Good evening people and welcome to Sportskeeda's latest transfer news and rumours roundup. With the transfer window now open, all the top clubs from around Europe are looking to plug gaps in their squads. So, without wasting further time, let's take a look at the major transfer stories from around the globe which made headlines on January 3, 2018:
La Liga
Real Madrid open to offering three players to Spurs for Harry Kane
Day by day, an interest for Harry Kane from the Real Madrid boardroom is intensifying. But the club hierarchy is supposedly worried about the striker's €200 million. Club supremo Florentino Perez has hence come up with a new plan to convince his counterpart, Daniel Levy to accept their offer.
Diario Gol has claimed that Real Madrid are ready to offer three players in return for Harry Kane or any one player out of the three plus cash for the Spurs number 9. The players that Madrid are ready to include in any deal for Harry Kane are Gareth Bale, Matteo Kovacic and Luka Modric. Los Blancos seem to have become really desperate to nab an upgrade on Karim Benzema.
Four-way race for Nicolas Gaitan
Diego Simeone is reportedly looking to trim his striking options after the arrival of Diego Costa. Gaitan, who has made just 12 appearances this season seems to be high on Atletico's offloading list.
The Argentine playmaker has been linked with a move to the Premier League with as many as four clubs interested in him. AS reports that the likes of Southampton, Everton, Crystal Palace and West Ham United are all monitoring the 29-year-old.
Serie A
Inter Milan plotting a swap deal with Manchester United
Luciano Spalletti is reportedly hell-bent on signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan this winter and has now come up with a new strategy to secure the Armenian's signature.
Corriere Dello Sport reports that Inter Milan are ready to offer Joao Mario in return who has yet to impress Spalletti and warrant a starting berth. Both the players are valued at £35 million by their respective clubs.
Juventus miss out on top target
The Bianconeri have missed out on the signing of Nicolò Barella. The young central midfielder has today penned a new four deal with his parent club, Cagliari. Barella's new deal will see him with his current side until 2022. Juventus and Liverpool were linked with the promising midfielder.
Bundesliga
Bayern Munich confirm interest in Leon Goretzka
In what is set to be a huge transfer blow for Liverpool, Bayern Munich have today confirmed their interest in Schalke's Leon Goretzka. Speaking with the press in Doha, Munich's sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has admitted club's interest in the 22-year-old.
Salihamidzic said, “Leon Goretzka is a great player, that’s clear. But he is a Schalke player and we obviously respect that. But he is a Germany international and we can say that we are interested in him.” Goretzka has already scored four league goals this campaign.
Thiago Alcantara eyeing a return to FC Barcelona
Thiago's father, Mazinho has today revealed that his son is eyeing a return to Barcelona. It is believed that Thiago is unhappy with life at Bayern Munich and has not been satisfied with his role under Jupp Heynckes. Thiago left Barcelona in 2013 and has since then gone on to become one of the best in his position. He is valued by the Bavarians at around €91 million.
Premier League
Manchester City hold talks with Samuel Umtiti
If the good folks at L'equipe are to be believed, Manchester City have held talks with Samuel Umtiti and his representatives. Umtiti has a release clause of €60 million and is reportedly excited about the idea of working under Pep Guardiola.
Manchester City are looking at centre-back options after the recent injuries to John Stones and Vincent Kompany have put their defensive options at stretch. Guardiola is said to be impressed by the Frenchman's form this season and is looking to raid his former side for a key figure from their side.
Liverpool make a last ditch effort to make Philippe Coutinho stay
After reports emerged about Philippe Coutinho having already played his last game for Liverpool, a recent advancement has arrived in this long drawn transfer saga. Mundo Deportivo claims that Liverpool tried a last ditch effort to make Coutinho stay at Anfield by offering him the club captaincy and also a new contract which will see him become the club's highest ever earner.
Rest of Europe
PSG closing in on Lassana Diarra
According to SFR Sport, Paris Saint-Germain are in advanced talks to sign the 32-year-old free agent and former Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra. The veteran has been a free agent since he was released by Al Jazira. Along with the Parisians, AC Milan, Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are also linked with the hard-working midfielder.
Arsenal eyeing Konstantinos Mavropanos
Arsenal are reportedly in the final stages of negotiations with PAS Giannina for the transfer of 20-year-old central defender, Konstantinos Mavropanos. The youngster has played for the Greek U-21 side and is being seen as the one for the future by the Gunners. He is set to sign this week for Arsenal and will then be immediately shipped to Werder Bremen on a six-month loan spell.