Transfer news round-up: Maurizio Sarri discusses Willian Barcelona bid as Real Madrid circle Christian Eriksen

A round-up of Saturday's transfer news plus gossip, rumours and done deals

January transfer window 2019: Premier League transfer round-up

The Premier League's January transfer window is upon us with Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea 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 next 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 out of trouble in the January sales?

Chelsea have made the biggest splash with the signing of Borussia Dortmund's Christian Pulisic while Manchester City, Tottenham 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

• Cesc Fabregas completes Monaco move
• Maurizio Sarri scolds Bayern Munich over Callum Hudson-Odoi
• Michy Batshuayi returning to Chelsea after Valencia loan cancelled
• Chelsea looking at £50m move for Bournemouth's Callum Wilson

[12 January 2019 09:46 · Jack de Menezes]

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.

[12 January 2019 10:05 · Jack de Menezes]

Let's start at Chelsea where their search for a striker could finally be over.

The Telegraph report that AC Milan's Gonzalo Higuain is set to join on loan until the end of the season with the option of making the move permanent in the summer.

With the Argentine currently on loan at the San Siro parent club Juventus would have to rubber stamp the switch, however, and are more keen on a permanent sale.

We'll keep across this one throughout the day.

[12 January 2019 10:15 · Jack de Menezes]

More from Chelsea where the club are said to have rejected an approach from Barcelona for Willian this month.

The Catalan giants are long-term admirers of the Brazilian and - according to the Telegraph - have asked about a swap deal with fellow countryman Malcom heading the other way.

That was met with a firm no, it is reported.

[12 January 2019 10:30 · Jack de Menezes]

Jadon Sancho has no interest in a return to the Premier League and is loving life in Germany.

The former Manchester City youngster and England international has been linked with a move back - but he's more than happy where he is.

Asked by reporters if he plans to stay in the Bundesliga, Sancho said: "I will. I just want to play football and I'm getting that opportunity here. I'm happy right now."

[12 January 2019 10:45 · Jack de Menezes]

Liverpool are keen on signing Trabzonspor midfielder Abdulkadir Omur this month.

That's according to the Sun who say the 19-year-old has caught the eye of Jurgen Klopp.

Newcastle are also said to be keen.

[12 January 2019 11:00 · Jack de Menezes]

Manchester United have made a new centre-back their No 1 target this month.

New boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will meet with executive vice chairman Ed Woodward this week to discuss plans.

And The Sun report that Roma's Kostas Manolas is one being considered.

The Greek international defender has a £32m buyout clause.

[12 January 2019 11:15 · Jack de Menezes]

To Arsenal where the Gunners are looking for reinforcements this month.

One of Unai Emery's top targets remains Barcelona's Denis Suarez with the midfielder surplus to requirements this month.

However, the Mirror report Barca are playing hardball over a potential loan deal with the option of making the move permanent in the summer.

It is suggested they want to sell the 25-year-old rather than loan him this month.

[12 January 2019 11:30 · Jack de Menezes]

Tottenham's Mousa Dembele is being linked with a move away this month, and Beijing Guoan are the latest club to show their interest in the Belgian.

Dembele has returned to training following an ankle ligament injury, but the midfielder's contract runs out in the summer.

And at 31, Dembele believes he is now struggling with the physical demands of the Premier League, which has ignited interest from the Far East according to the Daily Mail.

[12 January 2019 11:45 · Jack de Menezes]

West Ham forward Marko Arnautovic is ready for a new challenge and wants the club to accept the £35m offer from a Chinese club, says his agent.

Danijel Arnautovic, the West Ham player’s brother and agent, believes the Premier League club have been presented with a ‘fantastic offer’ by an unnamed Chinese side and says the 29-year-old wants to leave.

In a statement, Danijel said: “It is his (Arnautovic's) great desire that West Ham accept the offer from China." However, determined to keep their talisman, a West Ham United spokesperson said: “Marko has a contract and we fully expect him to honour it. He is not for sale.”

[12 January 2019 12:00 · Jack de Menezes]

Over to Arsenal where Aaron Ramsey is said to have agreed his next move.

The Welsh international is out of contract in the summer and with no new deal forthcoming is free to talk to foreign clubs.

One of those is Juventus who, according to reports in Italy, have persuaded Ramsey to sign a pre-contract agreement with them.

He'll join for nothing on July 1 as the likes of Bayern Munich, PSG and Real Madrid miss out.