Manchester United closing in on second blockbuster signing of the month, Chelsea hit a roadblock in Edin Dzeko's pursuit, and more: Transfer round-up, 24 January 2018

Good evening folks and welcome to Sportskeeda's latest transfer news and rumours roundup. The final week of the transfer window is fast approaching and with that, we can expect all the top clubs to up the ante. With the Sanchez saga finally sorted, it is time for other top clubs to make their mark in the winter market.

So without wasting further time, let's take a look at the major transfer stories from around the globe which made headlines on 24 January 2018.

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Premier League

Manchester United shift their focus towards Jean Michael Seri

After securing Alexis Sanchez, Jose Mourinho and Manchester United have now turned their attention towards securing the services of Nice's Jean Michael Seri. The Red Devils are confident of completing a deal this week after knowing that Seri can leave for a fee far less than his market value this month.

The Sun reports that Mourinho is looking to improve his midfield unit and has identified Seri to play a crucial role with Michael Carrick set to retire in May whereas Marouane Fellaini is destined to leave in the summer. Seri is one of the most sought-after midfielders of recent times and signing him can have a bigger and long-term impact than the Sanchez signing.

Raheem Sterling to sign a new bumper deal

Though Manchester City have not yet made a signing this month, the club has been busy in securing the futures of the current lot. After tying down the likes of Nicolas Otamendi, Fernandinho, and Kevin De Bruyne to long-term contracts, the Daily Mirror reports that Raheem Sterling is next on the club's radar.

It is said that the 23-year-old will be offered a new three year deal with a basic salary of £220,000 which will keep him at the Etihad until 2023.

Serie A

Edin Dzeko wants a longer contract from Chelsea

Personal terms an issue in Edin Dzeko's transfer to Chelsea

Chelsea are said to be inching closer in their pursuit of the AS Roma duo of Edin Dzeko and Emerson Palmeiri. But particularly a deal for the striker is proving to be a roadblock for the Blues. Though a transfer fee of £44 million plus bonuses has been agreed with Roma, personal terms for Dzeko still remain a worry, according to Evening Standard.

Chelsea do not offer more than a year's extension to any player above 30 years of age. But Dzeko, 31, will sign if only offered at least a two-year deal to move back to England. The Blues are currently unsure of breaking their transfer policy which is delaying this huge double transfer.

West Ham United hold talks with Inter Milan over Joao Mario

The Hammers have held preliminary talks with Inter over a potential deal for Joao Mario, the Daily Mail reports. David Moyes is desperate to land reinforcements after recently losing Manuel Lanzini and Marko Arnautovic to injuries.

Meanwhile, Inter Milan need to lower their wage bill in order to comply with FFP regulations. Mario is ready for a move to the Premier League but Inter are holding out for a loan fee or an assurance to buy in the summer.

Bundesliga

Arsenal inch closer towards signing Aubameyang

Arsenal increase their offer for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

After seeing their original bid of £45 million being turned down, Arsenal are back for Aubameyang with a renewed offer. Mirror has reported that the Gunners have tabled a new £50 million bid for the striker. All parties want this move to happen and a consensus may be reached soon.

West Bromwich Albion show an interest in Andre Schurrle

According to the Daily Mail, West Brom are looking at the option to take Andre Schurrle on board for the remainder of the season. The World Cup winner has been offered to a number of Premier League clubs by Borussia Dortmund and the Bundesliga side is also willing to pay part of his wages.

The 27-year-old has fallen out of favour at Westfalenstadion and needs regular playing time to have a chance of getting on that plane to Russia.

La Liga

Aymeric Laporte (left) is the latest player on Manchester City's radar

Manchester City closing in on Aymeric Laporte

Sky Sports has revealed that Manchester City are confident of completing a deal for Athletic Bilbao's Aymeric Laporte this week. City are ready to activate the centre back's £60 million release clause with the next step being to agree on personal terms with the player.

Laporte has two years left on his current contract but City are confident of signing him this month after failing to land him two years ago. If this transfer pans out right, it has all the ingredients to be the signing of the window!

FC Barcelona confirm Javier Mascherano's departure

The Catalans have today announced an agreement with Hebei Fortune over the sale of Javier Mascherano. The Argentine will join the Chinese Super League side on January 26. Mascherano played 334 matches for Barcelona, in an eight-year-long stint where he won 18 trophies.

Rest of the world

The next Socceroos boss?

Louis van Gaal offered the managerial position at Australia

The former Manchester United manager is linked with a sensational return to management. Mirror has claimed that Australia have offered LvG a chance to manage the Socceroos at the World Cup. The 66-year-old is out of work since 2016 and may be interested in managing at such a top level again. Van Gaal had guided the Netherlands to a World Cup semi-finals spot in his last stint with a national side.

Arsenal linked with Brazilian wonderkid

Arsenal have reportedly scouted Corinthians' wonderkid Maycon on a number of occasions this season and the reports back to London have been promising. The Gunners will look to sign him up soon with the 20-year-old also being a reported Napoli target. The Sun understands that Corinthians want £9 million for the attacker but Arsenal fear that a work permit may be a bigger issue for the youngster.