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Nick JuddTransfer writer
The 2022 January transfer window is open (find out when it closes here), and there’s plenty of gossip swirling about who’s moving where. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings and goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Spurs, Villa eye Bentancur
Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa are battling out for Juventus defensive midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, according to Sky Sports.
Villa boss Steven Gerrard is keen to add Bentancur to his squad to offer competition for Douglas Luiz, with the club reportedly offering £16.5 million plus £4m in bonuses for the Uruguayan. Juve rejected the Villans’ bid as they are looking for a fee of around £21m up front.
Sky believe that both sides aren’t far away in their estimation, though Tottenham would prefer a loan deal until the end of the season. Juve would prefer a permanent move and are holding out for their preferred figure because any move for Bentancur would see 30% of the fee go to former club Boca Juniors.
Bentancur joined Juve from the Argentinian side for a fee of £8m in 2017 and his current contract is set to run out in the summer of 2024.
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PAPER GOSSIP
– West Ham United are one of several clubs eyeing up a move for Leeds United winger Raphinha, according to Sky Sports. However, Leeds are in talks to try and extend the Brazilian’s contract beyond 2024, which is when his current deal is set to run out. Raphinha has scored eight goals and added two assists this season and has lit up the Premier League since his move from Rennes in 2020. The Hammers are also interested in signing Reims striker Hugo Ekitike, who has scored eight goals in ten league games this season. The French club are expecting to recoup £25m for the 19-year-old, who was also targeted by Newcastle earlier in the…
Source : espn
