November 26th 

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The transfer market remains closed until January but clubs are still extremely busy behind the scenes as they plan for future arrivals. Players all around the world will return to their clubs after the international break ahead of a pivotal period of the season, both domestically and in European competition. 

Managers will be constantly assessing their squads with sporting directors and recruitment staff scanning the market for potential deals in the upcoming market. A plethora of players will be unhappy with their lack of minutes with their agents aiming to secure them a move to ensure first-team football for the second half of the season. The rumour mill is beginning to pick up pace and we’ve collated some of the biggest current transfer stories.

Barcelona have identified Viktor Gyökeres as the ideal long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski, according to reports in Spain. The Sporting CP striker has scored at a phenomenal rate in Portugal with several English Premier League clubs exploring a deal.

Manchester United have been linked with moves for two Wolves stars – Rayan Aït-Nouri and Matheus Cunha. United’s problems at left-back are well documented and Ait-Nouri fits the bill while Cunha has excelled at the Midlands club. Tottenham Hotspur will reportedly look to sign a new goalkeeper in January with Guglielmo Vicario sidelined with an ankle injury. 

Real Madrid could revive their interest in Jarrad Branthwaite due to their issues at centre-back with Carlo Ancelotti handing the Englishman his debut at Everton. Evan Ferguson has struggled for regular minutes at Brighton this season with Fulham and Leicester interested in a loan move in January.