Transfer News

Manchester United midfielder Angel Gomes is reportedly moving closer to an Old Trafford exit in 2020 after he rejected the club's contract offer.

Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News wrote that Gomes' representatives were "underwhelmed" by United's opening offer, paving the way for him to leave for free when his deal expires in June.

The 19-year-old has made four senior appearances for United this season—including three starts in the UEFA Europa League—but can sign a pre-contract agreement with any non-English club as of January 1.

Gomes was omitted from the United squad that defeated Colchester United 3-0 on Wednesday to advance to the Carabao Cup semi-finals, where they were drawn opposite bitter rivals Manchester City.

Luckhurst suggested there's a chance the youngster may have played his last minutes for the club:

It's not beyond the realms of possibility that tonight could be a farewell fixture for some United players. For Angel Gomes, there's no guarantee he'll make the squad #mufc https://t.co/cIX82nYmaK

— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) December 18, 2019

Gomes sparked further speculation regarding his future after he removed all mention of United from his Instagram bio, per the Mirror's Rich Jones.

He made his senior United debut in May 2017 when he became not only the youngest player to represent the club in almost 65 years (16 years, 263 days) but also the first Premier League player born in the 2000s.

Gomes is yet to score in eight first-team appearances for United, but his creativity was one of the few bright spots in a dismal 2-1 Europa League defeat away to Astana in November, per Statman Dave:

Angel Gomes created 3 chances vs. FC Astana, no player created more in the 89 minutes Gomes played.

Good to see him getting game time. 👍 pic.twitter.com/KTWXRRb2Ki

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 28, 2019

The teenager has been part of a fresh injection of youth players since Solskjaer took over as United boss, alongside the likes of Tahith Chong, 20, Mason Greenwood and James Garner, both 18.

Luckhurst's report included comments from the manager, who insisted the prospects were in the right setting to evolve as senior players:

"We've had lots of conversations with the boys. Obviously their contracts run out in the summer, but we want them to stay.

"I can't see a better place for a young lad that's come through the ranks in the academy to play first-team football. Both Angel and Chongy have been here for many, many years.

"We just want them to continue their development and hopefully they can see that when young lads take their chance, they'll get more opportunities."

Barcelona are mentioned as being among "a number of European heavyweights" supposedly interested in 5'3" Gomes, who has played most of his senior minutes on the left wing but is an attacking midfielder at heart.

There's still time for the club to agree a new deal with their starlet before his deal runs out at the end of this season, though there's no guarantee any future deal tabled will match Gomes' expectations.  

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has spoken about his admiration of Red Bull Salzburg striker Erling Haaland amid speculation the youngster could move to Old Trafford in January.

Haaland, 19, joined Salzburg in January 2019 and has captured the attention of some of Europe's biggest clubs, with Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig reportedly the other leading contenders for his signature.

Former Norway international Solskjaer, 46, spoke to Viasport (h/t Goal's James Westwood) after United beat Colchester United 3-0 on Wednesday to advance to the Carabao Cup semi-finals:

"He is a player I like. We are looking for good players all the time.

"Erling has had a good development, so he has to develop further wherever he decides. I don't need to talk so much about him, but we as a team always look for players who can complement the others we have, and then we see what we end up with."

Those comments came a few days after Solskjaer spoke at a press conference and said fellow Norwegian Haaland "knows what he's going to do" regarding his next career move, via the Manchester Evening News:

🗣️ "He knows what he wants to do and he knows what he's going to do. "👀

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Erling Haaland has made a decision on his future.

... Where do you think he will end up? 🤔⬇️ #MUNEVE | #MUFC pic.twitter.com/hO6AouZb1T

— Man United News (@ManUtdMEN) December 15, 2019

A transfer to Salzburg's sister club, Leipzig, makes sense from a business standpoint considering their shared links to energy drink company Red Bull.

Dortmund have been the most consistent Bundesliga title challengers to evergreen Bayern Munich in the past decade, and they could offer Haaland the platform to join a "bigger" club later in his career.

The teenager has scored 28 times in 22 games across all competitions this season—along with seven assists. That record includes eight goals in six UEFA Champions League outings, netting once against European titleholders Liverpool and grabbing three goals in two clashes against Napoli.

Former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise heaped praise on his young compatriot during an appearance on beIN Sports, and he suggested Haaland is ready to start for a club like United:

"If he goes to United then he's going there to be a part of the first team squad."@JARiiseOfficial says Erling Braut Haaland is mentally and physically ready to play for #MUFC NOW rather than join another league.#beINPL #MUNEVE pic.twitter.com/x5DxcBI4jK

— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) December 15, 2019

Solskjaer has already signed Haaland once during his career and brought the player to Molde from Bryne in February 2017. They worked together for a little more than 18 months before the manager was called back to Old Trafford in December 2018, initially as a caretaker replacement for Jose Mourinho.

Marcus Rashford, 22, and Anthony Martial, 24, are the current main striking options at Old Trafford, while United also have a superb talent emerging in 18-year-old Mason Greenwood (nine goals in 22 games this term).

Football writer Sam Pilger recently told Love Sport Radio that United were "increasingly confident" they'll secure a deal to sign Haaland:

🇳🇴 @sampilger thinks that it's looking very promising in regard to Erling Haaland's potential move to Manchester United.#MUFC

📻 Tune in - Now on National DAB
📲 Listen - https://t.co/XWhRQgRLH7 pic.twitter.com/v8bUntfMEU

— Love Sport Radio (@lovesportradio) December 16, 2019

The Red Devils failed to sign a replacement striker after they sold Romelu Lukaku and loaned Alexis Sanchez to Inter Milan in the summer, though Rashford has come into good form with 14 goals in 23 games this term.

His spot as the central striker would come under serious threat if United signed 6'4" Haaland, who could face a reunion with Solskjaer in the near future.  

RB Salzburg midfielder Takumi Minamino is reportedly set to undergo a medical at Liverpool on Wednesday ahead of a January move to Anfield.

According to Goal's Neil Jones, the Japan international will cost the Reds £7.25 million, and he could make his debut in the FA Cup against Everton on January 5.

Jones added Manchester United have also been keeping an eye on Minamino, but Liverpool's close relationship with Salzburg allowed them to get the jump on other interested parties.

Minamino joined Salzburg from Japanese club Cerezo Osaka in January 2015 and has been an integral part of the first team ever since.

In this season's UEFA Champions League, the Austrian outfit were in the same group as Liverpool, as well as Napoli and Genk.

Minamino, 24, excelled on the European stage, starting all six group-stage matches, netting two goals and providing three assists:

Takumi Minamino was directly involved in a goal every 102 minutes in this season’s Champions League. #LFC bound. 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/sG3WOKuN7k

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) December 12, 2019

In the Austrian Bundesliga this term, he has scored five goals in 11 appearances.

Minamino is an adaptable attacking midfielder. He can play on either flank, although he prefers the right, and he can also operate in the centre of a midfield four or as a No. 10.

A 22-time senior international, Minamino is an accomplished creator and should fit well into Jurgen Klopp's system:

Takumi Minamino, RB Salzburg obv obv obv

Now that that's out of the way, we can move on. pic.twitter.com/zUykkEIEM4

— Hudl Statsbomb (@Statsbomb) December 13, 2019

Most importantly, he will bolster Liverpool's squad after a hectic Christmas period.

The Reds' 10-point cushion at the top of the Premier League table means Klopp can afford to rotate his squad, but he is still heavily reliant on his preferred front three of Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

The signing of Minamino should help take some of the strain off that trio and allow Liverpool to compete for silverware on multiple fronts without risking burnout.  

Paris Saint-Germain striker Mauro Icardi is "at one of the most important clubs in the world" and will not move to Juventus in the future, according to his wife and agent, Wanda Nara. 

Icardi, 26, joined PSG on a season-long loan from Inter Milan in September after he was stripped of the captaincy in 2018-19 and new manager Antonio Conte said he was not in his plans.

Before his switch to PSG was confirmed, Icardi was linked with Serie A champions Juve.

When asked about the prospect of the Argentinian playing for the Old Lady, Nara told Rete 4 (h/t Football Italia):

"No. Mauro's present is at PSG. He's happy in Paris and he's scoring some crazy goals. I'm only interested in his happiness and he's very happy now. He's at one of the most important clubs in the world and the choice to go to Paris was also made so as not to betray Inter.

"I don't know who kicked him out [of Inter], but in the end it was a good move for everyone and he's now at a better and more important team. Mauro couldn't say ‘no' and it also worked out well for Inter."

Icardi has thrived at the Parc des Princes. In 16 Ligue 1 and UEFA Champions League appearances for PSG in 2019-20, he has netted 13 goals:

5️⃣⚽

Mauro Icardi has already scored more #UCL goals for PSG than he did for Inter 🔥#UCL LIVE: https://t.co/m41SLmjNzl pic.twitter.com/HG9RBqW1Ux

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) December 11, 2019

According to Fabrizio Romano and Ed Aarons of the Guardian, PSG have an option in the deal they made with Inter to sign Icardi on a permanent deal next summer for €65 million (£55 million).

If he continues with his current form, it seems inevitable the French champions will take up that option and Icardi will remain in Paris.

In Icardi, PSG look to have an ideal successor for club-record goalscorer Edinson Cavani.

The Uruguayan striker joined PSG in 2013, but he could well depart at the end of 2019-20, when his contract expires:

PSG's Edinson Cavani: "Right now, I am playing towards the end of my contract (2020) & possibly my career. I will be 33 going on 34 when it is up. I do not know if I will continue after 2020 & if it will be in Paris. I feel good here, though, & I want to see my deal out." https://t.co/KUGM5gLvcI

— Jonathan Johnson (@Jon_LeGossip) January 14, 2019

Even if Cavani pens new terms in the French capital, he is now 32, and already this season it has seemed as though a changing of the guard is taking place in the No. 9 role at PSG.

Cavani missed a big chunk of the start of the season due to a hip injury, but even when fit, it has been difficult for manager Thomas Tuchel to select him over Icardi due to the former Sampdoria man's excellent form. 

Manchester City winger Leroy Sane reportedly wants to join Bayern Munich in the winter as he continues his recovery from a serious injury, and manager Pep Guardiola is unsure if he'll stay at the club past January. 

Guardiola spoke to reporters ahead of City's Carabao Cup quarter-final away to Oxford United on Wednesday and was asked about a January transfer for Sane, replying: "I don't know about that. Anything can happen."

Bild journalist Christian Falk reported on Tuesday that Sane, 23, wants to move to the Allianz Arena as early as next month:

Exclusive: @LeroySane19 wants to join @FCBayern already in january @SPORTBILD

— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) December 18, 2019

Max Winters of MailOnline carried further details on the report, saying that Bild claims Sane "has made up his mind that he wants to return to his homeland as soon as next month."

Sane will enter the final 18 months of his contract at the Etihad Stadium in the new year. The Germany international was heavily linked with Bayern over the summer, but James Ducker of the Telegraph wrote in August that Die Roten were some way off City's £137 million valuation.

Sane tore his anterior cruciate ligament in this season's FA Community Shield clash against Liverpool, which City won 6-5 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes.

Quizzed about a possible return date, Guardiola said: "When will he be back? I don't know. The process is (about) getting perfect, not setbacks. I think he is physically strong, muscular, but he is recovering well. The next step is on the pitch and then the team, and always will be so happy when he is back."

Sane posted an Instagram story on Monday confirming he had returned to training on the pitch. Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News provided more reaction from his manager:

Leroy Sane back on the pitch is "incredibly good news for all of us", says Guardiola, but not yet training with the squad

— Simon Bajkowski (@spbajko) December 17, 2019

Die Roten bid farewell to veteran wingers Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben over the summer, with Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman having taken over as their successors out wide for the most part.

However, the club could be in need of a winter statement after falling to fifth in the Bundesliga.

Goal's Ronan Murphy cited Coman's recurring injury issues during a recent appearance on Love Sport Radio and said Bayern will likely make their move for left-sided star Sane in January:

🔜 "They're going to have to make a move for Sané"@Goal's Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) says Bayern Munich will go all out for #MCFC winger Leroy Sané - and #ManCity will shake their hand on a deal!

📞 Call - 0208 70 20 558
📻 Tune in - DAB
📲 Listen - https://t.co/XWhRQh9myF pic.twitter.com/3WkIAFdie6

— Love Sport Radio (@lovesportradio) December 13, 2019

Guardiola recently reiterated City would not invest in the winter transfer market despite several key injury absences this season, via Omnisport:

https://twitter.com/OmnisportNews/status/1201825939027644417

Former Bayern manager Niko Kovac apologised to City in July following his public approach over the Sane rumours at the time, when he said: "I am very confident. I assume we can get it (done)."

Their transfer hopes will be aided should Sane help them push a deal through from his side, while City's valuation of the player is another major factor as he prepares to enter the last 18 months of his deal.

City travel to Oxford before they're due to host second-place Leicester City in the Premier League on Saturday, with a chance to move within one point of the Foxes.

Genk midfielder Sander Berge has said he would be open to moving in January "if the right club comes forward" amid rumours linking him with Liverpool. 

According to Rich Jones of the Mirror, Liverpool are eyeing Berge, who has also been linked with Napoli and Chelsea, because they need some injury cover for Fabinho. 

Berge, 21, has said he is happy to remain at Genk until the end of 2019-20, but he hinted he could be open to a winter move if the offer was good enough, per Het Laatste Nieuws (h/t Jones):

"Winter or summer, every transfer period there is a lot of speculation about my future. But at the moment, there's nothing concrete, and that's just the truth. Playing Champions League with Racing Genk was a dream come true for me, but it's not because that adventure is over that I absolutely want to leave now.

"If the right club comes forward and puts the right amount on the table for me then we can talk. Otherwise I'll just stay with Racing Genk until the end of this season."

Norway international Berge is now in his fourth season at Genk's after joining the Belgian club from Oslo-based Valerenga in January 2017.

Despite his youth, he boasts a wide skill set that makes him a rounded midfielder:

Sander Berge, Genk, 2018/2019 pic.twitter.com/Yu86zW1Ixh

— Hudl Statsbomb (@Statsbomb) July 19, 2019

Berge is a fine distributor, is comfortable on the ball, can interrupt opposition attacks effectively and has also started chipping in with the odd goal—he has four in 19 league appearances in Belgium this term:

Wonderkid alert! ⚠️

Sander Berge scores his first goal for Genk! 🔥

What a way to do it 🙌 pic.twitter.com/gzCTznC0Rb

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 8, 2018

He was previously linked to Sheffield United:

Sander Berge (21) has snubbed Sheffield United. Club enquired with the midfielder, #SUFC with KRC Genk, but Berge has bigger ambitions. Genk want around £22.5m for the Norvegian international. pic.twitter.com/pauY4nbA79

— Kristof Terreur (@kristofterreur) July 15, 2019

But after playing every minute of Genk's 2019-20 UEFA Champions League campaign, when they picked up just a point in a tough Group E with Liverpool, Napoli and Red Bull Salzburg, Berge has now caught the eye of some of Europe's biggest clubs.

Liverpool will likely need to make some signings in January if they are to maintain the furious pace they have set in 2019-20.

They have a 10-point lead at the top of the Premier League table and are among the favourites to win the Champions League after drawing Atletico Madrid in the last 16.

Widespread squad depth is an absolute necessity, though, if a club is to compete on multiple fronts, and Berge would be a fine addition to Jurgen Klopp's side in that respect. 

Red Bull Salzburg director Christoph Freund believes January would be "too fast" for Erling Haaland to leave the club amid continued speculation regarding the player's future.

Earlier in the week, Freund confirmed the 19-year-old sensation had already been in talks with both Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig about a possible switch.

According to Fabrizio Romano and Marcus Christenson of the Guardian, Haaland has a release clause of around £21.2 million in his contract; the player is also said to be attracting interest from the likes of Manchester United and Juventus.

Freund told Alex Richards of the Daily Mirror he feels the Norwegian would be better staying put for the time being: "It's too fast for Erling. ... Erling has only been here five months in the team, sure he's outstanding...but, it's football."

Per Ronan Murphy of Goal, Leipzig manager Julian Nagelsmann confirmed on Friday there have been discussions between the club and Haaland:

RB Leipzig head coach Julian Nagelsmann confirms his meeting with Red Bull Salzburg's Erling Braut Haaland: "I tried to explain to him in English my idea of football. I consider it a good conversation, but there is nothing new to announce here." #RBL #RBS #BVB

— Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) December 13, 2019

Haaland has become a big name among football supporters this season, as he's thrived for the Austrian club in the UEFA Champions League, netting eight goals in the group stages. 

As part of BT Sport's coverage, former England strikers Michael Owen and Peter Crouch looked back at some of the teenager's best moments in the competition:

With two strikers in the studio, it's only fair to talk about starlet Erlin Braut Håland...

It's fair to say @themichaelowen and @petercrouch are impressed with what they've seen so far!

Watch Liverpool v Salzburg live on BT Sport 3 HD  pic.twitter.com/01E5RHkNte

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 10, 2019

Salzburg did not progress into the knockout stages though, with Tuesday's 2-0 loss to Liverpool consigning them to the UEFA Europa League.

The reputation of Haaland and a number of other Salzburg players have been enhanced nevertheless. The club's star midfielder Takumi Minamino is reportedly on the brink of making a move to Liverpool in the January transfer window.

Freund said he's delighted the club is building a reputation as the home of some of European football's rising stars:

"I think it makes it easier [to sign players] for the future, if you have a lot of good examples, to bring a player here. But sure this is a big challenge because the standard now from the team is more than four or five years ago.

"For example, five months ago, nine players leave us. Seven players normally in the starting XI, so it's a really big change for us. And, in the end, it was good that we prepared in winter...signing Antoine Bernede from Paris Saint-Germain and Haaland."

Rory Smith of the New York Times suggested the displays of Haaland have seen other stars fly under the radar at Salzburg:

Someone will pay a king’s ransom for Erling Haaland, and with good reason, but I bet Red Bull Salzburg are quite pleased that he’s distracting everyone from how good Minamino and Hwang are.

— Rory Smith (@RorySmith) December 10, 2019

Given his record in the Champions League, it would be easy to assume the striker is ready to make another step up in his career. In addition to his eight goals in Europe, he's grabbed 16 goals in 14 appearances in the Austrian top flight.

If he was to stay at Salzburg, it's easy to see his development continuing with that in mind. However, when clubs of the calibre of those aforementioned come calling, it must be difficult to say no.

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has said the club will seek to secure "top-calibre" players in the upcoming January transfer window.

At the start of the season, it appeared unlikely the Blues would bring in any new faces this season, as they were serving a two-window ban on registering new players after a breach of FIFA rules. However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport recently halved the sanction, meaning they are free to spend in January.

Speculation has intensified regarding Chelsea targets as a result, with Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake, Leicester City full-back Ben Chilwell and Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha mentioned. Chelsea are reported to have a buyback option of £40 million on Ake, having sold the currently injured central defender to the Cherries in 2017.

Ahead of his team's clash with Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday, Lampard was asked about that trio of reported targets, per Metro:

"We want a top calibre of player who can improve us. I won't hone in on those three but I've said before I'm happy with the squad. We have to look [at signing players] if we can. It is a joint-effort with the scouting teams, the board, the owner, myself. We work together.

"I will recommend players who can help us. I want players who want to come here and win and be a Chelsea player."

This season, the Blues have benefitted from the integration of a number of young players, so it will be fascinating to see how much the club is willing to spend in the January market.

Chelsea's win over Lille in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday ensured they progressed from a tricky group in the competition:

This team isn’t perfect, they still have a long way to go, but if you’re b*itching tonight, you’re missing the point.

One of the goals coming into the season was to get out of the group stage. That’s done now.

Pour a drink, light one up, I don’t care, just appreciate this. pic.twitter.com/swNcUX95yN

— Goals Side (@goalsside) December 10, 2019

Beat writer Dan Levene outlined what he thinks the Blues' goals should be in 2019-20:

Chelsea made a meal of it tonight, but that's objective one of two this season sorted:
Qualfied from the CL group stages ✔️
Any further in the competition is a bonus now.
Objective two: secure top four in the Premier League.

— Dan Levene (@danlevene) December 10, 2019

While they have struggled for form in the Premier League as of late, losing three of their last four, Chelsea still sit in fourth spot heading into the weekend's matches.

At the moment, the dynamic between the players, manager and supporters is healthy, giving the current team a fresh feel at Stamford Bridge. Lampard will no doubt be wary of disrupting that harmony with a flurry of new faces midseason.

There are gaps in the squad to be filled, though. Following their 3-1 loss to Everton in their previous Premier League outing, Simon Johnson of The Athletic picked up on some weaknesses in the team that have reared their heads regularly:

Post match prediction: Lampard will moan about Chelsea not being clinical enough in final third & making too many mistakes defensively, but still should have got more out of the game. It's been the theme for all their bad results this season. But script doesn't look like changing

— Simon Johnson (@SJohnsonSport) December 7, 2019

Giving Fikayo Tomori, Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham minutes has been a triumph for Chelsea, with all three comfortable in the Premier League and set to be building blocks in Lampard's side. Blues fans will hope any deals that do get done will not stunt those academy products' development in the coming months.

Ake, Chilwell and Zaha would all bring extra quality to the ranks and aid the team's push for a top-four finish. However, it's difficult to envisage Bournemouth, Leicester or Palace selling for anything other than an astronomical amount halfway through a season.

Liverpool have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Red Bull Salzburg's Takumi Minamino in the January transfer window.

Per Melissa Reddy of The Independent, the Reds have beaten Manchester United to the signature of the 24-year-old, having met the £7.25 million buyout clause in his contract.

According to Paul Joyce of The Times, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is a big fan of the player.

"Klopp is the driving force behind the prospective transfer having been thrilled by Minamino’s performances in the Champions League where his quality, poise in possession and ability to pick a pass from an attacking midfield role was clear," continued Joyce.

Liverpool's players reportedly made comments about Minamino after the two UEFA Champions League matches between the sides this season, noting his "technical ability and work rate."

According to James Pearce of The Athletic, Liverpool feel as though they would be getting a bargain, with other clubs also said to be tracking the Japan international:

Understand it's highly likely that Minamino joins Liverpool in January. Expect it to happen. Exciting deal. #LFC

— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) December 12, 2019

Minamino notched three assists and two goals in the Champions League this season, including a strike in the 4-3 loss to Liverpool at Anfield.

While Salzburg striker Erling Haaland has stolen plenty of headlines with his prolific goalscoring, the creative supply line to him has largely come from Minamino. He has nine goals and 11 assists in all competitions this season.

Minamino is capable of operating as an advanced midfielder or on either flank. Regardless, his technical ability, change of pace and ability to spot a pass in the final third means he's capable of having an influence on the game.

The Salzburg star is the kind of player the Reds may benefit from adding:

Wonder whether now, because the starting XI is so full of world class players which are almost impossible to upgrade upon, and doesn't require major surgery, Liverpool may look slightly outside the box for players of Minamino's ilk in future windows. Just a theory.

— Joel Rabinowitz (@joel_archie) December 12, 2019

David Maddock of the Daily Mirror was impressed by the work ethic of the Japan international in the game against Liverpool on Tuesday:

#LFC value him at more than 3 times his release clause, and for good reason. Here's Minamino's heat map for Salzburg v Liverpool on Tuesday night. He's had 20 goal involvements in 22 games this season, 9 goals, 11 assists. pic.twitter.com/hlFQAM9Wc0

— David Maddock (@MaddockMirror) December 12, 2019

Should Liverpool get the deal over the line for a meagre £7.25 million, it would represent exceptional business on their part. A player of Minamino's ability and application would also be a welcome boost to a squad that wasn't strengthened by the addition of any senior players in the summer.

The acquisition would also help Liverpool in pursuit of major honours this term. They are already eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table and into the knockout stages of the Champions League; for Minamino, joining the club at this time represents an exciting opportunity.

Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela has an offer from Barcelona, according to Mexico team-mate Jonathan dos Santos. 

Dos Santos, who came through the ranks at Barcelona as a youngster and was at the club between 2002 and 2014, was asked about his Mexican compatriot on W Radio (h/t Goal's James Westwood). He said:

"As I am now on vacation; I have not had much contact with him.

"But it is true, he has that offer on the table [from Barcelona]. I don't know what he's going to do.

"He's very happy in Los Angeles, he had a spectacular season, but Barca looking for you is a very nice opportunity.

"I'm happy for him. As a Mexican, I hope this possibility can be given."

Vela said he almost joined Barcelona on loan last January and would be keen on heading there:

Carlos Vela says he was close to a loan move to Barcelona last winter, and made it clear he would jump at the chance to join the Spanish giants 👇 pic.twitter.com/m2GUjPy7Um

— GOAL (@goal) August 28, 2019

If Barca were interested in him at the start of 2019, his incredible year with LAFC will have done him no harm.

In 36 appearances, Vela produced 38 goals and 12 assists for his side.

Of those goals, 34 were in Major League Soccer as he set a new record for most regular-season strikes:

Count it up, count it up, count it up, count it!

All 34 goals from @11carlosV's record-breaking season. 👑 pic.twitter.com/Yay6QmMjKQ

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 7, 2019

Former United States international Alexi Lalas thinks highly of the 30-year-old:

Is Carlos Vela a Top-20 player in the world? 🤔@AlexiLalas makes his case for the new @MLS single-season scoring record holder. pic.twitter.com/DMTxdSZcVV

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) October 18, 2019

The Catalan giants aren't exactly struggling for goals this season, though, with attacking options including Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele.

Barcelona have netted 41 goals in 15 La Liga matches this season, nine more than nearest competitors Real Madrid.

Vela's arrival would give manager Ernesto Valverde more scope to rest 32-year-old Messi and keep him fresh for their most important games, as the Mexico international also predominantly plays on the right.

It's unlikely he'd be as prolific as he has been in MLS for Barca, though. The forward has evidently taken advantage of the lower standard of defending in that league, as in 250 games for Real Sociedad he scored less frequently, returning 73 goals in that time.