Barcelona tried to sign Luis Diaz in January but his move to Liverpool was already too far down the line, according to Joan Laporta.

The Colombia winger moved from Porto to Liverpool for a reported fee of an initial £37.5million (€45m), with a further £12.5m (€15m) to come in add-ons.

It was suggested at the time that the Reds had beaten fellow Premier League side Tottenham to Diaz's signature, and Laporta has now admitted that Barca were also looking to do a deal.

"At that time we had just landed at the club and Liverpool beat us to it, but we were considering bringing [Diaz] in," the Barca president said at a press conference in Bogota.

"But we were in an economic situation that we had to resolve and reverse. Liverpool were ahead of us."

Diaz has recorded 16 goal involvements - with 10 goals and six assists - in 38 games for Jurgen Klopp's men since his arrival, winning the EFL Cup, FA Cup and reaching the Champions League final last season.

He has not played since suffering a knee injury in the 3-2 defeat at Arsenal in September, though is expected to be back once the Premier League resumes after the World Cup.

Barca instead signed Daniel Alves, Ferran Torres, Adama Traore and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the last January transfer window, but Laporta says they left it too late to try and land Diaz.

"He's a great player who has a great sense of belonging to Liverpool and I'm not going to talk about it anymore, but we were interested at the time," he added.

"We had a conversation with his representative, but they already had it very advanced [with Liverpool]."

Rafael Leao is very happy in Italy, according to his father, though he also credited Barcelona, Real Madrid and Chelsea with an interest in his son.

The Milan forward was named the best player in Serie A last season after his 11 goals in 34 games helped the Rossoneri win their first Scudetto since 2010-11.

Leao's contract at San Siro expires in 2024, with a number of Europe's top clubs consistently being credited with an interest in him, and his father has named three of them but also did not rule out an extension at Milan.

In an interview with Record, Antonio Leao said: "He feels very comfortable in Milan because the cultures are similar. The Italian club has done a lot for him, but he has become the best player in that league. He is simply the best.

"There is time until the date of 2024 and we will take care of everything, without necessarily Chelsea, Barcelona or Real Madrid.

"He loves being in Italy. He has a predilection for Italians, the one the Portuguese do not have for him.

"He won the award for best player in Serie A not because he was beautiful, but simply… because he is the best."

Leao has scored six in 14 Serie A games for Milan this season, with a further one in six Champions League outings.

He has been named among the 26-man Portugal squad for the World Cup in Qatar, and could feature in their opening game against Ghana on November 24.

Chelsea have reunited Graham Potter with his former Brighton and Hove Albion head of recruitment in a move designed to guide the club's future transfer dealings.

Paul Winstanley worked closely with head coach Potter at Brighton and becomes Chelsea's director of global talent and transfers.

He spent eight years at Brighton, having joined from Derby County, and played a prominent role in assembling the talent that has propelled the Seagulls into the Premier League and kept them among the elite.

Potter left for Chelsea in September, and Winstanley arrives at a point where results have taken a nosedive, with Chelsea losing their last three Premier League matches.

There could be scope for transfer movement in January, but this appointment has been made with a long-term view.

Winstanley said on Chelsea's website: "I'm thrilled to be joining Chelsea and to continue working with Graham Potter and his team.

"There is a real sense of excitement and momentum around the new ownership and this project. I'm looking forward to working with such an outstanding group of colleagues as the club moves into a new era."

Chairman Todd Boehly and co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali said: "Paul is going to be a great addition to Chelsea.

"He's highly respected and is a key senior addition as we continue to build a world-class sporting team with a huge depth of talent, ambition and commitment who will work closely with us to drive Chelsea forward.

"Paul shares our philosophy and will fit seamlessly into the organisation."

Potter's Chelsea side sit eight points adrift of the Premier League's top four going into the World Cup break, albeit with a game in hand over fourth-placed Tottenham. They are level on 21 points with Brighton.

Some of the Premier League's top clubs are reportedly keeping a close eye on Borussia Monchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram – including Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham.

Thuram, 25, is a towering presence up front, standing at six-foot-four and, after arriving at Gladbach from Ligue 1's Guingamp in 2019 for a fee of €12million, he has continued to grow as a goalscorer.

Through just 15 Bundesliga games this season, Thuram has matched his career-high tally of 10 league goals, including strikes against both Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.

His recent run of form has seen him earn a late inclusion into France's World Cup squad as they look to defend their title, and although he may not receive a start, he was worked his way onto the radar of some of the world's elite clubs.

TOP STORY – 25-YEAR-OLD FRANCE INTERNATIONAL LIKELY AVAILABLE ON FREE TRANSFER

Thuram has spent four seasons with Gladbach, and this is looking like his last as he is yet to renew his contract ahead of its expiry date at the end of this campaign.

With a transfer value likely north of €40m, the ability to land a powerful striker entering his prime as a free agent is a deal too good to pass up for forward-hungry Premier League sides.

90min is reporting Tottenham sent scouts over to Germany recently to watch him play, while Liverpool and Arsenal are also mentioned as interested parties.

ROUND-UP

– According to Express, Cristiano Ronaldo could move to Chelsea after the departure of Thomas Tuchel, who was said to be the one blocking the idea.

– Express is also reporting Liverpool, Barcelona and Manchester City have identified 19-year-old Las Palmas midfielder Alberto Moleiro as a target. 

– Sky Sports Germany is reporting 22-year-old Salzburg striker Noah Okafor is available for a January transfer, with City, Liverpool and Milan named as suitors for the €40m-rated Switzerland international.

– Chelsea are confident they have done enough to secure 25-year-old RB Leipzig striker Christopher Nkunku in the January window, per 90min.

– According to Relevo, Barcelona are willing to let Memphis Depay leave on a free transfer in January.

Cristiano Ronaldo's time at Manchester United is surely up. 

Following an explosive interview with Piers Morgan in which the superstar forward said he feels "betrayed" by senior figures at Old Trafford and does not respect manager Erik ten Hag, Ronaldo's departure seems certain.

Having tried and failed to join a new club in the past transfer window, Ronaldo may be granted his wish in January once the World Cup is done and dusted.

If that is the case, there are only a few likely destinations for the Portugal international, who is reportedly eager to continue his career at the highest level despite turning 38 in February.

Napoli

A return to Serie A has been touted for Ronaldo, with Napoli being named as potential suitors earlier this year after losing attacking spearheads Lorenzo Insigne and Dries Mertens. Whether the that remains the case, with Luciano Spalletti's side eight points clear at the Serie A summit, remains to be seen.

But in Ronaldo's three years in Italy with Juventus, no player scored more Serie A goals than his tally of 81 and, despite spending the past year and a half with United, only Ciro Immobile (117) has scored more Serie A goals since 2018.

Napoli would certainly match Ronaldo's aspirations, with Champions League football post-Christmas to look forward to and a first Scudetto since the glory days of Diego Maradona a realistic target. However, the club's finances and the forward's wage demands may prove to be restrictive.

Chelsea

Finances will certainly not be a problem for Chelsea, who are at somewhat of a crossroads following Todd Boehly's takeover earlier this year. The American billionaire is said to have previously met with Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes, but no transfer went through in August.

Thomas Tuchel has since been replaced by Graham Potter in the Stamford Bridge dugout, though, and while the Englishman may not be on board with the idea of signing another ageing attacker, Boehly will very much have the final say.

Whether Ronaldo would accept a move to a Premier League rival, even if his reputation at Old Trafford has plummeted in recent months, is the biggest question regarding any hopes the Blues may have in signing the Portuguese. There is also then the small matter of United agreeing to offload to a domestic rival midway through the campaign, with both sides battling for a top-four finish.

Sporting CP

With a United homecoming already under his belt, could Sporting secure a sensational return of their own and bring Ronaldo back to where it all began? It's certainly not beyond the realm of possibility – especially as he enters the final six months of his United contract.

Ronaldo had just a single season in the senior squad with Sporting before he moved to United, so he may feel he has unfinished business – and it is a side that can definitely compete, having ended a 20-year barren spell without a league title in the 2020-21 season.

That said, Sporting have endured a difficult campaign this time around as they sit fourth in the Primeira Liga and have exited the Champions League. As head coach Ruben Amorim recently stated, however, there is no harm in dreaming of seeing CR7 in the famous green and white strip once again.

Real Madrid

Another possible return destination... could Ronaldo wind back up in the Spanish capital?

The Champions League winners are hardly in need of another superstar forward, given they already have the world's best player in Karim Benzema, but bringing Ronaldo back to the club where he scored 450 goals would surely appeal to president Florentino Perez, who is never shy in his attempts to make statement signings.

Madrid missed out on Kylian Mbappe earlier this year, much to their frustration, and having Ronaldo in their side would undoubtedly provide some depth up top until the PSG forward is further into the new, three-year contract he signed with the French club in May.

MLS

Champions League football has been documented as the reason for Ronaldo's strong desire to leave United but, if such offers are not forthcoming, could a move to MLS be on the cards? 

Financial rules and designated player spots would make a switch complicated, with there only being a handful of teams likely to be able to make a move possible – likely to be those in Los Angeles, Miami and New York.

With the 2026 World Cup taking place in North America, bringing Ronaldo to MLS would raise the profile of the league further – and would undoubtedly be the biggest acquisition for the league since David Beckham's move to LA Galaxy in 2007.

That move marked the start of a new era of soccer in the US and has evolved considerably since, though Ronaldo's arrival would send things to a completely new level.

Barcelona are expected to be major players in the January transfer market after a busy pre-season.

The 26-time Spanish champions are top of LaLiga at the World Cup break but crashed out of the Champions League.

The Blaugrana are still battling financial challenges, while they also have some unsettled players on their books.

TOP STORY – BARCELONA PLOTTING JANUARY GUNDOGAN MOVE

Mundo Deportivo reports that Barcelona are planning to move for Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan in January, with fears Franck Kessie may exit soon.

The Blaugrana are eager to bolster their midfield options and a move for Bernardo Silva appears difficult despite their ongoing interest.

As a result, Barca have turned to the Germany international, whose contract with City ends in mid-2023. The report also claims the Catalans could move for Leicester City's Youri Tielemans.

Kessie has been linked with Premier League clubs Aston Villa and Fulham by Spanish media outlet Sport. The Ivorian only joined in July, but the club's financial position means they are open to letting players go.

ROUND-UP

– Despite being linked with a long list of names, Sport claims Barcelona will only make one signing in the January transfer window, with a right-back seen as a priority. Manchester United's Diogo Dalot, Bayern Munich's Benjamin Pavard and Villarreal's Juan Foyth are among their options.

– New Aston Villa heard coach Unai Emery wants to bring in Real Madrid's Eden Hazard and Nacho Fernandez, according to El Nacional. Spanish boss Emery left Villarreal for the Villans last month.

– Juventus are ready to offer a new contract to French midfielder Adrien Rabiot, claims Tuttosport. Rabiot had been linked with an off-season move, with Manchester United mentioned as a possible destination, but has impressed this term.

– La Gazzetta dello Sport claims Milan are putting together a bid for Chelsea's Hakim Ziyech in January. The Moroccan winger is expected to cost less than €20million (£17.5m).

– Inter are keen on Valencia left-back Jesus Vazquez in January and a mid-2023 move for Borussia Monchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram, reports La Gazetta dello Sport.

Jude Bellingham will be able to decide his future as Borussia Dortmund do not have the financial might to put up a "big fight" to keep him, CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has acknowledged.

Bellingham is regarded as one of the best young players in world football and has shone this season, scoring nine goals and adding three assists in 22 appearances across all competitions.

The England midfielder is now set to play a key part in his country's World Cup campaign, where eyes from European's elite are likely to be cast in the hunt for new additions.

There has been no shortage of interest in Bellingham already, with Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea all reported as potential suitors, and Watzke has made it clear Dortmund will not stand in the way of a sale.

"We will hold talks when the World Cup is over. We will ask him if he wants to stay or leave," he told Bild.

"But when big European clubs come, we can't afford a big fight financially."

Dortmund head into the World Cup break in disappointing form, sitting sixth in the Bundesliga and already nine points behind Bayern Munich at the summit.

Edin Terzic has come under pressure as a result, with Dortmund six points worse off than they were at the same stage last season under Marco Rose, who now occupies second place in the standings with RB Leipzig.

But Watzke is not thinking of another change, explaining: "Marco Rose is a great coach, but we decided together to go our separate ways because some things stood in the way and somehow he never really arrived. Something was there that wasn't right. We don't know for sure ourselves.

"We are still in the Champions League, in the DFB Pokal, too. Edin is a guy who knows and loves the club, but he has a team that is still subject to too much fluctuation.

"But Terzic is doing a great job, so I'm sure we'll enjoy him for a long time to come.

"Terzic is highly regarded at BVB as a whole. I hear from everyone involved how meticulously he works. We will see great things from him.

"Jurgen Klopp fully committed himself to the club for seven years. I see parallels to Edin, who is also totally focused on the club. I also see that with Sebastian Kehl [BVB sporting director] and so it is with me."

Paris Saint-Germain are weighing up their forward options given the uncertainty around Lionel Messi once his contract expires at the end of this season.

Messi has deferred all talk around his future for both club and country until after the upcoming World Cup.

The French champions also have doubts around Kylian Mbappe, who has been the subject of constant speculation despite re-signing until 2025 at the start of the season.

TOP STORY – PSG WEIGH UP SON HEUNG-MIN MOVE

Paris Saint-Germain  are considering a move for Tottenham forward  Son Heung-min , reports El Nacional.

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi will try to speak to Son during the World Cup, where he has been selected by his country despite a fractured eye socket sustained a fortnight ago.

The report claims  Real Madrid  had previous interest in Son, but president Florentino Perez has moved on given the €80million (£70m) asking price for a 30-year-old.

ROUND-UP

–  Chelsea  and  Manchester United  are both keeping a close eye on Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper  Robert Sanchez , according to the Sunday Mirror. That comes in light of a Daily Star report that claims David de Gea will need to accept a £100,000 pay cut to stay at United.

–  Chelsea are Palmeiras' 16-year-old  Endrick 's preferred destination amid interest from numerous clubs, reports ESPN Brazil. Palmeiras have declined an offer from  PSG already.

–  Juventus  held talks this week with Lazio midfielder  Sergej Milinkovic-Savic 's agent about a move to the Bianconeri, claims Calciomercato. The report claims Juve have made him a priority but will likely need to wait until the end of the season.

– L'Equipe reports talks between  Marco Verratti and  PSG  on a new deal are well advanced. The Italian midfielder is contracted until June 2024.

–  Villarreal  are ready to offer a deal to Blackburn's Chile international forward  Ben Brereton Diaz , claims The Sun. Brereton Diaz's contract expires at the end of this season.

Josip Stanisic has signed a new long-term contract with Bayern Munich ahead of linking up with Croatia for the World Cup.

The 22-year-old defender joined Bayern in 2017 and has been part of the first-team squad since April last year.

He has made 29 appearances for the reigning Bundesliga champions in total, 13 of those being starts, and has featured in 11 matches this season.

Bayern confirmed on their official website on Saturday that Stanisic, a member of Croatia's 26-man squad for Qatar 2022, has put pen to paper on a deal running until July 2026.

"This contract extension is a nice vote of confidence from FC Bayern, which I'd like to repay and which motivates me a lot for my further development," Stanisic said. 

"As someone born in Munich, it's a dream to be able to play in this shirt. My goal is to win as many titles as possible with FC Bayern."

Confirmation of academy product Stanisic's new deal comes a day after back-up goalkeeper Sven Ulreich extended his contract until the end of next season.

Bayern face Schalke on Saturday for their final Bundesliga outing prior to the World Cup hiatus.

Barcelona forward Memphis Depay reportedly is looking to leave the club on a free transfer in January, and a trio of high-profile Premier League teams are mentioned as potential suitors.

Depay, 28, played 38 games for the Catalan giants in the 2021-22 campaign, but he has found himself on the outside looking in this season, appearing in only three contests.

With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, and Barcelona looking to shed his salary to increase their financial flexibility, the Netherlands international is hopeful his exit can be arranged mid-season.
 

TOP STORY – PREMIER LEAGUE TEAMS CIRCLE OUT-OF-FAVOUR BARCA FORWARD

According to Mundo Deportivo, Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham are paying close attention to Depay's situation with Barcelona.

If he is allowed to leave on a free transfer, United are said to have strong interest in bringing him back to Old Trafford, where he spent two seasons from 2015 to 2017 before being sold to Lyon.

The report also mentions Chelsea and Tottenham, who had interest in the previous transfer window before deciding against a move.

Depay has not played since a September 22 Nations League match for the Netherlands against Poland, but if he puts on a show at the World Cup, interest could skyrocket.

ROUND-UP

– According to The Guardian, Erik ten Hag plans on selling United captain Harry Maguire at the end of the season.

– 90min is reporting Arsenal are planning moves for Leicester City's Youri Tielemans and Palmeiras' 21-year-old Danilo in a bid to strengthen their midfield in January.

– Newcastle United will rival Arsenal in the chase for 21-year-old Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk, who will reportedly cost in the range of £100million, per Football Insider.

– The Daily Mail is reporting Chelsea have hosted 16-year-old Palmeiras prodigy Endrick on an official club visit, introducing him to fellow Brazilian Thiago Silva.

– Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund have shown interest in 20-year-old Leeds right-back Cody Drameh, per the Daily Mail.

Bayern Munich's back-up goalkeeper Sven Ulreich has signed a one-year contract extension to remain at the Allianz Arena until the end of next season.

The 34-year-old has played second fiddle to Manuel Neuer throughout his six-and-a-half seasons with Bayern, spanning over two spells either side of a season with Hamburg.

Ulreich has played 86 times for Bayern, compared to 284 outings for Neuer over that period, with the majority of his games coming in the 2017-18 campaign when the Germany great was injured.

He has featured eight times so far this campaign and recently outlined his intention to agree fresh terms with the Bavarian giants.

Bayern confirmed on their website on Friday that Ulreich has officially put pen to paper on a new deal, ensuring he will stay in place beyond the end of the current campaign.

"I'm very happy to stay on at FC Bayern," Ulreich said. "The cooperation with the whole team and especially with Manuel Neuer has grown into something special over many years. 

"We're perfectly attuned to each other and I really enjoy my job. FC Bayern knows that I'm always there when they need me. 

"The goal is to win more titles, that's what we're all here for, that's what we give everything for every day."

Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic added: "This contract extension shows the sporting value Sven has for our team. 

"He was and always is a reliable performer when needed, but also in the changing room. 

"It's hugely important for us that he's been very well attuned with Manuel Neuer in the training group of our goalkeepers for years. 

"They both support each other, and we need that in this important position. I'm happy we'll continue working together."

Pierre Kalulu is set to stay at Milan until 2027 after the defender signed a two-year extension to his previous deal at San Siro.

The 22-year-old, who arrived just over two years ago from Lyon's reserve team, has emerged as a regular fixture in the Rossoneri's back-line and has been rewarded for his fine form.

Kalulu was originally contracted to Milan until 2025, but he has become the latest key man to commit his long-term future to the Serie A champions.

"Milan is pleased to announce the extension of Pierre Kalulu's contract until 30 June 2027," read a brief club statement.

"Pierre joined AC Milan in the summer of 2020 and has since made 75 appearances, carving out an important space in the Rossoneri defence."

Fikayo Tomori, Kalulu's defensive partner, and Sandro Tonali have also both signed new deals since the start of the season, as has coach Stefano Pioli. Theo Hernandez agreed an extension back in February.

Kalulu played 28 games and scored one goal in Serie A last season. He has featured 14 times in the league this term, as well as starting all six of Milan's Champions League matches.

Joao Felix is angling for a way out of Atletico Madrid, having fallen out of favour in Spain.

The 22-year-old has started only eight of the 17 games he has played in this season, netting three goals.

The forward is contracted with Atletico until 2026, having signed a bumper seven-year deal when joining from Benfica in 2019.

TOP STORY – PSG PLOTTING JANUARY LOAN MOVE FOR JOAO FELIX

Paris Saint-Germain have joined the list of clubs interested in Atletico Madrid's wantaway forward Joao Felix, according to Le Parisien.

PSG may look to sign the Portuguese on loan in January, having been interested in a move for him during the last transfer window.

Joao Felix has also been linked with Bayern Munich and Manchester United, with both clubs reportedly bidding for him in the last transfer window.

ROUND-UP

– Borussia Dortmund are bullish they can ward off interest in their 19-year-old midfielder Jude Bellingham and retain his services, reports 90min. Real Madrid, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United are all keen on the England international.

– Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa may have penned a new contract last week, but Manchester United are still monitoring the 23-year-old, reports Nicolo Schira. United will keep an eye on him during the World Cup, although he has a €75million (£65m) release clause.

– Arsenal are willing to fork out £56m to land Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Mykhailo Mudryk, according to Dean Jones on GiveMeSport.

– Roma are interested in out-of-favour Barcelona full-back Hector Bellerin, having failed to lure Manchester United's Diogo Dalot, reports Calciomercato.

– West Ham have identified Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Kouadio Kone as their top transfer target, reports Bild.

France international Benjamin Pavard has hinted he could leave Bayern Munich if presented with an appealing project elsewhere.

Pavard joined Bayern from Bundesliga rivals Stuttgart in 2019 and has won three German top-flight titles during his time with the Bavarian giants, as well as lifting the Champions League trophy in 2020.

The 26-year-old has made 20 appearances for Bayern this season, starting 16 times and contributing to five clean sheets.

However, in an interview with L'Equipe, Pavard suggested he may be open to swapping the Bundesliga for a new challenge, saying: "I'm not against discovering a new project. This may be the time. 

"There have been no specific discussions. For the moment, I am focused on the World Cup.

"I have immense respect for Bayern. Here, I learnt the requirements of the very top level, and it is an honour to wear this jersey.

"Why not discover a new country, a new culture? But the sports project must be interesting. I'm not going to leave for nothing."

The wing-back played a key role as France won their second World Cup in 2018, but Les Bleus' preparations for their defence of the trophy in Qatar have been fraught with difficulties.

France narrowly avoided relegation from the top tier of the Nations League after losing three of their six fixtures in Group A1 this year, but Pavard has no concerns about the team's form ahead of the World Cup.

"I'm not worried. It is better to have difficulties before the big competition than during it," Pavard added. "We have a team with new young players who just arrived, it is normal to need time."

Memphis Depay in unsettled at Barcelona, having only managed two league appearances this campaign.

The 28-year-old Dutchman has fallen out of favour under Xavi this term, despite scoring 13 goals last season.

Depay joined the Blaugrana in June 2021 on a two-year contract, with that deal expiring at the end of this season.

TOP STORY – SEVILLA PLOT JANUARY MOVE FOR DEPAY

Sevilla are weighing up a January swoop for Barcelona's wantaway forward Memphis Depay, claims Fichajes.

The Netherlands international has reportedly sought a way out of Camp Nou, with claims he has requested a release letter, enabling him to be signed for free in January.

New Sevilla head coach Jorge Sampaoli is not satisfied with his side's attacking options after their dismal start to the LaLiga campaign.

ROUND-UP

– Napoli forward Victor Osimhen is on Manchester United's radar as they weigh up striker options for next season, according to the Manchester Evening News. Real Madrid are also interested in the Nigerian, claims Sport.

– Benfica's Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez is also garnering interest from Manchester United, reports Record.

– Bayern Munich's hierarchy are split on the prospect of signing Tottenham forward Harry Kane, with concerns raised that he would not suit their style, claims Bild.

– Mundo Deportivo reports Newcastle United are interested in Real Betis' forward Nabil Fekir, but the Spanish club want €50million for him.

– The Evening Standard claims Arsenal are pondering allowing Marquinhos to exit on loan in January. The Brazilian forward has played once in the league this season.