December 18th 

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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. There’s now less than one month until the winter window opens and clubs are already working tirelessly behind the scenes on identifying targets to sign or loan.

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.

Today’s biggest transfer stories 

According to reports in his native Colombia, Luis Díaz’s contract talks have stalled with Liverpool with the winger eyeing a move to Barcelona. The 27-year-old’s deal runs until 2027 so the Anfield side are under no pressure to sell with Diaz enjoying an excellent season. 

Manchester City have emerged as contenders to sign AC Milan star Tijjani Reijnders. City’s midfield issues are well-documented amid Rodri’s absence and Pep Guardiola has identified the Netherlands international as a potential January arrival.

Galatasaray are eyeing a deal to sign Paulo Dybala with the attacker’s contract at Roma expiring at the  end of the season. Meanwhile, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Newcastle are all monitoring PAOK striker Stefanos Tzimas, after his impressive loan spell at Nurnberg.