We are just hours away from the end of the January window, with some clubs still determined to do late business. Here, we take a closer look at some of the latest transfer news today.
One of the biggest stories of the day comes from Saudi Arabia after Karim Benzema did one of the most French things a Frenchman could do… go on strike.
Elsewhere, Manchester United believe they have found the perfect replacement for Harry Maguire, though it is likely to cost them over £35m.
Here are the biggest headlines of the day…
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Karim Benzema goes on strike amid huge contract dispute
Former Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema could be heading for the Al-Ittihad exit door following a sensational fallout with the Saudi Arabian club over a potential new contract.
European and MLS clubs are on high alert after Benzema removed himself from the club’s first-team squad amid a controversial proposal from Al-Ittihad, which would see the Frenchman without a traditional salary.
The Saudi Pro League outfit allegedly proposed the former Real Madrid man a new deal which would see the 38-year-old earn money solely through image rights payments – a proposal which the Frenchman has clearly rejected, according to latest reports by French publication L’Equipe.
With Benzema out of contract in the summer, clubs across the world are keeping a close eye on the situation, including the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United.
Man Utd ponder summer move for Tarik Muharemovic
Manchester United are already turning their attention to the summer transfer window, targeting Serie A defender Tarik Muharemovic as a potential future replacement for Harry Maguire, according to latest reports by The Sun.
The 22-year-old recently made his 50th appearance for Sassuolo, with the defender reportedly impressing Man United’s scouts, who have been tasked with finding Maguire’s replacement.
Muharemovic has an estimated value of around £10m according to Transfermarkt, though media reports suggest the final deal could be worth in the region of £35m – this would be partly due to the defender’s former club Juventus putting a hefty sell-on clause to his name.
Maguire’s contract expires in the summer, meaning United will be keen to get a new defender through the doors before the start of the new season.
AC Milan set to hijack Jean-Philippe Mateta
Italian giants AC Milan have reportedly agreed a £35m deal with Crystal Palace for star striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, according to latest information from Sky Sports News.
Mateta was initially linked with a move to Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest, who are understood to have submitted a £35m bid of their own.
The prospect of a Premier League survival battle has clearly not resonated with the Frenchman, who is looking to boost his chances of making the 2026 World Cup in the summer.
Reports indicate that Palace will only sanction the deal if they can secure a replacement before the end of the window – something they are close to achieving, with the club about to complete the purchase of Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolverhampton.
