Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd confirm first Amorim signing, Liverpool in £11m Chelsea battle

Jose Mourinho has heaped praise on reported Arsenal target Nico Williams, urging him to snub interest from elsewhere and join Real Madrid.

The Portuguese tactician, now in charge of Fenerbahce, admitted the 22-year-old winger is out of his reach after starring at Euro 2024 with Spain.

Reports suggest the Gunners are keen on the Athletic Bilbao forward along with Barcelona. But Mourinho thinks Williams should consider going to Real Madrid instead.

“Nico is wonderful,” Mourinho said. “At the last Euros, everyone was talking about Yamal, Yamal, Yamal… who is obviously another fantastic young player.

“But personally, I prefer Nico. He is a fantastic footballer. One cannot think that a Turkish club could sign him. I hope he ends up at Real Madrid.”

Liverpool have completed a deal to snatch young centre-back Lucas Clarke from rivals Manchester City.

The defender, 16, will link up with the club’s under-16 side after the Reds agreed a deal to poach him, according to their official academy Instagram account.

“Delighted to have signed for Liverpool FC,” the teenager wrote on Instagram. “Can’t wait to get started.”

Tottenham have reportedly begun talks to sign Getafe defender Omar Alderete.

The 27-year-old has been ever-present for the Spanish club this season, making 15 appearances in La Liga.

According to Paraguayan outlet D10, Spurs have ‘entered negotiations’ to sign the centre-back as Ange Postecoglou looks to sign cover for Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.

Alderete, a Paraguay international, signed from Hertha Berlin two years ago and is under contract until 2028.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has addressed his contract situation, claiming there is no agreement just yet to renew his deal.

The 33-year-old will be out of contract at the end of the season and can discuss a free transfer as early as January 1 with foreign clubs.

Reports suggested the Reds have offered the Dutchman a short-term extension to his current deal. However, speaking after their 1-0 win over Girona, Van Dijk said: “There is no word.

When he was pressed on the matter shortly after, the centre-back doubled down: “No word. No news.”

Manchester United are closing in on the signing of exciting Paraguayan teenager Diego Leon, according to reports.

The Red Devils are said to be continuing their investment in youth by poaching the talented left-back, who has been previously linked with Arsenal and Manchester City.

But it appears Ruben Amorim is set to make another signing after United began talks with his representatives over a potential £3.2million switch, according to Fabrizio Romano.

South American reports claim that a deal has already been struck with Cerro Porteno, and ESPN add that his agent is in England to wrap things up.

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has provided an update on Josh Acheampong’s future and says an agreement is ‘close’ with the Blues starlet.

The 19-year-old had been frozen out of the first team after stalling over signing a new deal, with interest from Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

But Acheampong now looks set to remain at Stamford Bridge after Maresca suggested the youngster is edging closer to penning a new deal and therefore likely to play against Astana on Thursday.

“He’s in the squad and is probably going to play from the start,” Maresca said in his press conference.

“With Josh, it’s quite clear, we all love Josh, the club love Josh and I love Josh. We are trying to find an agreement with the player. It’s close, we are almost there.”

Premier League side Brighton have confirmed the signing of Paraguayan midfielder Diego Gomez from Inter Miami.

The 21-year-old, who played alongside Lionel Messi with the Florida-based MLS franchise, joins for an undisclosed fee.

The official statement from the Seagulls read: “We have agreed the signing of Paraguay international Diego Gomez, on undisclosed terms from MLS club Inter Miami.

“He will join us on 1 January 2025 when the transfer window opens, subject to the usual regulatory processes.”

Arsenal youngster Marquinhos is set to return to the club in January after failing to secure a permanent move.

The 21-year-old, who has also spent time on loan with Nantes and Norwich City, joined Fluminense in February with Arsenal including an option to buy in the deal.

However, the Brazilian outfit have opted against keeping the winger beyond his loan spell, according to South American-based journalist Uriel Iugt.

The forward’s deal was due to expire in January 2025 and he may now be set for a fourth temporary sell away from the Emirates next month.

Liverpool and Chelsea are set for a transfer tug-of-war in January as the two clubs battle it out to sign one of Europe’s top defensive talents.

According to the Belgian outlet Het Laatste Nieuws, the Reds are keen on Club Brugge centre-back Joel Ordonez after watching the 20-year-old impress over the past few seasons.

But the Ecuador defender is also on Chelsea’s radar, with the Blues known for splashing out to recruit young talent. It is believed Ordonez could be available for £11m.

When asked about a potential move, Ordonez said: “The Premier League, I would like that.”

Manchester United have completed the signing of teenage starlet Emmanuel Ziro.

The 16-year-old has confirmed that he has put pen to paper on a deal with the Red Devils, joining from London-based Cre8tive Football Academy.

Confirming his move on Instagram, he wrote: “Firstly, I would like to thank my family for all their love, support and encouragement throughout the years.

“For as long as I can remember I’ve had a ball at my feet and enjoy the game of football. I now have the opportunity to continue doing that at the biggest club in the world, as well as the team I support.

“I look forward to continuing my journey playing for Manchester United and would like to thank everyone that has contributed to my development up until now especially @cre8tive.football. You guys are my family and I thank you for everything you have done for me up.”

Hello and welcome to Express Sport’s LIVE coverage of the transfer news and rumours.

We’ll be bringing you all of the latest confirmed deals and rumours from the Premier League and beyond, so stick with us this morning.