Transfer news: Barcelona eye triple Chelsea swoop, Origi to replace Ibrahimovic

The mid-season market is always a hectic time for top-flight clubs as teams look to bolster their ranks for the second half of the campaign.

It's more difficult to do business in the January window but several sides across the country may be forced to open their chequebooks after Christmas.

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

Christian Pulisic

Barcelona are planning moves for THREE Chelsea players, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.

The report states that and Christian Pulisic, 23, and defensive pair Antonio Rudiger, 28, and Cesar Azpilicueta, 32, are on the Catalans wish list.

The latter duo are entering the final months of their deals at Stamford Bridge and could agree pre-contract agreements with Barcelona ahead of a summer move.

Pulisic meanwhile has been targeted for a January loan swoop after a mixture of form and fitness has limited him to just six league appearances this term.

Divock Origi

AC Milan have reportedly added the Liverpool striker to a list of potential targets as the long-term replacement for Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

However, Italian outlet Tutto Mercatao claim the Rossoneri face competition from fellow Serie A club Atalanta for the Belgian forward.

Liverpool are said to be monitoring highly-rated Premier League stars Jarrod Bowen and Raphinha following continued doubts over Origi's future.

Edinson Cavani

Manchester United are preparing for the eventuality that Edinson Cavani leaves to join Barcelona, according to the Daily Mail.

The Spanish side are keen to sign the veteran attacker, something that could leave United short.

However Ralf Rangnick's side are considering Erling Haaland, Joao Felix, Timo Werner and Alexander Isak as potential replacements.

Andreas Christensen

Tottenham Hotspur have joined the race to sign the Chelsea defender, according to the Daily Star.

The centre-back is facing an uncertain future with his contract set to expire next summer and no agreement yet in place.

Interest is building with Spurs now in a queue alongside Manchester City and Manchester United to sign the Denmark international.

Rodrygo

Liverpool have put Rodrygo at the top of their summer shopping list, according to El Nacional.

The Real Madrid youngster is regarded as one of the hottest prospects in Europe with the 20-year-old Brazilian putting in some eye-catching displays.

It's claimed that Jurgen Klopp's side are willing to pay €80m (£68m) to get a deal done.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Real Madrid are reportedly monitoring Ronaldo's situation at Manchester United.

Football Insider claim the La Liga giants believe a deal for the 36-year-old could be struck in January following Ralf Rangnick's arrival at Old Trafford.

The report adds that there is a sense that the Portugese star Ronadlo is unsuited to the high-energy pressing game that Rangnick is keen to implement.

Wesley Fofana

Chelsea are reportedly weighing up a possible move for the Leicester and France Under-21 defender.

Goal claim the Foxes star is an option at Stamford Bridge with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen yet to sign new contracts at the club.

Fofana broke through in terrific style last term but has spent this season on the sidelines after suffering a broken fibula and ankle ligament in a pre-season friendly against Villarreal.

Georginio Wijnaldum

Everton and Newcastle are interested in a move for the former Liverpool star, who could leave Paris Saint-Germain on loan in January, according to 90 Min.

The Dutchman, who spent five years at Anfield following his £25million move from Newcastle in 2016, turned down the offer of a new contract and subsequently joined PSG this summer on a free transfer.

The Netherlands star previously opened up about how he was affected by trolls on social media during his last two years at Anfield, claiming he felt 'unappreciated' by a section of Reds fans.

And he admitted in October he has found life in the French capital tough over his lack of playing time at the Parc des Princes under Mauricio Pochettino.

Eden Hazard

West Ham have seen an audacious £21m bid for the former Chelsea star, 30, rejected by Real Madrid, report Catalan outfit El Nacional.

Hazard joined Madrid in June 2019 but he has endured a number of fitness issues and injuries during his time at the Bernabeu.

Newcastle have also expressed their interest in signing the Belgian forward following the Saudi-led consortium takeover at St James Park.

Casemiro

Chelsea are targeting a move for Real Madrid's Brazil midfielder, according to Catalan outlet El Nacional.

£51m-rated Casemiro, 29, is said to have been on the chopping block at the Bernabeu ever since Carlo Ancelotti returned to the LaLiga giants.

Thomas Tuchel is desperate for midfield reinforcements with Saul Niguez flopping so far since his loan from Atletico Madrid.

Kalvin Phillips

Phillips is reportedly set to snub Manchester United this summer and join Liverpool instead.

The 26-year-old Leeds midfielder is wanted by both clubs in what would be a major summer transfer.

The Sun claim Phillips' loyalty towards Leeds has put him off a move to Old Trafford and now Liverpool will capitalise and bring him to Anfield.

Phillips believes joining Liverpool would better aid his career progression and wouldn't tarnish his reputation at Elland Road.

The England international is under contract at Leeds until June 2024 and is valued at around £60million.

Aaron Ramsey

Everton have reportedly opened talks with Juventus midfielder Ramsey.

Juve are happy to sell the 30-year-old midfielder who has featured just five times for them this season.

According to the Daily Star, Everton have leapfrogged Newcastle in pursuit of the Wales international and are looking to get a deal done in January.

Ramsey moved to Turin on a free transfer in the summer of 2019 after his Arsenal contract expired and has made 49 Serie A appearances in the last two years, scoring five goals.

Ricardo Pepi

Manchester United and Liverpool are reportedly both eyeing moves for American teenage striker Ricardo Pepi.

The 18-year-old has been a hit at FC Dallas in recent months, netting 13 goals in the MLS this term.

The youngster also has three goals in six caps for USA and The Sun claim he is now wanted by two Premier League big guns.

United and Liverpool have sent scouts to watch several Dallas matches and both could be about to launch a move.

Lionel Messi

The Argentine has reportedly begun to question whether Mauricio Pochettino is up to the task of being Paris Saint-Germain manager.

French outlet L'Equipe claim that those closest to Messi fear Poch lacks full control of the PSG dressing room and has lost respect among the senior stars.

Former Barcelona captain Messi is also thought to believe that his compatriot is 'too restrictive' with his tactics that don't suit his play style.

The 34-year-old has managed just one league goal since arriving at PSG in the summer while Pochettino continues to be linked with a Premier League return.

Attila Szalai

Chelsea's move for the Fenerbahce defender Attila Szalai is a 'done deal', amid doubts over the futures of the Blues first-team stars.

Hungary boss Marco Rossi, who included Szalai in all three of his countries Euro 2020 games, was quizzed on which of his players would star in Serie A.

He told Calciomercato: "It's hard to name just one player, but right now I see very well Attila Szalai, who plays for Fenerbahce, but I think he is joining Chelsea.

"Clearly, he has been followed by important clubs in Spain, but apparently his move to Chelsea is a done deal.

"He would be a great player also for Italian football."

Chelsea have a host of defensive options at Stamford Bridge already but Antonio Rudiger Andreas Christensen, and club captain Cesar Azpilicueta will all be out of contract within the next 18 months.

Mohamed Salah

Salah put pressure on Liverpool to resolve his contract situation as he comments on reports linking him with a move to Barcelona.

The superstar forward is entering the final 18 months of his deal at Anfield and would be happy to stay.

"I said it several times, if the decision is up to me, I want to stay in Liverpool," said Salah.

"But the decision is in the hands of the management and they have to solve this issue."

The 29-year-old also addressed the Barcelona rumours when speaking to Egyptian broadcaster MBC Masr TV.

Salah said: "I read what was said about Xavi's interest to sign me.

"This is something that makes me happy that a team like Barcelona is interested in me, but I'm happy in Liverpool and we will see what happens in the future.

"At the moment, I prefer to stay in the Premier League as it's the strongest league in the world."

Kieran Trippier

Newcastle United are interested in making a move for Kieran Trippier.

Eddie Howe is looking to bolster his defence at St James' Park and had identified the Atletico Madrid star as a potential option.

According to The Sun, a deal to sign the 31-year-old could cost as much as £25million.

John McGinn

Manchester United have identified John McGinn as a potential transfer target, according to The Sun.

The Aston Villa star is regarded as one of the best midfielders outside of the top six and could be in line for a big move to Old Trafford.

It's thought that he's being tipped as an ideal replacement for Paul Pogba who looks increasingly likely to move on.

Jesse Lingard

Newcastle are targeting the Manchester United midfielder as well as three other England players in January.

The Telegraph claim the Magpies are chasing Lingard, 28, Tottenham star Harry Winks, 25, Chelsea ace Ross Barkley, 27, and Atletico Madrid's Kieran Trippier.

The report also states that Liverpool defender Nat Phillips and Burnley stalwart James Tarkowski are other names that have been discussed.