Transfer news and rumours of the day: 16 December 2015

Lionel Messi and Neymar to leave Barcelona and move to the Premier League?The winter transfer window gets closer with each passing day and the transfer rumour mill is starting to pick up steam. There has been a buzz around many players and clubs, some needing reinforcements, others seeking moves away from their respective clubs for more than a single reason. Nonetheless, the January window is poised to give us some interesting news.Here are the top transfer news and rumours of the day from leagues around Europe.

#1 Serie A

- Palermo are considering bringing back ex-striker Kyle Lafferty who currently plays for Norwich, Sky Sports reports. The Northern Irishman had a good 2013/14 season with the club when he scored 11 goals in 34 matches. The 28-year-old is in desperate need of some game time as he wants to get a place in Northern Ireland’s squad for the Euro 2016.

- Juventus have not given up hope of signing Chelsea midfielder Oscar, Daily Mail reports. The Turin giants will supposedly wait till the summer to submit a bid for the Brazilian because by then Paul Pogba’s situation will be cleared, who is reportedly a transfer target for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

- Roma are currently monitoring the situation of Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho, Inside Roma reports. The Giallorossi have reportedly enquired about the 25-year-old and the defender himself is keen on the move as he wants to cement his position in the French squad for Euro 2016.

#2 La Liga

- The Real Madrid board might ask Zinedine Zidane to replace Rafa Benitez at the helm of the first team, Marca reports. The club is rapidly losing faith in the ex-Liverpool boss, and the loss against Villarreal has increased further pressure on his managerial job at the club. Reportedly, one more loss can result in Benitez losing his place.

However, Zidane said earlier in November that he is not in a hurry to leave Real Madrid Castilla and believes he still has a long time to go.

“I have a long way to go and, anyway, a manager is never really fully formed. What I am doing, as I did when I was a player, I am doing bit by bit. I am not in a hurry for anything. My current job is Castilla and I am going to continue with it.”

- Barcelona’s transfer target Nolito is set to extend his contract with Celta Vigo. The 29-year-old himself said that he would be renewing his contract with Celta in the near future.

“They are only rumours. I want to be loud and clear, it is only what I have read in the press and what my friends have told me,” he said.

“I think that if Barca really want me they'll call Celta, and as far as I know they haven't done so. The truth is that I am happy in Vigo and that is why, some minor details pending, I will be renewing with Celta soon. I am only sure that I am doing well here and I have decided to renew.”

- Real Madrid are preparing to replace Cristiano Ronaldo with Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez, talksport reports. The Chilean has reached new heights since his move to the Emirates and Los Blancos are planning to submit a bid for Sanchez if Ronaldo plans to leave the club at the end of the season.

#3 English Premier League

Riyad Mahrez will stay with Leicester City this season

- Leicester City midfielder Riyad Mahrez has rejected the notion that he will leave the club in January amidst interest from Arsenal and Tottenham.

“It’s best for me to stay until the end of the season,” Mahrez said. “I was at Le Havre, I had six months left, but nobody came to get me. Leicester tried very hard to get me. I could feel that they wanted me.

“I took the decision without knowing the culture or the area. It was a risk. When you come from far away and you end up in the Premier League it makes you happy. I am happy that I signed for Leicester.”

- Manchester United are upping their interest in Barcelona winger Neymar, The Sun reports. United CEO Ed Woodward is desperate to land the Brazilian in the summer transfer window and has started talks with his representatives. Supposedly, the 23-year-old has shown some interest in the move after he was offered high wages from the Manchester-based club.

- On the other hand, Manchester City are working hard to bring in Lionel Messi from Barcelona, according to The Sun. Man City CEO Khaldoon Al Mubarak is attempting to sign the Argentine talisman and money is reportedly not an issue with the club and they are ready to offer as much as £1m in weekly wages.

- Chelsea are looking to bring in either Isco or Koke in the January transfer window, The Independent reports. The defending champions have had a torrid season thus far and are in desperate need of some reinforcement. Jose Mourinho is supposedly ready to dish out £40million for the Atletico star and Real Madrid’s Isco might attract a similar amount as well.

#4 Rest of Europe

- Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola has made it clear that he will clear the air about his future next week. The Spaniard has been linked with Manchester United and Manchester City over the past few weeks.

“Tonight I have no answer,” he said. “Next week you will know the answer. Next week there will be clarity.”

- Galatasaray are interested in the signing of Chelsea midfielder John Obi-Mikel, Turkish media outlet Takvim reports. The defensive midfielder has not featured much for the English champions this term and is open for a move to Turkey. Galatasaray are believed to be ready to submit a bid of around £7.2 million this January.

- Marseille look set to make a loan move for Remy Cabella from Newcastle a permanent one, Sportsmole reports. The 25-year-old has been on loan at the Ligue 1 club since August and has impressed with his performances.

Edited by Staff Editor