Transfer news and rumours of the day: 25 December 2015

Will Pique move to the USA to join David Beckham’s upcoming MLS franchise after his Barcelona career With the January transfer window around the corner, the media is abuzz with transfer rumours flying thick and fast. There has been a buzz around many a player and club, 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

Cole will be eager to leave his Serie A nightmare as he looks to join Steven Gerrard at LA Galaxy

Turin giants Juventus are reported to be keen on landing Borussia Dortmund midfield enforcer Ilkay Gundogan. The German International has a contract which extends til 2017 but is rumored to be content on waiting till the end of the season to make a decision on his next move.

Former England, Chelsea and Arsenal left back Ashley Cole is said to be looking for a fresh lease of life as he is linked to a move to the MLS after a disastrous spell with AS Roma. It has been suggested that Cole is likely to join former England captain Steven Gerard at LA Galaxy in the USA.

AC Milan duo Antonio Nocerino and Diego Lopez have reportedly been placed on the transfer list by the club. It has been understood that the pair have fallen out of manager Sinisa Mihajlovic’s plans and that there was no way back for the duo.

Former Real Madrid keeper Lopez is said to be the target for Premier League clubs and while Genoa are keen on Nocerino.

#2 La Liga

Manchester United are looking to capitalise on the strained relations between Rodriguez and manager Rafa Benitez

Gerard Pique has been invited by former Real Madrid and Manchester United winger David Beckham to join his upcoming MLS Miami franchise after the defender winds up his career at the Nou Camp. Though the defender has not given his confirmation to the former England captain, it is being reported that Pique’s reaction has been ‘positive’.

It is also understood that Pique as always dreamed of a move to the MLS during the twilight of his career and feels the United States is the perfect place for his post-retirement business plans.

In an astonishing development, it has been reported that Real Madrid star James Rodriguez is set to be a target for 20-time Premier League champions Manchester United. The Columbian is said to have a strained relationship with Los Blancos manager Rafael Benitez and wants a move away from Spain.

United are said to be very interested in signing the 24-year-old and have funds available to bring the midfielder to the Premier League in January.

Ukraine winger Andriy Yarmalenko has emerged as a surprise target for Spanish powerhouses Real Madrid. The star who has been with Dynamo Kyiv 2007 was a potential target for Real’s arch-rivals Barcelona, but the Catalans have dropped their interest in the Ukrainian International.

A number of Premier League clubs have also been credited with an interest, but it is thought that the Ukrainian favours a move to Spain.

Benfica are reportedly close to securing the services of Barcelona youngster Alex Grimaldo. It is believed that the 20-year-old is highly regarded at Camp Nou, but he is yet to make a senior appearance for the Catalans.

#3 Premier League

Will Wenger be able to land the Mexican Hernandez who has been in superlative form so far this season?

In a sensational move, Arsene Wenger is reportedly keen to sign former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez from German side Bayer Leverkusen for a fee of 13.2 million pounds.

The Mexican has been in sensational form for the Bundesliga outfit this season. With Arsenal in the market for a quality striker, they are expected move ahead and try to sign him in the winter transfer window.

Wenger is also on the hunt for a defensive midfielder following injuries to Santi Cazorla and Francis Coquelin and has reportedly sent scouts to Porto to check out the 24-year-old FC Porto midfielder Danilo Pereira.

Reportedly, Arsenal have been impressed by the Portuguese international and are now ready to make a swoop for him next month. Porto are likely to be reluctant sellers, having only signed Pereira from Maritimo last summer, but may be tempted by a big-money offer.

Radamel Falcao is set to leave Chelsea after another disastrous spell in England. The Colombian, still on loan from Monaco, has flopped at both Manchester United last season and now Chelsea and is a major January target for Mexican side Club America.

Arsenal are set to send Calum Chambers back to Southampton on a six-month loan deal in January. The 20-year-old who was bought from the Saints in 2014, has found first-team opportunities hard to come by in north London and Wenger feels he needs more experience.

#4 Rest of Europe

PSG are looking to tie Veratti down to the club with a new five-year deal

Manchester City are set to land Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola after offering him the most lucrative contract in the history of football. The Spanish coach is said to be offered a record-shattering €25 million (£18m) per season to manage the Citizens next season.

Ever since Guardiola has announced his decision to not extend his contract with the Bavarians after this season, he has been linked with almost all the big Premier League clubs including Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal. However, it appears that City have stolen a march ahead of their league rivals in landing the most sought-after manager in Europe.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has reportedly enhanced his interest in Schalke 04 defender Joel Matip. Recent speculation had claimed that Klopp was prepared to wait until the summer to sign the 24-year-old when his contract with his current club is due to expire.

However, having lost both Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren to injuries in recent days, the Liverpool boss is now short of options in the centre of defence and will make a move for the defender next month.

Paris Saint-Germain are set to tie down Italian midfielder Marco Verratti to a new five-year contract, as the Ligue 1 champions attempt to hold onto one of their prized assets. Veratti has been one of the best young talents in the world and has impressed with his consistent performances for club and country.

Though the 23-year-old is contracted with the club until 2019, the French Champions are reportedly trying to ward off potential interest in the youngster with an improved five-year deal.