The transfer window may not open again until January 1 2018 but that hasn’t put an end to plenty of speculation throughout Europe.
Here, we take a look at three big stories dominating the headlines on Wednesday.
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FIGO: NO PLAYER COULD IMPROVE REAL
Real Madrid legend Luis Figo believes Los Blancos don’t need to strengthen in the January transfer window, despite the Whites’ sluggish start to the season.
The decorated Portuguese star, who won two La Liga crowns and the Champions League in five seasons at the Bernabeu, feels no player could improve Real’s current squad.
Figo, who is close friends with former team-mate and current boss Zinedine Zidane, reckons the Frenchman has the squad to defend the club’s league crown as well as attempt to win an historic third consecutive European trophy.
“There aren’t any players who could improve Real Madrid (in the window),” the 44-year-old told German news outlet Bild.
Figo also thinks the club have changed their philosophy on the purchasing of players, with the Spanish giants now giving youth a chance and signing less so-called Galactico talent.
He said: “It’s different to my era. Before, Madrid gambled on big stars, but the philosophy has changed now.
“His (Zidane’s) current success shows that you can’t do any better as Real Madrid coach.
“I’m delighted for him.”
SPORT360 VERDICT
Figo’s comments are interesting given Real’s sluggish start, especially at home, to the campaign – but, in truth, he is on the money.
It looks unlikely that Florentino Perez will give Zidane a winter war chest in which to spend big as the Whites already have bucket loads of strength in depth in the squad.
Figo and Zidane played alongside each other in the famous Galactico era.
JUVE WINNING RACE TO SIGN SAMBA STAR
Rafinha’s days at Barcelona look numbered as Juventus line-up a bid to end the Brazilian’s long-term stint at the Camp Nou.
The 24-year-old La Masia product, who has spent his entire professional career with the Catalan giants, is currently on the sidelines recovering from a serious knee problem and is unlikely to play regularly when he returns to the pitch.
According to Italian outlet Sport Mediaset, the Old Lady are ready to gamble on the midfielder and make a move at the end of the season.
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Rafinha has been out of action since April and will take a while to get back up to full fitness, though his return date is unknown.
The twice-capped Brazil international is contracted to Barca until 2020 but is likely to be shifted on as the club look to reduce their wage bill.
Rafinha, himself, will also be aware he needs to kick-start his career again at the earliest possible opportunity.
Out in the cold at Barca: Rafinha.
INTER TO END VERMAELEN’S BARCA NIGHTMARE
Another man who is expected to leave Barcelona, in January, is former Arsenal centre-back Thomas Vermaelen.
The experienced Belgian has featured just once this season in the Copa del Rey and barely played much football in each of his past two injury-hit campaigns.
Again, Barca are keen to move the defender on and save a small fortune on his salary – with Italian giants Inter Milan being the club most interested in acquiring the 31-year-old’s services.
According to TMW, the Serie A side will look to bring him to Milan in January, whether that be permanently or on loan.
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Whilst Everton and Anderlecht have also shown interest, Vermaelen is said to favour the Nerazzurri.
The defender has made it clear he wants to play regular first-team football and force his way back into Belgium’s line-up, given manager Roberto Martinez has benched him for recent fixtures.
Vermaelen signed for Barcelona back in August 2014.