Liverpool have completed the signing of Cody Gakpo in their first move of the January transfer window.

Netherlands forward Gakpo joins from PSV, where he had spent his entire career to date.

A move this season was long anticipated, and Gakpo's performances at the World Cup, where he scored three goals for the Oranje, made a January switch an inevitability.

Manchester United were thought to be favourites for the versatile frontman, but PSV announced on December 26 they had agreed a deal with Liverpool.

That transfer has now been completed, subject to a work permit, after Gakpo travelled to England for a medical.

The 23-year-old told the club's website after his signing was confirmed: "I feel really good, I'm really excited to be here. I'm looking forward to start training and start playing for this amazing club.

"I think this is a great club for me to come in and try to show what I can [do] and try to help the team to achieve more beautiful moments that they already did in the past years.

"I think for me personally it's also good to develop here and there's a lot of great players here [who] I can learn a lot of things from."

Gakpo, who has reportedly cost Liverpool around £37million (€42m), scored nine goals and provided 12 assists in 14 Eredivisie matches this season.

The last player to contribute more goal involvements through 14 games in the Dutch top flight was ex-Liverpool superstar Luis Suarez, who had 25 for Ajax in 2009-10, the season before he joined the Reds.

Gakpo boosts a Liverpool attack missing both Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota due to injury, while he will ease the load on Darwin Nunez, who is enduring a mixed first season.

Joao Felix has a role to play at Atletico Madrid despite his "differences" with the club, says Diego Simeone, who expects the forward to give his maximum while he remains with Los Colchoneros.

The Portugal international has been linked with a move away from the Metropolitano after appearing to criticise Simeone's methods while at the World Cup earlier this month.

Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal have all been linked with a move for the 23-year-old, whose tally of 33 Atleti goals since his 2019 arrival is only bettered by Luis Suarez (34) in that span. 

While Simeone hinted Joao Felix's exit was in the offing when he warned "no one is essential" last week, the Argentine says the forward must continue to contribute until any move is agreed. 

"We have a good working relationship, beyond some differences that there may be between people. We can't agree on everything," Simeone said at a press conference on Wednesday.

"We have differences, but I always look for the best for the club until the last day that I or the players are there. 

"We squeeze the maximum out of everyone until the last day that I or they are here." 

Joao Felix scored one goal and added two assists as Portugal reached the last eight in Qatar, with his total of three World Cup goal involvements only bettered by two Selecao team-mates – Bruno Fernandes with five and Goncalo Ramos with four.

Simeone called for the forward to replicate that form ahead of Atleti's return to league action against Elche, adding: "What matters to me is the team, and he is important to the team. 

"If he shows us what we saw in the World Cup, he will be very important. He has the conditions and the talent, and the team needs his qualities."

Arsenal must pay close to £100million (€113.2m) to sign Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk, according to the club's vice director Carlo Nicolini.

The Ukraine international has garnered interest from Europe's top clubs following his impressive Champions League displays, recording three goals and two assists in six appearances.

Mudryk is also Shakhtar's top scorer in the Ukrainian Premier League this season with seven goals, while no player in the league has registered more assists (seven).

Premier League leaders Arsenal have reportedly had an initial bid rejected for the 21-year-old, who recently stated he was a fan of head coach Mikel Arteta's style of play and followed their results.

Nicolini confirmed negotiations with the Gunners were ongoing, but suggested they would require an offer close to triple figures to complete the deal.

That would potentially mean breaking the record fee for a transfer involving a player moving to a Premier League club, which was set when Jack Grealish left Aston Villa for Manchester City in 2021 (£100million).

It would also be the most expensive such transfer this season after Antony's £82million-move (€95m) to Manchester United from Ajax.

"I confirm that Arsenal is one of the most active teams," Nicolini told Calcio Mercato. "When there is an interested company, we ask: 'Make a proposal and when we have it in hand we start to negotiate.'

"As we have always said, to deal with Mudryk, you need an important offer. Arsenal may have made such an offer, but there is negotiation.

"Players were sold that the clubs wanted to sell and that we consider no stronger than Mudryk with a valuation of around £100million, so we consider no less than £60million.

"I am not the one to make the figure, I have no particular indications from the company, but the director has said that we need an important offer closer to Grealish than for Antony. If the cash figure is £40million, it is not even taken into account."

James Maddison has seen a specialist after suffering another knee injury on his return from the World Cup, Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers revealed.

Maddison sustained an injury in Leicester's final Premier League game before Qatar 2022 at West Ham last month, but he was still named in Gareth Southgate's squad for the tournament.

Only Erling Haaland (21), Harry Kane (14), Ivan Toney (13) and Kevin De Bruyne (12) have bettered Maddison's tally of 11 goal involvements in the Premier League this term, but he was one of just four unused England outfielders in Qatar.

Having been strongly linked with a January move to Newcastle United, Maddison sat out Leicester's 3-0 Boxing Day defeat to the Magpies with another injury, which will require specialist treatment.

Speaking at a press conference to preview Friday's Premier League trip to Liverpool, Rodgers said: "He won't be available for the game. 

"He was with Mark [Waller], our doctor, getting some specialist advice in London. I'll wait to hear from them later on.

"He hasn't trained with the squad. He was clearly getting treatment out [in Qatar] and the England medical team deemed him okay to train.

"He was available for games [for England]. He's come back here, looked to do some work, and then felt a pain in a different part of his knee."

Leicester produced a dire display in Maddison's absence against Newcastle, conceding three first-half goals in a home Premier League game for the first time since doing so against Manchester United in September 2003.

The 13th-placed Foxes are four points clear of the Premier League's bottom three ahead of Friday's game at Anfield, where they are winless in their past 11 top-flight visits (D2 L9).

Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign striker David Datro Fofana from Molde on January 1, with the Blues reportedly paying £10.5million (€12m) for the Ivory Coast international.

Fofana will become Chelsea's first signing of the Graham Potter era when the January transfer window officially opens on Sunday, having agreed a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge.

A boyhood Chelsea fan, Fofana has the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of his idol Didier Drogba, who won four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three EFL Cups and the Champions League across two spells with the club.

The 20-year-old – who has two senior international caps – top-scored for Molde with 15 goals last season as they regained the Norwegian Eliteserien title.

A statement released on Molde's website said: "The Ivorian forward has wreaked havoc both in Norway and on the international stage. Now David Datro Fofana is ready for a new adventure in England and the Premier League.

"Molde Football Club thanks David Datro Fofana for his efforts, and wishes him the best of luck at Chelsea!"

Chelsea were in need of attacking reinforcements after Armando Broja ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in a friendly against Aston Villa this month, an injury which is expected to keep the striker out for the rest of the season.

Potter's side made a winning return to Premier League action as Kai Havertz and Mason Mount netted in a 2-0 victory against Bournemouth on Tuesday, though they remain six points adrift of the top four.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is enjoying life at Napoli amid reports linking him with a move to the Premier League, recalling how he was desperate to sign for the Partenopei ahead of this campaign.

Kvaratskhelia has been a revelation since joining Luciano Spalletti's side from Dinamo Batumi in July, scoring six goals and adding five assists in Serie A this season.

With Napoli eight points clear at the summit ahead of Serie A's resumption next month, no player in the Italian top flight has bettered the Georgia winger's total of 11 goal contributions.

While the likes of Manchester City and Tottenham have previously been touted as possible future destinations for Kvaratskhelia, recent reports have suggested Newcastle United have made him their top target for the January transfer window.

However, the 21-year-old cited life in Naples and his enjoyment of Spalletti's style of play as being key to his happiness while recalling his decision to join the club.

"The negotiations with Napoli lasted a long time, about two years, I was very happy that such a great team was interested in me," he told DAZN. "I couldn't wait to wear the Napoli shirt. 

"I felt every now and then that there was interest from other teams as well, but having the offer from Napoli, I never thought about anything else. I wanted to play for Napoli.

"When I happened to watch their matches, I thought I could adapt perfectly to that type of game. I really liked how they played and it happened. 

"Here, the city lives for the love of football, everyone knows football in Naples. It is motivating when the whole city cheers for you and transmits love to you in every moment." 

Asked whether he had surprised himself by emerging as one of Europe's most dangerous attackers, Kvaratskhelia added: "I'm still a long way from this definition, but I'll do my best to confirm it. 

"In any case, no, I didn't expect it. It's very difficult to think that from such a small country you can get to play in such a big team. 

"It was my dream to play in a renowned top club like Napoli. However, I still have a long way to go and many goals to achieve."

Kvaratskhelia leads his Napoli team-mates for dribbles completed (19) and carries ending with a chance created (12) in Serie A this term, leading supporters to dub him 'Kvaradona' in reference to club legend Diego Maradona.  

The Georgian failed to hide his glee when asked about that nickname, saying: "When just a small part of the Maradona name is associated with yours, it's an honour.

"It creates an emotion different from the other [nicknames] – it fills me with pride. Today 'Kvaradona' is definitely my favourite."

Sergi Roberto is ready to sign another new deal with Barcelona, despite revealing his current salary is in line with a player who has been promoted from the reserve side.

Spain international Sergi Roberto agreed terms on a one-year extension in June to stay at Camp Nou for the 2022-23 campaign following the conclusion of his previous contract.

The 30-year-old, who is into his 13th season as a member of Barca's senior squad, has again been linked with a move away as he enters the final six months of his latest deal.

While his salary has taken a hit in wake of the Catalan giants' crippling financial situation, Sergi Roberto is happy to stay on at the club for at least another season.

"Right now I'm getting paid as if I had moved up from Barca B, but I do it with pride because I want to be here. For me the economic issue is not important", he told RAC1.

"The last few years I didn't enjoy playing because I wasn't physically fit. I wanted to get back in shape physically and enjoy myself again.

"We haven't started talking [about a new contract] yet, but my idea is to stay. From what the coaching staff have told me, they are very happy with me and want me to stay.

"I would be very excited to be able to continue, to be able to enjoy myself on the pitch with the Barca shirt."

Sergi Roberto is one of five Barca players due to become free agents in July, along with Hector Bellerin, Marcos Alonso, Sergio Busquets and Memphis Depay.

However, according to reports from Spain on Wednesday, long-serving Busquets is prepared to sign a 12-month extension before departing in 2024.

Sergi Roberto has started just six games in all competitions this season after dislocating his left shoulder in Barcelona's 4-0 thrashing of Athletic Bilbao in October.

The academy product returned to full training at the start of December and is in contention to feature in Barca's showdown with neighbours Espanyol on Saturday.

After starting just 16 league games since the start of the 2020-21 season, Sergi Roberto is hopeful his latest return from injury could be a turning point. 

"I spent some difficult years with the issue of injuries, but I am convinced that 2023 will be a totally different year and that injuries will be forgotten," he said. 

"I am 100 per cent ready. You can always improve, but I am sure that in this second stretch of season I will be better than ever."

Uncertainty about Jordan Pickford's future with Everton has piqued the interest of fellow Premier League sides including Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea.

Pickford, 28, is in his sixth season as Everton's shot stopper, having risen through the international ranks to become England's number one in the process.

He started all five of England's World Cup games to reach 50 international caps, keeping clean sheets against Senegal, Wales and the United States.

While he is reportedly happy to stay at Everton long-term, the club are reportedly continuing to drag their feet with regard to his contract extension, sending up a signal that he could be available for the right price.


TOP STORY – ELITE CLUBS CIRCLE ENGLAND'S TOP GOALKEEPER

According to the Daily Mail, Pickford agreed to a five-year contract extension before heading to Qatar for the World Cup, but the club are yet to sign off on it, with the delay coming at boardroom level.

The report states it is still more likely that the deal is finalised than not, but their hesitance has caught the eye of some top English sides who are seeking a long-term solution between the sticks.

United are looking to move on from David de Gea, as are Tottenham with Hugo Lloris, while Chelsea are also in the market following Edouard Mendy's rejection of a six-year contract, calling the proposed financials "disrespectful", per an earlier Daily Mail report.

Pickford's current contract has 18 months remaining, so if Everton do not or cannot extend him, the time to sell will be rapidly approaching.

ROUND-UP

– The Evening Standard is reporting Arsenal will return with another bid for 21-year-old Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhailo Mudryk after their £55million offer was rejected.

– According to AS, Real Madrid are planning a 2024 move for Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies.

– Newcastle United are interested in bringing in 31-year-old Chelsea midfielder Jorginho on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of the season, per the Daily Mail.

– Gazzetta dello Sport is reporting Inter will look to Bayern Munich right-back Noussair Mazraoui as the replacement for Denzel Dumfries should the Netherlands international leave the club in the near future.

– Inter are also pursuing Borussia Monchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram, who has interest from Premier League sides Arsenal, Aston Villa and Tottenham, per 90min.

The arrival of Cody Gakpo will mark "the end" for Roberto Firmino at Liverpool, according to former Reds defender Jose Enrique.

Brazilian forward Firmino has spent the last seven and a half seasons with the Merseyside giants, winning the Premier League and Champions League among a host of honours.

His contract is due to expire at the end of this season, however, and Enrique believes the impending signing of Gakpo from PSV is a signal that time is almost up at Anfield for Firmino.

PSV announced on Monday evening a deal is in place to take Netherlands international Gakpo to Liverpool, in what they said will be a record sale for the Dutch club.

Their previous record sale saw Hirving Lozano join Napoli for a reported €45million, and the size of Liverpool's investment indicates they are buying Gakpo for a starting spot.

With Mohamed Salah signing up to a new deal in the close season, and the likes of Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez also looking to play regularly, when fit, Firmino may be squeezed out.

Klopp has been a big advocate of Firmino's qualities, so the situation may not be as clear-cut as Enrique makes it, but the Spaniard sees Firmino having no future with his current club.

Writing on Instagram, Enrique claimed: "I believe this means is the end of firmino with us. It happens when we sign Luis Diaz with mane. I believe is going to be the same this time with gakpo and firmino. Do you agree?"

Liverpool elected to sell Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich in June, as Enrique pointed out, after bringing in Diaz at the start of the year and then striking a deal to acquire Nunez from Benfica.

There is a natural evolution happening within the Liverpool forward ranks, with the long-established front three of Salah, Mane and Firmino having already fragmented.

Enrique, 36, had a five-year stay at Liverpool that ended with his release at the end of the 2015-16 season. He has since retired and works in the media.

Although Liverpool did not immediately comment on Monday's news coming out of PSV, Reds goalkeeping coach John Achterberg wrote beneath a recent Instagram post from Gakpo: "Welcome to the club Cody."

Gakpo will want to play consistently, with the 23-year-old having also been linked with the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid.

He has earned his big move after shining for Ruud van Nistelrooy's side.

He has scored nine goals and provided 12 assists in 14 Eredivisie games this season, the third-highest tally of goal contributions (21) after 14 games in the league since the 1999-00 season – only Van Nistelrooy (27 in 1999-00) and former Liverpool man Luis Suarez (25 in 2009-10) have bettered that tally.

Gakpo also impressed for the Netherlands at the World Cup in Qatar, where he scored three goals.

Daley Blind is now available as a free agent after Ajax announced the termination of his contract on Tuesday.

The 32-year-old has a long association with Ajax, where he began his professional career in 2008, having returned to the Eredivisie side in 2018 following a four-year stint in the Premier League with Manchester United.

Capped 99 times by the Netherlands, Blind's deal with Ajax was due to expire at the end of the season but an early termination has been agreed to allow the defender to find a new club during the mid-season transfer window.

In a statement, Ajax chief executive Edwin Van der Sar said: "Over the course of the last few days, we reached an agreement with Daley to terminate his contract. I hope he can find another club to end his successful career with."

Blind leaves Ajax having made over 300 appearances and won the Eredivisie on seven occasions – only Johan Cruijff and Sjaak Swart have won more league titles with Ajax (both eight).

He had featured in 13 of Ajax's 14 league games this season, starting 11 of those.

Real Betis striker Borja Iglesias is calm about his future and is happy at the club, amid reported interest from Atletico Madrid.

Diego Simeone's side have already lost Matheus Cunha ahead of the mid-season transfer window and could see Joao Felix depart, with the Portugal international heavily linked with several Premier League sides.

That exit would leave Atletico short of attacking options heading into the second half of the season and it is reported Simeone is targeting the addition of a striker when the window opens for business.

Iglesias is said to have attracted Atletico's attention, having scored eight goals in 13 LaLiga appearances this term – only Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski (13) has scored more – but appeared to have little interest in that speculation.

"To this day I have nothing to talk about. I'm focused on Betis, on Thursday, on enjoying our fans again, our stadium and winning," he said, as quoted by El Chiringuito.

"You have to give it normality and be calm. I am happy here and if at any time there is a need to talk, I will speak. No problem. We've joked about the situation and that's it, without giving it much importance.

"I have always felt very loved. I am very happy here and I appreciate that affection. I have nothing to say about all this. I can contribute little to this situation for now."

Betis and Atletico are level on 24 points, alongside Athletic Bilbao, amid a fierce battle for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.

Jonathan David says it is "very possible" he will be on his way to a Premier League club in the near future amid reported links with the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal.

The 22-year-old has starred for Lille this season with nine goals in 15 games and caught the eye in his three appearances for Canada at the 2022 World Cup.

David previously described England's top flight as "the best league in the world" and he has now confirmed he expects to play in the division soon.

"I think it's possible, very possible," he told La Voix du Nord. "I don't know if I can find myself anywhere other than the Premier League. It could well be the Premier League. 

"It's a very nice atmosphere. In England, when I watch the matches, every stadium is full each time. As a player, it motivates you even more."

David is into his third season with Lille and has netted 37 goals in 90 Ligue 1 appearances, a goal tally only four others in the division can better over that period.

United are reportedly considering an approach for the forward in January as they seek a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, while Arsenal are also in the market for an attacker.

And Lille head coach Paulo Fonseca admits his side face a tough task keeping hold of in-demand David, who is under contract until June 2025.

"It will be difficult to keep Jonathan at the club next season," Fonseca told La Voix des Sports. "There aren't many strikers with his skills and numbers in Europe… and he's just 22."

Chelsea are reportedly closing in on a loan deal for Atletico Madrid club-record signing Joao Felix in January.

Felix, 23, was signed in 2019 for €126million after winning the European Golden Boy award with Benfica, shattering Atletico's previous transfer record of Thomas Lemar by over €50m.

However, despite netting 33 goals for his new club, Felix has struggled to consistently earn a spot in their starting XI, with seven of his 12 LaLiga appearances this season coming as a substitute.

Having made such a substantial investment, Atletico are not willing to sell him at a massive loss just yet, and while they have made him available for transfer, a loan move to rehabilitate his value appears far more likely.

TOP STORY – CHELSEA LOOK TO LOAN DEAL TO ADDRESS FORWARD WOES

Chelsea have been actively seeking reinforcements up front, but with significant investment also planned in defence, a cheaper loan deal could be the band-aid solution for their goalscoring issues.

The Telegraph is reporting Chelsea and Atletico are deep in discussions about a deal that would involve either an option or an obligation to turn the loan into a permanent move at the conclusion of the season.

ESPN added Atletico will also demand a loan fee in the range of €9m for the half-season rental.

It remains to be seen if Chelsea can afford to secure a quality forward option in January on a permanent basis, with Fabrizio Romano reporting they are also in the final stages of negotiations for a €35m purchase of 21-year-old Monaco centre-back Benoit Badiashile.

ROUND-UP

– According to CBS, Cristiano Ronaldo has a medical scheduled with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr ahead of signing a contract that will pay him €70m per year.

– The Telegraph is reporting Arsenal have submitted a £55m bid for 21-year-old Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk.

– Napoli will look to sign 26-year-old Wolves winger Adama Traore in January as he enters the final six months of his contract, per Calciomercato.

– The Daily Mail is reporting Everton are one of a number of Premier League clubs showing interest in 20-year-old Manchester United winger Anthony Elanga.

– According to journalist Ekrem Konur, Premier League teams including West Ham, Everton and Aston Villa are considering offers for 28-year-old Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Erik ten Hag believes Manchester United need to sign a striker to replace Cristiano Ronaldo in the January transfer window, though he says they will only move for the right player.

United are targeting attacking reinforcements after terminating Ronaldo's contract last month – a move which came after the five-time Ballon d'Or winner declared he had no respect for Ten Hag in a controversial interview with Piers Morgan.

The Red Devils have scored 20 Premier League goals this season – a tally bettered by 10 teams in the division, while their top goalscorer Marcus Rashford has netted four times.

While a series of forwards have been linked with a move to Old Trafford, Ten Hag says any new arrival must be of a high standard.

"There are two things. First, goals can also come out of our own club; see [Alejandro] Garnacho, see [Anthony] Elanga, see [Facundo] Pellistri, who made a good impression in the World Cup and in the game against Everton last week in training. That is first," Ten Hag said.

"We are aware we lost a striker, so I think we have to get a striker in, but it has to be the right one. 

"The right one will bring quality to the team and not just be an addition to the squad, because that only gives you problems. You know the criteria is high at Manchester United."

Few players have benefitted from Ten Hag's arrival at United more than Rashford, who has equalled last season's tally of four league goals in just 14 appearances this term, but Ten Hag thinks he is capable of more.

"I don't want to pin myself on a number. I said from the start that he is capable of scoring 20 goals in the Premier League, so I am convinced about that," Ten Hag said.

"He now has four but he scored many other goals. He scored three goals at the World Cup, so then you have the potential to score those goals in the Premier League."

One forward who will not be joining United in January is Netherlands international Cody Gakpo, who is set to sign for Liverpool after the Reds reached an agreement with PSV.

Gakpo, who netted three times at the World Cup, is to travel to England in the coming days to finalise a move reportedly worth an initial £37million (€41m) plus add-ons.

Liverpool have reached an agreement to sign Netherlands international Cody Gakpo, his club PSV have announced.

Gakpo has been linked with several of Europe's biggest clubs – including Manchester United and Real Madrid – after emerging as a key part of Ruud van Nistelrooy's side. 

The forward has scored nine goals and provided 12 assists in 14 Eredivisie games this season, the third-highest tally of goal contributions (21) after 14 games in the league since the 1999-00 season – only Van Nistelrooy (27 in 1999-00) and former Liverpool man Luis Suarez (25 in 2009-10) have bettered that tally.

While Erik ten Hag's United have been linked with Gakpo for several months, reports on Monday claimed Liverpool were close to signing the 23-year-old for an initial £37million (€42m) fee.

Having impressed for the Netherlands at the World Cup in Qatar, where he scored three goals, Gakpo is now on course to arrive at Anfield in the January transfer window.

A statement from the Eredivisie giants said: "PSV and Liverpool have reached an agreement on the proposed transfer of Cody Gakpo.

"The 23-year-old attacker will leave for England imminently where he will be subjected to the necessary formalities ahead of the completion of the transfer."

The statement added that both clubs would not make an announcement on the fee, but general manager Marcel Brands did say: "this is a record transfer for PSV," with the club's previous record being the sale of Hirving Lozano to Napoli for a reported €45m.

Should a deal be completed, Gakpo will provide competition in the forward line for Jurgen Klopp's team, who are currently without injured pair Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota.