Liverpool and Manchester United have both registered interest in Newcastle United defender Malick Thiaw, though the Magpies are said to have no plans to part with the 25-year-old Germany international, according to reports from Caught Offside.
Thiaw has been a key figure for Newcastle since his move from AC Milan, and his performances appear to have caught the eye of two of England's biggest clubs. Despite the interest, Newcastle's stance suggests any approach would face resistance, leaving Liverpool and United to continue tracking the situation rather than launch an immediate bid.
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Fulham are reportedly preparing to open contract discussions with defender Calvin Bassey, 26, as they look to secure his long-term future at Craven Cottage. The move comes amid growing interest from Inter Milan, who are said to be keeping tabs on the Nigerian international, according to Teamtalk. Fulham's willingness to begin talks now suggests the club is eager to ward off any potential approach from Serie A.
In the Premier League's underlying transfer chatter, Chelsea are understood to be readying a move for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, 23, with a possible approach expected as soon as the January transfer window, per Teamtalk. Scott has been a steady contributor for the Cherries, and Chelsea's interest points to their ongoing efforts to strengthen midfield options.
Bournemouth's rising asset Rayan, the 20-year-old winger, is reported to have a release clause set at £130 million, though it will not become active until the summer of 2027, according to David Ornstein of the Athletic. The figure underlines the growing valuation clubs are placing on emerging talents, and Bournemouth appear content to let the structure play out over the coming seasons.
At Newcastle, midfielder Joe Willock, 27, could be handed a new contract if his form continues under new head coach Matthias Jaissle, Football Insider reports. Willock has been working to reestablish himself in the squad, and the offer of fresh terms would represent a vote of confidence from the club's hierarchy in his role moving forward.
Away from the Premier League, Sunderland winger Chemsdine Talbi, 21, is reportedly closing in on a switch to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad, according to Football Insider. The move would mark a significant step for the young winger, who appears set to test himself in a different footballing environment following interest from the Gulf state.
Finally, in a move that would bring a touch of nostalgia to Serie B, former Real Madrid and Colombia midfielder James Rodriguez, 35, is in discussions over a possible transfer to Avellino, as reported by Marca. The Italian second-tier club is currently managed by former Italy international Alessandro Nesta, and landing a player of Rodriguez's pedigree would represent a notable coup for the ambitious side as they continue their push through the Italian football pyramid.
With the transfer window edging closer, all eyes will remain on how these situations develop, particularly the ongoing intrigue surrounding Thiaw's future at Newcastle and Fulham's efforts to fend off European interest in Bassey.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport, Caught Offside, Football Insider, Teamtalk, David Ornstein/The Athletic, and Marca.