The transfer window might be shut across Europe’s top five leagues, but the rumour mill keeps on turning! Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Madrid best placed to sign Davies
Bayern Munich have given up on a contract renewal for Alphonso Davies while Real Madrid are determined to ensure they sign the left-back, as has been reported by Relevo.
The Canada international has been linked with Los Blancos for almost a year and while a move has not yet materialised, that isn’t a problem for the giants of LaLiga as it could see the 23-year-old join as a free agent in the summer of 2025. That is especially interesting for them as the possibility of Davies renewing his Bayern contract is becoming increasingly unlikely, with talks between the Bavarian club and his agent currently being non-existent.
There was previously little optimism even though Bayern turned down offers in the summer having not received any that they deemed satisfactory, but the Bundesliga club is now beginning to completely give up on the idea of a renewal. That hasn’t impacted Davies on the pitch, as he remains focused on having a good season for Bayern.
Madrid are best placed to sign him this summer, although they are not taking anything for granted after seeing Leny Yoro join Manchester United from Lille during the summer.
There is Premier League interest in Davies this time around, while the left-back is delighted about the interest in him from Madrid. Once January arrives, Los Blancos will do all they can to ensure they complete the signing.
PAPER GOSSIP (by Danny Lewis)
– Gavi is getting closer to a contract extension that would keep the midfielder at Barcelona until 2029, according to Nicolo Schira. The 20-year-old is working his way back from injury and his current contract runs until 2026.
– Fabrizio Romano has tweeted quotes from Erik ten Hag speaking about the possibility of a new contract for 19-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo. “We are very happy with his development. The management has to make a decision about it,” the Manchester United manager said. “Of course, we do this in cooperation. It is something that we always have to discuss when a player is progressing.”
– Manchester United scouts firmly believe they need to succeed in signing Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg after missing out on Jude Bellingham in 2020, claims HITC. They feel the 17-year-old has a similar ceiling to the midfielder who now represents Real Madrid and a deal could be agreed in January.
– Atletico Madrid are hoping to add to their encouraging transfer window by making contract renewals, reports Relevo, who add that Reinildo Mandava is among those they are trying to keep. Los Colchoneros have already held talks with the defender’s agent, and the 30-year-old’s contract ends in the summer while he is receiving plenty of interest – especially from Italy.
– Dinamo Zagreb are looking for a new head coach after the dismissal of Sergej Jakirovic following their 9-2 defeat against Bayern Munich, and Calciomercato have suggested that Walter Mazzarri is among the candidates who could possibly fill the position. The 62-year-old has been without a club since February, when he departed Napoli.
