Transfer News

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has assured Arsenal fans he is happy at the club, despite rumours linking the prolific striker with a transfer away from north London. 

Aubameyang gave an interview to the club's Rob Kelly for the official matchday programme ahead of the Gunners' 2020 FA Cup third-round tie against Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on Monday:

"I would also like to react to some of the rumours that are going around about me in the media. People like making up stories and they should focus on what's happening on the pitch. They talk too much and it does my head in! I am the Arsenal captain. I love this club. I am committed to it and desperate to bring it back to the top, where it belongs."

Gary Jacob of The Times reported Arsenal's leading goalscorer told the club he wants to leave in search of trophies in the summer.

This is the second time in recent days Aubameyang has sought to cool talk he is set for the exit. The 30-year-old also spoke to RMC Sport (h/t Metro): "The English press likes to talk a lot. For now, I'm here. I'm 100 percent here."

Using the words "for now" may have caused a few doubts among those concerned about Aubameyang's future. The Gabon international, who is out of contract in around 18 months, has been linked with Barcelona and Serie A outfit Inter Milan, per John Cross of the Daily Mirror.

The concern is valid given the former Saint-Etienne and Borussia Dortmund star's importance to the Gunners. He's already helped himself to 15 goals in all competitions this season, including 13 in the Premier League.

Those numbers follow Aubameyang earning a share of the Golden Boot, along with Liverpool duo Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, after scoring 22 goals in England's top flight last term.

Most goals in the Premier League since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's debut in February 2018:

🇬🇦 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (45)
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Jamie Vardy (44)
🇪🇬 Mohamed Salah (44)

Lethal in front of goal. pic.twitter.com/FI4IwWFxyK

— Squawka (@Squawka) December 29, 2019

Aubameyang is a proven goalscorer at his best when inside the area. He's capable of netting both scruffy and spectacular goals.

Mikel Arteta's squad isn't short of additional attacking quality, although Alexandre Lacazette has been struggling to rediscover the scoring touch since returning from injury. The Frenchman's game is also based more around hold-up play than Aubameyang's pace and ability to spin in behind.

Aubameyang, who has scored twice in three league games since Arteta took over, being able to operate on either flank also offers the Spaniard a great deal of tactical flexibility. It means the Gunners can play a front three, double up out wide and press from the front.

Young Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli can also operate both through the middle or on the wings. The 18-year-old has been thriving during his first season in England:

🇧🇷 Gabriel Martinelli coming up clutch!

Goals: ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️
Assists: 🅰️🅰️

Age: 1️⃣8️⃣ pic.twitter.com/fl0PNpYPQX

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 10, 2019

Things haven't gone as smoothly for Nicolas Pepe following his club-record £72-million move from Lille in the summer. However, there have been signs of life from the winger recently:

Nicolas Pépé vs. Man United

100% Pass accuracy
2/2 Accurate crosses
2/2 Accurate long passes
4 Chances created
1/2 Shots on target (hit post)
1 Goal
4/6 Dribbles completed
6/13 Ground duels won
1/2 Tackles won

The control, the instinct, the talent. This is who Arsenal bought. pic.twitter.com/doqG6LDbU7

— The Tactical Times (@Tactical_Times) January 1, 2020

Arsenal have options if Aubameyang was to move on ahead of schedule. Yet Arteta's attempts to return the club to the UEFA Champions League level would benefit more from retaining one of the best goalscorers in Europe for as long as possible.

Manchester City are reportedly considering adding to their defensive options in the January transfer window, with Inter Milan's Milan Skriniar and Shakhtar Donetsk's Mykola Matviyenko said to be on their shortlist. 

The Premier League champions have struggled in defence this season, with Vincent Kompany leaving the club in the summer and no replacement drafted in. Aymeric Laporte has also been sidelined with a long-term injury, while John Stones has picked up a number of knocks.

According to David Ornstein of The Athletic (h/t Oli Gamp of the MailOnline), the worries over the defence have prompted City into considering some possible moves in the January window.

Ornstein also reported that Bournemouth's Nathan Ake and Leicester City's Caglar Soyuncu also on their radar:

Manchester City have a list of at least five centre back options they want to recruit and among the options are:

• Milan Skriniar (24)
• Mykola Matviyenko (23)
• Nathan Ake (24)
• Caglar Soyuncu (23)

[via @David_Ornstein] pic.twitter.com/rj97IJCnbc

— City Report (@cityreport_) January 6, 2020

If City were to make a move in the January window, it will be at odds with the answers provided by Pep Guardiola recently on possible incoming players:

Guardiola says no buys in January

— Sam Lee (@SamLee) December 27, 2019

Of all the players interesting City, Skriniar is the most high-profile and would arguably be the most difficult to prise away.

It's said that after signing a new contract at the San Siro recently, Inter would likely demand a fee in excess of the £80 million that Manchester United paid to sign Harry Maguire in the summer, which was a world-record amount for a defender.

Skriniar would arguably be worth that kind of outlay, as the 24-year-old has cemented his status as one of the best centre-backs in the game in recent years.

He'd also be an ideal fit for City and the brand of football they play under Guardiola. In addition to being a commanding and physical presence in defence, Skriniar is adept in his work on the ball too:

Best pass success rate in Serie A this season:

🥇 N. Maksimovic -- 95.9% (Napoli)
🥈 S. De Vrij -- 95.0% (Inter)
🥉 M. Skriniar -- 94.8% (Inter)https://t.co/x7C9pK8Ce8 pic.twitter.com/WEUjuA6hDy

— WhoScored (@WhoScored) October 9, 2019

In the past, Skriniar has been linked with a number of top clubs, with his agent confirming last year that Real Madrid and Barcelona wanted to sign him:

"Real Madrid and Barcelona have been competing for his signature for the last two years" 🗣

Milan Skriniar could be on his way to the Santiago Bernabeu 👀

— GOAL News (@GoalNews) November 19, 2019

Matviyenko is not a household name, but City have been keeping tabs on his performances in the UEFA Champions League this season, per Ornstein. The Ukrainian international played in both games against the Manchester outfit in the competition.

At the start of the season, the decision not to sign a defender was a curious one from City, and it has ultimately cost them. With Laporte absent, the team have been regularly shaky at the back and prevented City from challenging for the Premier League title.

With Liverpool 14 points clear of the defending champions, it's almost unthinkable that any defender brought in in January will be part of a domestic league win. However, if City are to seriously challenge in the Champions League this season, it feels like an area they need to strengthen.

Flamengo defender Filipe Luis has praised team-mate Reinier Jesus as a "great signing" for Real Madrid amid reports the Brazilian midfielder has agreed to join Los Blancos.

Jose Felix Diaz of Marca wrote Real will officially complete the transfer when Reinier turns 18 on January 19, allegedly beating a list of suitors said to include Barcelona, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.

Filipe, 34, left Atletico Madrid on a free transfer to join Flamengo this past summer, and he told David G. Medina of Marca what an impression Reinier has already made on him.

"He has surprised me at 17 in that he always chooses the correct option," he said. "When he has to pass, he passes, he plays with his head up. It really is a great signing; I congratulate Real Madrid."

The Copa Libertadores winner has attracted widespread attention in the Brasileiro Serie A over a matter of months, and Flamengo's latest gem is already seen as a possible star of the national team.

Filipe added: "He isn't 100 per cent ready. He is 17 years old, but has potential and a great future. Nobody is ever ready for a leap so vast at that age, but in the future he will be a great signing."

Real will have an eye on the futures of 34-year-old Luka Modric, whose contract expires in 2021, and Toni Kroos, who celebrated his 30th birthday on Saturday.

Reinier would not be the first Brazilian prodigy to join Real's ranks in recent years. The Spanish titans acquired Rodrygo Goes, 18, and Vinicius Jr., 19, in the past two years for around €45 million apiece.

AS recently tabbed that both Brazilian prospects and Japanese wonderkid Takefusa Kubo, currently impressing on loan at Mallorca, as being part of Real's next wave in youth talent:

Real Madrid: Europe's third most proactive youth recruiters over the past decade.
(via @sportCIES study) https://t.co/SZL9NhFXig pic.twitter.com/9HGS5jjhwJ

— AS USA (@English_AS) December 21, 2019

Reinier is expected to report for duty with Real Castilla, the club's reserve side, for a time before he moves into the senior selection, though Rodrygo moved into the first team almost immediately this term due to injuries out wide.

Filipe agreed to a point with comparisons between Reinier and former Brazil talisman Kaka: "I remember Kaka because he played with his head up, and he was lethal in the area. Reinier has even more quality than Kaka with his back to goal. Time will tell whether or not he is like Kaka."

Los Blancos could free space for Reinier's arrival by offloading James Rodriguez this winter, though Sport Witness doubted reports from El Desmarque suggesting he'll link up with Carlo Ancelotti at Everton:

James Rodriguez | 'Bombazo' say El Desmarque as 'everything indicates' player will sign for Everton.

Feels very much like speculation dressed up (in parts, in other parts it’s clearly presented as speculation) as something more concrete.https://t.co/9j9zLLDU6d #efc #coyb

— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) December 30, 2019

Filipe's comments suggest there are those at Flamengo who appear convinced Reinier's transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu will go through, with Real seemingly set to secure another potential Selecao superstar.

Adam Lallana is determined to give his all for Liverpool even if he decides to leave the Reds in the summer. The playmaker's contract is up at the end of the season, but Lallana won't let the situation distract him.

He told Off The Ball (h/t Chisanga Malata of the Daily Express): "It's easy to keep working. I'm enjoying playing for the best team in the world, it's as simple as that. Whatever my contract situation is, that will be going on in the background. There's not a chance that that will affect my commitment to this club."

Lallana is revelling in helping the Reds close in on a first top-flight title since 1990. It's something he intends to continue enjoying: "I have given 110 per cent throughout my Liverpool career and will continue to do so, whether that finishes at the end of the season or whether that continues. It's a great squad, a great bunch of lads, and I couldn't be enjoying my football any more."

Injuries have stalled Lallana's career in recent seasons. He's also falling behind in the pecking order because of the quality the Premier League leaders have added in the engine room.

Georginio Wijnaldum, Fabinho, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have all been signed since Jurgen Klopp replaced Brendan Rodgers in the dugout in 2015. Klopp recently added RB Salzburg's Takumi Minamino, leading Connor Dunn of the Liverpool Echo to speculate whether "the 31-year-old may want to depart for more regular first-team football due to still having a great deal to offer teams."

There may be more names vying for playing time ahead of Lallana, but Klopp still seems to appreciate his value. The Liverpool boss heaped praise on the former Southampton star after Lallana helped the Reds to a nervy 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on December 29:

https://twitter.com/neiljonesgoal/status/1211363351361736704

Lallana proved his worth against Wolves by assisting Sadio Mane's 42nd-minute winner. It was a reminder of the creative qualities he possesses:

2y 363d - Adam Lallana has assisted a Premier League goal for the first time since December 2016 against Manchester City, 2 years and 363 days ago. Shouldered. pic.twitter.com/zvbXDKcedX

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 29, 2019

Vision, trickery and technique have always defined Lallana's best game. Ironically, those attributes haven't been at the forefront of Liverpool's tactics in recent years, despite the club's awesome success and consistency.

Instead, the UEFA Champions League holders have relied more on energy and industry in the middle of the park. Those traits have helped drive the intense pressing tactics Klopp loves.

The pace and flair of Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah up top also means Liverpool have had no need of a playmaker. The natural chemistry between Liverpool's forwards means they often create chances among themselves after counter-pressing from midfield has won the ball back high up the pitch.

Lallana's talent ensures Liverpool have the strength in depth in the squad to maintain their path to the title. Yet it's debatable whether Lallana has a future at Anfield beyond this season, with Oxlade-Chamberlain and Xherdan Shaqiri also available to offer Klopp the option of deploying creativity from the middle.

Lallana would be a true bargain as a free transfer for a club looking for a busy and elegant schemer to dictate passing between the lines.  

Bayern Munich have completed the acquisition of Schalke goalkeeper Alexander Nubel for the 2020-21 season.

The German giants confirmed the signing on Saturday:

ℹ️ #FCBayern have signed Alexander Nübel for the 2020/21 season. pic.twitter.com/JeqJ8jA86q

— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) January 4, 2020

Nubel will head to the Allianz Arena to provide competition for Germany captain Manuel Neuer, having broken into the Schalke first-team last season.

The signing has the potential to be a bargain one for Bayern, with the 23-year-old's current deal set to expire at the end of the campaign. In a statement on their website, the Munich club confirmed Nubel will pen a five-year deal.

According to Christian Falk of Sport Bild, Bayern expect their new acquisition to put pressure on Neuer for his starting berth next term: 

The goalkeeper case at @FCBayern: the club doesn‘t plan a loan of Alexander Nübel. The Situation between Neuer and Nübel will be the same like @Manuel_Neuer vs @mterstegen1 in the national-team. There is competition

— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) January 4, 2020

Nubel has proved himself to be a steady operator in the Bundesliga, helping Schalke to the fourth-best defensive record in the division at the winter break. His reflexes are sharp, as is his shot-stopping and work under the high ball.

The goalkeeper still has work to do in other facets of his game, though, most notably in terms of developing as a sweeper 'keeper. 

Earlier in the campaign, Nubel made this rash challenge in his team's clash with Eintracht Frankfurt, resulting in a red card: 

Ouch... that had to hurt 💥🤕

Schalke keeper Alexander Nübel was sent off for this horrific karate-kick challenge 😲 pic.twitter.com/YuiE1xFQe2

— Cycling on TNT Sports (@cyclingontnt) December 16, 2019

It will be intriguing to see how he develops at Bayern and how the stopper copes with the pressure of playing for such a high-profile side.

German football writer Jonathan Harding believes Nubel has plenty of talent, although he suggested this transfer may come a little too soon for him: 

https://twitter.com/JonBloggs66/status/1208761922432180224

At 33 years old, Neuer is in what would typically be considered the prime years of a goalkeeper's career. His awareness and ability on the ball gives Bayern an extra dimension at the base of the team, too.

Nubel may not expect a lot of playing time in his debut season at Bayern. But for now, he'll be tasked with finishing this campaign strongly with Schalke, who are fifth in the table; they trail Bayern by three points at the halfway point of the season.

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has said the club will not sell any key player in the upcoming January window amid transfer rumours regarding a number of their stars. 

Midfielder James Maddison is reportedly a target for Manchester United, while defender Ben Chilwell is said to be a target for both Chelsea and Manchester City.

Rodgers was asked about the club possibly losing some players in January, but ahead of the clash with Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup on Saturday, he was adamant nobody would be moving on in the mid-season market, per Sky Sports.

"Nobody will leave here that we don't want to go," he said. "I think we've had a couple of enquiries in terms of loans and for some of our younger players. But the players that are always talked about and mentioned, there will be nobody going."

Leicester have enjoyed a remarkable Premier League campaign, as they sit in second place in the table, ahead of the likes of City and Chelsea.

On Wednesday, they produced another memorable performance, beating Newcastle United 3-0 away from home:

It's no surprise that a number of elite clubs are being mentioned as admirers when it comes to Leicester's star men, as the club have seen a number of players mature this term.

Maddison is in his second season at the King Power Stadium and has blossomed into one of the best midfielders in the division. His stunning goal at Newcastle took him to six goals in the top-flight campaign, as well as three assists. 

Per Match of the Day, the Leicester playmaker has been excellent when it comes to shooting from distance since arriving in the Premier League:

Since the start of last season, James Maddison has scored eight #PL goals from outside of the box...

More than any other player 🔥

That was some hit today! 🚀#MOTD pic.twitter.com/ERmbXWgukX

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) January 1, 2020

The links to United make sense, as the Red Devils have been short of creativity in midfield with Paul Pogba injured for long spells this season. Bleacher Report's Rob Blanchette thinks United would need to push hard to prompt Leicester into a sale:

It's well known Maddison has been an #MUFC supporter his whole life. Old Trafford is his dream. If Woodward can offer him an enticing deal, he won't be staying at Leicester. They're not winning the PL anytime soon. Rodgers won't want to sell, so Woodward must be aggressive.

— Rob Blanchette (@_Rob_B) December 29, 2019

At the moment, it seems the likes of Maddison and Chilwell are in no rush to leave Leicester though, as they are blossoming under the guidance of Rodgers.

This season, the Foxes are the closest challengers to runaway leaders Liverpool and are on course to qualify for the UEFA Champions League next term. For a number of the young players in the squad, that would be a sensible next step in their careers.

Meanwhile, United are currently in fifth place and five points back of Chelsea in fourth. Although a move to Old Trafford would have lucrative benefits for someone like Maddison, at this stage the smartest footballing choice he could make would be to stay at Leicester.

Juventus announced the signing of Atalanta starlet Dejan Kulusevski on Thursday, and according to his agent, the reported Manchester United target picked the Bianconeri over Inter Milan and other clubs domestic and abroad.

The 19-year-old completed his medical and put pen to paper on Thursday, but he will return to Parma on loan. 

According to Sky in Italy, Juventus will pay a fee of £37.3 million including bonuses to land Kulusevski, who joined Atalanta as a youth prospect in 2016. The winger only made three senior appearances for La Dea before moving to Parma on a temporary basis this season.

He had been strongly linked with several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea. His agent Stefano Sem told Radio Sportiva (h/t Football Italia) he turned down several clubs, including Inter, in favour of the Old Lady:

"You know the name of Inter, but certainly there were other clubs interested in him, both from abroad and in Italy, but the lad asked to go ahead with Juve.

"Technically there was the possibility of going to Juve in January, but it needed everyone’s approval. He’s happy to stay in Parma, and they didn’t want to release him in January.

"The satisfaction is obviously high because the boy goes to play in one of the best teams in the world. Then we will see how the situation will evolve in the [following] years.

"Atalanta makes the biggest transfer in their history, whilst Parma gets to keep the player until the end of the season. Everybody wins."

While Atalanta supporters will be disappointed they didn't get to see more of the prodigy in their club colours, Italian football journalist David Amoyal noted that this a fine deal for them:

Not only did Atalanta discover Kulusevski, he was a key member of their Primavera and got noticed there by Juve director Paratici, they then sent him to Parma where he fit in perfectly in D’Aversa’s system

— David Amoyal (@DavidAmoyal) January 2, 2020

The transfer is also potentially a fantastic move from Juventus, as they have secured one of the most exciting talents in Italian football.

Kulusevski has blossomed at Parma this term with regular minutes, showcasing a composure that belies his tender years.

Per OptaPaolo, there aren't any players in European football of a similar age to rival the new Juventus player in terms of productivity:

2000 - Dejan #Kulusevski is the youngest player to have been involved in 10+ goals in the top-5 European leagues 2019-20 (four goals and seven assists for him). Colt. pic.twitter.com/hbr2OtWMxI

— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) January 2, 2020

In addition to his smart passing and goalscoring quality, Kulusevski has showcased versatility in terms of where he lines up at Parma, although he's primarily been used on the right flank.

He poses a huge threat for opposition teams on the counter-attack, as he can carry the ball quickly through phases of the field and make smart decisions at the end of his surges. In years to come, that will be a huge help for the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala.

B/R Football's Gianni Verschueren said Juventus face a tricky decision on when to integrate the youngster into the first-team setup:

https://twitter.com/ReverschPass/status/1211762018035871745

By the end of the season, the club will likely have a better idea of where Kulusevski is in his development and in what area of the field he can be utilised most effectively.

The Italian champions will be delighted to have secured the acquisition of a huge talent nonetheless, beating several other clubs to his signature.  

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has said Thomas Lemar "hasn't been able to live up to expectations" at the club amid continued speculation regarding a possible transfer.

Lemar arrived at Atletico from Monaco in the summer of 2018, and he was considered one of the most exciting rising stars in European football having excelled in Ligue 1. However, he has struggled to adapt to life in the Spanish capital and La Liga.

Speaking on the eve of Atletico's La Liga clash with Levante, Simeone said he remains a big admirer of the player, albeit he couldn't guarantee he would be at the club beyond the midseason window, per Joe Wright of Goal:

"Facts speak better than words. Lemar is an important player who hasn't been able to develop his game but who has characteristics that others don't have. Let's hope he has a good moment when he comes back from injury.

"Now, if Lemar can stay or not...we know that agents work in an exemplary way. Clubs work in terms of the needs of the clubs. But, as a footballer, every time he has been available, he's played a lot more than he hasn't played.

"His characteristics have always excited me. But he hasn't been able to live up to expectations."

According to Foot Mercato (h/t Gareth Bicknell of the Daily Mirror), both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing the 24-year-old.

Spanish football writer David Cartlidge said in December he can't envisage Lemar becoming a regular at the Wanda Metropolitano:

In some regards Lemar hasn't helped himself but everything comes back to the same point; Simeone asked him to be something he's not. Will be a success at his next club and recapture Monaco form though.

— David Cartlidge (@davidjaca) December 22, 2019

Per The Spanish Football Podcast, Simeone has done a lot to try to draw more from the France international:

Lemar off for Atletico replaced by Correa. Simeone has really stuck by Lemar, played him, tried to get something out of him, but it's getting to the point where he surely cannot justify starting him any more.

— The Spanish Football Podcast (@tsf_podcast) December 22, 2019

Atletico have endured an inconsistent campaign, but they still sit in fourth place in the Spanish top flight. They've struggled for productivity and incision in the final third, with just 20 goals scored in their 18 La Liga games.

Lemar has started nine of those matches, as well as one in the UEFA Champions League. However, he's yet to register a goal or an assist in the 2019-20 campaign.

Per Spanish football writer Andy West, Lemar hasn't been involved enough in the game when given opportunities:

Thomas Lemar came on for Atletico in the 72nd minute, just as the game started to open up, and had four touches. Four! Appalling. He's consistently been a massive disappointment for Atleti and Simeone must be running out of patience.

— Andy West (@andywest01) December 1, 2019

Lemar is a shadow of the player who lit up Ligue 1, memorably helping Monaco win the title in the 2016-17 season. Playing off the left flank, Lemar's movement into dangerous areas, vision and set-piece proficiency made him a huge asset for the swashbuckling team.

At 24, there's every chance he can rediscover some form again soon, although at this point, with Simeone's belief in the midfielder seemingly beginning to seep away, it appears unlikely he'll kick on in Madrid.  

Bournemouth have yet to receive any offers for Nathan Ake in the January transfer window, according to Cherries manager Eddie Howe.

Matt Law of the Telegraph reported Arsenal are now in the race to sign the 24-year-old after he was linked to Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Everton.

Chelsea have the option to re-sign their former player for £40 million after selling him to Bournemouth in 2017 for £20 million.

Ake has not played a minute since mid-December because of a thigh injury.

Speaking ahead of Bournemouth's FA Cup third-round clash against Luton Town, Howe was asked if any bids had been lodged for Ake. Per MailOnline's Ben Nagle, he said: "Nothing to report on Nathan. He is recovering well from his injury, we will see when he is back fit."

Ake has established himself as an accomplished centre-back at Dean Court.

In 2017-18 and 2018-19, he played in every single one of Bournemouth's 76 Premier League games, acting as a strong presence in the centre of the defence and also chipping in with six goals and three assists.

Ake has also made 13 senior international appearances for the Netherlands since making his debut in May 2017.

Reliable centre-backs are hard to come by in the transfer market, and Ake also has the added attraction of being able to play as a left-back or in defensive midfield:

Nathan Ake can play left-back as well as centre back. Just saying #cfc

— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) December 29, 2019

The fact that he is sidelined through injury may explain why no club has yet to come forward with a formal offer for Ake.

Given that the list of clubs reportedly interested in him continues to grow, though, it would be a big surprise if offers are not forthcoming before the transfer window closes.   

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith has shut down talk of Jack Grealish leaving the club in January amid rumours he is wanted by Manchester United.

According to The Independent's Miguel Delaney, United are targeting an attacking midfielder in the transfer window, and Grealish is top of the list alongside Leicester City's James Maddison.

Tom Collomosse of the Daily Mail relayed Smith's comments on the possibility of Grealish leaving:

Dean Smith: ‘We’ll be keeping hold of Jack Grealish. People can keep looking but they can’t touch.’ Says Grealish won’t be sold in January and that he’s not aware of enquiries #avfc

— Tom Collomosse (@TomCollomosse) January 3, 2020

WhoScored.com's Martin Laurence had poured cold water on the prospect of United signing Grealish in January given how important he is to Villa:

Literally 0 chance Manchester United sign Jack Grealish this month. They'd basically have to offer Villa an amount that they'd be happy with to accept relegation

— Martin Laurence (@martinlaurence7) January 2, 2020

Grealish is their best player, and he has enjoyed a fine campaign with eight goals and six assists to his name in all competitions.

He scored the most recent of those on Wednesday as he helped his side to a 2-1 win over Burnley:

Jack Grealish that is brilliant! 🚀

Wonderful strike from the Villa captain, the man in form!#BTAllDayer pic.twitter.com/g8q9C8jzsB

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 1, 2020

United are well aware of what the Villa captain can do, as he also scored a superb goal against them at Old Trafford in December. The 24-year-old is just as adept at creating opportunities for his team-mates, as football statistician Dave O'Brien demonstrated:

Jack Grealish has created 15 chances in his last 4 Premier League games - an average of 3.75 per game.

Elite playmaking numbers. 🧙‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/TyuhePAp1h

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) January 1, 2020

The Red Devils are sorely lacking a creative presence like Grealish in their squad, and they have struggled to break down opponents unless they can hit them with a quick counter-attack.

Paul Pogba is their most creative player, and as his frequent injury-enforced absences have shown this season—he's played just seven times in the Premier League—they have little beyond him.

Jesse Lingard has been particularly unproductive for the Red Devils, as football writer Daniel Storey highlighted:

Jesse Lingard has now gone 29 Premier League games without a goal or assist.

— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) January 1, 2020

Juan Mata hasn't scored or assisted in the Premier League this season, either. Andreas Pereira has one goal and three assists to his name in 18 league outings.

Unfortunately for United, they will evidently need to look elsewhere if they want to recruit a playmaker before the summer.

Leicester aren't quite as reliant on Maddison as Villa are on Grealish, but he's an important part of their push to finish in a UEFA Champions League spot.

They managed to get an £80 million fee from United for Harry Maguire, a player of similar importance, last summer, and it's likely they would want at least a similar sum to part with Maddison—who is contracted until 2023—midseason.