Raheem Sterling has been linked with a move to Napoli as a free agent – but the transfer remains unlikely for a couple of big reasons.

According to British tabloid The Sun, Sterling is open to lowering his wage demands in order to secure a move to the Serie A side, with the former Manchester City man eager to link up with his old teammate Kevin De Bruyne in Naples.

It has been an ongoing saga between Napoli and the 31-year-old, with the English winger linked with a move last summer – which did not materialise due to the player’s high salary expectations.

More recently, Napoli have tried again but were once more not satisfied with the wage demands of the Englishman.

However, if Sterling is open to reducing his demands, a move could still be on the cards.

Alisson Santos helps plug gaps at Napoli as Sterling rumours grow

That being said, Napoli did sign a winger in the closing stages of the transfer window and, therefore, may be less likely to pursue a move for Sterling as a priority.

Alisson Santos signed from Sporting and there is a belief that the Brazilian will help plug the gaps in Conte’s injury-ridden squad.

Therefore, unless the conditions become truly favourable, Napoli have no motive to go out of their way to sign Sterling, even though having another option would help reinforce the squad depth.

Napoli youngster Antonio Vergara has spoken about his footballing influences, naming Lionel Messi as his idol but admitting he was especially inspired by watching Piotr Zielinski up close during his early days with the Partenopei.

Speaking on Radio CRC, via TuttoSport, Vergara reflected on his first senior goals and his development under Antonio Conte.

The 23-year-old was thrust into the spotlight this season after an injury crisis at Napoli left Conte’s squad thin.

However, Vergara has impressed, scoring a great goal against Chelsea in the Champions League before scoring again in the 2-1 win over Fiorentina last weekend.

“Dedicating my first goal? I didn’t think about it, I was just happy,” he said.

“My first goal with Chelsea was unexpected, even for me. From the photos you can see my face, I looked shocked. The second goal, the one against Fiorentina, I dedicate to the whole stadium and everyone who was there celebrating with me. It was even more special because we won.”

Vergara: ‘I used to enjoy watching Zielinski at Napoli’

Vergara revealed that Messi has always been his footballing idol, but highlighted former Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski as a player he loved watching during training sessions with the first team.

“My idol has always been Messi, but when I got older and started training with the Napoli first team, I really liked Piotr Zielinski,” he said.

“He was beautiful to watch. He had this backheel control that everyone knew about, but he still managed to get away from opponents. A very strong player.”

The midfielder explained that he feels most comfortable playing behind the striker, although he has been used in several roles.

“I’ve always played as an attacking midfielder and that’s where I think I can express myself best. But I’ve also played as a mezzala, wing-back, and wide player, I’ve done a bit of everything.”

Vergara also praised Conte’s influence on his game.

“I definitely feel I’ve improved training with Conte, but I’ve always tried to help the team tactically. We work a lot on what we have to do from a tactical point of view, really a lot. The coach asks us to help each other and I try to do that. If he asks me to double up, I try.”

Off the pitch, he highlighted the strong atmosphere in the squad.

“I used to spend a lot of time with Marianucci and Ambrosino, we grew up together, we’ve known each other for 15 years, and with Lucca. I also have a great relationship with Mazzocchi, Spinazzola, Contini, Savic and Di Lorenzo. We are a great group.”

He added that he has a particular tactical understanding with the captain, and was relieved that his injury was not as serious as first feared.

Asked about the pressure of wearing the Napoli shirt, Vergara said he does not feel it weighs on him.

“I don’t feel the weight of the shirt, because it’s like every time I wear it, thousands of other people are wearing it with me. So the weight is shared. It’s like I’m playing for my people, so I don’t feel it.”

Liverpool played an unexpected role in derailing both Inter and Nottingham Forest’s plans involving Davide Frattesi during the January transfer window.

According to Fabrizio Romano, via FCInter1908, Inter had been working on a potential deal with Liverpool involving Curtis Jones.

The Italian champions had proposed a loan with an option to buy worth €40m, figures similar to the structure of a separate agreement already outlined between Inter and Nottingham Forest for Frattesi.

However, the move stalled because Jones had not reached an agreement with Liverpool over a contract renewal. Without clarity over his future, the Premier League club refused to give the green light for the midfielder’s departure.

Jones & Frattesi stay at Liverpool & Inter after late saga

As a result, the Nerazzurri abandoned their pursuit of Jones and decided to keep Frattesi, which in turn caused the proposed deal with Nottingham Forest, also a loan with a €40m option to buy, to collapse.

Frattesi had also previously been close to a move to Galatasaray. The Turkish side wanted an obligation to buy triggered after 10 appearances, while Inter were only willing to agree to a clause based on four appearances, leading to that negotiation breaking down as well.

Romano suggests Inter could return for Jones in the summer, although they are likely to face competition from other Premier League clubs.

Claudio Ranieri has revealed that Roma’s ownership are considering bringing Francesco Totti back to the club in an official role.

Speaking to Sky Sport, via SportMediaset, the senior advisor to the Friedkin family opened the door to a potential return for the Giallorossi legend.

“I know the Friedkins are thinking about it,” Ranieri said. “I hope Francesco can truly be useful to Roma as well, because he really is part of Roma.”

Contacts between the parties have reportedly been ongoing for some time, with discussions currently focused on defining what role and responsibilities could be offered to the former captain.

That point is considered crucial, as Totti’s previous experience in the Roma hierarchy broke down largely due to disagreements over his level of influence.

Totti could return to Roma in new role

After retiring in May 2017, Totti immediately moved into a directorial role at the club, initially working as a technical area collaborator.

The decision, under then-owner James Pallotta, was intended to keep the iconic No.10 involved as both a symbolic and supportive figure.

However, the role was widely seen as ill-defined.

Totti later admitted on several occasions that he had little real decision-making power and often felt marginalised in key processes, issues that ultimately led to his departure from the club’s management structure.

A potential return would therefore depend not just on sentiment, but on establishing a clear and meaningful position within the current Roma project.

Noa Lang has admitted that his difficult relationship with Antonio Conte played a major role in his early departure from Napoli.

The Dutch winger, who has just joined Galatasaray, reflected on his six-month spell in Serie A during an appearance on ESPN Netherlands’ Transfer Deadline Show.

Lang struggled for regular playing time after arriving from PSV and completed a January move away from the Stadio Maradona.

While he showed brief signs of continuity between November and December, Lang described his overall experience in Naples as disappointing and pointed to a lack of understanding with his coach.

“How can I explain it simply? I didn’t get along with the coach,” Lang said, with quotes via Goal.

“Let’s leave it at that. I know that in the Netherlands people often think it’s my fault, but one day everything will be clear. For now, I have a lot of respect for the club I’m under contract with. I have a good relationship with almost everyone at the club.”

Lang: ‘World Cup’ made decision to leave Napoli easy

Lang also admitted he was initially reluctant to leave Napoli so soon after joining.

He had only completed a move from PSV in the summer but struggled to make an impact on the Napoli team.

“Honestly, it took me some time. The size of the club speaks for itself, but I’m not someone who wants to leave after just six months.”

The Dutchman claimed many of his teammates did not want him to go but he felt that it was the right decision for ihm.

“Nine out of ten people didn’t want me to leave. I was well integrated into the group and trained well every day, but when I did get to play, people spoke badly about me. I didn’t agree at all. In terms of playing style, I did well. At least, I think so.”

Lang ended with a pointed remark about how he felt he had been treated.

“You have to be treated fairly, and I didn’t feel that at all. At first I wanted to fight and thought I would stay. But there’s a World Cup coming this summer, so that decision was mainly based on that.”

Juventus are already planning a renewed push for Randal Kolo Muani after failing to secure the French forward during the January transfer window.

The Bianconeri made a late attempt to bring in the French striker, who was identified, including by coach Luciano Spalletti, as an ideal reinforcement in attack. However, the financial resources available in the winter market made a deal impossible.

There is some encouragement for Juve, though. Their recent approach helped rebuild relations with PSG, who were even open to a loan with an option to buy, as per IlBianconero.

The main obstacle came from Tottenham, but the Premier League club will no longer have a say over the player’s future from June, when Kolo Muani is due to return to Paris.

Juventus ready to return for Kolo-Muani

According to Tuttosport, Juventus will now have time to plan a third attempt for the Frenchman who would reportedly have been keen to move to Turin even this winter.

Jean-Philippe Mateta remains an alternative option. The striker recently saw a proposed switch to Milan collapse and is now considering knee surgery for a long-standing issue that dates back to 2019.

Then there is the dream scenario: Victor Osimhen. Juventus will soon face the former Napoli striker in a Champions League double-header against Galatasaray, where he currently earns around €16m net per season.

Any future move would require a major financial sacrifice from Osimhen.

Juventus are unlikely to offer wages higher than €6m per year, the level now reserved for their top earners such as Jonathan David and Kenan Yildiz, who is close to a renewal.

While these discussions are still at an early stage, they are part of the club’s long-term planning, a future in which Dusan Vlahovic is increasingly expected not to feature.

Napoli are preparing to open talks with Scott McTominay over a new long-term contract after the midfielder established himself as a key figure in their recent success.

The Scotland international has become one of the leaders of Antonio Conte’s side and played a central role in their Scudetto-winning campaign.

He continues to deliver in big moments and has already scored nine goals this season, five in Serie A and four in the Champions League.

According to reports in La Gazzetta dello Sport, via IlNapolista, Napoli and McTominay are ready to sit down and begin laying the groundwork for a renewal.

Napoli want to keep a hold of McTominay

His current deal runs until June 2028, but the Partenopei are keen to secure his future sooner rather than later.

McTominay’s performances over the last year and a half have drawn interest from several top European clubs, and the upcoming World Cup could further increase his profile.

Napoli therefore want to move quickly, with the aim of extending his contract until 2030.

The midfielder currently earns €3m net per season plus bonuses, but that figure is expected to rise significantly in line with his growing importance to the team.

After reaching an agreement with Amir Rrahmani, still to be made official, Napoli have now made McTominay’s renewal their priority. His representatives are expected in Naples next month to advance negotiations over a deal that both the club and supporters are eager to see completed.

Juventus are on the verge of tying down Kenan Yildiz to a new long-term contract, with the Turkish star set to become the cornerstone of the club’s present and future.

With the January transfer window now closed, the Bianconeri are ready to complete what many fans see as their most important move of the season: the renewal of arguably their best player.

Talks have advanced significantly in recent days, with only the final details left to be resolved before the agreement is sealed, as per the Corriere dello Sport.

Yildiz signs with Juventus until 2031: the details

Yildiz is expected to sign a new deal running until June 2031, extending his current contract by a further two years.

The Turkish forward will also receive a major salary increase in line with his new status within the squad.

His wages are set to rise to €6m net per season, which would make him Juventus’ second-joint highest earner, alongside Jonathan David, behind Dusan Vlahovic.

Securing Yildiz’s future was one of the club’s top priorities at the start of 2026.

Juventus ownership have given clear instructions to build around the young forward, who has already attracted interest from several European giants, including Arsenal, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

Barring any last-minute complications, Juventus are now closing in on the finish line.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

“What the Devil!”

Milan overwhelm Bologna (3-0) and remain five points behind Inter.

The Rossoneri win and put on a show.
Goals from Loftus-Cheek, Nkunku and Rabiot.
Allegri: “Now Roma at home.”

Chivu chooses a brand new Inter
Torino go all-in and look for an upset.

Spalletti changes Juve
Now they move at Champions League pace.

Serie A is red
Losses of €360 million.

Tuttosport

Milan, Scudetto show

Proof of strength without Leao, Pulisic and Saelemaekers.

Thanks, Allegri.

Agreement reached, announcement imminent

Yildiz 2030 – Juve, it’s time!

A top player already.

Written in black and white until 2030.

Now to sort out Vlahovic’s future: a leap forward next season is possible.

Koopmeiners still out.

Corriere dello Sport

Milan enjoy themselves

Allegri wins 3-0 away: message for Inter.

They beat Bologna: Max now five behind Chivu.

Fast start
Second straight win
Loftus-Cheek opens
Nkunku scores again (5th goal)
Rabiot completes the party

Juve, blitz for Senesi

The centre-back, set to leave Bournemouth, is the priority target.
The Argentine is free on June 30: Comolli first in line.

Serie A clubs were busy today as they race to wrap up deals before the transfer window closes on Monday.

Youssef Maleh joined Cremonese on loan from Lecce, Genoa activated their option to sign Leo Ostigard on a permanent deal and Cyril Ngonge and Luca Marianucci left Napoli on loan moves.

Which transfers were announced in Serie A on January 31, 2026?

Football Italia takes a look at every confirmed transfer involving clubs from Italy’s top flight today.

Ostigard joined Genoa on a permanent basis for just €5 million, after impressing on loan so far this season. Ngonge joined Espanyol on loan for €2 million, whilst M’Bala Nzola joins Sassuolo on loan from Fiorentina.

Lecce saw two players leave today, with Frenchman Balthazar Pierret returning to his home country with Red Star FC in Ligue 2, and Maleh joining fellow Serie A side Cremonese on loan until the end of the season.

All Serie A transfers confirmed on January 31, 2026

Balthazar Pierret – Lecce to Red Star FC (Undsc.)

Sandro Kulenovic – Dinamo Zagreb to Torino (Loan €500,000)

M’Bala Nzola – Fiorentina to Sassuolo (Loan)

Leo Ostigard – Stade Rennes to Genoa (€5 million)

Luca Marianucci – Napoli to Torino (Loan)

Youssef Maleh – Lecce to Cremonese (Loan)

Stefan Mitrovic – Verona to Asteras Aktor (Loan)

Cyril Ngonge – Napoli to Espanyol (Loan €2 million)

Albert Gronbæk – Genoa to Rennes (End of Loan)

You can follow all the latest transfer news, as it happened, on our Live Blog.

Alessio Romagnoli is set to stay at Lazio after a chaotic final day of the Qatari transfer window saw the deal go from off, to on, to off again, in the space of a few hours.

Al-Sadd, where Italian Roberto Mancini now coaches, were close to completing the deal.

Reports from Manuel Baiocchini, and later confirmed by Gianluca Di Marzio, claim that the agreement between the two clubs had been reached, contracts had been signed but that there was not enough time for the Qatari side to file the transfer before the window slammed shut.

Therefore, Romagnoli will now likely return to Lazio, in strange circumstances.

Romagnoli saga drags on, Al-Sadd pay the price

The sage was a complicated and drawn out one.

Originally, Al-Sadd were reported to be interested and Romagnoli interested in joining up with Mancini in Qatar.

Then, Lazio posted a sensational statement on their official channels to claim that no such transfer would be happening and that Romagnoli would stay at the club, where he is contracted.

Romagnoli said goodbye to fans at the end of Lazio’s draw with Lecce and was left out of the squad that faced Genoa on Friday – although he did watch on from the stands.

Earlier today, it was reported that Lazio had finally accepted an offer from Al-Sadd for the centre-back and that the green light had been given, yet it was clear the Qatari side had to act quickly.

The Qatari window shut this evening, earlier than in other countries, and Al-Sadd and Romagnoli lost out because there was not enough time to get the deal done.

It now leaves a rather awkward situation where Romagnoli must return to the club he had said his goodbyes to, despite everything being in place for him to leave.

Antonio Vergara is the man of the moment at the minute in Naples.

Napoli are currently going through the motions as the Scudetto holders face a growing injury list, an awkward early exit from the UEFA Champions League and a real fight on their hands to retain the Serie A trophy.

However, if there was one silver lining amongst all these dark clouds it would be the impressive performances of Vergara.

The 23-year-old had not played a senior minute for the Partenopei before this season, and spent the last two seasons on loan with Reggiana in Serie B.

Despite this, it is Vergara who has won the heart of Naples in the last couple of weeks.

Vergara thrust into the limelight for Napoli but thrives

On Wednesday, he scored a spectacular goal after a slick solo run in the Champions League against Chelsea. It was his first goal for his boyhood club and he scored it in style.

On Saturday, Vergara scored again, this time in Napoli’s 2-1 win against Fiorentina, that helped ease the pressure on the side after the disappointing Champions League exit. The Italian also assisted the other goal on the night, as he continues to impress.

It is strange, though, that his opportunity was only really born out of the ongoing injury crisis in Naples.

Without the circumstances, it was unlikely Vergara was going to see much first team football this season and, at 23-years-old, he is moving past the point of being sent out on loan again and again but Napoli.

When Napoli have a full roster again, it will be interesting to see whether Conte rewards Vergara’s impressive run of form with more minutes, or if he falls back down the pecking order completely.

What does the future hold for Vergara?

Regardless of that, Vergara can only gain from his continued performances – in the sense that he may be able to convince another Serie A side to take a gamble on him – and Napoli may choose to cash in if he’s not deemed of the right level for the first team.

A move to a club like Genoa or Sassuolo could suit the Italian, where he would be able to get more game time than at Napoli and I would not be surprised if this was the case.

We shall see what happens – and obviously it feels exceedingly premature to be having these sorts of hypothetical conversations about a player with just 12 appearances to his name for Napoli.

However, Vergara is winning the hearts of Napoli fans and impressing pundits, and right now he is a much needed breath of fresh air in Naples.

Napoli bounced back from their midweek Champions League exit to pick up an important three points in Serie A with a 2-1 win against Fiorentina.

Young forward Antonio Vergara, only really in the squad because of the extensive injuries to Antonio Conte’s squad, impressed once again and was Football Italia’s Player of the Match with a goal and an assist.

Napoli 2-1 Fiorentina – Player Ratings

Napoli: Meret 7; Di Lorenzo 6 (Olivera 5.5), Juan Jesus 6, Buongiorno 6; Gutierrez 7, Lobotka 6, McTominay 6.5, Spinazzola 6; Vergara 8 (Giovane N/A), Elmas 6.5; Hojlund 6

Best Napoli player: Antonio Vergara – The youngster once again shines after his impressive solo goal against Chelsea during the week. Tonight he scored a goal and assisted the other, effectively winning his side the three points.

Lowest Napoli rating: Mathias Olivera – Came on for the injured Di Lorenzo in the first half but struggled a little. Was not bad but struggled to get the better of his marker.

Coach: Antonio Conte 6.5 – Still working with a very limited squad, and off the back of an exhausting 90 minutes against Napoli during the week, the coach did well to secure the three points.

Fiorentina: De Gea 6; Dodo 6.5, Comuzzo 5.5, Pongracic 5.5, Gosens 5.5 (Ranieri 6); Fagiolo 6; Solomon 6.5 (Kean 6), Fabbian 5.5 (Mandragora 6), Brescianini 5.5 (Parisi 6), Gudmundsson 6 (Fazzini N/A); Piccoli 6.5

Best Fiorentina player: Manor Solomon – Scored Fiorentina’s goal and looked more dangerous than the rest of Fiorentina’s offensive players. Was not overly involved put did not put a foot wrong when he did have possession.

Lowest Fiorentina rating: Pietro Comuzzo – The young defender was disappointing this evening, in keeping with recent form. He struggled in his duels, both on the ground and in the air, and was beaten far too easily on more than one occasion.

Coach: Paolo Vanoli 6 – Set up his team well against the Champions but was unable to come away with anything to show for it. A decent display from the Viola coach, all things considered.

Milan’s pursuit of Jean-Philippe Mateta has hit a fresh obstacle as Crystal Palace struggle to line up a replacement for the French striker.

Talks between the two clubs had been progressing, with Milan identifying Mateta as a profile capable of adding physicality and depth to their attacking department.

However, Palace are now reluctant to give the green light to any departure until they secure a suitable alternative up front, as per Sky Sport Italia.

The Premier League side are wary of weakening their squad mid-season, especially with limited time left in the window and a thin market for proven centre-forwards.

Mateta unhappy as Crystal Palace block Milan move

The Eagles completed a loan move For Aston Villa forward Evann Guessand on Friday but the London club likely want a more substantial replacement before letting their star forward leave.

As a result, negotiations have slowed, leaving Milan waiting to see whether conditions can change in the coming days.

For the Rossoneri, Mateta remains a concrete target, but the deal now depends less on financial terms and more on Palace’s ability to solve their own attacking needs first.

A breakthrough is still possible, though the situation has become significantly more complicated.

Mateta, meanwhile, is unhappy with the situation. Taking to Instagram to vent his frustration with a story featuring a very stroppy emoji.

AC Milan have secured the long-term future of captain Mike Maignan, with the goalkeeper putting pen to paper on a new contract that runs until June 2031.

In an official statement, the club confirmed they were “delighted to announce the renewal of Mike Maignan’s contract until 30 June 2031,” highlighting his leadership, reliability and importance both on and off the pitch.

Maignan signs new Milan deal

Since arriving in 2021, Maignan has grown into a cornerstone of the Rossoneri project, becoming captain and one of the most influential figures in the dressing room.

The France international has made 188 appearances for Milan so far and played a decisive role in the 2021-22 Scudetto triumph, later adding a Supercoppa Italiana to his honours.

Individually, he was also named Serie A’s best goalkeeper in his debut season in Italy, underlining the impact he made immediately after replacing Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The renewal puts an end to speculation over his future, with several European heavyweights, such as Chelsea, previously linked with a move.

Instead, Maignan has chosen continuity, committing himself to the club’s long-term ambitions as Milan look to build around a core of experienced leaders and emerging talent.

Follow the latest transfer news, as it happens, on our Live Blog.

Ademola Lookman’s future at Atalanta has suddenly become one of the hottest transfer sagas of the window, with both Fenerbahce and Atletico Madrid pushing to sign the Nigerian forward.

Reports from Turkey claim Fenerbahce had already reached a broad agreement with Atalanta on a deal worth €35m plus €5m in bonuses.

However, the negotiations have reportedly stalled over payment terms. Atalanta are said to want a larger portion of the fee paid upfront, while the Turkish side prefer a more staggered structure.

Transfer battle erupts for Lookman as Atletico & Fenerbahce tussle

According to those same sources, via Sport Mediaset, Fenerbahce are reluctant to alter their proposed schedule and are now waiting on Atalanta’s final stance.

At the same time, Atletico Madrid have also struck an agreement in principle with the Bergamo club on a similar overall package.

The key difference appears to be the financial structure, with the Spanish side not facing the same demands regarding advance payments.

Despite that, the move is far from done, as the player himself has not yet fully opened the door to joining the Colchoneros.

The reports claim that Atletico’s proposed salary is nowhere near that of the Turkish Super Lig side, giving Lookman further food for thought.

With two clubs circling and negotiations running on parallel tracks, Lookman’s omission from the Atalanta squad has only fuelled speculation that an exit could be imminent. The coming days are likely to be decisive as all parties try to find a formula that works.