Transfer news LIVE: Zubimendi close to Arsenal move, Almiron ‘to leave’ Newcastle and Phillips’ future

Brighton are nearing completion on a deal to sign Adelaide United goalkeeper Steven Hall. It is understood the 19-year-old is on his way to the UK to complete a medical and finalise the move.

Hall is an Australia U23 international and Brighton are making an investment in him as a possible future Premier League star.

Leah Williamson has issued a warning to Fifa and Uefa that their crowded calendar is placing “unsustainable” demands on top women’s players.

Here’s a round-up of some of the rumours about Newcastle’s possible dealings.

Midfielder Phillips appears likely to exit Manchester City, with the England international hoping for regular game-time to try and force his way into Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad. A number of Premier League clubs and Juventus are reportedly interested in the former Leeds man, including Newcastle.

But The Guardian report that the possibility of paying a loan fee and Manchester City’s desire to insert an obligation to buy into the deal have proved a sticking point for Newcastle’s owners. Joelinton’s injury may yet prompt a restarting of talks, though.

Alexander Isak is currently the only fit senior centre forward available to Eddie Howe, with in-form striker Solanke a logical target having impressed for Bournemouth this season having originally been brough to the club by the now-Newcastle manager.

But finances may be a sticking point – Solanke is only likely to move if a significant offer is made, which Newcastle would appear unable to enact without selling one of their own key individuals.

“Yes, a frustrating story for me because, yes, I love Dominic Solanke, I signed him and I rate him very, very highly,” Howe confirmed recently. “But we have not made an enquiry for him and we don’t have the ability to sign a player of that level.”

Of course, a significant outgoing could yet open the door to a major incoming. Bruno Guimaraes is the Newcastle player most often linked with a move elsewhere, with Arsenal among the admirers of the Brazilian.

An exit is unlikely to be sanctioned without a suitable replacement lined up.

Ederson of Atalanta has caught the attention of scouts in the Premier League

Could Atalanta midfielder Ederson be the man to replace Guimaraes? The defensive midfielder is attracting the attention of several big clubs, with reports in Italy suggesting that Newcastle scouts have been to Bergamo recently to watch him in the flesh.

The figure was outlined as the football governance bill enters its “absolute final stages”, according to the government, with the expectation of being passed into law before Easter.

That will bring the establishment of an independent regulator, that will have backstop powers to force the Premier League into a deal, that the EFL wants at a 75-25 split. The top division has as yet made no offer, as it has also developed a cumulative wage bill that is £2bn more than any of the four other major leagues in Europe.

Carrick, who enjoyed a glittering playing career during which he won 12 major trophies with Manchester United, insists he and his players must treat the occasion like any other match, but can understand the excitement of the club’s supporters.

Chelsea’s 3-1 victory over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge ensured the title-holders re-established their lead at the top of the WSL table and moved three points clear of both Arsenal and Manchester City.

United, meanwhile, are struggling to recreate the magic that saw them finish runners-up in 2022-23 and just two points below the Blues, securing them a first-ever Champions League berth.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at some of the key questions surrounding the WSL title race with the second half of the season now under way.

Chelsea Women are close to signing Colombia striker Mayra Ramirez for a club-record fee. The 24-year-old has scored six goals in seven league games this season after scoring 14 times last term for Levante.

The Blues have been keen on signing a striker this window after an ACL injury to Sam Kerr.

However, Jessie Fleming is on her way out as the Canada midfielder is on the verge of joining Portland Thorns for a fee of around £250,000.

The Saudi Pro League club, who signed Cristiano Ronaldo in the first step of the competition’s expansion, are looking for a right-back in what is one of the moves being made in this window.

The fact most foreign player spaces are filled means there is less activity, but Al-Nassr are looking to spend on the position. A £20m bid for Emerson Royal has already been turned down by Tottenham Hotspur.

Wan-Bissaka had been one of the success stories under Erik ten Hag only for injuries to have affected his progress this season. The 26-year-old’s contract runs until the end of next season.

Mason Greenwood is edging ever closer to a summer switch to Barcelona say The Sun who claim the Spanish giants have been monitoring the former Manchester United star all season.

They are hoping to secure a pre-agreement with the 22-year-old who has told his advisors going to Barcelona is a “dream move”.

Real Madrid defender Eder Militao has extended his contract with the Spanish club until June 2028.

The 26-year-old is currently recovering from an ACL injury he suffered in August but is a vital part of Real’s defence when fit and firing.