Gossip Columned – Episode 1

And now time for something completely different

Yes we’re getting to that time of year again when the January transfer window opens, something that gives me the perfect opportunity to wade through the reams of backpage headlines that we are going to have to deal with over the next month

All I need is 10 minutes of your time as I wade through the biggest transfer stories of the day and do my best to confirm or debunk them

Up for discussion on this episode is:

Chelsea have made an offer in excess of £45m to sign Borussia Dortmund attacking midfielder Christian Pulisic next summer, but the German club will delay any decision as they wait for rival offers for the 20-year-old USA international. (ESPN)

Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez is considering a move for Leeds striker Kemar Roofe, 25, if he is given funds in January. (Sunday Mirror)

Manchester United interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has urged Spain goalkeeper David de Gea, 28, and France forward Anthony Martial, 23, to sign new deals with the club. (Mail on Sunday)

Chelsea have been told they must pay £30m if they want to sign Bayern Munich’s Germany centre-back Mats Hummels, 30, in January. (Sun on Sunday)

Watford boss Javi Gracia says it does not surprise him that Abdoulaye Doucoure, 25, is being linked with a move and, although he expects the Frenchman to stay for a “long time”, he knows sometimes “something happens you don’t want”. (Independent)

Cardiff are leading the race to sign Liverpool right-back Nathaniel Clyne, although Fulham and Leicester are also keen on the 27-year-old England international. (Sunday Mirror)

Manchester United‘s Italy defender Matteo Darmian, 29, is a target for Serie A sides Inter Milan and Lazio. (Calciomercato)

Tottenham striker Fernando Llorente, 33, has agreed personal terms with Turkish club Galatasaray over a possible move in January. (Turkish outlet Star, via Sun on Sunday)