Nobody was expecting Frank Lampard to conduct his first interview as manager of Everton atop an overturned blue bucket and with a copy of Inverting the Pyramid tucked neatly under his arm. But many a Blue Nose was left scratching the their heads on Monday afternoon at the Hollyoaks-soaked introduction, as well as what actual tactics Lamps might use to dig the Toffees out of the almighty mess they are in: four points off the relegation zone in 16th place, with over half a billion notes of Moshiri’s moolah down the pan.
With Cardiff sealing a deal, Forest contacted Stoke to see if they could strike a deal instead and he is now closing on a move to the City Ground where he will link up once again with manager Steve Cooper.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is set to return to Arsenal (Picture: Getty)
Mikel Arteta’s hopes of offloading Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January have been dealt a seemingly fatal blow after talks over a loan move to Barcelona broke down on deadline day.
Arteta sanctioned Aubameyang’s departure in the January transfer window after stripping the Gabon striker of the captaincy and freezing him out of the side.
La Liga giants Barcelona emerged as the frontrunners to sign Aubameyang and were in advanced talks with Arsenal about a loan deal, with the player pictured in the Spanish city on Monday afternoon as he attempted to force the move through.
But The Athletic say the proposed loan deal has collapsed due to a disagreement over the planned salary coverage for the next six months.
The update means that, barring a late change in Barcelona’s financial proposal, Aubameyang will not be moving to the Nou Camp and will instead return to Arsenal.
Aubameyang also attracted interest from Italian heavyweights Juventus and Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal earlier in the month but Aubameyang was said to favour a move to Barcelona.
It remains to be seen whether Arteta would be willing to offer a lifeline to Aubameyang following his return to London but he has not included him in any of Arsenal’s matchday squads since early December.
Mikel Arteta was hoping to offload Aubameyang (Picture: Getty)
Discussing Aubameyang’s future on deadline day, former Arsenal and England winger Paul Merson told Sky Sports: ‘I’m not really surprised [that Aubameyang has flown to Barcelona before a deal is agreed] because sometimes he does what he wants to do.
‘He’s trying to push this through now. He’s got nothing to lose. if he doesn’t go, he’ll go back to Arsenal and pick up big wages for the next six months.
‘It’s a shame Barcelona aren’t the team they used to be because then it would be a story. What’s gone on behind the scenes, it looks like Arsenal needed to get him out of the club – that’s the main thing.
‘In terms of getting someone in, I’m not sure about that at the moment. I think it’s just getting him out of the dressing room. There’s a lot of youngsters that look up to him and I think they could have the wrong influence.’
Phil Jones is in no rush to leave Manchester United before the transfer window closes (Picture: Getty Images)
Phil Jones turned down the chance to move to Bordeaux on loan this month because he wasn’t convinced about the amount of game time he would get and would rather battle for his place at Manchester United.
The 29-year-old attracted the interest of both Bordeaux and Benfica this month, with the chance to give his career a boost after a very difficult two years due to a knee injury.
The England international played his first Premier League match in nearly two years earlier this month, and despite Manchester United losing it 1-0 to Wolves, Jones actually looked quite impressive given the length of time he has spent out of action.
However, he has been relegated back to the substitutes’ bench since then, with the Red Devils very well stocked at centre-back, with Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly all available to manager Ralf Rangnick.
Despite this, The Athletic report that Jones does not fancy the loan move to Bordeaux because he has not been assured that he will play regularly in the first team.
Instead he prefers to stay at Old Trafford and fight for his place in the first team over the rest of the season.
Rangnick could still turn to Jones again, having been impressed with him against Wolves.
‘I think he did well, not having played for two years at this kind of level,’ said the German.
‘We didn’t see that [effects of the absence] in the game. He did his job and did exactly what I expected him to do.’
Vladimir Petkovic’s Bordeaux side won their last game 4-3 against Strasbourg, but this season has been a serious struggle for them and they sit 17th in Ligue 1.
It’s no secret Arsenal are looking to offload the striker before tonight’s 11pm deadline following Mikel Arteta’s decision to strip him of the captaincy.
However, the two clubs are yet to agree financial terms and Aubameyang’s hefty wages are proving problematic.
Sky Sports claim Arsenal have been left ‘surprised’ by the Gabon international’s decision to travel to Spain with no formal agreement yet in place.
Former Gunner Paul Merson says he isn’t surprised though, and believes Arsenal need to get a deal completed tonight to get him off their own wage books.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has fallen out of favour under Mikel Arteta (Picture: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
‘I’m not really surprised [that Aubameyang has flown to Barcelona before a deal is agreed] because sometimes he does what he wants to do,’ he said.
‘He’s trying to push this through now. He’s got nothing to lose. if he doesn’t go, he’ll go back to Arsenal and pick up big wages for the next six months.
‘It’s a shame Barcelona aren’t the team they used to be because then it would be a story.
‘What’s gone on behind the scenes, it looks like Arsenal needed to get him out of the club – that’s the main thing.
‘In terms of getting someone in, I’m not sure about that at the moment. I think it’s just getting him out of the dressing room.
‘There’s a lot of youngsters that look up to him and I think they could have the wrong influence.’
Aubameyang’s contract with Arsenal runs until the summer of 2023.
United spent £40m to sign Van de Beek from Ajax in the summer of 2020 but the Netherlands international has underwhelmed at Old Trafford.
Van de Beek has struggled under successive Man United managers and was keen to move away on loan in January to revive his career.
Everton’s move for Van de Beek may be viewed as a gamble but De Jong sees it as a ‘great signing’ and hopes his compatriot impresses under new Toffees boss Frank Lampard at Goodison Park.
‘With Van de Beek, I think it’s a great signing,’ De Jong told Sky Sports on deadline day. ‘I’m really pleased for the kid.
Van de Beek is set to join Everton on loan (Picture: Getty)
‘He deserves so much better, especially how Man United treated him over the last year and a half. I am very excited about that one.
‘This kid needs to be in the national team for the quality that he has, it’s not for him to be sitting on the bench somewhere.
‘I respect him for how he has handled himself during these couple of months by staying quiet and doing his job.
‘That says something about his character and what you have as a player.’
Van de Beek will play under former Chelsea and England midfielder Lampard following his appointment as Everton boss on Monday.
‘It is a huge honour for me to represent and manage a club with the size and tradition of Everton,’ said Lampard. ‘I’m very hungry to get started.’
Mason Greenwood was arrested on Sunday night (Credits: PA)
Mason Greenwood is set to spend a second night in prison after Greater Manchester Police were granted ‘additional time’ to question the Manchester United player.
The 20-year-old was arrested on suspicion of rape and assault on Sunday evening, and he spent the night in custody after being questioned.
That opportunity was granted to Greater Manchester Police earlier today and Greenwood is now facing a second night behind bars.
‘Detectives have been granted additional time to speak to a man in his 20s who is being held on suspicion of rape and assault of a woman,’ a Police spokesperson said.
‘The suspect was arrested yesterday (Sunday 30 January) afternoon and remains in custody. Enquiries are ongoing and the victim is being offered specialist support.
‘We remind people to avoid any commentary or sharing of images that could compromise the victim’s right to lifelong anonymity, or risk prejudicing a live investigation with active proceedings.’
Greenwood has arranged for his own personal representation for questioning by the police, with The Athletic reporting that United opted against providing him legal counsel.
The club have provided such backing in the past, most recently when captain Harry Maguire was jailed in Greece in August 2020.
Greenwood is an England international, who earns around £100,000-a-week at Old Trafford after he signed a four-year contract back 2021.
The striker made his debut for the club in 2019 and he has emerged from United’s academy, which he joined at the age of eight.
Daughter of ex-manager comes on in 2-0 win at Bridgwater
Third-tier Southampton upset Bristol City 1-0
The result may have been routine, but it was the late senior debut for Karna Solskjær that stole the spotlight in Manchester United’s 2-0 defeat of Bridgwater United.
Having sold out Fairfax Park for the visit of the Women’s Super League side, it was a horrible start for the tier-three side who conceded in the 17th minute through Charlotte Buxton’s own goal, with Hayley Ladd putting her under pressure.
Bridgwater deserve great credit for giving United a proper test and goalkeeper Beth Howard was particularly impressive. United started on the front foot and Ella Toone almost gave them the lead.
Liverpool look to be eyeing a second January addition following the capture of Luis Diaz from FC Porto.
Liverpool confirmed on Sunday that they had agreed a deal for the winger, with it reported elsewhere that Liverpool will pay €40m upfront for Diaz, plus €20m in add-ons.
Diaz is also said to have signed a contract until 2027 with the Merseysiders:
Here’s new Liverpool signing Luís Diaz after completing first part of medical in Argentina, ready to pen his contract until June 2027. 🔴🇨🇴 #LFC
Agreement reached between clubs for €40m guaranteed fee upfront plus €20m add ons. Paperworks to be completed soon.
Now though, Liverpool are seemingly eyeing a second forward addition this month.
As per the Mirror citing reports in Spain, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp continues in his attempts to strengthen his frontline by following the signing of Luis Diaz with a move for Atletico Madrid’s Matheus Cunha.
No potential fee is mentioned in the report.
Who is Matheus Cunha?
Matheus Cunha would join Atletico Madrid in August of 2021 from German outfit Hertha.
During his stint in Spain, Cunha has featured on 23 occasions for Atletico Madrid, scoring five and assisting two in the process.
Cunha is a centre-forward by trade, but he generally likes to drop slightly deeper than his striking partner, operating in a similar way to that of Roberto Firmino, who is not a traditional no.9.
And with Cunha only 22, a case could be made that Klopp is eyeing the Brazilian as a long-term replacement for Firmino.
Derby County, clearly, have no intention of giving up. As they go into yet another week where their hopes of surviving as a club are up in the air, Wayne Rooney’s team gave their fans every reason to chant: “We’re Derby County, we fight till the end” on a day when the local support for the club was proved to be beyond doubt.
In the sixth minute of stoppage time of a game that had been slated as potentially Derby’s last ever, substitute Krystian Bielik, on his first appearance for a year after an anterior cruciate ligament injury, took off into the air with his back to goal and scored the equaliser with a brilliant scissor-kick. That the Polish midfielder damaged his shoulder as he hit the ground did not dampen the manic celebrations that ensued.
Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has become Newcastle's third signing of the transfer window after Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood. The Magpies paid Lyon £33million for the 24-year-old.
Harriet Robson has been interviewed by Greater Manchester Police (Picture: Instagram)
Harriet Robson is ‘completely devastated’ that domestic abuse allegations against Mason Greenwood have come to light after her mobile phone was ‘hacked’, her father has said.
The forward has been suspended by Manchester United until further notice, and will not be able to train nor play matches for the club.
It comes after Robson uploaded a series of photos and audio files to her Instagram page on Sunday morning, which accused Greenwood of domestically abusing her.
The gory images showed a number of cuts and bruises on Robson’s body and she captioned the first picture as: ‘To everyone that wants to know what Mason Greenwood actually does to me’.
Robson uploaded the photos on Sunday morning (Credits: BACKGRID)
Harriet Robson showed her bloody lip in one video (Picture: Instagram)
Robson’s bruises (Picture: Instagram)
Two officers visited Robson’s home earlier this morning to take a statement from her over the accusations.
But her father claims Robson says her phone was ‘hacked’ and she’s ‘devastated’ that her relationship with Greenwood has deteriorated.
‘The first thing we knew about this was at 6am this morning. It is dreadful. I’m just coming to terms with it all,’ Mr Robson told the Daily Mail.
‘As a father you don’t want to know things like that happening to your daughter. The police have been round and she has made a statement to them.
‘She has told us her phone has been hacked. We told her to take it down, which she has done but it’s out there now so it is too late.
‘She is devastated because she didn’t want it released. We have known him since the under 21s. He has been part of our family for two or three years.
‘Their relationship has not been good for the last few months. She is completely devastated by it all.
‘They were very much in love and have been together for a while. The police are dealing with it now.’
Robson released a serious of audio files after the photos.
In one, Miss Robson can be heard arguing with a man, who threatens her after she says she doesn’t want to have sex with him.
The man says: ‘Harriet… move your legs up. Move your f***ing legs up.’
She says: ‘No, I don’t want to have sex.’
He says: ‘I don’t give a f*** what you want you little s***.’ She tries to protest but he says ‘shut up’.
He goes on: ‘Talking to me stop.’
‘Ms Robson says: ‘Stop putting your d*** near me. I don’t want to have sex with you.’
He says: ‘I don’t care if you want to have f***ing sex with me. Do you hear me?’
She says: ‘Why do I have to do this though?’
He says: ‘Because I asked you politely and you wouldn’t do it. I asked you politely and you wouldn’t do it. What else do you want me to do?’
He adds: ‘Push me again one more time and watch what happens to you.’ She says: ‘No.’ He goes on: ‘Well you will actually and watch what happens. Get the f*** off me.’
In a brief statement this afternoon, United said that Greenwood was suspended from playing matches and attending training.
‘Mason Greenwood will not return to training or play matches until further notice,’ a statement said.
Greenwood’s sponsors, Nike, said they were ‘deeply concerned’ by the accusations.
‘We are deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations and will continue to closely monitor the situation,’ a statement read.
Tino Anjorin is set for another move away from Chelsea (Picture: Getty Images)
Tino Anjorin is going out on loan from Chelsea again, heading to Huddersfield Town in the Championship, despite interest from Southampton.
The 20-year-old has spent the first half of the season at Lokomotiv Moscow but has not been a regular in the first team, making just two starts in the Russian Premier League.
Football.London report that his next step is to move to West Yorkshire, where another Chelsea youngster, Levi Colwill, is also on loan.
It is something of a surprise after Southampton were reportedly interested in the midfielder, although the Saints could look to secure a permanent deal in the summer.
Anjorin has made one Premier League appearance for Chelsea, coming off the bench in a 4-0 win over Everton in March 2020 under Frank Lampard.
Thomas Tuchel has reportedly been impressed by the youngster, who has represented England at various youth levels, but competition is fierce for places in his Chelsea side.
The German has given Anjorin just one appearance under his management, coming off the bench against Barnsley in the FA Cup last season.
Speaking about Anjorin over the summer, Tuchel said: ‘He trained so well for us in the last half a year and then the race for the top four was on and there were so many decisive matches every three days, so there was not actually the moment to try stuff with young players,
‘He showed his quality in every training [session], so when the season ended we both agreed that he stays for pre-season and he will get the minutes that he deserves.
‘Unfortunately, before the first friendly started, Tino was the guy to catch the Covid virus and really suffered for 10 to 12 days, so he was very unlucky without having any fault in the situation.
‘He’s confident, he’s strong, he’s creative,” he added. “He scores a lot of goals and assists, a lot of goals in training, but I wish we would have had the chance to see him, so that he could really make a statement.’
18-year-old Colwill is enjoying plenty of first team football with the Terriers, starting 20 Championship games so far this season.
Huddersfield are currently seventh in the table and pushing for a play-off spot, so it is an exciting time for Anjorin to be joining the side, managed by Spaniard Carlos Corberan.
Fabio Carvalho has enjoyed a superb season for Fulham (Picture: Getty)
Liverpool have made an enquiry for Fulham youngster Fabio Carvalho ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.
The 19-year-old has enjoyed a reputation enhnancing season for the Championship promotion hopefuls, but it is yet to agree an extension to a contract that is due to expire in the summer.
Having already rejected two offers, the 19-year-old looks unlikely to sign a new deal but the Cottagers remain unwilling to part with one of their prize assets.
Harvey Elliott signed for Liverpool from Fulham three years ago (Picture: Getty)
Should Carvalho depart, Fulham would prefer, according to The Sun, to let him run down is contract and receive a fee via a tribunal at a later date.
That is what happened with 18-year-old Harvey Elliott, who left Fulham in 2019 for Liverpool who were eventually told to pay £4million
Elliott, meanwhile, stepped up his recovery from a serious ankle injury by playing for Liverpool’s Under-23s against Wrexham on Saturday.
The teenager has been out of action since suffering a serious injury against Leeds in September but could be in contention to feature in next week’s FA Cup tie against Cardiff having come through unscathed, scoring and registering an assist.
Liverpool are yet to make a signing in the current window but are hopeful of completing a £37.5million deal for Porto winger Luis Diaz within the next 24 hours.
The Colombia international had looked to be on the verge of joining Tottenham but the Merseysiders moved decisively on Friday and now look set to win the race.
A delegation was dispatched to Argentina on Friday and the player is set to undergo a medical before he is confirmed as a Liverpool player.
As the angst continues to grow surrounding the silence that is Arsenal’s January transfer periods, the future of one of the Gunners’ brightest talents has been thrown into question once again after Real Madrid has been linked with interest in Olympique de Marseille loanee William Saliba.
That report comes from Spanish outlet Sport and names the 20-year-old French U21 starlet as one of a trio of center-backs that the Spanish giants are interested in what would be a potential summer move. Chelsea’s Antonio Rüdiger, and Bayern Munich’s Niklas Süle being the other two.
Sport also mention Saliba’s long-time connection with French star Kylian Mbappé as a potential boon to Real Madrid’s chances of prizing him away from Arsenal in the summer, with the possibility of the two plying their trades together at the Santiago Bernabeu as a plus-point for the pair as they survey where their next port of calls will be.
Recent Saliba comments fuel future speculation
NICE, FRANCE – AUGUST 22: William Saliba of Marseille during the Ligue 1 match between OGC Nice (OGCN) and Olympique de Marseille (OM) at Allianz Riviera Stadium on August 22, 2021 in Nice, France. (Photo by John Berry/Getty Images)
Interest from Real Madrid is likely the last thing Arsenal – or its fans – would have wanted when it comes to the future of one of the most highly-touted young center-backs in Europe across the last two seasons, but Saliba’s own recent comments failed to discount a future away from the Emirates.
When speaking with RMC, Saliba stated “I am happy in Marseille, I like the city, the club, and the supporters. Anything can happen in football. I remain focused on the end of the season and we will see after. But of course, there will be discussions about my future.”
While remaining focused on the task at hand at the Orange Vélodrome is logical as OM currently sit third in Ligue 1 and with a considerable chance of qualifying for the Champions League next season, ‘anything can happen in football’ is likely not what many of the Gunners faithful will have wanted to read.
Footage of Real Sociedad star Alexander Isak enjoying a break in London has piqued the attentions of the Arsenal fanbase on Saturday.
This of course comes with the Gunners hotly tipped to make a big-money move for hitman Isak over the days ahead, after seeing first-choice attacking target Dusan Vlahovic opt to take his talents to Serie A heavyweights Juventus.
The videos in question, linked below, showcase the Swede in the midst of a rare break from the Spanish fixture schedule, enjoying some well-earned rest in the English capital.
Isak can be seen both outside a club in the Soho district, and in a shopping centre alongside Sociedad teammate Adnan Januzaj.
Whilst Isak making his way to London is of course likely of little significance when it comes to a potential move to Arsenal, the Gunners fanbase could be forgiven for allowing their excitement to get the better of them, amid an underwhelming January transfer window to date.
Arthur back on the cards?
Turning attentions towards Arsenal’s efforts to secure much-needed reinforcements in the middle of the park before the transfer window slams shut on Monday evening, the north London outfit could yet be afforded fresh hope in their pursuit of Juventus’ Arthur by none other than the Bianconeri themselves.
This comes with the transfer team in Turin primed to follow up on the statement signing of the aforementioned Vlahovic with a further swoop for Borussia Monchengladbach standout Denis Zakaria.
As per a number of reliable sources, Juve are pushing hard for the soon-to-be out-of-contract Swiss international, whose arrival in Turin in advance of the deadline is beginning to look increasingly likely.
Meeting taking place now for Denis Zakaria-Juventus deal, confirmed as revealed today morning. Club confident to complete the agreement while Zakaria is keen on the move. ⚪️⚫️ #Juventus
Juve are also in talks to sell Rodrigo Bentancur with Tottenham and Aston Villa in the race. https://t.co/WaA4kYhu6G
Such a move, in turn, could well open the door for discussions between the Bianconeri hierarchy and their counterparts at Arsenal to be reignited, with Arthur and Zakaria, whilst boasting altogether contrasting profiles, likely to be forced to battle it out for one spot at the base of Massimiliano Allegri’s midfield.
Former Chelsea manager to be given the chance to revive fortunes at Goodison Park after impressing owner Farhad Moshiri
Everton have formally offered Frank Lampard the chance to relaunch his managerial career at Goodison Park and hope to conclude contract negotiations with the 43-year-old by Sunday.
Lampard has been offered the job of succeeding Rafael Benítez as Everton manager having emerged as the club’s preferred choice following a final round of interviews in London on Friday.
Rashford now has two goals in his last two games (Picture: Getty)
Manchester United legend Bryan Robson believes Anthony Elanga’s presence in the first-team has helped Marcus Rashford recapture some form.
Elanga has now started United’s last three Premier League games, scoring his second goal for the club in the 3-1 win over Brentford.
Ralf Rangnick has praised the 19-year-old influence and eagerness to learn during a run where United’s form has improved after a dreary start to the year.
With Elanga in the side, Rashford has started United’s last two games from the bench but came on to score in both games against Brentford and West Ham United – the latter a crucial last minute winner in front of the Stretford End.
And with Elanga’s influence growing, Robson believes it will bring the best out of Rashford.
‘I think Elanga has done really well in the three games he’s played,’ Robson told United Daily.
Elanga has shone in recent weeks (Picture: Getty)
’He’s shown loads of energy, he’s brave and quick, he’s got a lot about him.
‘I think because he’s been in the team a couple of times it just looks like it’s sharpened Marcus [Rashford] up and Marcus knows he’s got to work hard, he’s got to start scoring goals again, which he’s proved in the last few games.
‘So hopefully that’ll spur Marcus into coming back into form.’
Reports suggest that Rangnick has been so impressed by Elanga that he is willing to let four players leave this month and show faith in the youngster.
United have already allowed Anthony Martial to leave the club this month with the Frenchman joining Sevilla on loan until the end of the season.
Amad Diallo has also joined Rangers with Rangnick reportedly happy for Jesse Lingard and Donny van de Beek to leave before Monday’s deadline, such is his faith in Elanga.
A fresh insight into the efforts of Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur to lure a pair of Juventus stars to the club this month has been provided on Friday evening.
The first surrounds midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur.
All-action Uruguayan international Bentancur has of course been hotly tipped for a move to England this month, albeit with Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa.
BREAKING: #AVFC have seen a bid in the region of £20million for Juventus midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur rejected, according to Sky in Italy. pic.twitter.com/R17ubYA6oK
As per a report from Italian transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, though, on Friday, Tottenham have joined the hunt for the 24-year-old.
The Lilywhites are understood to have tabled a proposal to take ‘Benta’ on loan for the remainder of the campaign, as Antonio Conte seeks much-needed reinforcements to his side’s ranks in the middle of the park.
Those in a position of power at the Allianz Stadium, however, rejected the proposal out of hand.
TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 15: Rodrigo Bentancur of Juventus FC gestures during the Serie A match between Juventus and Udinese Calcio at Allianz Stadium on January 15, 2022 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Sportinfoto/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
The transfer team at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, though, have evidently not yet been deterred in their hopes of landing at least one member of Massimiliano Allegri’s Juve squad before the transfer window slams shut.
This comes with Di Marzio’s report backing claims across the continent this afternoon that Spurs have indeed returned for Bianconeri attacker Dejan Kulusevski.
The Lilywhites, earlier today, saw their efforts to land Porto wide-man Luis Diaz go up in smoke, owing to a sudden swoop on the part of Liverpool.
In turn, Daniel Levy and co. have been forced to look elsewhere, with Kulusevski, amid a hit-and-miss campaign in Turin to date, having been identified as one such option.
It is understood that Spurs are working on a loan deal through the summer, which will feature an obligation to buy once certain conditions are met.
Whilst the efforts of the hierarchy at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to add long overdue reinforcements to Antonio Conte’s squad continue to come up short, though, it at least appears as though one player is primed to head in the other direction out the revolving doors in north London over the days ahead.
The individual in question? Tanguy Ndombele.
As confirmed by a host of sources, French international Ndombele, out of favour under boss Conte as things stand, is on the verge of securing a return to his home country, with Paris Saint-Germain.
The Ligue 1 heavyweights are expected to take the midfielder on loan for the remainder of the season, with an option to buy in the summer.
