The winter window draws closer with each passing day, and the transfer rumour mill is starting to pick up steam. As always, Transfer Talk has the latest and greatest. See all the summer deals here.
TOP STORY: Barca desperate to keep Neymar, Messi from Prem
Spanish football could be in big trouble if the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo depart for the riches of the Premier League, according to La Liga (LFP) president Javier Tebas.
Tebas told Cadena Ser that the departures of the Barcelona and Real Madrid stars would seriously damage future TV rights deals for the Primera Division, and ensure the dominance of the Premier League: "We must try to hold on to [Messi and Ronaldo]. It would not be a problem right away if they leave, because we have sold the rights for the next three seasons, but it would have an effect from there on."
With that in mind, Barcelona are set to offer Neymar a deal which would see the Brazil star's wages rocket from €10.5 million net a year to €30m, according to Marca -- a huge increase considering the Camp Nou club's financial constraints, but it's certainly worth it to keep the likes of Manchester United and City at bay next summer. However, Sport reports that City are preparing a monster offer for Messi for around €27m net a season. That's the problem with having stars is that everybody else wants to reach for them.
Meanwhile, Sport reports that Arsenal could also be after Barca youngster Sergi Samper and are considering a €6m January bid for the highly rated La Masia graduate, while North London rivals Tottenham want Sandro from the Camp Nou.
Cesc bruised by Blues' boos
Cesc Fabregas' Chelsea future is still in serious doubt with plenty at Stamford Bridge blaming the Spanish midfielder as one of the chief culprits behind Jose Mourinho's exit earlier in December. Having also been forced out of Barcelona after attracting the supporters' ire, Fabregas could be on the move again as Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport reports that Inter Milan and Serie A champions Juventus will battle for the 28-year-old's signature.
Elsewhere, Loic Remy's time at Chelsea has mainly been one of frustration, with Mourinho refusing to trust the French forward even as the Premier League champions' season has come crashing down around them, and the Mirror reports that Aston Villa are keen on a loan deal for the 28-year-old to try and avoid their wholly foreseeable relegation.
With Diego Costa suspended and both Remy and Radamel Falcao injured, Guus Hiddink was reduced to playing Eden Hazard as a false No. 9 in Monday's stalemate at Manchester United -- but Patrick Bamford could come to the Blues' rescue in January after declaring he will end his "terrible" loan spell at Crystal Palace prematurely.
Atleti eye Ighalo
The trouble with this topsy-turvy Premier League season is that with so many surprise packages before the January transfer window, a number of clubs on the rise may struggle to keep hold of their top players. Odion Ighalo notched his 14th goal of the campaign for Watford against Tottenham on Monday, though a 2-1 defeat to Spurs may just cause the striker to quietly consider his options.
The Mirror reports that with Jackson Martinez struggling following a big-money move from Porto in the summer, Atletico Madrid are looking at making a £12m bid for the 26-year-old Nigeria international at the end of the season. Watford fans and neutrals alike will likely say that the forward would be foolish to move on when he's in such fine form and with the Hornets on the rise. But a club of Atleti's calibre doesn't always come knocking. Still, it's hard to see Quique Sanchez Flores letting his star man go for such a low fee. Atleti might have to double that original offer and add another £10m at the rate Ighalo is racking up the goals.
United starlet back to save Van Gaal?
Adnan Januzaj is one of the many attackers Louis van Gaal deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford this summer, but the young Belgian could be on his way back to Manchester United after The Sun reported that he was in the stands for Monday's game against Chelsea.
The 20-year-old -- currently on loan with Borussia Dortmund, who are in their winter break -- was pictured sitting alongside the injured youngster Jesse Lingard. But whether it was just a brief visit back to Manchester or something more remains to be seen given his lack of playing time at BVB. Considering he scored in his final appearance before a Bundesliga loan move, Van Gaal might well welcome the winger back with open arms.
Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will of course want to see United keep falling short, but has given Van Gaal advice that practically every Red Devils fan is screaming out: sign a striker. The LA Galaxy midfielder told BT Sport: "I think they need an extra striker because there's still too much pressure on Wayne Rooney."
Arsenal to can Campbell for Nolito?
Arsene Wenger challenged Joel Campbell to take his chance at Arsenal this season, and the Costa Rica international has grabbed it with both hands to help the Gunners to the top of the Premier League and through to the Champions League last 16. But even though the 23-year-old has impressed on the right flank, The Sun reports that Wenger is tempted to use him as bait to land Celta Vigo star Nolito.
The paper says Arsenal "face stiff competition" from Barcelona for the 29-year-old Celta winger, who has hit eight La Liga goals this season, though the Gunners have reportedly held initial talks over a potential deal which could involve Campbell heading to Spain. Further back in Wenger's formation, sources told ESPN FC on Sunday that Arsenal were in talks with Basel over a move for Egypt midfielder Mohamed Elneny, and the Mail reports that the 23-year-old defensive midfielder will have a medical in Paris on Tuesday ahead of a £7.4m move.
Euro no-go for Pirlo; Zlatan open to Qatar
And now for two legends of the modern game: Andrea Pirlo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. First up, Italy and New York City FC magician Pirlo has vowed to see out his contract with NYCFC and not return to Europe this winter, as he is confident that he can convince Italy coach Antonio Conte to pick him for Euro 2016 without the need for a loan move. He told La Gazzetta dello Sport: "Lots of clubs have enquired about me, but I have a contract with New York City [until December 2016] and I want to respect it."
Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain talisman Ibrahimovic has not ruled out a move to Qatar -- conveniently the home of his club's owners -- when his contract with the French champions expires in the summer. The forward told L'Equipe: "To play in Qatar? I have a good relationship with [PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi] and with the people of Qatar but I can't say anything. Let's just say that it's a possibility."
Tap-ins
- Easy come, easy go ... Sergi Guardiola (no relation to Pep) thought he had got a move to Barcelona on Monday after signing a deal with the Blaugrana, but the Camp Nou giants terminated the contract of the 24-year-old midfielder just hours after he signed because of a series of "offensive" tweets.
- Breathe easy, West Ham fans ... co-chairman David Gold has revealed the club were "two hours" away from getting Rafa Benitez until Real Madrid jumped in. Los Blancos fans may now wish the club were as late to that deal as they were for David De Gea.
- Harry Kane is leading Tottenham's charge for Champions League football, and coach Mauricio Pochettino says there is "no price" that Spurs would consider selling the England striker for.
- Pablo Daniel Osvaldo could be set for a return to Serie A after his proposed transfer to Boca Juniors broke down, with the Porto striker's agent confirming two offers from Italy are on the table.