The January transfer window is heating up as European football clubs continue to pursue key signings. Manchester United, Roma, Barcelona, Crystal Palace, and AC Milan all feature in Thursday’s top transfer stories, with negotiations, valuations, and injury concerns shaping the market.

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Manchester United and Roma at a Deadlock Over Joshua Zirkzee

Manchester United and Roma remain at a stalemate over the future of Joshua Zirkzee, the 24-year-old Netherlands striker. Reports from Corriere dello Sport suggest United are demanding around £35 million for Zirkzee and are reluctant to sanction a loan deal. Roma’s interest in acquiring the forward has been complicated by the gap in valuations, leaving the transfer in limbo as both clubs attempt to find common ground.

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Barcelona Pursue Defensive Reinforcements

Spanish giants Barcelona are actively targeting defensive reinforcements as they look to secure a left-sided centre-back. The club is reportedly eyeing:

• Pau Torres (Aston Villa, 28) – Spain international
• Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund, 26) – Germany international

Meanwhile, Barcelona is also eager to extend Hansi Flick’s contract until 2028, despite the 60-year-old manager having signed a deal through 2027 in May. The club is keen to maintain managerial stability while strengthening the squad ahead of the second half of the season.

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Crystal Palace Target Bayern Munich Defender

Crystal Palace are exploring options at right wing-back following an injury to Daniel Munoz, which could sideline the Colombian international for an extended period. One player of interest is Sacha Boey, the 25-year-old French full-back from Bayern Munich, who is expected to depart the Bundesliga club in January.

Palace manager Oliver Glasner has confirmed that England defender Marc Guehi (25) is likely to see out his current contract at Selhurst Park until the end of the season.

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AC Milan in Talks for West Ham Striker Niclas Fullkrug

AC Milan are reportedly in negotiations to sign Germany striker Niclas Fullkrug (32) from West Ham. The deal is expected to be structured as a loan with an option to buy, allowing Milan to bolster their attacking options while managing financial risk.

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Chelsea and Midfield Reinforcements

Chelsea are prioritizing a central midfield upgrade during the summer transfer window, with two English prospects reportedly on their radar:

• Kobbie Mainoo (20, Manchester United)
• Adam Wharton (21, Crystal Palace)

The Blues aim to strengthen their midfield options for the upcoming campaigns.

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Other Notable Transfer Updates

• Ole Gunnar Solskjaer previously urged Manchester United to sign Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, and Declan Rice, but the club opted for Donny van de Beek, Jadon Sancho, and Cristiano Ronaldo instead.
• Leeds United are unlikely to spend £25m on Santiago Gimenez (AC Milan), opting instead for a short-term January loan for a forward.
• Nick Woltemade (23, Newcastle United) reflects positively on his summer move from Stuttgart, which Bayern Munich had considered.
• Alfie Harrison (20, Newcastle United) is attracting interest from two Championship clubs despite yet to make his senior debut.