Amorim’s costly Rashford comments, Arsenal want Norway teenager

Ruben Amorim’s stance and recent comments about Marcus Rashford are giving his suitors hope of signing the Manchester United striker on a cut-price loan deal before the end of the January transfer window, the Telegraph reports.

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Levy still backs Postecoglou Arsenal want Rosenborg 18-year-old Wolves and Villa chase Disasi

After the 1-0 win over Fulham, Amorim said he would rather pick his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital in the matchday squad over Rashford, who has not featured for 11 games, and that is giving the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona hope in their pursuit of the player.

The Telegraph adds: “Rashford’s £325,000-a-week wages are a significant obstacle but his admirers believe their hopes of securing a knock-down deal where United are forced to cover the vast majority of the player’s salary have been boosted by Amorim’s remarks.

“There has also been interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia but Rashford – who is thought to favour a move to Spain – wants to continue playing in a leading European league and has not given up hope of forcing his way back into the England squad.

“United’s rivals are increasingly convinced Amorim wants Rashford out before the transfer window shuts and would not be enamoured about the prospect of having to reintegrate the player if he stayed.

“Rashford is understood to be willing and available to play if called upon and has been undergoing extra training privately in an effort to keep fit.”

Levy still backs Postecoglou

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy still backs Ange Postecoglou and wants the Australian to navigate Spurs through the current “storm”, the Guardian writes. Spurs’ loss at home to Leicester on Sunday increased the pressure on Postecoglou.

However, it appears Levy will not sack his head coach, and hopes the return of players from injury can help them rescue their campaign.

The Guardian adds: “Levy has few viable external options that could come in to replace Postecoglou right away, should he wish to make the managerial change. Internally, there would be Matt Wells, the senior assistant coach, and Ryan Mason, the assistant, who has twice previously stepped up to work as interim head coach.

“Postecoglou’s team have taken five points from 11 league matches to lag 15th in the table. They are eight ahead of third-from-bottom Wolves, leading some fans to worry that Spurs might be in for a relegation battle.

“It remains business as usual at the club under Postecoglou. They face Elfsborg at home on Thursday night in their final Europa League group game when they will seek to confirm direct qualification to the last 16. It has been announced that Postecoglou will meet the media as usual on Wednesday to preview the game.”

Arsenal want Rosenborg 18-year-old

Arsenal are aiming to beat Manchester City’s sister club Girona to the signature of Sverre Nypan, the Guardian reports. The Gunners have held further talks with the Norway Under-21 midfielder, who is 18 and become the youngest player to score for Rosenborg aged 16 years and 145 days in 2023.

The player is currently in London with his representatives.

The Guardian adds: “The 18-year-old is understood to be close to making a decision over his future after meeting Arsenal officials on Sunday, with Mikel Arteta keen to reinforce his squad this month after long-term injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus.

“Nypan has been compared to his compatriot Martin Odegaard for his creative abilities, having scored eight goals and provided seven assists in the Norwegian top flight last season. He is also wanted by Girona, who are owned by City Football Group, and was spotted in Erling Haaland’s box with the agent Rafaela Pimenta for the game against Chelsea. Aston Villa and Tottenham are also believed to have shown an interest. Nypan is expected to cost around £10m up front, although Rosenborg are likely to demand significant add-ons as part of the deal.

“The Arsenal co-chair Josh Kroenke was in London this week and held discussions with Jason Ayto – who replaced Edu Gaspar as sporting director last year – over the funds available for transfers this month.”

Wolves and Villa chase Disasi

Aston Villa have agreed personal terms with Axel Disasi but Wolves are also interested in signing the Chelsea defender, the Guardian and other outlets are reporting.

The France international could be allowed to leave before the transfer window shuts with both Villa and Wolves looking for defensive reinforcements.

The Guardian adds: “Wolves are also looking at the Lens defender Kevin Danso. Villa are short at centre-back after selling Diego Carlos to Fenerbahce and losing Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres to injury.

“The expectation is that Disasi, who also has interest from European clubs, would favour a move to Villa if they can agree a deal with Chelsea. The 26-year-old would have the opportunity to play regular football and compete for a club in the Champions League.

“Disasi, who has not convinced since joining Chelsea from Monaco 18 months ago, has made only four starts in the league this season. He has not fitted into Enzo Maresca’s style of play and has struggled with the Italian’s demands to play out from the back. Disasi, who can play at right-back or centre-back, is not in Maresca’s long-term plans.

“The writing was on the wall for Disasi when Chelsea recalled Trevoh Chalobah from his loan at Crystal Palace. Chelsea decided to act after losing Benoît Badiashile and Wesley Fofana to hamstring injuries. Chalobah has started alongside Levi Colwill in Chelsea’s last two matches.”