All of today's very latest football news across Europe!

Liverpool officials will fly to Turkey to complete a move for Besiktas defender Domagoj Vida, according to reports.
Turkish newspaper Milliyet claim Besiktas have rejected a £19.7m bid from West Ham and snubbed an approach from Everton which did not match their valuation.
Besiktas reportedly want £26.8m for Vida, and it is understood Liverpool will step up their pursuit of the 29-year-old - skysports.com and Daily Star

Argentina defender Marcos Rojo, 28, is the player most likely to make way if Manchester United manage to sign England centre-back Harry Maguire, 25, from Leicester City - Daily Mirror

Manchester United want to sign one of Leicester's Harry Maguire, Tottenham's Toby Alderweireld or AC Milan's Leonardo Bonucci this summer - Daily Mail

Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Yann Sommer. Gunners boss Unai Emery has already made five signings this summer, including goalkeeper Bernd Leno. But with Petr Cech and David Ospina expected to leave the Emirates following Leno's arrival from Bayer Leverkusen. Arsenal may turn to Sommer to provide competition for the Germany international - Marca (Spanish national daily sport newspaper)

Arsenal are interested in Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes. Gomes is believed to be surplus to requirements at the Camp Nou after failing to impress since his 2016 move to the Catalan giants from Valencia - AS (Spanish daily sports newspaper)

The race for Anthony Martial's signature is hotting up. Chelsea are locked in a three-way battle with Bayern Munch and Borussia Dortmund to sign Manchester United forward Martial. All three clubs fancy their chances of landing the 22-year-old, who has a year left on his contract at Old Trafford - skysports.com

Chelsea are considering whether to accept a £65m bid from Barcelona for midfielder Willian, with Manchester United also keen on the 29-year-old Brazil international - Daily Mail

Chelsea are reportedly holding out for £70m for Willian having rejected £53m last week.
Martial, meanwhile, is not for sale, according to the report, but is also wanted by Tottenham and Bayern Munich - London Evening Standard

Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis says the club are interested in signing Manchester United's 28 year-old Italian defender Matteo Darmian - The Sun

Chelsea are considering signing Everton's Jordan Pickford or Stoke's Jack Butland in a goalkeeper revamp at the club should Thibaut Courtois leave for Real Madrid - The Sun

Thibaut Courtois' potential move to Real Madrid is being held up while Chelsea attempt to replace the goalkeeper. The Premier League club are interested in bringing Petr Cech back to Stamford Bridge and are also considering a move for Leicester's Kasper Schmeichel - Marca (Spanish national daily sport newspaper)

Chelsea remain interested in Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain, according to .It is understood the Serie A champions are willing to listen to offers for Higuain following Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival. The Argentina international played under newly-appointed Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri at Napoli. However AC Milan have also made contact about Higuain. - Sky in Italy

Fulham have joined Lazio in showing interest in signing Borussia Dortmund's 27-year-old Germany winger Andre Schurrle, who has also been offered to Crystal Palace and Everton - Daily Mail

Watford striker Richarlison has arrived on Merseyside and started his medical ahead of his proposed £50m move to Everton. The striker is expected to join up with his former manager Marco Silva and become Everton’s first signing of the summer - skysports.com

Chelsea have told Real Madrid they will not be bullied into selling Eden Hazard, not even for £170m - Daily Mirror

Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has slammed Mesut Ozil following his decision to stop playing for Germany, saying "he's been playing dirt for years". The Arsenal midfielder announced on Sunday he would "no longer be playing for Germany" after accusing German FA (DFB) officials of racism. Ozil - who was born in Germany but has Turkish heritage - has been the subject of criticism in Germany after posing for a photograph with Turkish president Recep Erdogan before the World Cup.
Germany went on to exit the tournament at the group stage - with Ozil being dropped for the second game - and now Hoeness has launched a scathing attack on the 29-year-old.
The former West Germany international said: "I'm glad it is over. He's been playing dirt for years. His 35 million follower boys, who of course do not exist in the real world, think he has played excellently if he plays a cross to a man. He last won a tackle before the 2014 World Cup. And now he hides himself and his c*** performance behind his photo."

Wolves have agreed a fee with Monaco for the Portuguese international midfielder Joao Moutinho. It’s understood the 31-year-old will sign a two-year contract, for a fee in the region of £5m - skysports.com and Daily Mail

Crystal Palace and Fulham have joined Tottenham in wanting to sign English midfielder Jack Grealish and have contacted Aston Villa about a move in the past few days - Daily Mirror

Besiktas goalkeeper Fabri is in the process of undergoing a medical at Motspur Park ahead of completing a £5m switch to Fulham - skysports.com

Liverpool's chances of signing Lyon's French midfielder Nabil Fekir look to have ended with claims in France that a deal for the 25-year-old will now not happen - Daily Express

Mateo Kovacic remains firm in his desire to leave Real Madrid. Liverpool, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Manchester United are among the interested clubs who have contacted him. The 24-year-old wants to begin pre-season at a new club after his summer holiday. Madrid are starting to feel that they will have to facilitate the Croatian’s departure and would seek a fee of at least €50m - Marca (Spanish national daily sport newspaper)

Juventus have reportedly made a 30m euros (£26.8m) bid for Brazilian defender Alex Telles of Porto, but the Portuguese club are insisting on a 40m euros (£35.7m) release clause - Football Italia (Italian football news website)

Newcastle have rejected attempt by West Brom to sign 27-year-old English striker Dwight Gayle on a season-long loan deal as part of a deal taking Venezuela forward Salomon Rondon, 28, the other way - Newcastle Chronicle

Barcelona's Colombia defender Yerry Mina, 23, is set for a move to the Premier League with Everton the most likely destination. - Goal (International association football news website)

Liverpool's new Brazilian keeper Alisson, 25, is set to make his first appearance for the club in a pre-season friendly against Napoli in Dublin on Saturday 4th August - Daily Telegraph

Gareth Bale's future at Real Madrid looks secure with the Wales attacker expected to be one of their key players next season. Bale raised doubts over his status at the club, after their Champions League final win over Liverpool, regarding his lack of regular football. The departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus has put the focus back on Bale and it seems likely he will remain with the European champions - AS (Spanish daily sports newspaper)

Bas Dost has performed a U-turn and signed a new deal with Sporting Lisbon, just over a month after telling the club he was terminating his contract - skysports.com

Mark Hughes says Southampton will have to sell players before they consider adding anyone else to their squad this summer. Speaking to the Southern Daily Echo, Hughes said: "We will probably have to sell or allow players to go out of the club if we're likely to bring anybody in now I would think - skysports.com

Bristol City have completed the signing of Mo Eisa from Cheltenham. The striker has agreed terms on a three-year deal at Ashton Gate, with the option of a further 12 months - skysports.com

All the very latest football news and transfer gossip across Europe!

With the January transfer window in full swing, there is plenty of transfer talk and a few deals have been done! Many clubs across Europe are doing their best to strengthen their squads as the second half of the season gets underway. Some clubs are trying to push on in an attempt to lift some silverware, others to consolidate their current situation, and needless to say their are plenty of clubs busy looking to bring in new personnel as they attempt to save their seasons!

Here is a round up of all the latest football news/gossip across Europe today, which includes the likes of: Arsenal, Everton, Besiktas, Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona, Ross Barkley, Philippe Coutinho, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Emre Can, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Diego Simeone, Harry Kane, Ryan Sessegnon, Jack Wilshere, Manchester United, PSG, Tottenham, Marseille, Juan Mata, Thibaut Courtois, Arturo Vidal, Andy Carroll, Lille, Celtic, Crystal Palace, Newcastle, Ipswich Town and Bradford City to name but a few!


Chelsea want Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone to replace Antonio Conte as head coach at the end of the season - The Times

Barcelona are prepared to spend £140m to sign Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool. The Brazilian is believed to have told the Reds that he does not want to play for them again this season - Daily Telegraph and The Times

Cenk Tosun will undergo a medical at Everton on Friday morning ahead of his move from Besiktas. Everton will pay £27m for the 26-year-old striker and the club are keen to finalise the deal before the end of today - skysports.com

There have been talks between Everton and Chelsea over the sale of midfielder Ross Barkley and the two clubs are close to reaching a deal – but that no fee has been agreed with some news outlets reporting that the player is undergoing a medical - skysports.com

Manchester City are willing to pay €60m to sign Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti. It is believed City boss Pep Guardiola is on the hunt for a new centre back and Umtiti is on his shortlist - L’Equipe (French nationwide daily newspaper devoted to sport)

Belgium international Thibaut Courtois, 25, is close to signing a new Chelsea contract after the club offered him a deal in excess of £200,000 a week, to become the best paid goalkeeper in the world - Daily Telegraph

Paris St-Germain boss Unai Emery has opened the door for Brazil winger Lucas Moura, 25, and France winger Hatem Ben Arfa, 30, to leave the club in January - L'Equipe (French nationwide daily newspaper devoted to sport)

Manager Arsene Wenger says signing Borussia Dortmund forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is "not a possibility" for Arsenal - skysports.com

Marseille are interested in Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere but the 26-year-old wants to remain with the Gunners - Daily Mail

Inter Milan and AC Milan are both keen on Spurs midfielder Mousa Dembele. The Belgium international turns 31 this year and has entered the last 18 months of his contract - skysports.com

Manchester United have triggered year-long contract extensions with Spanish midfielders Juan Mata, 29, and Ander Herrera, 28, England left-back Ashley Young, 32, and Dutch defender Daley Blind, 27 - Daily Mirror

Chelsea defender David Luiz, 30, is desperate to leave the club and hopes Real Madrid may be interested - Mundo Deportivo (Spanish nationwide daily sports newspaper published in Barcelona)

Tottenham are poised to offer improved new contracts to England striker Harry Kane, 24, and Belgium defender Toby Alderweireld, 28 - The Independent

Emre Can has reached an agreement to join Juventus this summer. Liverpool are trying to persuade the Germany international to stay, but Can has opted for a move to Serie A, where Juventus have offered the 23-year-old £85,000 a week. The midfielder is out of contract this summer and is free to negotiate with overseas clubs - Sky Italy (www.sky.it) and The Guardian

Chris Hughton has "categorically" dismissed rumours of a Brighton bid for Celtic striker Moussa Dembele - skysports.com

Manchester City remain interested in West Brom's Jonny Evans. The Premier League leaders had a bid rejected for the defender in the summer - skysports.com

West Brom boss Alan Pardew has been told he must sell players before he can buy any in the transfer window - The Times

Crystal Palace have bid for Lille central defender Ibrahim Amadou, 24 - The Sun

Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson is facing the media ahead of Monday's FA Cup tie with Brighton and he's fired a warning to any Wilfried Zaha suitors. "It's not a case of me expecting or not expecting offers for Wilf Zaha, all I've said is I can understand him catching the eye. We have no interest in selling him, so I'd advise those thinking of making offers to not waste the price of a phone call." - skysports.com

Manchester United desperately want Juventus left-back Alex Sandro, but are being frustrated by the Italian club's reluctance to sell the 26-year-old - Daily Express

Sources close to Nice and Ivory Coast midfielder Jean Michael Seri have said Everton are one of a number of Premier League clubs interested in the player - skysports.com

Andy Carroll who came on as a late substitute for West Ham against Spurs on Thursday night has been linked with a move away from the club. One of his suitors is reportedly Chelsea, who want him as backup for Alvaro Morata. - skysports.com, The Sun and Daily Mail

Chelsea have offered Arturo Vidal a four-year contract worth £13.4million per season to leave Bayern Munich - Daily Star

Sheffield Wednesday are in talks with Dutch coach Jos Luhukay to replace Carlos Carvalhal as manager - The Sun and Yorkshire Post

Brighton boss Chris Hughton has issued a hands-off warning to West Ham over star defender Lewis Dunk, but winger Jamie Murphy is joining Rangers in a £1m deal - Daily Star

Liverpool could be in the driving seat to sign Leon Goretzka after relations between Schalke and Bayern Munich took a turn for the worse - Daily Express

Watford are ready to sell captain Troy Deeney and want to replace him with Bournemouth's Benik Afobe - Daily Mail

Bournemouth are yet to receive any bids for Benik Afobe and they have no interest in selling the striker - skysports.com

Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez is considering a move for Watford's captain Troy Deeney, 29 - Northern Echo

Ryan Bertrand hopes to quit Southampton this month, putting Man City on high alert - The Sun

There is interest from West Ham in the Swansea defender Alfie Mawson, but the Swans are yet to receive any approach for the player - skysports.com

Newcastle and Burnley are interested in signing Spanish midfielder Jonathan Viera, 28, from Las Palmas - Daily Telegraph

Leeds United are in talks to sign Club Brugge left-back Laurens De Bock - skysports.com

Ipswich striker David McGoldrick is wanted by Cardiff to boost their Premier League push - The Sun

Sunderland are close to signing 18-year-old Liverpool forward Ben Woodburn on a loan deal - Daily Star

QPR have this afternoon completed the signing of Deshane Dalling following his release from Huddersfield - skysports.com

Celtic and Scotland international Kieran Tierney, 20, has been included on a shortlist of left-backs Manchester United are considering to strengthen their defence, along with Fulham's English youngster Ryan Sessegnon - Daily Record

Alternatively Paris St-Germain will rival Tottenham for the signature of £30m-rated Sessegnon - Daily Mirror

Besiktas are interested in Leicester and Algeria striker Islam Slimani - Leicester Mercury

Norwich City are interested in Nottingham Forest's Jorge Grant. The 23-year-old has scored 16 goals on loan at Notts County this season to attract the Canaries - skysports.com

Hearts midfielder Jamie Walker is undergoing a medical at Wigan Athletic following talks over the past week - skysports.com

Northampton Town have signed Manchester City defender Shay Facey for an undisclosed fee on an 18-month contract - skysports.com

Bradford City have confirmed the League One club have made a "substantial" bid to sign Ipswich Town striker Kieffer Moore - skysports.com

Shrewsbury Town have secured the loan signing of 20-year-old Max Lowe from Derby County until the end of the season - skysports.com

Doncaster Rovers have extended the loan of Chelsea midfielder Jordan Houghton until the end of the season - skysports.com

Yeovil Town have completed the signing of defender Corey Whelan from Liverpool on a six-month loan deal, subject to clearance - skysports.com

Port Vale have announced Ben Whitfield will remain at the club on loan from Premier League side Bournemouth until the end of the season - skysports.com

Accrington Stanley have signed on-loan midfielder Callum Johnson on a permanent deal from Middlesbrough - skysports.com

Cheltenham Town have completed the signing of former Bolton and Wigan forward Sanmi Odelusi from Colchester on a deal until the end of the season - skysports.com

Cheltenham Town have also extended the loan deals of Bristol City pair Taylor Moore and Joe Morrell until the end of the season - skysports.com

All the very latest football news and transfer gossip across Europe!

With just a month to go until Christmas and the January transfer window less than six weeks away, Clubs are drawing up both long and short term targets to either bolster or save their season! I am not just talking about the acquisition of players, but managers and backroom staff too!


Here is a round up of all the latest football news/gossip across Europe today, which includes the likes of: Real Madrid, Chelsea, Paris St-Germain, Arsenal, Barcelona, Everton, Liverpool, Wales, Tottenham, Manchester City, Manchester United, Rennes, Athletic Bilbao, Juventus, Crystal Palace, Watford, West Ham, Holstein Kiel, RB Leipzig, Changchun Yatai, Leicester, West Brom, Derby, Sunderland and Ross County to name but a few!


Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois could be on the move, with Juventus, Real Madrid, PSG and Atletico all interested - The Sun

Arsenal's German playmaker Mesut Ozil wants Barcelona to pay him 370,000 euros (£329,559) a week to join them in January. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is willing to let the 29-year-old leave, as long as he does not join Manchester United on a free transfer next summer - AS (Spanish daily sports newspaper) and Daily Mail

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has dismissed Arsenal's £40m bid for striker Karim Benzema as embarrassing - The Sun

West Brom caretaker manager Gary Megson insists his first game in charge, against Tottenham, is not going to be an audition for a permanent job - Daily Telegraph

West Brom are likely to fail with a bid to appoint Sam Allardyce as their next boss. The ex-England boss is keen to return to international management - Daily Mirror

Watford are confident manager Marco Silva does not want to join Everton as he is house-hunting in Hertfordshire - Daily Mirror

However Everton are considering appointing RB Leipzig sporting director Ralf Rangnick instead - Daily Express

Paris St-Germain have opened discussions with Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini. The 30-year-old Belgium international is out of contract in the summer - Le10Sport (French sports newspaper specialising in football) and Daily Mail

Swansea boss Paul Clement says he still has support from the club's board despite a disappointing start to the season - Guardian

Wayne Rooney has called on the Everton board to end the uncertainty and appoint a new manager following last night's humiliating 5-1 defeat to Atalanta at Goodison Park - Daily Express

Eden Hazard admits that he admires Real Madrid, but says that he has no interest in leaving Chelsea for the time being - Daily Mail

Liverpool have made contact with PSG over a January loan move for 24 year-old Germany midfielder Julian Draxler - L'Equipe (French nationwide daily newspaper devoted to sport)

Eliaquim Mangala admits he could leave Manchester City in search of regular football, despite the side's injury crisis at the heart of their defence - The Sun

Stoke, West Ham, Everton and Southampton are interested in former Watford striker Odion Ighalo. The 28-year-old moved to Chinese Super League side Changchun Yatai in January - Tutto Udinese (Italian football news website)

Arsene Wenger wants Feynoord boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst to be his successor as Arsenal manager - Daily Star

Crystal Palace will rival West Ham for the signing Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter, 27, in January - Daily Mirror

Rennes are pursuing a loan deal for Leicester forward Islam Slimani, but face competition from Watford and Crystal Palace - Daily Mail

Chris Coleman has backed Craig Bellamy to succeed him as Wales manager, and says his lack of experience could be a positive - Daily Star

Former England defender Sol Campbell said he would be interested in becoming the United States' head coach - ESPN

Jack Wilshere admits he may have to leave Arsenal to get regular football as he is frustrated with his current game-time - Daily Mirror

Barcelona and Real Madrid are set to go head to head for the signature of highly-rated Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte - Daily Express

Spain midfielder Juan Mata, 29, wants to extend his stay at Manchester United and has not ruled out playing until he is 40 - ESPN

West Ham asked to be given an away fixture on Boxing Day because nearby Stratford station would not have been able to cope with the number of fans and post-Christmas sales shoppers - Daily Telegraph

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino says he "does not care" that Danny Rose was upset by being left out of the north London derby - Guardian

Chelsea have made the most money from player sales since the Premier League began - Daily Star

Glenn Murray says he would get more credit for his performances with Brighton if he had a foreign name - Daily Telegraph

Derby County want Joe Ledley to sign a new deal at the club, but Sunderland are keen on the 30-year-old midfielder - Daily Mirror

Burnley are monitoring Kilmarnock's 23-year-old winger Jordan Jones ahead of the January transfer window - Daily Mail

Leeds United scouts watched Bundesliga Two top scorer Marvin Ducksch play for Holstein Kiel against Nuremberg last weekend.

Chris Eagles has joined Scottish Premiership club Ross County until the end of the season - skysports.com

Statistically, the ICT index score of the best performing players in the English Premier League so far this season!

The ICT Index (Influence, Creativity, Threat) is a new feature for the 2016/17 Premier League campaign.

A football statistical index, it has been developed specifically to give a verdict on a player as a Football Premier League asset.

It condenses more than 40 match event statistics for three key areas – Influence, Creativity and Threat, to generate the data into a single score.

This score is what is known as an individual’s ICT Index score, and via this data is able to offer an accurate summary on player performance.


Season 2016/17 - Last update: 21/04/17 at 12 noon


For those of you currently playing 'Fantasy Premier League Football' you may want to take note!


Goalkeepers:

1. Tom Heaton (Burnley) 90.4 ICT Index 
2. Jordan Pickford (Sunderland) 77.3
3. Artur Boruc (Bournemouth) 74.2 (pictured right)
4. Ben Foster (West Brom) 69.5
5. Lukasz Fabianski (Swansea) 69.4
6. Heurelho Gomes (Watford) 66.8
7. Lee Grant (Stoke City) 64.7
8. Víctor Valdés (Middlesbrough) 61.0
9. Petr Cech (Arsenal) 60.6
10. Peter Schmechiel (Leicester) 57.8


Defenders:

1. Michael Keane (Burnley) 148.8 ICT Index
2. Steve Cook (Bournemouth) 142.7
3. Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool) 137.0
4. Patrick van Aanholt (C. Palace) 135.3
5. Charlie Daniels (Bournemouth) 133.8
6. Antonio Valencia (Man Utd) 133.3
7. Kyle Walker (Tottenham) 133.1
8. Christian Fuchs (Leicester) 131.6
9. Marcos Alonso (Chelsea) 131.0
10. Craig Dawson (West Brom) 128.5


Midfielders:

1. Alexis Sánchez (Arsenal) 382.0 ICT Index
2. Roberto Firmino (Liverpool) 327.9
3. Christian Eriksen (Tottenham) 326.2
4. Gylfi Sigurdsson (Swansea) 285.9
5. Eden Hazard (Chelsea) 285.7
6. Kevin De Bruyne (Man City) 267.5
7. Ross Barkley (Everton) 257.2 (pictured right)
8. Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool) 254.6
9. David Silva (Man City) 250.9
10. Dele Alli (Tottenham) 247.6


Forwards:

1. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Man Utd) 327.3 ICT Index
2. Romelu Lukaku (Everton) 313.9
3. Diego Costa (Chelsea) 288.9
4. Sergio Agüero (Man City) 261.2
5. Harry Kane (Tottenham) 243.4
6. Christian Benteke (C. Palace) 242.2 (pictured right)
7. Troy Deeney (Watford) 195.1
8. Jermain Defoe (Sunderland) 194.4
9. Salomón Rondón (West Brom) 187.3
10. Álvaro Negredo (Middlesbrough) 180.7



1. Influence

Influence is the first measurement. This evaluates the degree to which that player has made an impact on a single match or throughout the season.

It takes into account events and actions that could directly or indirectly effect the outcome of the fixture.

At the top level these are decisive actions like goals and assists. But the Influence score also processes significant defensive actions to analyse the effectiveness of defenders and goalkeepers.

2. Creativity

Creativity assesses player performance in terms of producing goalscoring opportunities for others. It can be used as a guide to identify the players most likely to supply assists.

While this analyses frequency of passing and crossing, it also considers pitch location and quality of the final ball.

3. Threat

This is the third measure, producing a value that examines a player's threat on goal. It gauges individuals most likely to score goals.

While attempts are the key action, the Index looks at pitch location, giving greater weight to actions that are regarded as the best chances to score.

All three of these scores are combined to create an overall ICT Index score. That then offers a single figure that presents a view on that player as a Football Premier League asset.

Statistically, the ICT index score of the best performing players in the English Premier League so far this season!

The ICT Index (Influence, Creativity, Threat) is a new feature for the 2016/17 Premier League campaign.

A football statistical index, it has been developed specifically to give a verdict on a player as a Football Premier League asset.

It condenses more than 40 match event statistics for three key areas – Influence, Creativity and Threat, to generate the data into a single score.

This score is what is known as an individual’s ICT Index score, and via this data is able to offer an accurate summary on player performance.


Season 2016/17 - Last update: 21/02/17 at 9.30am


For those of you currently playing 'Fantasy Premier League Football' you may want to take note!


Goalkeepers:

1. Tom Heaton (Burnley) 74.0 ICT Index 
2. Ben Foster (West Brom) 60.7 (pictured right)
3. Heurelho Gomes (Watford) 53.3
4. Petr Cech (Arsenal) 52.0
5. Jordan Pickford (Sunderland) 51.9
6. Lukasz Fabianski (Swansea) 50.3
7. Víctor Valdés (Middlesbrough) 48.8
8. Artur Boruc (Bournemouth) 48.2
9. Lee Grant (Stoke City) 45.7
10. Hugo Lloris (Tottenham) 43.8


Defenders:

1. Patrick van Aanholt (C. Palace) 123.3 ICT Index
2. Kyle Walker (Tottenham) 116.0
3. Michael Keane (Burnley) 111.7
4. Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool) 110.7
4. Antonio Valencia (Man Utd) 110.7
6. Steve Cook (Bournemouth) 108.4
7. Séamus Coleman (Everton) 103.9
8. Charlie Daniels (Bournemouth) 103.8
9. Marcos Alonso (Chelsea) 103.3
10. Gareth McAuley (West Brom) 102.5


Midfielders:

1. Alexis Sánchez (Arsenal) 333.0 ICT Index
2. Roberto Firmino (Liverpool) 250.0
3. Christian Eriksen (Tottenham) 239.2
4. Kevin De Bruyne (Man City) 229.4
5. Gylfi Sigurdsson (Swansea) 216.2 (pictured right)
6. Eden Hazard (Chelsea) 215.6
7. Sadio Mané (Liverpool) 209.7
8. Paul Pogba (Man Utd) 206.7
9. Mesut Özil (Arsenal) 205.4
10. Michail AntonioTheo (West Ham) 192.4


Forwards:

1. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Man Utd) 291.6 ICT Index
2. Diego Costa (Chelsea) 241.0
3. Romelu Lukaku (Everton) 219.0 (pictured right)
4. Harry Kane (Tottenham) 183.1
5. Sergio Agüero (Man City) 178.7.
6. Christian Benteke (C. Palace) 171.8
7. Jermain Defoe (Sunderland) 165.2
8. Salomón Rondón (West Brom) 161.1
9. Troy Deeney (Watford) 152.4
10. Fernando Llorente (Swansea) 145.8



1. Influence

Influence is the first measurement. This evaluates the degree to which that player has made an impact on a single match or throughout the season.

It takes into account events and actions that could directly or indirectly effect the outcome of the fixture.

At the top level these are decisive actions like goals and assists. But the Influence score also processes significant defensive actions to analyse the effectiveness of defenders and goalkeepers.

2. Creativity

Creativity assesses player performance in terms of producing goalscoring opportunities for others. It can be used as a guide to identify the players most likely to supply assists.

While this analyses frequency of passing and crossing, it also considers pitch location and quality of the final ball.

3. Threat

This is the third measure, producing a value that examines a player's threat on goal. It gauges individuals most likely to score goals.

While attempts are the key action, the Index looks at pitch location, giving greater weight to actions that are regarded as the best chances to score.

All three of these scores are combined to create an overall ICT Index score. That then offers a single figure that presents a view on that player as a Football Premier League asset.

All the very latest football news and gossip across Europe!

With the January transfer window in full swing, there is plenty of transfer talk and a few deals have been done! Many clubs across Europe are doing their best to strengthen their squads as the second half of the season gets underway. Some clubs are trying to push on in an attempt to lift some silverware, others to consolidate their current situation, and needless to say their are plenty of clubs busy looking to bring in new personnel as they attempt to save their seasons!

Here is a round up of all the latest football news/gossip across Europe today, which includes the likes of: West Ham, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Dimitri Payet, Jack Wilshire, Alvaro Morata, Real Madrid, Lyon, Atletico Madrid, Virgil van Dijk, Patrice Evra, Robbie Brady, Southampton, Everton, PSG, Michy Batshuayi, Robert Snodgrass, Morgan Schneiderlin, Carl Jenkinson, Liverpool, Sevilla, Middlesbrough, Fulham and Slaven Bilic to name but a few!


Dimitri Payet will be sold by West Ham this month. The Hammers will hold out for the highest price they can get for the 29-year-old, who is refusing to play for the club, according to manager Slaven Bilic. Payet has reportedly told West Ham he wants to return to France for "personal reasons" - Daily Mirror

Premier League leaders Chelsea will move for 29-year-old West Ham playmaker Dimitri Payet, who Hammers boss Slaven Bilic says is refusing to play for the club - The Sun

PSG want to sign Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi. The Belgian, who signed from Marseille for £33m in the summer, is yet to start a Premier League game for Antonio Conte's side, making 12 substitute appearances - L'Equipe (French nationwide daily newspaper devoted to sport)

Manchester City, Everton and Italian side AC Milan are monitoring the future of Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere. The 25-year-old is on loan at Bournemouth and his contract with the Gunners expires next season - Daily Star

According to latest rumours coming from Italian sources, Liverpool and German international defensive midfielder Emre Can, who turned 23 just yesterday, has become a main target for Juventus. Can is currently on a deal with The Reds until June 2018, the player is likely to cost about 16 million euros - transfermarketweb.com

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been speaking to Mesut Ozil's agent, and says he's very relaxed about the contract situation with the German - skysports.com

Crystal Palace are close to signing former 35 year-old Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra - Sky in Italy, via Sky Sports

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is preparing to make a bid for 24 year-old Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata - OK Diario (Spanish digital newspaper Okdiario.com)

Jeff Schlupp has joined Crystal Palace on a four and a half year deal from Leicester City. He will be available to play in Palace’s match at West Ham tomorrow - skysports.com

Everton have confirmed the signing of Morgan Schneiderlin from Manchester United - skysports.com

Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke will block any efforts by manager Sam Allardyce to offload him to West Brom - Daily Mirror

Sevilla are the latest club to cool their interest in signing Liverpool's Mamadou Sakho. The Reds are thought to want around £20m for the French international centre back. However, several clubs, including Southampton and Swansea, have been unwilling to match his wages, understood to be around £105,000 a week - skysports.com

Jesse Lingard has agreed a new Manchester United contract worth £95,000 per week- skysports.com

Eddie Howe has said there have been no talks with Chelsea about John Terry going to Bournemouth on loan - skysports.com

Lyon are the only club trying to sign Manchester United winger Memphis Depay, 22, on a permanent deal but have offered substantially less than the £15m asking price - ESPN and skysports.com

Arsenal full-back Carl Jenkinson looks set to go on loan to Crystal Palace, with a deal expected in the next two or three days. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said: “With Carl, yes, there is a possibility that he will move, in the next two or three days.” - skysports.com

Stoke manager Mark Hughes has revealed talks have reopened with West Brom in a bid to finally thrash out a deal for Saido Berahino. West Brom Head Coach Tony Pulis says it's not just Stoke interested in signing striker Saido Berahino - skysports.com

Burnley have made an offer worth up to £13m for Norwich winger Robbie Brady, 24. The Republic of Ireland international is also wanted by Crystal Palace and Sunderland - Daily Mirror

Burnley and Leicester have bid around £10m for Norwich midfielder Robbie Brady. The 24-year-old is reportedly valued at £13m by the EFL Championship side, with Hull City due 25 per cent of any deal. Crystal Palace, Sunderland and Aston Villa are also reportedly interested in Brady - Daily Mail

Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk, 25, is believed to be a transfer target for Everton - Daily Star

Dutch international winger Luciano Narsingh (26), has officially joined Swansea City from PSV Eindhoven on a deal until June 2019, after four seasons with the Eredivisie club - transfermarketweb.com

Wolfsburg are weighing up the chance of signing 29 year-old Argentinian forward Mauro Matias Zarate from Fiorentina. The former Inter Milan, Lazio and West Ham player has a contract with Fiorentina until June 2018, and has recently started new contract talks with the Serie A club - Corriere dello Sport - Stadio (Italian national sports newspaper)

Simone Zaza has accepted an offer from Valencia, according to Sky in Italy. The Juventus striker, currently on loan at West Ham, will move on loan to the Spanish side for 2m euros, with an obligation to buy for an extra 16m euros - Sky in Italy

Crystal Palace boss Sam Allardyce has made an initial £6m bid for Sunderland full-back Patrick van Aanholt, 26, who is rated at £10m by the Black Cats - Daily Mail

David Moyes has admitted Sunderland have knocked back a bid from Crystal Palace for Patrick van Aanholt. Sky sources understand the bid to be in the region of £6-7m - skysports.com

Hull City have announced the signing of Everton's froward Oumar Niasse on a six-month loan and midfielder Evandro Goebel on a permanent deal from Porto. Everton forward Niasse will be available for the clash with Bournemouth tomorrow, while the Goebel deal is down to international clearance.
Niasse, who has had a torrid time since joining Everton from Lokomotic Moscow, will be at the KCOM Stadium until the end of the season - skysports.com

Aitor Karanka would like to keep Ben Gibson at Middlesbrough for his entire career amid speculation in the British press that Chelsea are lining him up as a £30m replacement for John Terry - skysports.com

Middlesbrough are closing in on the signing of Bojan from Stoke. It's understood Stoke would want around £12m if the deal were to be a permanent move. West Brom made an enquiry earlier in the transfer window. Daily Star and skysports.com

West Brom are set to join West Ham in the race for Hull's Robert Snodgrass. The Scot, 29, has rejected a new contract offer at Hull, while West Ham have had a bid rejected for Snodgrass - Daily Mirror

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino admits Tom Carroll could be set to leave the club, due to a lack of first team opportunities - skysports.com

Derby County midfielder Will Hughes has signed a new contract with the club until 2020 - skysports.com

Championship side Leeds have rejected offers of £7m for full-back Charlie Taylor, 23, from Premier League sides West Brom, Middlesbrough and Crystal Palace - Guardian

Atletico Madrid midfielder Tiago has revealed that he turned down three offers from elsewhere after coach Diego Simeone told him to stay at the club. Recent reports from Spain claimed that the Portuguese midfielder, who is out of contract at the end of the season, was contemplating leaving the club to head to China- skysports.com

Sheffield United have announced the signing of Daniel Lafferty from Burnley with the defender penning a two-and-a-half year deal at Bramall Lane for an undisclosed fee - skysports.com

Norwich boss Alex Neil has been chatting with the media and has confirmed the club are in talks with Swansea over the transfer of Martin Olsson - skysports.com

Brentford’s valuation of striker Scott Hogan has still not been met, despite bids having been received from more than one club. Hogan trained yesterday and today and will be in the squad to face Newcastle at Griffin Park tomorrow. It is understood the club value him at around £15m, with a 30 per cent sell on clause due to his former club Rochdale - skysports.com

Aston Villa are eyeing up a bid for Fulham's Tom Cairney. The midfielder, 25, is valued at around £10m, and was sold by Villa manager Steve Bruce while at Hull three years ago. Newcastle are also reportedly keen on Cairney - Daily Mirror

Fulham midfielder Jozabed has joined La Liga side Celta Vigo on loan for the remainder of the season - skysports.com

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic has confirmed that Chris Martin is available again for selection after refusing to play since Boxing Day - skysports.com

David Davis has signed a new three-and-a-half year deal with Birmingham City, the club announced this afternoon - skysports.com

Aberdeen have rejected a reported £500,000 bid from Cardiff for winger Jonny Hayes - skysports.com

Doncaster Rovers have signed goalkeeper Ian Lawlor from Premier League giants Manchester City. The 22-year-old failed to make a senior appearance during seven years at City, although he has gained first-team experience during loan spells at Barnet and Bury - skysports.com

All the very latest football news and gossip across Europe!

With the January transfer window opening in just two weeks time, many clubs across Europe will being doing their best to strengthen their squads, in an effort to lead them to glorious victory or save them from glorious failure, come the end of the season!

Here is a round up of all the latest football news/gossip across Europe today, which includes the likes of: Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Lionel Messi, Louis van Gaal, Bayern Munich, West Ham, Marseille, Leonardo Bonucci, Morgan Schneiderlin, Mathieu Flamini, Santos, Inter, Juventus and Slaven Bilic to name but a few!


Zlatan Ibrahimovic is ready to extend his stay at Manchester United and snub a £120m offer from China - The Sun

Bayern Munich have beaten Chelsea to the signing of Hoffenheim centre-back Niklas Sule, according to Bild. The 21-year-old defender was set to be the subject of a January move from the Premier League leaders, who were reportedly willing to bid £30m.
However Chelsea’s pursuit of Sule is at an end after Bayern agreed an undisclosed fee with Hoffenheim for the defender - Bild (German tabloid newspaper)

Barcelona vice-president Jordi Mestre has revealed that the club are looking to tie up Lionel Messi’s new contract in the first few months of 2017. Messi’s current deal is set to enter its final 18 months and the Camp Nou giants are keen to ensure he stays at the club beyond the summer of 2018 - Movistar (Spanish communications operator)

Juventus are still 'dreaming' of signing Alexis Sanchez and will reportedly bid for the unsettled Arsenal forward next summer - The Sun

Arsenal are planning to break the £200,000-a-week barrier at the club to keep striker Alexis Sanchez - Daily Mail

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, 29, is in talks with Ligue 1 side Marseille, after being frozen out by Antonio Conte - Daily Mirror

Axel Witsel has reportedly rejected an SOS call from Chelsea boss Antonio Conte as he prepares to join Juventus. The Belgian midfielder’s contract at Zenit St-Petersburg expires at the end of the season, with a 2017 move to Italian champions Juventus already agreed.

Inter Milan are one of a number of clubs interested in Manchester United midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, 27, who has played just eight times for Jose Mourinho's side this season - Calciomercato (Italian football news site)

Everton have issued a 'come and get him' invitation to try to unload England midfielder Ross Barkley - Daily Express

Crystal Palace could release midfielder Mathieu Flamini, 32, in January. He has been given permission to return to Marseille - Daily Mirror

John Terry is at the centre of a £16million tug of war between two Chinese Super League Clubs with managers who have Chelsea connections. Guangzhou Evergrande and Shanghai Shenhua both interested in signing the defender - Daily Express

Reported Chelsea target Leonardo Bonucci has signed a new five-year contract with Serie A champions Juventus. Should the Premier League leaders decide to pursue a winter deal for Bonucci, a much greater fee will be demanded, after he signed improved terms that tie him to 'La Vecchia Signora' until 2021.

Tottenham have bid £19m for Atalanta midfielder Franck Kessie, 20, with Chelsea and Manchester United also interested - Calciomercato (Italian football news site)

Manchester United will reportedly make a move to sign Feyenoord defender Rick Karsdorp in January - Daily Star

Saido Berahino, the out-of-favour West Brom striker has reportedly alerted clubs in Italy, with reports claiming Roma are keen on signing the former England U21 international. The 23-year-old, who is out of contract next summer, has been frozen out of Tony Pulis’ first team at The Hawthorns and has also attracted interest from Inter Milan - skysports.com

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has cancelled the club's Christmas party despite winning seven points in a week - Daily Telegraph and Daily Mirror

Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew has admitted results have not been good enough in 2016 and is determined to ensure the Eagles enjoy a more productive new year - The Times

Liverpool are interested in 19-year-old Santos striker Thiago Maia - ESPN (in Portuguese)

West Ham and Southampton are targeting 26 year-old Eibar midfielder Dani Garcia - Marca (Spanish national daily sport newspaper)

Fulham could beat Birmingham City to the permanent signing of £1m-rated Burnley striker Lukas Jutkiewicz, due to the recent managerial change at City - Daily Mirror.

Real Madrid forward James Rodriguez, 25, says he may leave the club in January as he searches for more playing time - skysports.com and Daily Star

Former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is in the frame to become the new manager at Paris St-Germain - TF1 (Private national French TV channel)

Wolfsburg have dropped defender Philipp Wollscheid for reportedly criticising a member of the club's coaching staff. The 27-year-old Germany international, who is currently on loan from Stoke, was excluded from the squad for Saturday's 1-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt. "He's currently training individually, It's one of those things that happens" said coach Valerien Ismael - Wolfsburg Nachrichten newspaper

Celtic and Rangers could miss out on Barnsley captain Conor Hourihane - who is out of contract in the summer - after the Tykes offered him a new deal to stay at Oakwell - Daily Record

Former Everton striker Lacina Traore is a target for Malaga, according to his agent. The 26-year-old is currently on loan at CSKA Moscow from his parent club Monaco but he could be on the move again next month - Tass (Russian news agency)

Ipswich are interested in Dundalk defender Sean Gannon in the wake of the Irish side's impressive performances in the Europa League.

Current English Premier League Form Guide

Current Form Guide based on last 5 Premier League results as at Midnight Monday 9th Dec 2013

Pos  #                                 Last 5 Results       Points      
                     

  1 (7)    Newcastle Utd         WWWLW            12
  2 (1)    Arsenal                    LWWWD            10               

  2 (3)    Chelsea                   DWWWL             10
  2 (19)  Crystal Palace          DWLWW            10
  2 (2)    Liverpool                WDLWW             10
  2 (4)    Manchester City      LWWWD             10
  7 (5)    Everton                   DDWWD              9
  7 (14)  Norwich                  WLWLW              9
  8 (11)  Aston Villa              WDDWL               8
  8 (13)  Stoke City               DWLDW               8
  8 (10)  Swansea City           DWLWD              8
11 (9)    Manchester Utd      WDDLL                5
11 (6)   Tottenham               DLLDW                5
13 (12)  Hull City                  LWLLD               4
13 (8)    Southampton          WLLLD                4
13 (20)  Sunderland             LWLDL                4
16 (18)  Fulham                   LLLLW                3
16 (17)  West Ham Utd        LLWLL                 3
17 (15)  West Brom              DDLLL                 2

17 (16)  Cardiff City             LDLDL                 2

# (Current League Position)

Don't blame it on the Weatherman!

There were farcical scenes last week when England’s World Cup qualifier against Poland was postponed due to torrential rain in Warsaw. Officials ignored the weather forecasts and refused to close the retractable roof on the £400million state-of-the-art National Stadium, which had been upgraded significantly prior to the UEFA European Championships last Summer, which were co-hosted by Poland and the Ukraine.

The deluge of rain that followed left the playing surface under pools of water and ultimately unplayable. However it wasn’t until 45 minutes after the scheduled kick-off time before the players, the fans in the stadium and the millions watching on television at home were officially informed of the postponement of England’s World Cup qualifier against Poland.

A Polish fan runs onto the flooded Warsaw pitch, as a steward goes flying!

Matches have been postponed for every imaginable reason - and a few unimaginable ones - but by far the main reason is the weather. So I decided to take a look back in time at past matches where the weather has intervened and forced the postponement of games.

The referee has sole responsibility for judging if a pitch is playable - in particular if it is safe for the participants to play on - though with modern undersoil heating it's not always because the pitch is frozen and unplayable that forces the postponement. Unsafe terraces/stands or approaches to the ground will also force a postponement, the police and local authority also having responsibility in these areas.

High winds occasionally force a match to be called off. Unusual, but a recent example was the Tranmere v Rochdale fixture that should have been played on Boxing Day 2011, but was called off after high winds damaged the Prenton Park stadium roof causing public safety concerns.

On 28th December 2010 and 1st Jan 2011 Sheffield Wednesday were due to play Yeovil and Peterborough respectively. However Sheffield City Council deemed that both matches could not take place because of frozen and burst pipes which served the toilets and refreshment kiosks. The Safety Advisory Group, chaired by Sheffield City Council recommended no spectators be admitted until all repairs were carried out, and the club's maintenance team was unable to carry out these repairs in the sub-zero temperatures, as further bursts were anticipated when the thaw began.

Carlisle United’s Brunton Park is a League ground prone to flooding from a nearby river, and the consequences are severe for the clubs affected by such flooding. Its not just a case of letting the ground dry but specialist cleaning is needed because of the amount of sludge left behind which is usually contaminated with raw sewage. During the floods of 2005 'Billy the fish' was spotted and rescued from the goalmouth at the Warwick Road End of Brunton Park, just as huge industrial pumps were about to be switched on to start clearing the water off the pitch. He was as deemed a lucky mascot as he had overseen the club’s rise from the Conference to League One in a five year period. Billy died in 2010.

'Billy the fish' with Emma Story at Brunton Park, after the floods of Jan 2005

The most bizarre postponement although not weather related goes to the Torquay v Portsmouth Worthington Cup First Round fixture which was due to be played at Plainmoor on Wednesday 11th August 1999. It was the date of a total eclipse of the sun which was visible in the Torquay area, the first in Britain since 1927. Despite the fact that the date and location of the eclipse was probably known about for hundreds of years the local police left it until shortly before the match to request a postponement. They decided that they didn't have the manpower to police both the match and the influx of visitors expected in the area to witness the eclipse. They couldn't put off the eclipse so a postponement of the match it was! The fixture was eventually played on Tuesday 17th August 1999.

On 21st November 1979 England were due to host Bulgaria in a European Championship qualifier at Wembley, but the match was postponed on the evening of the match due to heavy fog. It was played 24 hours later and England won 2-0, with goals by Dave Watson and Glenn Hoddle.

The British record for postponements of a single fixture, not surprisingly, is for a match in the 'Arctic' north of the country. The Scottish Cup 2nd Round tie between Inverness Thistle and Falkirk was scheduled to be played on the 6th January 1979. However after 29 postponements it was finally played on the 22nd February 1979, with Falkirk winning 4-0 at the 30th attempt to stage the match. Three days later Falkirk lost 1-0 at Dundee in the first attempt to stage the Third Round tie!

Again not weather related, another bizarre situation causing the postponement of not one but three matches came about at Anfield, when a Victorian sewer under Anfield's Kop end collapsed. Liverpool had to play their first three Division One matches of the 1987/88 season all away from home, while repairs were made. It delayed the home debut of one of Liverpool's legendary players - John Barnes - who eventually made a scoring home debut in a 2-0 win against Oxford United on Saturday 12th September 1987.

John Barnes making his 'delayed' debut for Liverpool against Oxford Utd in 1987

Some fixtures are jinxed. The Division One match between Spurs and eventual champions Everton at White Hart Lane in 1969/70 was one of them. The match was originally scheduled for Saturday 29th November 1969, but a heavy fall of snow just before kick-off time forced a postponement. The re-scheduled date was Wednesday 17th December and although the match started it only lasted 30 minutes, before being abandoned when a fault at a sub-station caused floodlight failure. Wednesday 7th January 1970 was the next date pencilled in for the fixture, but that one didn't happen either when Spurs had to play an FA Cup replay that same evening. The game was finally played on Wednesday 11th March after a near three month wait, and three different match programmes having been printed.

By far the worst winter to affect football was in the 1962/63 season when a 'big freeze' decimated football in this country for three months with hundreds of matches being called off or abandoned. Only three FA Cup third round ties were played on the scheduled date, the 5th January 1963, with the last tie in that round being played on 11th March. The Lincoln v Coventry tie was called off 15 times and fourteen of the other ties suffered ten or more postponements! From 8th December, when they beat Spurs 1-0, to 16th February when they lost 3-2 at Arsenal, Bolton Wanderers did not play a single competitive match.

Various ideas were tried to beat the big freeze, however, even if a pitch was made playable the terraces and surrounds to the ground were often left treacherous, forcing a postponement. It wasn't until 16th March - nearly three months after the big freeze started - when a complete programme of football was played again. The season was eventually extended to the end of May.

The 1946/47 season - the first post-war League season - was another decimated by a bitter winter. Well over one hundred League matches were postponed and it wasn't until mid-June, seven weeks after the Cup Final was played, that the season finally came to an end. With no floodlights re-arranged matches were played on midweek afternoons, but with coal stocks low and industry almost at a standstill the Government wanted to stop midweek football, to prevent absenteeism from work by the supporters.

All the Latest Transfer Gossip across Europe!

With pre-season already underway and the 2012/13 English domestic football season only a month away, it is safe to say the media is rife with transfer rumours!

Here is a round up of all of today’s latest transfer gossip:

Is your club involved?

Manchester United, Manchester City, Juventus, Arsenal, Athletic Bilbao, Fiorentina, Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool, Swansea, Bolton, Sao Paulo, Real Madrid, Tottenham, Malaga, Lyon, Wigan, Chelsea, Porto, Zenit St Petersburg, Valencia, West Ham, Blackburn, QPR, Getafe, Reading, Sheff Wed, Hull, Fulham, Houston Dynamo, Vitesse Arnhem, Stoke, Watford, PSV Eindhoven, Southampton, Rayo Vallecano, Gillingham, West Brom, Al-Gharafa, Norwich, Leeds, Lens, Al-Sadd, Everton, Spartak Moscow, Fenerbahce, Derby, Coventry and Preston........are all caught up in the latest transfer rumours across Europe, as we speak.

Manchester United, Manchester City and Juventus are locked in a three-way battle to sign Arsenal captain Robin van Persie. United, City and Juve are said to be happy to pay somewhere in the region of £15million but Arsenal are thought to be demanding in excess of £20million for their star player. – Press Association

Arsenal have lined up Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente (right) 27, to replace Robin Van Persie should the Dutchman leave the Gunnners – Daily Mail

Also under consideration for the potentially vacant role leading Arsenal's attack are Fiorentina's Stevan Jovetic and Borussia Dortmund's Robert Lewandowski – The Guardian

Midfielder Jakub Blaszczykowski will stay at Borussia Dortmund. The German club will extend the Polish international captain’s deal for another two years until 2015 - transfermarketweb.com

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers insists there is no chance of Andy Carroll leaving the club on loan, but admits the Reds will consider any offers they receive for the striker – sportinglife.com

Liverpool are hoping to sign midfielder Joe Allen, 22, from Swansea City for £15m – Daily Star

Swansea are considering a move for Bolton midfielder Mark Davies, 24 as Liverpool intensify their efforts to sign Joe Allen - Daily Mail and The Guardian

Brazilian outfit Sao Paulo insist that they have turned down an offer from Manchester United for Lucas Moura (right). The midfield ace, who is currently in England with Brazil's Olympic squad, was reportedly the subject of a €35million (£27million) offer from the Red Devils - sportinglife.com

Real Madrid will not pay more than £27m for Luka Modric, 26, despite Tottenham revealing they will let the Croatian playmaker leave for £35m – Daily Mirror and The Guardian

Spurs are eyeing Malaga's Spain midfielder Santi Cazorla, 27, as a replacement should Modric leave White Hart Lane - talkSPORT

Tottenham have also begun negotiations to bring Lyon and France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, 25, to White Hart Lane but the move has stalled as the French club are demanding £16m, £4m more than Spurs are offering – Daily Mirror, The Guardian and transfermarketweb.com

Andre Villas-Boas has received another boost ahead of the upcoming English Premier League season with the news that striker Rafael van der Vaart will remain at Spurs this year. Van der Vaart had been linked with a move away from White Hart Lane over the summer transfer window, but the 29-year-old Dutch international quashed the rumors and confirmed his desire to play under Villas-Boas next season – The Sun

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has told Chelsea to come up with £10million or forget signing Victor Moses.Whelan told ESPN: "They need to pay the brass up front - we don't want any part-exchange deals they have offered. We are not interested in picking up one of their players on loan or in part exchange. They know the price for Moses. We are looking to reach £10m” – sportinglife.com

The agent of in-demand frontman Hulk (right) claims Porto remain determined to keep the Brazilian striker out of the clutches of a European rival. Speculation regarding the Samba star is nothing new, with Porto having had to fend off regular rounds of transfer rumours. Chelsea have been monitoring his situation closely, with the Blues known to be long-time admirers of the 25-year-old – skysports.com

Manchester City and Zenit St Petersburg have been alerted to Martin Skrtel's possible availability after the defender revealed that contract extension talks with Liverpool had stalled – The Times and transfermarketweb.com

Valencia have signed the Argentinian international midfielder Fernando Gago from Real Madrid. Last season he was on loan at AS Roma - sportinglife.com and transfermarketweb.com

West Ham, Blackburn and QPR are battling it out for the signature of Getafe’s 26 year-old right-back Miguel Torres for a fee believed to be around £2m – The Guardian

Watford have agreed deals to sign Manuel Almunia and Fitz Hall. Goalkeeper Almunia and central defender Hall will arrive at Vicarage Road on free transfers after leaving Arsenal and Queens Park Rangers, respectively, this summer – skysports.com

Reading manager Brian McDermott has played down speculation that he is trying to sign veteran Italian striker Filippo Inzaghi – sportinglife.com and ESPN.co.uk

Reading manager Brian McDermott is prepared to let Michail Antonio join Sheffield Wednesday on a permanent basis for the right price after rejecting an offer for the winger – skysports.com

Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Amos believes a loan move to Hull City is just what he needs in order for his career to develop – sportinglife.com


QPR are trying to secure a work permit for Junior Hoilett (right) before signing the 22-year-old forward, who is out of contract at Blackburn. and clear the way for Jamie Mackie to go the other way to Blackburn – Daily Mail, The Guardian and Daily Mirror

QPR are looking at the Vitesse Arnhem left-back Alexander Buttner. The 23 year-old is also a target for Fulham - skysports.com

Stoke City have agreed a £1.6million fee for Houston Dynamo defender Geoff Cameron – Daily Express

PSV Eindhoven have rejected Southampton's offer for Jeremain Lens, sources at the Dutch club have confirmed. PSV and Southampton’s valuation of the striker differ. West Ham and Fulham are also thought to be interested in the PSV striker – skysports.com and The Guardian

Southampton have completed the signing of Gillingham goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga on a four-year deal. The 20-year-old Argentinian joins from the npower League Two club for an undisclosed fee – sportinglife.com<

Swansea have tied up a £2million deal for goalscoring midfielder Michu from Rayo Vallecano – Daily Express and skysports.com

Chelsea defender Ben Gordon has agreed a loan move to Birmingham. Blues boss Lee Clark has made a new left-back one of his top priorities and he has moved to agree a deal with Chelsea for Gordon – skysports.com

West Brom have rejected Al-Gharafa's bid for 31 year-old striker Peter Odemwingie. Qatar outfit Al-Gharafa tabled a £4million bid for the Nigeria international earlier this week – skysports.com

Norwich have tabled an increased offer to Leeds United for their skipper Robert Snodgrass, 24 (right).
Leeds turned down a reported £1.5million bid for Snodgrass three days ago, but the Canaries, have returned with an offer "way in excess of £2million" and Leeds are currently considering whether to cash in on a player who has less than a year remaining on his contract - Press Association Sport

Chelsea are set to land 19 year-old Thorgan Hazard, Eden's younger brother this summer from French club RC Lens – Metro

Eduard Campabadal, a defender and Guillermo Andrés López, a striker both 19 and considered up and coming talents in La Liga are close to joining Wigan - transfermarketweb.com

Qatari side Al-Sadd hope to beat Zenit St Petersburg to the signature of Arsenal’s Andrey Arshavin, 31 – Daily Mail

Spartak Moscow are set to revive interest in Everton defender Johnny Heitinga – Daily Mail, The Guardian and transfermarketweb.com

Everton's Joseph Yobo is close to a £2.5m move to Turkish outfit Fenerbahce – The Guardian

Derby have signed Coventry defender Richard Keogh in a £1.1million deal - Daily Mirror and transfermarketweb.com

Coventry have snapped up highly-rated Manchester United defender Reece Brown on a season-long loan deal.The versatile 20-year-old, who is the younger brother of United's Wes, becomes City's seventh new face this summer and arrives just 24 hours after Derby striker Callum Ball also sealed a season-long move to the Ricoh Arena – skysports.com

Former Swansea City striker Lee Trundle, 35 has signed a one-year contract with League One side Preston North End.

All the latest Transfer Gossip across Europe

With the January transfer window closing next Tuesday, there has plenty of talk of possible 'big name' transfers, but little in the way of action so far this month!
The only big money transfer of note was the predicted move of Bolton's Gary Cahill to Chelsea for £7million. Meanwhile there are also lot of loan deals in the pipeline, but can the players, their agents and the clubs agree terms before the transfer window shuts!

As the clock ticks down here is the most recent transfer gossip to be doing the rounds!

Is your club involved?

Chelsea, Shakhtar Donetsk, Lille, PSG, Arsenal, Hanover 96, Manchester United, Bayer Leverkusen, Napoli, Manchester City, Liverpool, Lazio, Arsenal, Real Sociedad, QPR, Tottenham, São Paulo, Bolton, Crystal Palace, Stoke, Everton, Ajax, Inter Milan, Newcastle, Burnley, Watford, Swansea, Blackpool, AZ Alkmaar, Kalmar FF, West Brom, Zenit St Petersburg, Juventus, Cagliari, Sunderland, Blackburn, MK Dons, Nottingham Forest, Leicester, Southend and Shrewsbury are all caught up in transfer gossip as we speak.

Chelsea are also after Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Willian Borges da Silva, but have been told by the Ukrainians that they will have to fork out £25m for the 23-year-old - The Guardian

Lille striker Eden Hazard (right) has admitted Carlo Ancelotti's presence at Paris Saint-Germain is drawing him towards joining the French club. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have all been linked with the 21-year-old - Inside Futbol

Paris St Germain ended their interest in a January deal for Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez earlier this week, but coach Carlo Ancelotti hopes the French club may be able to sign the Argentine in the future - skysports.com

Chelsea defender Alex has completed a €5 million [£4.1m] transfer to Paris Saint Germain this weekend The Brazilian has signed an 18-month deal with the French Ligue 1 leaders - goal.com

Hannover 96 are keen to sign Senegalese international striker Mame Biram Diouf, 24 on loan from Manchester United - footballpress.net

Chelsea could make a £3m move for Manchester United defensive midfielder Paul Pogba (right). The 18-year-old is out of contract in the summer and has refused to sign a new deal - The Guardian

Manchester United could make a shock move for German midfielder Michael Ballack after Bayer Leverkusen indicated the 35-year-old could be available - Caught Offside

Arsenal striker Carlos Vela is hopeful of extending his loan stay at Real Sociedad and possibly turning it into a permanent switch. The 22-year-old Mexico international has been at the La Liga side since the start of the season - Caught Offside

Edinson Cavani's agent has played down talk of a stunning late switch to Manchester City. It has been suggested in the Italian media that Napoli are bracing themselves for a late move for their 24-year-old Uruguayan striker (right). Liverpool are also rumoured to be keen on the striker - talkSPORT and Caught Offside

Queens Park Rangers hope to sign former Liverpool forward Djibril Cisse from Lazio. The 30-year-old Frenchman would cost £4m, although he may join on loan. Adel Taarabt may head in the opposite direction - The Guardian and skysports.com

Bolton have made a £5m bid for Crystal Palace's England Under-21 international Wilfried Zaha, but face competition from Newcastle and Stoke - Daily Mirror and footballgossip.org.uk

Tottenham are in talks with São Paulo over Brazil Under-20 defender Bruno Uvini - The Guardian

Everton are closing in on Ajax striker Mounir El Hamdaoui (right). The 27-year-old Moroccan could move to Goodison Park on loan before sealing a permanent move for £5m in the summer - talkSPORT

Everton are being linked with Inter Milan striker Luc Castaignos, according to reports from Italy. The Toffees are being linked with the a move for the former Feyenoord youngster, either on loan or in a permanent deal - footballgossip.org.uk

Newcastle United want Burnley striker Jay Rodriguez and Watford's Adrian Mariappa. However Swansea City are also keen on the Watford defender - The Guardian and Daily Mail

AZ Alkmaar have completed the signing of 19 year-old right-back Mattias Johansson from Swedish side Kalmar FF - sportinglife.com

Blackpool are lining up a season-long loan move for West Brom's Czech Republic striker Roman Bednar - skysports.com

West Brom head coach Roy Hodgson is hopeful of concluding a deal to sign Zenit St Petersburg winger Szabolcs Huszti (right), for the remainder of the season - sportinglife.com and The Press Association

Juventus are tracking Belgian international Radja Nainggolan 23, but the midfielder has a deal tying him to Cagliari until June 2014 - footballpress.net

David Dunn has signed a new contract with Blackburn until the summer of 2013 - sportinglife.com

Newcastle United midfielder Alan Smith is set to leave the club for League One side MK Dons - football gossip.org.uk

Nottingham Forest are considering a third bid from Leicester for centre-back Wes Morgan. The Foxes' previous offer was believed to be in the region of £800,000 - sportinglife.com

Sunderland are considering a bid for unsettled Besiktas targetman Hugo Almeida (right), 27, who is rated at £3m - Sunderland Echo

League Two promotion chasers Southend have bolstered their defensive options with the signing of Pat Baldwin from Colchester on a free transfer until the end of the season - skysports.com

Shrewsbury Town have signed Romaine Sawyers on a month-long loan from West Brom - skysports.com