Transfer news LIVE! Spurs hijack Danso deal, Man Utd sign defender, Arsenal hit by striker blow – UK Times

Fabrizio Romano is reporting that Aston Villa are currently in discussions over signing both Axel Disasi and Joao Felix.

However, the Italian reports that negotiations over Felix “are currently complicated” due to “Chelsea asking for [an] important financial package”.

In addition, the deal for Disasi is “not easy one” either.

Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs said: “The new contract is a reward for what Matheus has done, and symbolises his importance to us on the pitch. It is something that he’s earned because of everything he’s given us and will continue to give us.

“Matheus loves the club, loves the fans and really appreciates the opportunity the club has given him. The fans have taken him under their wing, and he’s loved being here, so it’s been a really positive experience for both sides.

“His talent is undeniable and he’s a real winner. He wants us to achieve our goals now, and when a player of his quality shows he’s with you and up for the fight, it’s a big lift for everyone. Now he has to do what he’s been doing, and even more. I expect him to knuckle down through the second half of season, because we need everyone at it.”

Aston Villa are putting the final touches on a loan move for Marcus Rashford.

The Man Utd forward is due to undergo a medical today and complete the paperwork to make the switch formal.

Details of the deal are unknown with some reports claiming that Villa are paying the majority of Rashford’s £315,000 per week wages though the club themselves have rejected those claims.

Manchester United’s sporadic search for a striker has seemingly landed on Leon Bailey.

Reports say that the Aston Villa forward is on the list of potential targets for the Old Trafford hierarchy though it may be too late to secure a deal.

Any move for Bailey would be separate to the ongoing talks over a loan move for Marcus Rashford.

Villa meanwhile are hope to bring Marco Asensio in from Paris Saint-Germain.

Mathys Tel’s future may come down to a straight choice between Manchester United and Arsenal as both clubs push for his signature in what promises to be a frantic final two days of the window. Arsenal have also been mulling over to return with another move for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. Tel last week announced his desire to leave Bayern Munich for first-team football, sparking a flurry of interest.

The 19-year-old has already turned down Tottenham Hotspur, despite the agreement of a fee with Bayern. Any deal may now hinge on the type of loan move the German club are willing to strike, as interested clubs would prefer an option to buy. Bayern naturally want to keep their own option on a young player who is highly rated for the future, and is only leaving as he wants more minutes. That is something both United and Arsenal can offer, including the possibility of Tel being an immediate starter.

A tearful Neymar was welcomed back to his boyhood club on Friday by thousands of Santos fans and a concert in the home stadium beneath an electronic sign saying, “The prince is back.”

The 32-year-old signed a six-month contract, which he said could be extended.

Neymar later admitted his return was also due to his feeling unhappy at Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal earlier this year as he struggled to get playing time. He said he would be ready to play for Santos at least 30 minutes in a match scheduled for Saturday if he was given the go-ahead by local soccer authorities.

About 20,000 raucous Santos fans filled their Vila Belmiro Stadium in the rain outside Sao Paulo to celebrate the Brazilian’s return.

His evening arrival highlighted by fireworks capped a three-hour fiesta which also featured local singers.

“I am very happy. We lived great moments here. There’s still a lot that could come,” Neymar said on the pitch.”

The Denmark international, who is their second signing of the weekend after bringing in teenage defender Ayden Heaven from Arsenal, has been bought as a wing-back to suit new head coach Ruben Amorim’s system.

The 20-year-old has signed a five-and-a-half year contract, which the club have the option to extend for a further season until 2031. United believe he has the potential to prove world class and add-ons could take his eventual fee to £29m.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta on the club’s bid for Ollie Watkins and their aim to bring in a striker before the end of the January transfer window.

“I’m not going to talk about any individuals,” Arteta said. “We are actively looking to find a solution in that position and we will see what the market brings.

“I’m very confident with the work the club is doing, exploring every single opportunity that can have an impact on the team. If we can agree something we will. If we can’t, we won’t.

“We are trying everything that we can, but I don’t want to give any reassurance or not. It doesn’t depend only on us. Our intentions are clear but the possibilities are affected by three parties.

We look at what we have in the squad, what we are lacking, what can make an impact and make us much better, regardless of age or background. It’s just a belief that player can be really good for us over time.”

Arsenal have blocked Kieran Tierney from returning to Celtic, according to the Telegraph, with the left-back set to complete the season at the Gunners before rejoining his boyhood club.

Tierney will return to Celtic in the summer but there were talks about bringing that forward, with Myles Lewis-Skelly and Riccardo Calafiori first choice at left-back.

But the Telegraph report that Mikel Arteta will not allow Tierney to leave his squad without a replacement, given Arsenal’s position in the title race and Champions League.

Those close to Alejandro Garnacho maintain that the winger is preparing to leave Old Trafford this weekend, but there may yet be a battle for his signing.

Napoli have had interest but would need to significantly raise their valuation of £38m, closer to United’s £70m.

Chelsea have long been interested, but sources close to the situation say there is still considerable negotiation.

It is understood that the possibility of one of Chelsea’s younger players – such as Joshua Acheampong – going in the other direction has also been raised.