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Sunderland striker set to leave for Bundesliga

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By:John Menzies
13 December 2025 at 18:06

Sunderland have plans to add to their squad in January, but there could also be players on their way out of the Stadium of Light. One of those that may end up moving on is Eliezer Mayenda, who has struggled for prominence since promotion to the Premier League.

Mayenda was a standout performer in the Championship, but since the arrival of Brian Brobbey in the summer, he has struggled for regular minutes. He is currently third in the pecking order behind Wilson Isidor and the Netherlands international, which has led to him making only eight appearances in the Premier League – three of those have been from the start.

Mayenda was linked with a move to Leeds in 2024, but on this occasion, his destination could be the Bundesliga.

Elienzer Mayenda wanted by clubs in Germany

Eliezer Mayenda in action for Sunderland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

According to RTL/ntv and Sport.de (via Sport Witness), Mayenda is attracting interest from at least one club in the German top flight, who are as yet unnamed. His struggle for minutes this season is seen as an opportunity to sign the Spain U21 international, who could also be open to the move given his situation on Wearside.

Should Sunderland consider letting Eliezer Mayenda go?

It must be remembered that Mayenda is only 20 years of age, and while he did well in the Championship last season, the Premier League is a different kettle of fish. Regis Le Bris will be aware of this, hence his decision to not overly count on him.

It would make little sense for Sunderland to sell Mayenda, but were a loan move to be agreed, it’d be ideal for all parties. He needs minutes, and the chance to do that in the Bundesliga would surely be an opportunities that he would not turn down.

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Leeds hero forward could return in January

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By:John Menzies
13 December 2025 at 17:40

Leeds are expected to add to Daniel Farke’s squad in January, and the winger position is one they hope to address. The switch to a 3-5-2 in recent weeks has hammered down the squad’s struggles in this area of the pitch, which is why there is such a desire to make a signing or two here.

Noah Okafor was the only recognised winger brought to Elland Road in the summer, but he has struggled since his move from AC Milan. Two goals in 13 appearances is not what he or the club had hoped for when he replaced Manor Solomon, who was a sensation last season in the Championship.

In order to address these woes, Leeds may now turn to Solomon, who is having his own struggles this season.

Leeds interested in re-signing Manor Solomon

Manor Solomon helped Leeds win the Championship last season. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)

According to SportsBoom (via The Yorkshire Post), Leeds are hoping to re-sign Solomon in January. The 26-year-old has struggled at Villarreal, whom he joined on loan from Tottenham during the final days of the summer transfer window.

Solomon has managed only 10 appearances for Villarreal, who have preferred to use Alberto Moleiro on the left wing. Tottenham are considering cutting the loan agreement short, which would open the door for Leeds to get their man.

Should Leeds re-sign Manor Solomon?

It is no surprise that Leeds are interested in Solomon, given his success last season. They wanted to sign him again in the summer, but a deal was ultimately ruled out, which is why he ended up in La Liga.

Solomon has shown himself to be a good player, but he is having a difficult time at Villarreal. It would make a lot of sense for him to return to Elland Road, and the club can also be said for Leeds.

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West Ham set to sign striker from English club

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By:John Menzies
13 December 2025 at 17:18

West Ham are planning to sign a striker in January, with Niclas Fullkrug almost certain to leave the London Stadium. A number of targets have been identified over the last few months, with one of those currently plying his trade in the Championship.

Fullkrug’s expected departure would leave Callum Wilson as the only recognised striker in Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad, but regardless, there has long been a desire within West Ham to address their number nine woes. The club have struggled to sign the right player for a number of years, but they hope to put that right in 2026 – and they could do so with Josh Sargent.

West Ham register interest in Josh Sargent

Josh Sargent of Norwich City celebrates scoring. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)

According to GiveMeSport (via West Ham Zone), West Ham are keen on a January move for Sargent, whom Norwich are prepared to sell for a fee in the region of £17.5m. The Hammers want to sign a striker who is physical and has experience of English football, and the USA international would fit those criteria.

Sargent, who joined Norwich from Werder Bremen in 2021, has a relatively good record at Carrow Road, with 55 goals in 154 appearances across all competitions. He has struck seven times this season, with six of those coming in the Championship.

Is Josh Sargent the answer to West Ham’s striker woes?

Sargent would no doubt welcome a return to the Premier League, where he has experience with Norwich. However, he did not have the best record, which could be a concern for West Ham, who really need to finally find the solution in attack.

It remains to be seen who West Ham go for, but there will undoubtedly be a sense of desperation in their pursuit – which they cannot afford, given their struggles in recent years.

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Tottenham set to accept crazy bid for their star player

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By:John Menzies
13 December 2025 at 16:45

Tottenham managed to hold on to Cristian Romero in the summer, but there could be chances for him to leave in 2026. The defender attracted significant interest from Atletico Madrid, who still harbour hopes of bringing him to the Spanish capital alongside a number of his Argentine teammates.

Romero committed his future to Tottenham by penning a new contract in the face of Atleti’s interest, but while it was enough to stop a deal from getting done in the summer, the same cannot be made for the 2026 transfer window.

Tottenham set asking price for Cristian Romero sale

Cristian Romero of Tottenham (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

As per Tottenham News, former club scout Bryan King has revealed that Tottenham may accept a bid in the region of £60m for Romero, although there is no real desire for the defender to depart the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

“He’s only just signed a new contract, Romero. He signed an improved deal in the summer, and it’s made a big difference to his wage packet. He’s one of the highest-paid players at Tottenham, so it won’t be cheap to get him out. If Atletico think he’s going to walk out, they’ll have to think again.

“He’d cost £60-70m. The fact that he’s Argentinian and Diego Simeone’s Argentinian will have nothing to do with it. If Spurs don’t want to sell, then he won’t go unless a crazy offer comes in, that is what it will take.”

How important is Cristian Romero to Tottenham?

There has been a lot of plaudits in the direction of Micky van de Ven since he joined Tottenham, but there is a strong argument to suggest that Romero is more important to the club. He has been a top performer for a number of seasons, so if he were to depart, it would be a very big blow.

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Leading Liverpool target would prefer to join Real Madrid or Barcelona

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By:John Menzies
13 December 2025 at 16:05

Liverpool have stepped up efforts to sign a replacement for Mohamed Salah, with Michael Olise among their leading targets. The former Crystal Palace winger has been in sensational form since joining Bayern Munich in the summer of 2024, and he could now be set for a return to the Premier League.

There is a lot of interest in Olise from officials at Anfield. A deal will not be cheap, but he is seen as the perfect successor to Salah, who could leave Liverpool as early as next month, now that he has fallen out with Arne Slot.

It will not be easy for Liverpool to sign Olise – not only because of the reported asking price, but the player himself may not be entirely open to joining.

Michael Olise keen on La Liga move amid Liverpool interest

Michael Olise lining up with the French national team
Michael Olise lining up with the French national team (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)

According to TEAMtalk, Olise’s preference upon leaving Bayern Munich would be to join either Real Madrid or Barcelona. The 24-year-old intends to keep his options open for the future, and while he would consider a move to Liverpool, there are other clubs that could tempt him – with Chelsea also said to be one of them, given that he came through the ranks at Stamford Bridge.

Should Liverpool spent big on Michael Olise?

There is little doubt that Olise would be a fantastic signing for Liverpool, but there will be reservations about paying another £100m+ fee in 2026, given that Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak have struggled since joining from Bayer Leverkusen and Newcastle respectively.

It will be interesting to see how serious Liverpool are in their pursuit of Olise. In terms of competition, they would face little from Barcelona due to their financial woes, although right wing is a position that Real Madrid may seek to address – especially if Rodrygo Goes, another of Liverpool’s reported targets, were to leave the Bernabeu.

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Man City star will only consider 2026 move to Everton

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By:John Menzies
13 December 2025 at 15:00

Everton have been handed a major boost in their hopes of landing a permanent deal for Jack Grealish next summer, with the Man City loanee said to be very happy with how his time on Merseyside has gone thus far.

Grealish arrived at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in August, and alongside the likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye, he has been a standout performer for David Moyes’ side. He may have only registered two goals and four assists during his 16 appearances, but his overall performances have been very impressive.

Understandably, Everton are interested in turning Grealish’s loan into a transfer, and their chances of getting a deal done with Man City are looking good.

Jack Grealish will prioritise Everton transfer next summer

Jack Grealish celebrates a goal for Everton
Jack Grealish celebrates a goal for Everton (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

As reported by Football Insider, Grealish only wants to stay at Everton, with his desire being to reject all other options that could be available to him next summer – including a return to the Etihad Stadium.

Everton are able to sign Grealish for around £50m, as per a buy clause that was agreed with Man City. However, the fact that the player will only consider a permanent move to the blue half of Merseyside would make it likely that a lower price can be agreed, especially given that Pep Guardiola does not count on him.

How should Everton approach the situation with Jack Grealish?

It makes a lot of sense for Grealish to prioritise Everton, given how well he has settled into life there since joining on loan. There is very little chance that a deal is done for £50m, but it would make a lot of sense for Man City to cash in for around £25-30m, given that he has no future in Guardiola’s side.

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Man United told £26m will not be enough to sign January target

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By:John Menzies
13 December 2025 at 14:40

Man United want to sign a new midfielder when the transfer window re-opens in January, and Conor Gallagher is one of their options. The former Chelsea man has struggled to nail down a place as a regular starter at Atletico Madrid, which has led to speculation on whether he will return to England.

Man United believe that Gallagher can be signed for a reduced fee, with an opening in the region of £26m reportedly being prepared. However, they have now been told that a transfer would be more expensive than this.

Man United prioritising Adam Wharton over Conor Gallagher

Conor Gallagher of Atletico Madrid
Conor Gallagher of Atletico Madrid (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

As per Football Insider, Keith Wyness has claimed that Man United will need to much more than £26m for Gallagher, given the interest being shown in his services. The former Everton and Aston Villa CEO does not expect Old Trafford officials to do that, given their preference to bring in Crystal Palace and current England star Adam Wharton.

“Well, I don’t know where that number has come from, because I think there’d be a bit of an auction for Conor, and I think you’re going to need to pay more than that if you were to get him. I think he’s still very happy in Madrid. He’s not getting the game time he wants, but he is enjoying being around the club and the whole thing. And they’ve had a reasonable run until last weekend, and they’re still lying fourth in the table, but still, it’s very close at the top of the table.

“If he was to come back there has been a lot of talk about United, but I think Wharton is going to be their favoured situation.”

Who should Man United sign: Conor Gallagher or Adam Wharton?

It does make a lot of sense for Man United to target Wharton over Gallagher, even if he will be significantly more expensive. He is younger, has a higher ceiling, and arguably, he would be a better fit for Amorim’s system alongside Bruno Fernandes in the centre of midfield.

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Liverpool legend wants to replace Arne Slot as manager

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By:John Menzies
13 December 2025 at 14:07

Arne Slot may have won his battle of wits with Mohamed Salah, but he remains under pressure as Liverpool manager. Recent wins over West Ham and Inter Milan have helped his cause, but with the defending champions 10th in the Premier League standings after 15 matches, it is imperative that regular wins are picked up over the coming weeks.

Liverpool host Brighton this weekend, before matches against Tottenham, Wolves and Leeds over the festive period. Should they fail to win the majority of these fixtures, there will be more questions about whether Slot deserves to be one to stay at Anfield.

If results do not continue to pick up, Slot could be on his way out, at which points candidates to replace him will be drawn up.

Steven Gerrard open to joining Liverpool as interim manager

Steven Gerrard on punditry duty during Liverpool 1-4 PSV
Steven Gerrard on punditry duty during Liverpool 1-4 PSV (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Steven Gerrard is one possible candidate, with the Liverpool legend currently out of work. According to Football Insider, he would jump at the chance to come in and lead his former club on an interim basis.

The appointment of an interim manager would likely be Liverpool’s approach if Slot were to be sacked, given the lack of available candidates mid-season. Gerrard, who recently ripped into his former side, would be well-placed to come in, given his strong affinity with the club and its supporters.

Should Liverpool sack Arne Slot?

For the most part, it has not worked for Liverpool this season. Things may have picked up slightly in recent weeks, but during this period, they still dropped points at home to Sunderland and away to Leeds United.

Slot still has credit in the bank after leading Liverpool to the Premier League title last season, but if they continue to remain outside of the top places in the standings, it would be no surprise to see him relieved of his duties as manager.

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“The whispers I’ve been hearing” – Man United star poised to join Chelsea

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By:John Menzies
13 December 2025 at 13:49

It is becoming increasingly likely that Kobbie Mainoo will leave Man United during the January transfer window, with the young midfielder still not in Ruben Amorim’s plans at Old Trafford.

It has been a season of struggle for Mainoo, who has still yet to start for Man United in the Premier League. In total, he has made 11 appearances, with 10 of those being cameos from the bench in the league, which has underlined his lack of importance for Amorim.

Mainoo’s situation has attracted strong interest from a number of clubs, including Bayern Munich. However, it is more likely that he remains in the Premier League, albeit not with Man United.

Chelsea ready to make move for Kobbie Mainoo

Kobbie Mainoo in action for Man United against Grimsby
Kobbie Mainoo in action for Man United against Grimsby (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

As per Football Insider, Keith Wyness has revealed that Man United’s plans to sign Adam Wharton in 2026 will mean that Mainoo is pushed out of the door – and Chelsea are the most likely candidates for his signature.

“I think it’s very unfair and I think that Mainoo, look, he’s a squandered talent in that sense. I just don’t think he’s, for some reason, he hasn’t caught Amorim’s eye. He thinks he doesn’t fit the style. I think that they decided that Adam Wharton is going to be one of their targets and I think that Mainoo may find himself reinventing himself at Chelsea.

“That’s where I see the situation going and that’s the whispers I’ve been hearing. I think it would be good for Mainoo. I think he needs to get out of there and move forward.”

Will Man United regret letting Kobbie Mainoo leave?

There was a lot of excitement at Man United when Mainoo broke into the first team fold during the 2023-24 season, and understandably so. He looked like one of the best talents in England, as was shown by him starting for the national team at Euro 2024.

If he can recapture that form elsewhere, Man United may certainly end up rue his departure, were it to happen in 2026.

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