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Transfer deadline day is in full swing. We’re providing live, quick-hit analysis of the biggest deals – and rumors – until tonight’s 6 p.m. ET deadline.
Liverpool scrambling for defender
Liverpool’s search for another center-back is coming down to the wire.
Several names have been suggested as possible options throughout the January window, and while Jurgen Klopp has been adamant that the club wouldn’t sign someone simply for the sake of bringing in another body, the injury bug has seemingly forced the manager’s hand. With Joel Matip now sidelined – along with long-term absentees Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez – the Reds are reportedly in advanced talks with Ozan Kabak’s representatives.
The Schalke defender, 20, is believed to be undergoing a medical in Germany to help expedite the process. The deal could be structured as a loan with an obligation to buy for a total fee of around €30 million and would solidify Liverpool’s backline with someone who is clearly talented and has time to grow at the club for years to come.
Whether that nixes the deal that was reportedly in place for Ben Davies of Preston North End remains to be seen.
Deal for Alli falls apart
Paris Saint-Germain’s pursuit of Dele Alli appears to be over.
Tottenham’s inability to find a replacement for the seldom-used midfielder has seemingly scuppered any hopes the 24-year-old had of reuniting with Mauricio Pochettino. Spurs, now in the midst of a mini two-game slide, could use some creativity and shot creation, especially with Harry Kane sidelined. If Jose Mourinho doesn’t play Alli now, he never will, and we’ll be looking at a lose-lose situation for everyone.
No new strikers heading to Manchester
So much for that …
Manchester United have no interest in Edin Dzeko. Manchester City have no interest in Diego Costa. This is the situation as of today. ? #mufc #mcfc #DeadlineDay
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 1, 2021
Mustafi on his way out
Shkodran Mustafi, who has played a grand total of 45 Premier League minutes this season, is, mercifully, leaving north London. Arsenal are in talks with Schalke to jettison the defender, with sources telling James Olley of ESPN that €2 million to €3 million is the fee being discussed.
That lends more weight to reports about Liverpool’s pursuit of Kabak; Schalke would need a replacement for the Turkish international were he to leave today.
Mustafi, always prone to a glaring error (or two, or three) should get plenty of playing time for the Bundesliga’s basement club.
Inter Milan slam the door shut
Inter Milan CEO Giuseppe Marotta has poured cold water on the many rumors swirling around the Serie A title hopefuls. Christian Eriksen, Alexis Sanchez, and Ivan Perisic were all tipped as potential departures this month – the Chilean was viewed as a potential makeweight for Edin Dzeko – but it seems like there won’t be a late flurry of action at the San Siro.
“We’re not selling or buying any player today,” Marotta said, according to Fabrizio Romano of The Guardian. “Christian Eriksen is staying too. The (Dzeko-Sanchez) swap deal with AS Roma is off.”
Is this just a smokescreen? We’ll know by the end of the day.
