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TRANSFER RUMOURS: Man Utd start fresh talks as first January deal agreed
Cameron Smith
- 29 Dec 2025 14:55 GMT
- 7 min read
News
The January transfer window is expected to be extremely busy as clubs across world football aim to sign reinforcements for the second half of the 2025-26 season.
Below, FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 29 December, including the latest updates on Manchester United and Celtic.
Man Utd talks
Manchester United are reportedly in “serious negotiations” to sign Auxerre striker Lassine Sinayoko on a free transfer next summer.
That is according to a shock report from AfricaFoot, who claim that Man Utd officials are in talks with Sinayoko’s representatives over a Bosman deal when his current contract at Auxerre expires at the end of June.
It’s reported that Man Utd are hoping to finalise a pre-agreement with Sinayoko during the upcoming January transfer window, with the 13-time Premier League champions set to offer the Mali international an annual salary of €3 million.
Current ETV
Lassine Sinayoko
F (C), M (R)
Auxerre
Lassine Sinayoko
F (C), M (R)
Auxerre
ETV Range
€2.1M - €3.1M
Celtic agree January deal
Celtic have reached an agreement to send summer signing Hayato Inamura on loan to FC Tokyo, according to reports in Japan.
The 23-year-old has only made one first-team appearance for Celtic since his arrival in Scotland, while he has been excluded from the matchday squad in 28 of their 30 competitive fixtures in 2025-26.
As a result, he has unsurprisingly been linked with an early Celtic Park exit and the Glasgow giants have now reached a basic agreement to send the 23-year-old on loan to FC Tokyo next month, as per Japanese outlet Daily.
Chelsea want to re-sign Antonio Rudiger
Chelsea are reportedly among the clubs interested in signing Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger on a Bosman deal in 2026.
The Blues have pivoted their transfer strategy to signing the most talented youngsters from across world football in recent seasons, however they are among the clubs interested in finalising a deal for Rudiger next year.
That is according to Spanish publication AS, who report that Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Galatasaray and Paris Saint-Germain are also keeping close tabs on Rudiger’s situation at Real Madrid as they pursue a potential free transfer.
Kylian Mbappe blocks Real Madrid transfer
Real Madrid are ready to trigger the €90 million release clause included in Vitinha’s current contract with Paris Saint-Germain, but Spanish publication Defensa Central have confirmed that president Nasser Al-Khelaifi will block a possible transfer due to Kylian Mbappe.
The Frenchman famously left PSG to join Real Madrid on a Bosman deal in 2024 and Al-Khelaifi remains furious about the deal.
As a result, he reportedly has no intention of allowing Vitinha to follow in Mbappe’s footsteps and he will do “everything in his power” to stop the 25-year-old from joining the Spanish giants next year.
Juventus ready to lodge fresh Kenan Yildiz contract offer
Juventus are set to offer Kenan Yildiz a new contract proposal as they look to fend off significant transfer interest from the Premier League.
The Turkey international is yet to respond to Juventus’ first contract proposal of €4 million-per-year and they are now willing to improve the terms on offer in a bid to finalise an agreement.
That is according to Italian publication Tuttosport, who claim that Juventus are ready to offer Yildiz an annual salary of €6m on a deal that will run until 2031.
Chelsea eye Oscar Bobb
Chelsea have reportedly rekindled their interest in Manchester City star Oscar Bobb, but they may need to sell Pedro Neto before pursuing a deal for the Norwegian.
Bobb still has three-and-a-half years remaining on his current contract with Man City, but he has been tipped to leave the club during the upcoming winter window and several teams are closely monitoring his situation.
Crystal Palace, Fulham and Sevilla are all interested in signing the 22-year-old, as per multiple reports, while Chelsea journalist Simon Phillips has confirmed that Enzo Maresca’s side are also in the race for his signature.
Other Transfer Rumours
Leeds United are eager to sign Chelsea outcast Axel Disasi during the upcoming January transfer window. (Football Insider)
Man Utd are eager to re-sign Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay, although they may face competition from Arsenal, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur. (CaughtOffside)
Liverpool are preparing a €95m bid for Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni. (Fichajes)
Jude Bellingham will not leave Real Madrid next year, despite rumours of interest from Chelsea and Man Utd. (TEAMtalk)
Fulham want to sign USA striker Ricardo Pepi in January, who is valued at around €45m by PSV. (The Daily Mail)
Crystal Palace and Newcastle are set to battle Real Madrid for the signing of AZ Alkmaar wonderkid Kees Smit. (talkSPORT)
Omar Marmoush, Samu Aghehowa and Kenan Yildiz are all on Tottenham’s transfer radar ahead of January. (Evening Standard)
Football transfer news headlines today
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Man Utd reach 'agreement' for SECOND 2026 signing
Arsenal close to record-breaking transfer as Arteta makes 'decisive move'
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