Transfer Talk: Liverpool, Man City battling to sign Eze and Wharton

The winter transfer window won’t reopen in Europe for a while yet, but there are plenty of moves in the works and gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!

TOP STORY: Man City, Liverpool plan Palace raid

Liverpool and Manchester City are battling it out for a double swoop for Crystal Palace duo Eberechi Eze and Adam Wharton, according to Ekrem Konur.

The two clubs, along with Tottenham Hotspur, were this weekend boosted by the news that winger Eze is open to a move in 2025. The 26-year-old England international was heavily linked with a switch away from south London in the summer, but his £68 million release clause proved too strong for interested clubs.

Now though, Eze, who has scored once in seven games for the Eagles this season, is believed to be looking for a new challenge after Palace’s slow start to the 2024-25 campaign and is open to a switch next summer.

Konur also says that Liverpool and City have already held talks with Palace over the transfer of midfielder Wharton.

The 20-year-old has been impressive for the south London club, despite their disappointing form, and City and Liverpool are said to be plotting moves for the Blackburn Rovers youth academy product in January.

However, Palace value Wharton at €65m, which is more than both suitors are willing to offer. Their interest reportedly is in the region of €45m.

PAPER GOSSIP

– Real Madrid have expressed their interest in Arsenal defender William Saliba, but the Gunners are confident the 23-year-old Frenchman will stay at the club beyond the summer of 2025, according to the Express. Madrid are already looking at potential transfer targets for the summer in an effort to bolster their defence, and Saliba is on their wanted list. However, Saliba, who signed a four-year deal in north London in 2023, is said to be happy at the club, while Arsenal officials also have no intention in letting him leave. Madrid are also contemplating a move for Tottenham’s Cristian Romero.

– Borussia Monchengladbach are considering a move for Arsenal striker Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, according to Football Insider. The 21-year-old has been in a rich vein of form for the Gunners in Premier League 2 action, scoring five goals and adding two assists in his first five matches this season. Gladbach are among a number of European clubs now monitoring the burgeoning Gunner, who featured for Mikel Arteta’s first team in preseason, and who is highly rated by the club’s coaching staff.

– Juventus are considering a swoop for Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, according to Corriere Dello Sport. Juve have had Dusan Vlahovic firing in the goals for them this season with seven in nine games in all competitions, but they’re lacking attacking options beyond the Serbia international. Calvert-Lewin, 27, is entering the final year of his contract on Merseyside and is so far yet to commit his future beyond the summer. The Bianconeri are also said to be considering a move for Lille star Jonathan David.

– Aston Villa are hoping to bolster their defensive options with the addition of RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba, according to Football Insider. Villa have started the campaign in fine form but have so far conceded nine goals, and their situation isn’t helped by Tyrone Mings‘ continuing knee problems. Lukeba, 21, is seen as a “top player” by Unai Emery and his team, and an ideal candidate for a switch in January. Villa aren’t the only ones monitoring the French centre-back though, but they hope an early bid may fend off interest from other interested clubs, including Real Madrid and Chelsea.