Stewart Robson explains how Xavi can make Barcelona win LaLiga. (1:03).
What can Xavi do in the future to prevent another Barca collapse? (1:03).
Summer transfer window was unique. See all major deals and see how we rated the largest signings. The window will close in January but that doesn't mean rumours will stop coming. Here's the latest gossip and speculation.
TOP STORY: Barcelona to look at Bakambu as part its revamp
Barcelona may sign the first player of the Xavi Hernandez era from the Chinese Super League. According to reports, Barcelona is following Cedric Bakambu.
El Nacional wrote that they are keen to sign the striker aged 30 in January. His contract with Beijing Guoan expires in two months.
Bakambu is familiar with LaLiga, having previously played for Villarreal where he scored 105 goals in three campaigns. The Blaugrana tried to bring Bakambu to Camp Nou last summer but were unsuccessful. Now, they hope to sign him as a free transfer.
Luuk de Jong is currently on loan from Sevilla. The DR Congo international will replace him, but Barca wants to send him back. He scored only four goals in his 20 appearances.
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12.49 GMT: Corriere Dello Sport reported that Napoli may be considering a move to acquire Sassuolo's midfielder Jeremie Boka, should Lorenzo Insigne decline a contract extension.
Insigne (30) is out of contract at season's end but could be offered a better deal elsewhere. So, it is likely that Insigne will move on.
According to the report, Boga (24-year-old former Chelsea player) is being considered as a potential replacement.
11.57 GMT: Remember Phil Jones? Yes, he's still a Manchester United player... but it could not last for too long.
According to The Sun, the centre-back has not played for United in nearly two years and is being sought by an amazing 13 clubs. Some will be unhappy.
Newcastle, Watford and Derby are all said to be following the 29-year old with the intention of loaning him out in the second half. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, United's boss, may prefer to keep him as a back-up.
Jones' contract at Old Trafford is valid until 2023.
11.02 GMT: Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah is now a target for Borussia Monchengladbach's transfer program, according to The Sun.
Nketiah (22 years old) has fallen down the pecking list under Mikel Arteta and has played only two Carabao Cup games.
According to the report, Gladbach is ready to make a move for the player who was released from contract at the close of the campaign.
Nketiah can discuss a free transfer to any club outside England starting Jan. 1. If there isn't a sign of a contract extension, the Gunners might have to pay a reduced-price transfer fee.
10.14 GMT: Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi dismissed speculations that Antonio Conte, former coach, will be looking to transfer players to Tottenham in January's transfer window.
Conte was named the new Spurs manager last week and is already planning to revamp the team. Before stepping down, he won the Scudetto last season with Inter.
Nicolo Barella and Milan Skriniar, Marcelo Brozovic, Stefan de Vrij and Lautaro Martinez have been previously linked to a Conte reunion.
Inzaghi stated, "I have never thought about them. I am focused only on games." "It is too early to think about January. We just think about Sunday's derby."
09.30 GMT: AS Reports that Real Madrid is taking steps to make sure Vinicius Jr. doesn't leave... By inserting a 1 billion release clause in their contract!
Vinicius Jr. is 21 years old and has a 700 million release clause. Los Blancos are determined to ensure that no one else will get it.
According to the report, the Brazilian will sign a contract extension before the end of the season. His current deal expires in 2024.
PAPER GOSSIP
Fabrizio Romano reports on Paulo Dybala signing a new contract with Juventus in the latter part of this month. The talks over a new contract began in the summer. After an agreement was reached last week, Dybala will finally sign the document when his agents meet with representatives from Serie A in the coming weeks.
To keep Brennan Johnson in Nottingham Forest, they will need to resist interest from the Premier League. Football Insider reports that Leeds United are interested in the attacking midfielder. Marcelo Bielsa's team has been following him for some time. His ability to produce in the forward line caught the attention of scouts. Johnson has scored seven goals in 16 Championship games.
Dundee United might struggle to keep Kerr Smith, a highly-rated prospect, as the 16-year old defender is attracting interest from Everton, Liverpool, and Manchester United. According to The Sun, Liverpool is leading the race. Smith is a typical centre-back but he has shown his versatility as a right back this season with four appearances in The First Team.
Calciomercato reports that Juventus might finally be able acquire Axel Witsel, after having missed out on the 32 year-old defensive midfielder last summer. According to the report, Borussia Dortmund is now open to accepting transfer offers.
According to Nicolo Schira, Toni Kroos was linked to a move to Manchester City or Paris Saint-Germain recently. However, Real Madrid are keen to offer him a new contract through 2024. According to the report, the Spanish club is ready to start talks immediately in order to keep Germany international. His contract is due to expire in 2023.
