Transfer news live - Ronaldo makes Saudi decision, Liverpool want World Cup star

Cristiano Ronaldo has a lot on his plate, with Portugal into the quarter-finals of the World Cup and his future up in the air ahead of the January transfer window opening.

Ronaldo was benched by Fernando Santos on Tuesday night as Portugal thrashed Switzerland 6-1 to set up a last-eight clash with Morocco. He has given his reaction, and insists he's focused on the World Cup, but rumours continue to swirl about his next club, after he was jettisoned by Manchester United.

Elsewhere, both Liverpool and Arsenal are giving consideration to signing some of the stand-out players in Qatar. The Reds are eyeing up midfielders who could provide alternatives to England star Jude Bellingham, while Arsenal ponder replacements for the injured Gabriel Jesus, as well as further additions.

There is plenty more to keep an eye on, with the transfer window just over three weeks away.

Here you can find all of Wednesday's latest transfer updates...

08:17Dan Marsh

Barcelona 'follow' Martinelli's World Cup progress

Spanish giants Barcelona have been 'following' Gabriel Martinelli's progress at the World Cup, according to a new report from Sport.

Martinelli has enjoyed a rapid rise over the past 18 months and is now firmly established as one of Arsenal's most important first-team players.

The Gunners are eager to tie the Brazil forward down to a new deal, but Barcelona are avid admirers of the 21-year-old and are keeping tabs on his situation.

The report outlines that Martinelli is 'aware' of Barcelona's interest - although he has previously stressed he is happy at the Emirates and willing to sign a new long-term deal.

07:47Felix Keith

Liverpool eye Morocco star

Liverpool want Jude Bellingham and have made the Borussia Dortmund star their top transfer priority for 2023.

However, the Reds are keeping an eye on other players, and Sofyan Amrabat's performances for Morocco at the World Cup have made him a possible alternative.

According to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, Amrabat is 'open' to leaving Fiorentina in order to play in Europe's elite competition - something Liverpool can offer him. Further, it has also been claimed that the Reds have already made contact with the midfielder's representatives.

07:15KEY EVENT

Ronaldo makes Saudi Arabia decision

Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly decided to turn down a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.

Ronaldo has been offered the chance to earn a staggering £173million per year in the Middle East following Manchester United's decision to terminate his contract.

The 37-year-old was has been keeping his options open while focusing on Portugal's World Cup campaign, but reports in Portugal now say he will reject any move to Saudi Arabia.

He retains the desire to play at a Champions League club and is ready to hold out for further offers.

22:52Josh O'Brien

That's all folks...

That concludes today's transfer live blog - return to the same place, same time tomorrow for more rumours...

22:07KEY EVENT

Barca's De Jong demand

Barcelona are aiming to get Frenkie de Jong to pen a contract extension at the Camp Nou - but on a reduced wage.

Spanish outlet Sport claim the Barcelona hierarchy are in communication with De Jong's representatives, but are aiming to lower his salary for the remainder of this season and next.

Barcelona are aiming to create room on the wage bill for more arrivals over the next two transfer windows.

21:29Josh O'Brien

Real Madrid lead the charge for Endrick

Brazilian wonderkid Endrick is nearing a move to Real Madrid according to reports, despite persistent interest from Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.

The teenager doesn't turn 17 years old until next July, but is already the subject of attention from some of the biggest clubs in the world - including Los Blancos.

20:42Josh O'Brien

Dumfries agent fear

The agent of Netherlands international Denzel Dumfries has admitted he hopes the value of his client doesn't increase too much.

Amid interest from both Chelsea and Spurs, Rafaela Pimenta told Sky Sports: "I hope his value doesn't increase — otherwise it will be difficult to transfer him."

19:39Josh O'Brien

Arsenal and Newcastle ready for battle

Both Arsenal and Newcastle are interested in landing the signature of Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Djibril Sow, Bild claims.

Unfortunately for both, Frankfurt are in no mood to lose one of their prized assets in the middle of the season and therefore a January switch appears to be out of the question.

18:56KEY EVENT

Barcelona want Martinelli

LaLiga giants Barcelona are rumoured to be interested in signing Gabriel Martinelli as Arsenal still wait for him to pen his contract extension.

His current deal expires in the summer of 2024 and Barcelona are thought to be weighing up the idea of an official bid for this summer, as per Sport.

18:17Josh O'Brien

PSG throw their hat in the ring for Bellingham

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has conceded the French giants also wish to bring Jude Bellingham to the Parc des Princes in the near future.

"Amazing player, what a player," he told Sky Sports. "Obviously, England are lucky to have him.

"He's one of the best players in the tournament. You see how it's his first World Cup and he's calm, relaxed and confident, amazing.

"That's what everyone wants, I'm not going to hide it, but I respect his club. If we want to talk to him, we will talk to the club first."

17:41Josh O'Brien

Arsenal confirm Jesus surgery as replacement rumours start

Arsenal have confirmed Gabriel Jesus has been forced to undergo surgery via a club statement.

It read: "Gabriel Jesus has successfully undergone surgery to his right knee after suffering an injury during the Brazil v Cameroon World Cup group stage match on Friday.

"Gabby will now begin his rehabilitation programme. Everyone at the club is supporting Gabby and will be working hard to get him back on the pitch as soon as possible."

Speculation over whether Arsenal will look to replace Jesus in January has already begun.

16:51KEY EVENT

Bellingham favours the Bernabeu

England sensation Jude Bellingham is rumored to favour a move to Real Madrid over Premier League duo Liverpool and Manchester City, as per Spanish outlet AS.

All three of the aforementioned clubs are keeping tabs on his situation at Borussia Dortmund and are all plotting bids in the summer, but as things stand Los Blancos are rumoured to be leading the charge.

16:03Dan Marsh

Arsenal ready to 'freshen' up attack after Jesus blow

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was already preparing to 'freshen' up his attacking options in the January transfer window - but Gabriel Jesus' injury could force the Gunners to ramp up their plans.

According to The Telegraph, Arteta was keen on acquiring a wide forward in the New Year to keep Arsenal's title hopes alive.

However, with Jesus requiring surgery for the injury he picked up at the World Cup, the 25-year-old could be missing for months rather than weeks - a development which could alter Arsenal's plans.

15:46Colin Millar

De Jong and Barcelona reach stalemate

The future of Frenkie de Jong at Barcelona appears set to take a fresh twist with the midfielder set to once again dismiss the club's demand that he reduces his contract.

Manchester United had an initial transfer fee of £56.2million agreed with Barca last summer to sign the Dutch midfield maestro, but the player had no intention of leaving the Camp Nou. The Catalan club were intent on offloading their highest-earning player and will listen to offers for him next summer should he continue to refuse to reduce his salary.

De Jong has increasingly been at odds with the club's board including criticising them for leaking his contract details this summer. The wage details of the midfielder emerged once he declared his intention of staying on his current contract with suggestions coming from the club that the contract may not be valid.

As reported by Sport, the club have made a fresh approach to the former Ajax ace to request once again that he reduces his salary - but that attempt is unlikely to be successful.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE!

15:18Jacob Leeks

Man Utd urged to push Gakpo swap deal

Manchester United have been urged to include Donny van de Beek in a swap deal to bring Cody Gakpo to Old Trafford.

Gakpo has scored 12 goals and notched 14 assists for PSV Eindhoven so far this season, as well as registering three goals in the World Cup. His performances have helped the Netherlands to set up a quarter-final date with Argentina.

The 23-year-old has also caught the eye of Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag, who is searching for attacking reinforcements.

And now, former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson believes there is a pathway for United to successfully bring the 23-year-old to Manchester. He has tipped the Red Devils to use Donny van de Beek in a swap deal to sign Gakpo.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE!

14:49Dan Marsh

Arsenal could sacrifice Tomiyasu to seal Dumfries swoop

Inter Milan would reportedly be willing to sell Netherlands World Cup hero Denzel Dumfries to Arsenal in the summer - if the Gunners include Takehiro Tomiyasu in the deal.

Tomiyasu impressed after joining the Londoners last term, but the Japanese star has lost his spot at right-back to Ben White this term.

And according to Calciomercato, Inter would welcome an approach that included Tomiyasu as a makeweight as they brace themselves for the expected departure of Stefan de Vrij.

14:21Tom Victor

Serie A giants chase Poland star

Juventus and Napoli are battling it out for Poland World Cup star Jakub Kiwior, according to Get Italian Football News.

The 22-year-old defender started all four of Poland's games as they finished second in their group before losing to France in the round of 16.