Football transfer rumours: Bayern lead Varane race; Arteta pushes for £80m Toney deal
90min rounds up the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip circulating around the world…
Manchester United are ready to sell Raphael Varane during the January transfer window. Though there is interest from the Saudi Pro League, Bayern Munich are leading the race for his signature. (Football Insider)
One defender staying at Manchester United is Victor Lindelof. His contract was set to expire in the summer of 2024, but the club have triggered a one-year extension clause. (The Athletic)
Jonny Evans could prolong his stay at Manchester United too after Erik ten Hag recommended a new one-year deal for the veteran centre-back. (Daily Star)
Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso wants to keep hold of Liverpool target Piero Hincapie amid their Bundesliga title fight with Bayern Munich. (Kicker)
Chelsea are continuing their search for a new striker and have earmarked Mykhailo Mudryk’s Ukraine teammate Artem Dovbyk, who is enjoying a fine season with La Liga high-flyers Girona. (The Sun)
Mikel Arteta has decided Arsenal would be best off using their January transfer budget to sign £80m-rated striker Ivan Toney from Brentford as opposed to a new midfielder or pair of full-backs. Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is also a target but his £120m release clause is prohibitive. (Independent)
If Arsenal do move for a full-back, then Barcelona’s Sergi Roberto is a surprise name on their list of options. (SPORT)
Carlo Ancelotti is a fan of Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni and would like Real Madrid to make a move for him amid their defensive crisis. (Defensa Central)
Tottenham are pushing ahead with a move for Genoa defender Radu Dragusin with their bid to sign Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo on the brink of collapse. (Fabrizio Romano)
Conor Gallagher could also move to Tottenham with the north Londoners in talks with rivals Chelsea about a deal. (Gianluca Di Marzio)
Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri could veto the club’s pursuit of Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips as he does not suit his tactical system. (Calciomercato)
Borussia Dortmund are looking to sign out-of-favour left-back Ian Maatsen from Chelsea. (VI)