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Endrick, Alex Scott and the transfer rumours gathering pace before January
4 min read
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Endrick could have a choice between England and Italy, Chelsea are being linked with another attempt to sign Alex Scott, and Manchester United’s interest in Jarrad Branthwaite has resurfaced. The January window is still more than two months away, but several recognisable names are already at the centre of transfer speculation.
These stories have different levels of substance. Scott has attracted previous bids, Endrick’s situation depends heavily on Real Madrid’s willingness to approve a loan, and some of United’s reported targets remain scouting links rather than negotiations. For anyone following football betting, that distinction matters before assessing how a potential signing might change a team.
The Premier League window opens on 1 January 2027 and closes at 23:00 GMT on 1 February. Until then, the most interesting developments concern players whose availability could change before clubs can register new arrivals.
Chelsea could return for Alex Scott
Alex Scott’s potential departure is one of the more substantial stories because Chelsea have already tried to sign him.
According to The Times, Bournemouth rejected multiple Chelsea offers above £60 million during the summer. The newspaper reported on 13 October that Bournemouth would now consider a January sale, although their valuation is around £100 million.
That leaves a considerable gap between Chelsea’s previous bids and the figure Bournemouth reportedly want. A renewed approach would require a much larger financial commitment.
Scott’s contract runs until 2028, and The Times reported that an extension had not been agreed. Bournemouth therefore have a decision approaching, but they are not facing an immediate contract deadline.
Their league position could be equally important. The reported conditions for a sale include Bournemouth being sufficiently comfortable in the Premier League. A difficult run before Christmas could make the club much less willing to lose him, regardless of Chelsea’s interest.
Liverpool have also been mentioned as a possible destination. However, The Times distinguished their potential interest from Chelsea’s previous bidding and questioned the likelihood of another major January investment.
Chelsea consequently look like the more developed link at this stage. That does not mean a deal is close. Bournemouth’s asking price gives them considerable control, and no January agreement has been announced.
Aston Villa and AC Milan are linked with Endrick
Endrick’s next move could be a loan rather than a permanent transfer.
Recent reporting has connected Aston Villa and AC Milan with the Real Madrid forward. TalkSPORT reported Villa’s interest in a January loan, while reports attributed to La Gazzetta dello Sport suggested that Endrick would be receptive to joining Milan.
The attraction for either club is understandable. A temporary arrangement could provide access to a talented young forward without requiring agreement on a permanent valuation. For Madrid, a loan would allow them to retain the player while giving him a chance to play more regularly.
The obstacle is Madrid’s position. TalkSPORT reported that José Mourinho had insisted Endrick was not available for sale or loan. Unless that stance changes, discussion about his preferred destination remains secondary.
Villa would need to explain how he fits into their attack immediately. A move carrying the promise of Premier League football would have limited value if he simply exchanged one substitute’s bench for another.
Milan would face the same requirement. Their name and history might appeal, but the proposed role should matter more than the destination’s profile.
On the available reporting, these are competing possibilities rather than an established race with a clear favourite. The next meaningful development would be Madrid approving negotiations or setting conditions for a loan.
Manchester United’s Branthwaite interest has returned
Manchester United’s links with Jarrad Branthwaite have a longer history than most January rumours. Everton rejected two United offers in 2024, and renewed interest has been reported this autumn.
Reporting attributed to journalist Pete O’Rourke has suggested that United are considering another attempt in January. However, interest alone does not establish that a fresh bid is being prepared.
Branthwaite signed a five-year Everton contract in July 2025. That is an important detail because it limits the pressure on Everton to negotiate. United cannot rely on an approaching contract expiry to bring the price down.
A midseason transfer would also require Everton to accept losing an established defender while trying to maintain their own results. Replacing him during a short window could be difficult even if a substantial fee were available.
For United, the question is how much of their recruitment budget they would commit to revisiting a target whose club has previously resisted their approaches.
This is a credible story to monitor because the interest predates the current window. It is still some distance from evidence that Everton and United are discussing a deal.
Troy Parrott is a more speculative United link
Troy Parrott is another forward being connected with Manchester United, although this story needs more caution.
Recent reports have linked United with the Real Betis striker. Football365, citing reporting about Betis’s position, stated that the Spanish club did not intend to sell him in January.
Other coverage has referred to a reported €80 million release clause. That figure should not be confused with an agreed asking price or evidence that United are willing to pay it.
The distinction is particularly relevant here. A club watching a player, discussing him internally and submitting an offer are separate stages. The public reporting does not establish that United have reached the last of those.
Parrott is therefore a name for the watchlist rather than a likely January arrival. Unless stronger reporting emerges about contact between the clubs, the suggested transfer remains an early link.
Which story could move first?
Endrick’s situation could change quickly if Madrid approve a loan. Negotiations would then centre on playing time, costs and the conditions of his return.
Scott’s case is more expensive and more dependent on Bournemouth’s position. Chelsea’s previous offers make the interest tangible, but the reported £100 million valuation creates a substantial obstacle.
The United stories currently offer less evidence of immediate movement. Branthwaite has a long contract and a club that has resisted selling him before. Parrott’s link is newer and more speculative.
Those differences are what make the coming weeks worth following. A managerial statement, a new contract or a confirmed approach could alter the picture well before the window opens.
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