City, reports TBR Football. Out-of-favor Barcelona winger Ansu Fati is drawing interest from Al Hilal and Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, according to Fichajes.

Aston Villa are reportedly among several Serie A clubs showing interest in signing Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee on loan, as per Caught Offside. Newcastle United have also made headlines, targeting a remarkable move for free agent Sergio Ramos, the former Real Madrid captain, according to Fichajes. The Magpies are also pursuing a deal for Benfica defender Tomas Araujo, though they are hesitant to meet his £84 million release clause, claims Football Insider.

Lastly, West Ham United are exploring a loan move for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Evan Ferguson, who has struggled for regular minutes, according to Fichajes.