Manchester United are reportedly in the market for new defensive signings in the upcoming January transfer window. The club is said to be targeting Antonee Robinson, a full-back from the United States who currently plays for Fulham. The Red Devils are looking for a long-term replacement for the injury-prone Luke Shaw, who has been a reliable performer but has struggled with injuries in recent years. Robinson has been in good form for Fulham, registering two assists in the early part of the season. However, Fulham is demanding a transfer fee of £30m for the 27-year-old, with interest also coming from AC Milan and Manchester City.
Chelsea is reportedly open to loan offers for Deivid Washington, a 19-year-old forward who has only made two appearances for the club since joining from Santos last year. Despite rejecting approaches from English clubs on deadline day, Chelsea sees Washington as a valuable part of their future project and is considering a one-year loan deal. The Brazilian forward has been linked with Portuguese clubs, with Strasbourg also expressing interest in signing him, although a potential move fell through recently.
RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan is set to complete a €40 million move to Saudi club Al Nassr. The 24-year-old has agreed to a five-year deal with Al Nassr, with reports suggesting that he will earn €15m annually, including add-ons. Simakan, who has played 85 times in the Bundesliga and has represented France at the Under-21 level, underwent a medical in Berlin ahead of his move to Riyadh.
AS Roma defender Chris Smalling is in advanced talks with Saudi club Al Fayha for a move to the Saudi Pro League. The former Manchester United player is close to completing his transfer, with just a few details left to be sorted out. Roma is expected to push ahead in their pursuit of free agent Mats Hummels if they lose Smalling before the Saudi transfer window closes.
AS Roma has reportedly moved ahead of Galatasaray in the race to sign free agent Mario Hermoso. The former Atletico Madrid defender is said to be close to reaching an agreement with Roma over a proposed three-year contract. Hermoso, who left Atletico this summer after five years at the club, is in continuous contact with Roma regarding the terms of his potential deal.
Saudi club Al Hilal has agreed to a €40m fee with Benfica for striker Marcos Leonardo, a Brazil U20 international. Leonardo is set to undergo medical tests in Paris following the agreement between the two clubs. The 21-year-old forward, who has impressed with eight goals in 17 league appearances for Benfica, is expected to earn around €5m per year at Al Hilal.
Aston Villa striker Jhon Durán attracted late loan offers from Chelsea and West Ham United on deadline day. However, both offers were swiftly rejected by Villa, who were unable to find a suitable replacement before the transfer window closed. Durán, a 20-year-old Colombia international, has been linked with a move away from Villa but no club was willing to meet the club’s £40m valuation.