Videos Live Scores Podcasts Opinion Interviews Business of Sport Inside Story Football Cricket Tennis Formula One Golf NBA UFC UAE Racquet Sports Fitness

Dortmund to block January move for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as Liverpool target Atletico Madrid defender

Alex Rea

12:00 14/12/2017

December is here which means one thing – the transfer window will soon be open.

The rumour mill is in top gear as clubs look to get deals set-up ahead of January 1.

Here, we examine the three big transfer stories dominating headlines around Europe today.

Will any of the following deals happen?

Let us know your thoughts via Twitter and Facebook.

SIME VRSALJKO

Liverpool have expressed an interest in Atletico Madrid full-back Sime Vrsaljko, according to Corriere dello Sport.

Napoli are also hoping to sign the Croatia international with the Serie A side targeting a January deal worth €25million.

RATING: 6/10

VERDICT

Predominantly a right-back, the 25-year-old has struggled to get into Diego Simeone’s side with injuries restricting him to just four league appearances, sparking talk of a move away from the Spanish capital.

However, considering the Reds are well stocked at right-back with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez and Nathaniel Clyne all occupying the role it seems like the club are creating interest to drive up the price tag for Napoli.

Atletico Madrid defender Sime Vrsaljko (front)

PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG 

Borussia Dortmund will block any January move for frontman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, reports Sport Bild.

Everton, Chelsea, Liverpool and Real Madrid have all been linked but Dortmund are desperate to cling on to the Gabon striker to aid their Champions League qualification hopes.

RATING: 6/10

VERDICT

It seemed the narrative in the summer was that he could leave if a club met his €70million valuation but the complexion has changed with Dortmund struggling for form in the league this season.

Aubameyang is said to be keen on a departure, though, and could try and force through a winter switch if one of the aforementioned clubs firm up their interest.

MICHY BATSHUAYI

Chelsea could allow Michy Batshuayi to leave on loan in January – but only if they are able to capture Monaco star Thomas Lemar, according to the Telegraph.

The Blues are exploring the possibility of signing £80million-rated Lemar and Batshuayi could be offered as part of the deal on loan.

RATING: 7/10 

VERDICT

Monaco’s sporting director Michael Emenalo is apparently a known fan of the Belgian and he could help facilitate the signing of Lemar.

With Antonio Conte preferring Eden Hazard as a false nine to starting Batshuayi his future at the club appears cloudy at best.

Michy Batshuayi in action for Chelsea this season

More from Football

From Morocco to Abu Dhabi: Zakaria El Jamari’s incredible martial arts journey

French-Algerian Anissa Meksen gets chance to be first to claim new ONE Championship gold

Adrian Lee’s ONE Championship debut confirmed as he looks to further family legacy

NBA 3X ABU DHABI an unparalleled success with legends LaMarcus Aldridge and James Worthy in attendance

ONE Friday Fights 59: French-Algerian looks to maintain KO momentum in headliner

New ONE Championship king Alexis Nicolas ready to fight ‘the world’

Most Popular