With the penultimate international break before the World Cup taking place next week, reality has hit for several players across Europe who perhaps need a move in January to reignite their hopes of playing in the tournament.
In today's transfer roundup, we have the latest on Kobbie Mainoo's future as he looks to wrestle his way back into Thomas Tuchel's squad, while we also have news on a potential reunion at Stamford Bridge.
For all the key information on those stories and more, check out our full roundup below.
Contents
Kobbie Mainoo linked with La Liga transfer
Kobbie Mainoo is being tipped to make a loan transfer to La Liga in January, with Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.
According to a report in The Daily Briefing, the Manchester United midfielder is well-liked by Spain's three biggest clubs, but it is currently leading the race for his signature.
Other reports from across Europe indicate that Napoli are also interested in Mainoo. The Serie A champions have recently lost Kevin de Bruyne to injury, so they will certainly be in the market for a midfielder in January.
Mainoo asked for a straight loan transfer out of Old Trafford at the end of the summer transfer window, and his position is said to be the same this winter. The 20-year-old's playing time hasn't improved since the summer, and he wants to make the England squad for next summer's World Cup.
Chelsea are considering an Antonio Rudiger reunion
Chelsea are reportedly keen on bringing Antonio Rudiger back to Stamford Bridge next summer, just four years after he departed the club for Real Madrid.
The German defender's contract at the Santiago Bernabeu is due to expire in the summer of 2026, so the Blues wouldn't have to pay any money for a player they lost for free in 2022.
The report in Marca, which links Chelsea with a move for Rudiger, also states that the clubs in Saudi Arabia are interested in the player. At the age of 32, a move to the Saudi Pro League is perhaps of more interest to him than a return to London.
The ultimate aim for Rudiger is to remain a Real Madrid player, though, and the player's representatives remain in talks with Real Madrid chiefs about a new deal.
Andy Robertson is a target for Celtic
Andy Robertson could reportedly make a sensational transfer to Celtic next summer, with the Liverpool full-back's contract at Anfield due to expire at the end of the season.
According to a report in TEAMtalk, Robertson is open to the move and could even sign a pre-contract agreement with the Scottish champions in January ahead of a potential summer move.
Liverpool signed Robertson from Hull City in 2017, but he did come through the Celtic academy as a boy before becoming a professional for Queen's Park in 2012. He has written his name into Liverpool folklore over the past eight years, but he now finds himself playing second fiddle to Milos Kerkez.
The Scotland captain reportedly supported Celtic as a boy, so the move would likely see him fulfil his childhood dreams of lining up for the Bhoys at Celtic Park.
