Even if Argentine World Cup champion Alexis Mike alister arrives from Brighton, Liverpool should still sign another midfielder. As a breakthrough prospect of La Liga season, Veiga has extraordinary physical and technical attributes, as well as versatility and industrialization. He also has an advantage on the offensive end, and his willingness to move into the restricted area is excellent-as shown by his < > goals in 32 La Liga games.
Although Vega’s influence may have diminished in recent weeks (not uncommon for a 20-year-old debut season), it is reported that he has a release clause of 400,000 euros, which will make him a real deal.
Cristiano Ronaldo has a clause in his Al Nassr contract allowing the Portugal forward, 37, to join Newcastle United on loan if they qualify for the Champions League this season. (Marca)
France centre-back Benoit Badiashile, 21, is in London to undergo a medical after Chelsea agreed a deal worth 38m euros (£33.6m) with Monaco. (Football London)
Liverpool are exploring a deal to buy Portugal midfielder Matheus Nunes, 24, from Wolves in the summer. (Telegraph)
England midfielder Jude Bellingham, 19, is set to meet with Borussia Dortmund officials before 6 January, when he will inform them of his desire to leave this summer. The German club will seek 100m euros (£88.5m), plus add-ons that could take his total fee to about 140m euros (£124m). (AS)
Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea have been approached about signing Portugal forward Joao Felix, 23, on loan but Atletico Madrid are seeking a 15m euro loan fee (£13.3m), plus 6m euros (£5.3m) to cover his wages. (Athletic – subscription required)
Chelsea, meanwhile, are in negotiations over the structure of a club record deal to sign 21-year-old Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez from Benfica. (Evening Standard)
Arsenal have submitted a second offer for Ukraine winger Mykhailo Mudryk, thought to be significantly below Shakhtar Donetsk’s asking price of 100m euros (£88.5m). (ESPN)
Manchester United and Bayern Munich are interested in Randal Kolo Muani but Eintracht Frankfurt want 60-70m euros (£53-62m) for the France forward, 24. (Nicolo Schira)
