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The January transfer window is fast approaching and Premier League clubs are busy making their plans to spend this winter.

It's just under two months until the January market opens for business and with teams reflecting on how they've started the campaign, it appears that a number of incomings and outgoings are already in the pipeline.

Barcelona are considering trying to poach Thiago from Anfield
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Barcelona are considering trying to poach Thiago from AnfieldCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Players will also be taking stock of their situations at present with a lack of gametime or an upturn in form perhaps leading them to contact their agents ahead of a potential move.

What are the latest rumours and headlines? talkSPORT.com takes a look...

Thiago

Barcelona manager Xavi wants his new club to re-sign Spain midfielder Thiago Alcantara from Liverpool, according to Spanish outlet Sport.

And the Catalan publication claim that Thiago, 30, would 'welcome' a return to the Nou Camp having struggled to settle at Anfield.

The former Bayern Munich star signed a four-year deal with the Reds last year but has seen his progress under Jurgen Klopp blighted by injuries.

Zinedine Zidane

Manchester United are working on a deal to persuade Zinedine Zidane to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, report the Times.

The Red Devils' hierarchy are said to be hopeful that Zidane's close relationships with Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane can help to convince him to join.

But the former Real Madrid boss reportedly is still unsure whether the opportunity presented by United is the right one for him at this moment.

Zidane - who is a free agent - has a track record of delivering trophies while developing youth fits with the new ethos plugged at Old Trafford.

Zidane is one big names linked with the hotseat at Old Trafford
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Zidane is one big names linked with the hotseat at Old Trafford

Newcastle 

Newcastle are reportedly targeting THREE Manchester United players in January.

The Mirror claim the Toon will look to raid United this winter for a trio of their bit-part players.

On the Magpies’ radar are Netherlands midfielder Donny van de Beek, England midfielder Jesse Lingard, and goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

It is said that Newcastle are looking to sign all three on permanent deals despite loan moves seeming more achievable.

Howe has the opportunity of a lifetime at Newcastle, but must steer the club towards safety first
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Howe has the opportunity of a lifetime at Newcastle, but must steer the club towards safety firstCredit: AFP

Wilfred Ndidi

Real Madrid are reportedly keen to make a January move for Leicester defensive midfielder Wilfred Ndidi.

Fichajes claim the LaLiga giants are big fans of the 24-year-old Nigeria international.

Ndidi is under contract at Leicester until June 2024 and is valued in excess of £60million.

The Foxes signed the midfielder from Genk for £17m in December 2016.

Wilfried Ndidi has been one of the Premier League's standout holding midfielders since signing for Leicester
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Wilfried Ndidi has been one of the Premier League's standout holding midfielders since signing for LeicesterCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Raheem Sterling

Manchester City are willing to sell Raheem Sterling if a bid of £45million is tabled.

Barcelona have been frequently linked with a move for the England forward while Newcastle and Arsenal are also said to be keen.

The Metro claim City value Sterling at around £45m, £5m less than what they paid Liverpool for him in 2015.

The 26-year-old has fallen down the pecking order under Pep Guardiola and is interested in taking up a new challenge.

Sterling has played a diminished role under Pep Guardiola this term
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Sterling has played a diminished role under Pep Guardiola this termCredit: Getty

Paul Pogba

The Frenchman reportedly wants to renew his contract with Manchester United.

However, L'Equipe, via Metro, claim Pogba is demanding he overtakes Cristiano Ronaldo to become the Premier League's highest-paid player.

CR7 is currently the top earner after signing a 480,000-a-week deal upon his return to Old Trafford in the summer.

Pogba meanwhile - who will be a free agent at the end of the season - is looking for an increase on his £290k-a-week contract.

Lionel Messi

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner could be set for a move back to Barcelona having only quit the La Liga giants three months ago, according to the Star.

Marca report that Victor Fonte, who came second to Joan Laporta in the presidential election, is imploring Barca to pursue a return for Messi.

Speaking on Catalan radio, he said: "His departure deserved to be through the front door.

"From that moment on, the club should be thinking about how Messi could return to Barcelona in 2023."

Messi has had a disappointing start to life at PSG
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Messi has had a disappointing start to life at PSGCredit: GETTY

Timo Werner

Barcelona are preparing to bolster their forward line in January with a host of Premier League options reportedly on their wishlist.

Marca, via Mirror, claim that Manchester City star Raheem Sterling, Man United veteran Edinson Cavani and Chelsea's Timo Werner are all being considered.

Barca oversaw the summer departures of Messi and Antoine Griezmann while Sergio Aguero's health issues have created a role in the club's front-line.

The Catalans are prioritising experienced forwards who are currently out of favour at their respective Premier League clubs.

Barcelona are among Werner's suitors if he decides to quit Chelsea
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Barcelona are among Werner's suitors if he decides to quit ChelseaCredit: getty

Aaron Ramsey

Everton and Newcastle are reportedly interested in signing Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey.

Ramsey has struggled since moving to Italy with reports that Juve are exploring the possibility of terminating his contract.

Despite his issues with form and fitness in recent years, it seems he’ll have no shortage of potential suiters back in the Premier League.

Goal claim Everton and Newcastle are keen on the 30-year-old former Arsenal star.

Would Ramsey be a good signing for Newcastle?
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Would Ramsey be a good signing for Newcastle?

Frenkie de Jong

The Dutch midfielder could be used as part of a stunning £60million swap deal with Barcelona for out-of-favour Raheem Sterling.

Catalan outfit El Nacional claim Pep Guardiola is a huge admirer of De Jong while England star Sterling has been a long-term target at the Nou Camp.

The report adds that City winger Sterling - who has managed just two goals this season - would be an ideal fit in their system under new boss Xavi.

The 26-year-old is valued around £43m at the Etihad compared to Barca's £60m for De Jong meaning a swap deal plus £17m could be on the cards.

Man City are stepping up their pursuit of Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong
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Man City are stepping up their pursuit of Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong

Phil Jones

A host of clubs are keen on taking Manchester United and England defender Phil Jones on loan following his comeback from injury, report the Sun.

Newcastle have joined Watford as the two Premier League clubs in the race to land the centre-back - who hasn't played since January 2020.

Several Championship sides are also keen as is Wayne Rooney at Derby but the finances at Pride Park would make a deal hard to pull off.

Jones still has two years left on a £130,000-a-week contract at United.

Who knows what the future holds for Jones
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Who knows what the future holds for JonesCredit: Getty

Marc Overmars

Ajax's director of football turned down the chance to join Newcastle, according to the Athletic.

The report adds that the Dutch giants were desperate to keep Overmars and the former winger has handed them a huge boost by opting to stay.

The 48-year-old is highly coveted as one of football's leading operators since starting his role at Ajax in 2012.

He was linked with a similar position at his former club Arsenal two years ago but again was not convinced to leave the Eredivisie champions.

Overmars, who is currently director of football at Ajax, rejected Newcastle
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Overmars, who is currently director of football at Ajax, rejected Newcastle

Dusan Vlahovic

The Fiorentina striker is likely to turn down a move to Arsenal in January, according to Italian outlet Football Italia.

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The report adds that the 21-year-old Serbian is waiting for other offers so will join Manuel Locatelli and Joaquin Correa in snubbing the Gunners.

Mikel Arteta's side were said to have reached a principle of agreement with Fiorentina over an £68.5m move in the winter window.

Vlahovic has proven himself in Italy and has been linked with a move to England
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Vlahovic has proven himself in Italy and has been linked with a move to EnglandCredit: Rex
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