⚽ Rashford's United Future, City's Double Swoop & Madrid Enter Wharton Race

Hello and welcome back to another edition of the Transfer News Podcast newsletter! Thank you for subscribing and joining us for what is shaping up to be an absolutely electric January transfer window. The rumor mill is working overtime with surprise returns, defensive reshuffles, and some fascinating midfield battles brewing across Europe's top leagues.

Let's dive straight into all of today's major transfer stories, complete with the context and analysis you need to stay ahead of the game.

Aston Villa are reportedly eyeing a romantic return for Tammy Abraham. The striker, who came through Villa's youth system during his loan spell back in the 2018-19 season, could be making his way back to Villa Park as Unai Emery looks to bolster his attacking options.

Abraham scored 26 goals in 40 Championship appearances during that memorable loan spell, helping Villa secure promotion to the Premier League. Now at AS Roma, the England international has struggled with injuries but remains a proven goalscorer. This move would represent a significant statement of intent from Villa as they continue to establish themselves as European contenders.

Key consideration: Villa are competing on multiple fronts this season, and Emery clearly feels he needs more firepower up top. Abraham's Premier League experience and existing connection to the club make this a natural fit.

The battle for Marc Guehi is absolutely fascinating and could define this transfer window. Manchester City are preparing an offer for the Crystal Palace defender, but they're not alone - Arsenal have also joined the race for the England international.

Guehi has been exceptional for Palace this season, showcasing the leadership qualities and defensive solidity that make him one of the Premier League's most coveted center-backs. At just 24 years old, he represents both immediate quality and long-term investment.

For Manchester City: This would be a statement signing as Pep Guardiola looks to strengthen his backline and plan for the future. City have occasionally looked vulnerable defensively this season, and Guehi's composure on the ball would fit perfectly into Guardiola's system.

For Arsenal: Mikel Arteta is always looking to improve his squad, and adding a homegrown England international of Guehi's caliber would strengthen their title credentials while satisfying Premier League squad registration rules.

The verdict: This bidding war could push Guehi's price well beyond £60 million. Palace won't want to sell mid-season, but if the offer becomes too good to refuse, expect this to be one of the window's biggest deals.

Manchester City aren't messing about this January. Beyond their pursuit of Guehi, City have also made a move for Anderson, showing they're prepared to spend big to maintain their dominance.

This double swoop demonstrates City's determination to address any weaknesses in their squad and ensure they remain competitive on all fronts. With the Premier League title race heating up and Champions League knockout stages approaching, Guardiola clearly feels reinforcements are necessary.

The Marcus Rashford situation has taken several interesting turns. Barcelona apparently want the forward to stay put at Manchester United, with the Catalan club cooling their interest. This could shape Rashford's immediate future at Old Trafford.

But here's the plot twist: Rashford may have a route back into the Manchester United first team under Ruben Amorim. The new manager's plans could see the forward reintegrated, which would be significant news for United fans who've watched one of their academy graduates struggle for form and favor this season.

Rashford's talent has never been in question - it's been about confidence, consistency, and finding the right tactical setup. If Amorim can unlock the version of Rashford that scored 30 goals in the 2022-23 season, United's attack suddenly looks far more threatening.

What to watch: Rashford's involvement in upcoming matches will be telling. If he starts featuring regularly, Barcelona's decision to cool their interest might have inadvertently saved United's season.

Beyond Guehi, Arsenal are monitoring Newcastle's Tino Livramento. The young fullback has been turning heads this season with his performances for the Magpies, and Mikel Arteta is clearly looking at defensive reinforcements across multiple positions.

Livramento offers pace, defensive solidity, and the ability to contribute in attack - exactly the profile Arteta wants in his fullbacks. At 21 years old, he represents both immediate quality and future potential. Newcastle won't want to sell to a direct rival, but Arsenal's interest shows they're serious about strengthening their title challenge.

Here's an interesting one: Everton are eyeing Arsenal's Ben White. Under David Moyes, the Toffees are clearly looking to add quality and experience to their defensive ranks.

White has been exceptional for Arsenal, playing primarily as a right-back despite being a natural center-back. His versatility, technical ability, and Premier League experience make him an attractive target. However, getting this deal done would be incredibly difficult - White is a key player for Arsenal, and they'd be reluctant to strengthen a fellow Premier League club, even one not directly competing for European spots.

Reality check: This feels like a difficult deal to pull off mid-season. Arsenal have no reason to sell one of their most consistent performers, and White himself is settled in North London.

Bournemouth are reportedly keen on Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri. The young midfielder is highly rated at the Emirates, and a loan move to Andoni Iraola's side could provide valuable first-team experience.

Nwaneri became the youngest-ever Premier League player when he made his debut at just 15 years and 181 days old. Now 17, he needs regular minutes to continue his development. Bournemouth's progressive, possession-based style under Iraola would be an ideal environment for him to hone his skills while still being monitored closely by Arsenal.

Chelsea are keeping tabs on Newcastle's Sandro Tonali. Enzo Maresca is clearly looking at midfield reinforcements, and the Italian international would be a major coup if they can pull it off.

Tonali has recently returned from suspension and is beginning to show why Newcastle paid £55 million for him. His energy, tactical intelligence, and passing range would fit well into Maresca's system. However, Newcastle will be extremely reluctant to sell one of their marquee signings, especially to a direct competitor for European places.

Additionally, both Chelsea and Leeds United are monitoring Manchester City's James McAtee. The young midfielder has shown real promise, and both Enzo Maresca and Daniel Farke see him as a potential addition.

McAtee's situation at City is interesting - he's clearly talented but faces enormous competition for minutes. A move to Chelsea would keep him in the Premier League with a club competing for trophies, while Leeds would offer guaranteed starting opportunities in the Championship and potentially the Premier League if they secure promotion.

Newcastle United face a battle for Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen. Eddie Howe is looking to add firepower to his attack, but they'll have competition for the Norwegian's signature.

Larsen has been impressive for Wolves since arriving from Celta Vigo, showing good link-up play and a clinical edge in front of goal. Newcastle's need for striker depth is well-documented, especially with their European commitments. However, Wolves are unlikely to want to sell mid-season unless the offer is too good to refuse, particularly to a club they're competing with in the league.

Liverpool are set to sign Ordonez, adding to their defensive options. Arne Slot continues to shape his squad, and this signing shows the Reds are planning for both the present and future.

Liverpool's defensive recruitment has been smart and forward-thinking under their new manager. While they've been solid at the back this season, adding depth and competition is crucial for a club competing on multiple fronts. Ordonez represents the kind of proactive signing that keeps Liverpool competitive while planning for the long term.

Manchester United are considering a move for James Garner. The midfielder, who came through United's academy before moving to Everton, could be returning to Old Trafford as Ruben Amorim looks to add depth to his squad.

Garner has developed into a solid Premier League midfielder since leaving United, showing the kind of consistency and maturity that made the club rate him so highly as a youngster. A return to Old Trafford would give him the chance to finally establish himself at his boyhood club, while United would get a homegrown player who knows the club inside out.

Bournemouth are eyeing another move, this time for a player named Johnson. Andoni Iraola is clearly busy in the market as the Cherries look to strengthen their squad and build on their impressive season so far.

Bournemouth have been one of the season's pleasant surprises, playing attractive, attacking football while sitting comfortably in mid-table. Iraola's willingness to target quality players shows the club's ambition to continue progressing rather than simply consolidating their Premier League status.

Fulham want forty million pounds rated striker Ricardo Pepi. Marco Silva is ambitious, and that's a serious investment if they can get the American international through the door.

Pepi has been in excellent form in the Eredivisie with PSV, showcasing the finishing ability and movement that made him such a highly-rated prospect. At £40 million, this would represent a significant statement of intent from Fulham, showing they're not content to just survive in the Premier League but want to push for European qualification.

The context: Fulham have been solid this season but lack a clinical striker to take them to the next level. Pepi could be that missing piece, especially given his age (21) and potential for further development.

Nathan Ake has rejected a move to West Ham United, choosing to stay at Manchester City. Nuno Espirito Santo will have to look elsewhere to strengthen his defensive options.

While West Ham could have offered Ake more regular starting opportunities, the Dutchman clearly values being part of City's trophy-winning machine and competing for the biggest honors. This rejection shows the challenge facing clubs like West Ham when trying to attract players from the absolute elite - even squad players at City are reluctant to leave.

Real Madrid have joined the race for Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton. The young English midfielder is attracting serious attention from Europe's elite, and when the European champions come calling, players tend to listen.

Wharton has been one of the breakout stars of the season, showing maturity and technical ability well beyond his 20 years. His composure on the ball, passing range, and tactical intelligence have caught the eye of Madrid's scouts, who see him as a potential long-term successor to their aging midfield stars.

The competition: With multiple top clubs now interested, Wharton's price tag could skyrocket. Palace will want to keep him at least until the summer, but a bid of £50-60 million might test their resolve.

What this means: Real Madrid's interest validates what Premier League fans have been seeing all season - Wharton is the real deal and destined for the very top of the game.

Atletico Madrid are showing interest in Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes. The Brazilian has been impressive under Vitor Pereira, so it's no surprise European giants are circling.

Gomes has been a standout performer for Wolves this season, combining defensive solidity with progressive passing and ball-winning abilities. His energy and tactical intelligence would fit perfectly into Diego Simeone's system at Atletico, and his relatively young age (23) means there's still room for development.

Wolves' position: Selling Gomes mid-season would be a huge blow to their survival hopes. Expect them to demand a premium price if they're forced to sell, likely in the £35-40 million range.

In potential outgoing news from Madrid, Rodrygo reportedly wants a Real Madrid exit. The Brazilian winger could be available, and that's the kind of news that'll have Premier League clubs on red alert.

Rodrygo has been an important player for Madrid but may feel he's not getting the recognition or playing time he deserves, especially with the arrival of Kylian Mbappe and the presence of Vinicius Junior. At 25, he's entering his prime years and might want to be the main man somewhere rather than a rotation option at Madrid.

Premier League interest: Expect Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea to all be monitoring this situation closely. A player of Rodrygo's quality doesn't become available often, and his combination of pace, technical ability, and big-game experience makes him an incredibly attractive proposition.

Borussia Dortmund lead the race for Manchester City's Oscar Bobb. The young talent could be heading to Germany for regular first-team football, which might be the best move for his development.

Bobb has shown glimpses of real quality when given opportunities at City, but breaking into Guardiola's first team on a regular basis is incredibly difficult. A move to Dortmund would offer him Bundesliga football, European competition, and the chance to develop in a club known for nurturing young talent. This could be a smart move for all parties - Bobb gets playing time, City likely include a buy-back clause, and Dortmund get a talented young player at a reasonable price.

Want to hear all the details and expert analysis? Listen to the complete podcast episode for deeper insights into these transfer stories and what they mean for your club.

That's all for today's transfer roundup! Make sure you subscribe to the Transfer News Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, and visit us at transfernewspodcast.com to get all the latest transfer news delivered straight to your inbox.

Thanks for reading, and we'll see you in the next edition with more breaking transfer news!

— The Transfer News Podcast Team