Transfer Gossip: Barca target Rashford, Chelsea in hunt for Haaland

With the January window fast approaching, here’s a look at what’s hot in transfer talk throughout world football.

Poch ready to overhaul PSG

The Christmas Eve bombshell that Paris Saint-Germain will fire manager Thomas Tuchel and install Mauricio Pochettino as his replacement set off a chain reaction in the transfer rumor space.

The former Tottenham Hotspur boss wants to bring a bevy of high-profile names to the French capital, with his compatriot Lionel Messi being at the very top of the list, according to Le Parisien. Pochettino is reportedly also eyeing a reunion with Dele Alli, the Spurs midfielder who’s firmly stuck in Jose Mourinho’s doghouse.

Meanwhile, Mundo Deportivo claims Lyon forward Memphis Depay is being prioritized by the soon-to-be PSG boss. Money, clearly, is just an abstract concept at the Parc des Prince.

Chelsea enter the fray for Haaland

Both before and after his move to Borussia Dortmund, Erling Haaland has been linked with every marquee club on the continent. You can now add Chelsea to that extensive list.

TalkSport, citing Sky Sport Italia, claims the Blues have joined the likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, and Manchester United in the race for the 20-year-old’s coveted signature.

The Red Devils’ frosty relationship with outspoken agent Mino Raiola, who represents Haaland and Paul Pogba, could scupper their chances of signing the young scoring machine, though. That’s led The Mirror to suggest Everton’s in-form hitman Dominic Calvert-Lewin as an alternative.

Pizza party with Rashford at Camp Nou

Barcelona presidential candidate Jordi Farre certainly has grandiose plans if he gets the top seat at the Camp Nou. In an interview with 90Min, Farre admitted that he would like to sign Marcus Rashford.

“Rashford is one of the footballers I like most in the world,” Farre said.

The 45-year-old also promised earlier this month that he would re-sign Neymar if elected, and give club members free pizza and tattoos. That’s quite a platform.

Real Madrid about to be raided?

A pair of Real Madrid youngsters are apparently generating interest in England.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is interested in signing electric winger Vinicius Junior on loan in the upcoming January window, the Daily Star reports. However, the Gunners’ interest in Isco has waned because the crafty Spanish midfielder is apparently on his way to Juventus.

At the top of the Premier League table, Spanish outlet Todofichajes says Liverpool are eyeing 22-year-old defender Eder Militao, who hasn’t quite established himself in the Spanish capital since joining Real Madrid from FC Porto for big money in 2019.

Ramos’ replacement lined up

Speaking of Real Madrid, the club has still not come to terms on a new contract with captain Sergio Ramos, who will be a free agent this coming summer.

Madrid may consider Bayern Munich’s David Alaba, Sevilla stalwart Jules Kounde, or Pau Torres of Villarreal to potentially replace their talismanic leader, according to Marca. Alaba is the primary target, though, with The Athletic reporting that Los Blancos are in pole position to sign the versatile Austrian.

Bits and bobs

Secret Ozil talks: The Mesut Ozil saga continues, with a report from German outlet Bild stating that clandestine conversations have taken place with Turkish side Fenerbahce. Is this the transfer window that Ozil finally leaves Arsenal?

Mustafi to … Barcelona: In one of the most incredible transfer stories of the year – and a fitting one for 2020 – Shkodran Mustafi’s agent told SPOX that he was recently in Spain to negotiate a deal that would see the defender join Barcelona when his contract expires in the summer. What a time to be alive.

Red Devils eye Ecuadorian prospect: Manchester United are expected to beat both AC Milan and RB Leipzig to the signing of Ecuadorian starlet Moises Caicedo. The Daily Mail reports that the 19-year-old midfielder, currently plying his trade at Independiente del Valle, could cost £4.5 million.

Eriksen back to England: With Inter Milan CEO Beppe Marotta stating openly that Christian Eriksen is free to leave the club in January, suitors for the Danish playmaker are beginning to emerge. Sport Witness, citing Gazzetta Dello Sport, claims that Arsenal are interested in the former Tottenham man.