Transfer news: Wednesday's rumours, gossip and done deals as Chelsea sign Christian Pulisic plus Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and more

All the latest transfer news plus gossip, rumours and done deals

Summer transfer window 2018: The 10 most expensive Premier League signings

The Premier League's January transfer window is upon us with Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham all set to be busy.

Liverpool were the summer's biggest spenders with no fewer than four new arrivals. Goalkeeper Alisson was the headline-grabber with the Brazilian already proving worth every penny of the world-record fee the Reds shelled out for the Brazilian. Could long-term target Nabil Fekir join him this month? United got a couple of new faces in through the door in the summer but it hasn't made a difference with Jose Mourinho out and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in. Will he spend them way out of trouble in the January sales.

Champions Manchester City are in the thick of the title race again but may be tempted back into the market for one more big money signing while Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal could all choose to dip their toes in the water as they battle for an all-important top four spot. We will have all the latest news, views, rumours, gossip and done deals right here so don't touch that dial.

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Key Points

• Chelsea seal £58m deal for Borussia Dortmund winger Christian Pulisic
• Cesc Fabregas set to leave Chelsea for Monaco
• Manchester United make centre back their No 1 target this month
• Arsenal and Fulham target loan move for Gary Cahill​

[2 January 2019 07:13 · Ben Burrows]

Good morning and welcome to today's Independent transfer live blog.

The January window is upon us with the Premier League’s biggest clubs set to spend, spend, spend as the sales re-open.

We'll bring you all the latest news plus all the done deals and the juiciest gossip throughout the day right here so don't touch that dial.

Without further ado, off we go.

[2 January 2019 07:26 · Ben Burrows]

Right, to Chelsea where it could be a busy month.

The Express report that the Blues are closing in on a £45m deal for Dortmund winger Christian Pulisic.

The two clubs have been in talks for some time although the German side are insistent the United States international won't move until the summer.

Can Chelsea change their mind and get him in early?

[2 January 2019 07:40 · Ben Burrows]

Arsenal are another side who could move for reinforcements this month.

One of those could be Chelsea's Gary Cahill although Unai Emery was tight-lipped on such matters when quizzed yesterday.

Fulham are also keen.

[2 January 2019 07:52 · Ben Burrows]

Another outgoing at Chelsea could be Cesc Fabregas.

The Spaniard's contract expires in the summer with Monaco apparently keen on taking him to France this month.

The Daily Mail report that Thierry Henry is very interested in a reunion with his former Arsenal teammate.

[2 January 2019 08:05 · Ben Burrows]

Some managerial news now and it looks like Steve Bruce will be back in football sooner rather than later.

Sacked by Aston Villa late last year the former Crystal Palace and Wigan chief is set for a return with managerless Sheffield Wednesday.

Sky Sports report a deal could be announced later today.

[2 January 2019 08:18 · Ben Burrows]

What will Manchester City do in January?

Well, if Pep Guardiola is to be believed, not a lot.

[2 January 2019 08:33 · Ben Burrows]

To Manchester United now where Ashley Young could be set for a move away.

The winger/defender/wherever any manager asks him to play's contract is up at the end of the season with foreign clubs now able to negotiate with him.

One of those is said to be Inter Milan, according to the Mirror, who want to snap up the former England man for free in the summer.

[2 January 2019 08:46 · Ben Burrows]

Valencia will make a move for West Ham United‘s Javier Hernandez in January, and believe the Mexican international wants to return to La Liga.

The Spanish club are eager to change their goal-shy attack due to the struggles of Kevin Gameiro and Michy Batshuayi, with the latter set to return to Chelsea after an unsatisfactory loan move.

Valencia’s financial situation means they would favour a similar temporary move for Hernandez, but that is seen as the main obstacle to any deal. 

It is understood the striker wants to return to Spain after an enjoyable time there with Real Madrid in 2014-15, and there is a feeling from the Mestalla that West Ham might be willing to do a deal. 

[2 January 2019 09:00 · Ben Burrows]

Watford boss Javi Gracia is not surprised to hear that Abdoulaye Doucoure is reportedly attracting the attention of other clubs.

The 25-year-old has been linked with French champions Paris St Germain, while former Hornets manager Marco Silva is also a known admirer of the midfielder and could try and take him to Everton.

During the summer Doucoure was linked with Liverpool and Tottenham, before he signed a new five-year contract on the eve of the current campaign.

"For me Doucoure is a great player, a very important player for us. It doesn't surprise me other clubs want to sign him because he's a very good player," he said.

"Last season, every week we were talking about Liverpool or Everton, all the clubs that were interested in him. We can speak about it again.

"In this moment he's playing for us and I tried to help him to improve his level thinking he's going to be with us for a long time."

[2 January 2019 09:14 · Ben Burrows]

Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany is wanted by Barcelona, according to The Sun.

It is thought the Spanish side are interested in bringing the 32-year-old, who is out of contract in July, to the Nou Camp to add some experience to their back four.