The January transfer window is only two days old, but the rumour mill is already churning at full speed, with Liverpool's Mohamed Salah at the centre of the first major story. Speculation from Italy suggests the Egyptian forward could be in line for a sensational return to former club AS Roma.
Salah Speculation and Liverpool's Defensive Target
According to reports in La Repubblica, Roma are keen to bring Salah back to the Stadio Olimpico, where he played between 2015 and 2017. However, any move for the 31-year-old forward is thought to be more likely in the summer rather than this month. Should Salah remain at Anfield, he could soon be joined by a new defensive teammate.
Liverpool are reportedly set to spend an initial £35 million, potentially rising to £43 million, to sign Club Brugge and Ecuador international centre-back Joel Ordóñez. The Premier League champions' path to a deal has been cleared after Chelsea withdrew their interest in the player.
Premier League Clubs Circle Gallagher and Fernandes Future in Doubt
Another player attracting attention is Conor Gallagher. The fiercely energetic English midfielder has started just four league games for Atlético Madrid this season, putting Premier League sides on alert. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are credited with an interest in reviving their midfield options with his signature. Atlético are said to want at least £26 million for the player, who is under contract until 2029.
At Old Trafford, whispers are growing about the future of club captain Bruno Fernandes. With the Portugal international having revealed United were open to selling him last summer, gossip is set to intensify again as the club potentially looks to offload him to fund another squad rebuild. United's reported targets include Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and Rennes defender Jérémy Jacquet.
Arsenal, West Ham and the Mid-Table Scramble
League leaders Arsenal are plotting an ambitious move for Real Madrid's talented Turkish youngster, Arda Güler. The Gunners are considering an initial loan deal for the 20-year-old with an option to buy permanently in the summer. Madrid value the player at a hefty £78 million.
In East London, West Ham's search for attacking reinforcements is poised to start with the signing of Gil Vicente's Pablo. It could also include a move for Raheem Sterling, who remains out of favour at Chelsea following an unsuccessful loan at Arsenal. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo is understood to be keen on the winger as the Hammers fight relegation.
Elsewhere, Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jørgen Strand Larsen is a wanted man, with Nottingham Forest currently leading the chase ahead of Crystal Palace. Wolves value the Norwegian at £40 million. Fulham, Palace, and Sunderland are all vying for Paris FC's Algerian midfielder Ilan Kebbal, while Newcastle United are planning an approach for Toulouse's 19-year-old defender Dayann Methalie.
With the window just opening, these rumours are set to dominate the headlines for weeks, as clubs across England and Europe look to strengthen their squads for the second half of the season.
