Transfer rumours: Almiron rejects Saudi, Bornauw to Sheff Utd, Cochrane to Burnley

With the Magpies treading a fine line when it comes to Financial Fair Play, there have been suggestions that the Paraguayan attacker could depart in a big-money deal this month to help balance the books.

Al-Shabab are reportedly willing to pay £30m for Almiron's services this month, but according to ChronicleLive, the 29-year-old is not looking to leave St James' Park in the coming days.

Almiron only signed a new contract - which is due to run until 2026 - last February, and the Paraguay international is understood to be fully settled in Tyneside with his family.

Furthermore, Almiron's representative has supposedly not been given a heads-up about any talks with the Saudi Pro League, nor has he been actively involved in negotiations to send his client to the Middle East.

Almiron has registered 30 goals and 11 assists in 195 matches for the Magpies since his £20.5m move from Atlanta United in January 2019, and Eddie Howe recently affirmed that he is "desperate" to retain the attacker's services.

Over at Bramall Lane, Sheffield United have supposedly identified Wolfsburg defender Sebastiaan Bornauw as an ideal acquisition as they look to shore up their backline.

The 24-year-old Belgium international was on the books at Anderlecht as a youth player before joining Koln in 2019, two years before he moved up the Bundesliga latter with Wolfsburg.

Bornauw has two goals and two assists to show from 71 matches in the green jersey and has 12 appearances under his belt so far this season, although he has only started eight Bundesliga matches.

According to The Telegraph, Sheffield United have taken a liking to the 6ft 3in defender, who could be a viable option if a move for Everton's Mason Holgate does not materialise.

The Blades may face stiff competition, though, as the report states that several other Premier League teams have been keeping tabs on Bornauw, whose contract runs until 2026.

Sheffield United have shipped a Premier League-high 51 goals this season as they languish at the foot of the table, but they have already reinforced their rearguard with the capture of goalkeeper Ivo Grbic from Atletico Madrid.

Sticking with the theme of relegation-threatened teams, Burnley are reportedly involved in a three-way tussle for Hearts left-back Alex Cochrane.

The 23-year-old - a former England youth international and Brighton & Hove Albion academy product - has proven his worth to Hearts with four assists from 22 matches in the 2023-24 campaign.

Thanks to the efforts of Cochrane, who has also been deployed in a central midfield role, Hearts sit third in the Scottish Premiership table behind Rangers and Celtic, but his contract is up at the end of the 2024-25 season.

According to Football Insider, Burnley want to bring Cochrane to Turf Moor before the January window closes for business, but they are being rivalled by Ipswich Town and Blackburn Rovers.

All three sides are understood to have registered their interest in a deal for Cochrane, but it is unclear whether Hearts would be open to losing a pivotal player midway through the season.

Cochrane made two senior appearances for Brighton during his time at the Amex, and he also spent time with East Grinsted and Union SG before joining Hearts on an initial loan deal in 2021.

From players arriving in England to another possible departure, Borussia Dortmund have apparently set their sights on a move for 16-year-old Arsenal striker Chido Obi.

The teenager made headlines in November, registering an astounding 10 goals for Arsenal's Under-16s during a 14-3 crushing of Liverpool, and he has since earned his stars at Under-18 level.

Obi - who stands at 6ft 2in tall - is making waves in the Gunners' academy setup and has amassed three goals and two assists from six Under-18 Premier League fixtures this season.

Obi has already made two appearances for Arsenal's Under-21s thanks to his rapid development, and he has also excelled for his national team, netting seven goals in nine games for Denmark's Under-17s.

The teenager's international goal haul also includes four in one game during a 6-2 thrashing of Norway in August, and according to Sport1, Dortmund are now hoping to lure him away from North London.

Obi cannot sign a professional contract with Arsenal until he turns 17 in November, but the Gunners are determined to keep hold of the 2007-born attacker, who has already trained with the first team.