Pogba want to overtake Ronaldo as highest paid player in the Premier League, Barcelona look at Sterling, Werner and Messi return, Newcastle consider Ramsey and Trippier, Liverpool look at Bellingham’s alternative

The January transfer window is fast approaching and Premier League clubs are busy making their plans to get through this winter.

With just under two months to go until the January market opens and with teams reflecting on how they kicked off the campaign, it looks like a number of entries and exits are already underway.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi both made shock transfers this summer

The players will also take stock of their current situation with a lack of playing time or a return to form perhaps leading them to contact their agents before a possible move.

What are the latest rumors and headlines? talkSPORT.com takes a look …

Paul pogba

The French would like to renew his contract with Manchester United.

However, L’Equipe, via Metro, claim that Pogba demands that he overtake Cristiano Ronaldo to become the highest-paid player in the Premier League.

CR7 is currently the top earner after signing a 480,000-per-week contract upon his return to Old Trafford this summer.

Meanwhile, Pogba – who will be a free agent at the end of the season – is looking for a contract increase of £ 290,000 a week.

Lionel messi

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner could be set to return to Barcelona after leaving the La Liga giants just three months ago, according to the Star.

Marca reports that Victor Fonte, who came second behind Joan Laporta in the presidential election, is begging Barca to continue Messi’s return.

Speaking on Catalan radio, he said: “His departure deserved to be through the front door.

« From that point on, the club should think about how Messi could return to Barcelona in 2023. »

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Messi had a disappointing start to life at PSG Timo Werner

Barcelona are preparing to strengthen their forward line in January with a slew of Premier League options reportedly on their wishlist.

Marca, via Mirror, claims Manchester City star Raheem Sterling, Man United veteran Edinson Cavani and Chelsea’s Timo Werner are all being considered.

Barca have overseen the summer departures of Messi and Antoine Griezmann while Sergio Aguero’s health issues have created a frontline role for the club.

The Catalans are prioritizing experienced strikers who are currently out of favor at their respective Premier League clubs.

Barcelona are among Werner’s suitors if he decides to leave Chelsea Aaron Ramsey

Everton and Newcastle are reportedly interested in signing Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey.

Ramsey has struggled since arriving in Italy with reports that Juve are exploring the possibility of terminating their contract.

Despite his form and fitness issues in recent years, it looks like he won’t be short of potential Premier League contenders.

Claimed goal Everton and Newcastle love the 30-year-old former Arsenal star.

Would Ramsey be a good signing for Newcastle? Kieran Trippier

Newcastle would also like Atletico Madrid and England full-back Kieran Trippier who is keen to return to the Premier League.

Trippier was linked with Manchester United over the summer and now Toon’s new manager Eddie Howe is watching him, according to Spanish football expert Guillem Balague.

He said on BBC Radio 5Live: “I heard from Atletico Madrid that Newcastle are really interested in getting Trippier and that they have entered into negotiations with their people. I don’t know if they will have it or not.

The Telegraph adds that Trippier is « very keen » to return to England soon.

Trippier is under contract in Madrid until June 2023 and Atletico may well be tempted to cash it soon.

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Trippier was heavily linked with a return to the Premier League after helping Atletico Madrid win the Spanish title last season Frenkie de Jong

The Dutch midfielder could be used as part of a superb £ 60million swap deal with Barcelona against disgraced Raheem Sterling.

Catalan side El Nacional claim Pep Guardiola is a big admirer of De Jong while England star Sterling is a long-term target at Camp Nou.

The report adds that the City Sterling winger – who has managed just two goals this season – would be an ideal fit in their system under new boss Xavi.

The 26-year-old is valued at around £ 43million at the Etihad, compared to £ 60million at Barca for De Jong, meaning a swap deal plus £ 17million could be considered .

Man City step up pursuit of Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong Phil Jones

A host of clubs want to loan Manchester United and England defender Phil Jones after returning from injury, the Sun reports.

Newcastle have joined Watford as two Premier League clubs in the race to land the center-back – who hasn’t played since January 2020.

Several Championship teams are also excited, as is Wayne Rooney at Derby, but Pride Park’s finances would make a deal difficult to close.

Jones has two more years on a £ 130,000-a-week contract with United.

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Who knows what the future holds for Jones Marc Overmars

Ajax’s director of football has turned down the possibility of joining Newcastle, Athletic say.

The report adds that the Dutch giants were desperate to keep Overmars and the ex-winger gave them a huge boost by choosing to stay.

The 48-year-old has been highly coveted as one of football’s major operators since his Ajax debut in 2012.

He was linked with a similar post at his former club Arsenal two years ago, but was not yet convinced to leave the champions Eredivisie.

Overmars, who is currently director of football at Ajax, dismissed Newcastle Dusan Vlahovic

The Fiorentina striker is expected to refuse a transfer to Arsenal in January, according to Italian media Football Italia.

The report adds that the 21-year-old Serb is awaiting further offers and will therefore join Manuel Locatelli and Joaquin Correa in snubbing the Gunners.

Mikel Arteta’s side have reportedly reached a tentative deal with Fiorentina on a £ 68.5million transfer in the winter window.

Rex

Vlahovic has a proven track record in Italy and has been linked with a move to England Merino Mikel

Liverpool have identified the former Newcastle midfielder as an alternative transfer to Jude Bellingham.

According to Fichajes.net, Jurgen Klopp is interested in merino because of its « versatility and dominant physique. »

It’s fair to say that the Spaniard struggled to make an impact in England and after sailing between Osasuna, Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle he ended up at Anoeta Stadium.

The Reds’ main target in midfield remains Dortmund’s Bellingham, but the England international could prove to be impossible to sign due to his price tag.

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Mikel Merino had a rough time at Newcastle, but reinvented himself in Spain Marc-Andre ter Stegen

Newcastle did the Barcelona and the German goalkeeper a transfer priority, according to Spanish media El Nacional.

Ter Stegen has been seen as the Magpies’ first signing with Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow, both of whom are unlikely to be the club’s long-term No.1.

Camp Nou president Joan Laporta wants to keep Ter Stegen, but Newcastle are on the verge of giving new manager Eddie Howe a significant war chest.

The Toon are said to be willing to offer cash-strapped Barca € 55m (£ 47m) for the 29-year-old – who is under contract until 2025.

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Ter Stegen has been with Barcelona since 2014 Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Roma boss Jose Mourinho wants to reunite with Chelsea star Loftus-Cheek in Roma, according to Italian media Corriere dello Sport.

Loftus-Cheek, 25, worked under Special One at Stamford Bridge which gave the England international his Champions League debut in 2014.

Mourinho would also like another of his former stars, Harry Winks, to follow him from Tottenham to the Stadio Olimpico.

Moreover, the Portuguese manager is keeping an eye on Antonio Rudiger’s contract situation after trying to sign him at Spurs during his tenure.

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Jose Mourinho wants to find Ruben Loftus-Cheek in Rome