Latest transfer news and rumors: Real Madrid identify Vini replacement

The transfer window may be closed, but the rumor mill never stops. Check in every day for the latest buzz around the soccer world.

Top story: Nico next in line

Nico Williams' €90-million release clause is no obstacle for Real Madrid should Vinicius Junior leave the club next summer. The club believes the Athletic Bilbao winger's speed, dribbling ability, and experience make him a strong candidate to replace Vinicius on the left flank.

Williams has snubbed huge moves in the past to stay in Bilbao. However, the 23-year-old is starting to consider a move away as he wants to regularly compete for major trophies. (Fichajes)

Other rumors

Dec. 2

Another Nico: Barcelona are strong candidates to sign Nico Schlotterbeck. The defender has decided not to renew his Borussia Dortmund contract, and Der BVB don't want to sell him to a German rival. (Mundo Deportivo)

Bayern's boost: Bayern Munich are optimistic that Dayot Upamecano will sign a new contract to take him beyond the expiration of his current terms in June 2026. Chelsea, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, and Real Madrid are interested in the center-back. (BBC Sport)

Giants want Ant: Liverpool and Manchester City are the front-runners to sign Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo in January. Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have outside chances of securing a deal. (Football Insider)

Marc move back on: Liverpool have reopened talks with Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi to try to force a January transfer. The Reds are prepared to pay £25-£30 million for the defender, whose contract expires in June. (TEAMtalk)

Battling for Brown: Eintracht Frankfurt expect Nathaniel Brown to leave the club next summer and have set his valuation at around €60-€70 million. Barcelona, Manchester United, and Real Madrid could make an approach for the left-back, but Manchester City aren't interested. (Sky Sport Germany)

Goalies going: Goalkeepers James Trafford and Stefan Ortega are open to leaving Manchester City in January. Trafford, who progressed through City's academy, only rejoined the club from Burnley in the summer. (Daily Mail)

Fisnik fishing: Hoffenheim forward Fisnik Asllani's release clause is worth around €25-€29 million. The Premier League isn't an option for the Kosovan international, but he could join Barcelona, Bayern Munich, or Borussia Dortmund. (Florian Plettenberg)

Dec. 1

Gunners focus on youth: Arsenal have reached a deal in principle to acquire 16-year-old twins Edwin and Holger Quintero from Independiente Del Valle when they turn 18 in 2027. (ESPN)

Barca eye Nusa: Barcelona are among several clubs interested in signing RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa. Club representatives scouted the 20-year-old Norwegian during the latest round of World Cup qualifying. (Diario Sport)

Man United's new midfielder: Manchester United have a preliminary agreement in place to sign 17-year-old Colombian Cristian Orozco. The defensive midfielder can't formally join the Red Devils until he turns 18, so he'll remain at Fortaleza CEIF until July. (Daily Star)

Race for Rudiger: Fenerbahce are keeping tabs on Real Madrid center-back Antonio Rudiger. Clubs in Serie A, La Liga, the Premier League, and Saudi Pro League are also interested in the veteran defender. (Ekrem Konur)

Toughen up, Tottenham: Tottenham Hotspur have made imposing Juventus defender Gleison Bremer one of their main transfer targets. The Brazilian center-back, currently sidelined with a knee injury, is also being monitored by Manchester United and Chelsea. (Caught Offside)

Napoli need reinforcements: With Kevin De Bruyne and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa both sidelined long term due to injury, Serie A title hopefuls Napoli are considering a move for Roma's Lorenzo Pellegrini to bolster their midfield. Pellegrini is viewed as a potential low-cost January option. (Calciomercato)

Nov. 30

Reds call for Camavinga: Liverpool are expected to offer €60 million for Eduardo Camavinga. Real Madrid could consider selling Camavinga so they can fund future transfers, but Xabi Alonso trusts the French international, and the 23-year-old hasn't suggested he wants to leave. (Caught Offside)

Valverde's valuation: Manchester United are one of several clubs keeping tabs on Federico Valverde following his bust-up with Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid. His asking price could be as high as £100 million. (The Mirror)

Jettisoning Jules: Barcelona will allow Jules Kounde to leave Camp Nou for €60 million. The club is unimpressed with his form and attitude, but that won't deter Premier League sides from trying to sign him. (Fichajes)

The Semenyo solution: Antoine Semenyo could be the man to ease Manchester City's overreliance on Erling Haaland and add more versatility to Pep Guardiola's attack. The club is considering triggering the Bournemouth star's £65-million release clause. (The Times)

Ndiaye enquiries: Liverpool, Manchester City, and Tottenham Hotspur have made initial contact about the potential signing of Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye over the next two transfer windows. (Footmercato)

Los Blancos' budget: Real Madrid don't want to spend huge amounts to bring Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, or Vitinha aboard, but they could spare at least €50 million for Kees Smith, Angelo Stiller, or Adam Wharton. (Defensa Central)

Nov. 29

Neuer in no rush: Manuel Neuer has indicated it'll be up to him whether he's a Bayern Munich player next season. "The crucial factor will be how I feel. We'll see in the second half of the season," he said. (Fabrizio Romano)

Sorloth won't be sold off: Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has played down reports that Alexander Sorloth will leave in January. "He has things no other player offers us," Simeone said. (Fabrizio Romano)

Ramos' ride continues: Sergio Ramos isn't done yet. The 39-year-old defender is ready to leave Liga MX's Monterrey when his contract expires Dec. 31 and wants to join a new club. (El Chiringuito)

Bargain Brazilian: The agent of Atalanta midfielder Ederson claims his client's asking price is now in the region of €30-€40 million because his contract expires in June 2027. He was valued at €70 million only last summer. (Fabrizio Romano)

Hot Cole: American teenager Cole Campbell has told Borussia Dortmund he wants to leave as he tries to accelerate his development. Anderlecht, Club Brugge, Elversberg, and Midtjylland are interested. (Florian Plettenberg)

Nov. 28

Real Madrid out on Konate: Real Madrid have "directly and unequivocally" informed Liverpool that they no longer have any interest in signing pending free agent Ibrahima Konate. (The Athletic)

Vini says sorry: Vinicius Junior is now moving closer to signing a contract extension with Real Madrid after apologizing to manager Xabi Alonso and reducing his wage demands. (Mundo Deportivo)

Barca's long shopping list: Barcelona want a new striker, center-back, and left winger in the summer. They're looking at Harry Kane up front, Goncalo Inacio and Murillo in defense, and continue to monitor Rafael Leao in case they decide not to trigger Marcus Rashford's buy option. (Mundo Deportivo)

Mendoza's many suitors: Manchester City, Arsenal, and Real Madrid are all interested in signing Elche midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza. The 20-year-old has impressed at youth level with Spain and is starting to make a big impact with the promoted La Liga club. (Daily Mail)

Sunderland get serious: Sunderland are hoping to take advantage of Lazio's financial issues to sign French midfielder Matteo Guendouzi. Newcastle, Aston Villa, and Napoli are also interested. (Calciomercato)

Nov. 27

Barca missed out: Estevao's agent says the rising Brazilian star was offered to Barcelona before his move to Chelsea, but the Catalan club couldn't make a deal happen due to financial issues. (Cadena Ser)

Building a wall: Nottingham Forest will do everything possible to keep hold of England international midfielder Elliot Anderson. The club will reject any bids that arrive for the 23-year-old in January. (ESPN)

Magic Mike: Chelsea are back in talks with AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan's representatives about a potential free transfer in the summer. The French netminder's contract with the Italian side expires at the end of the season. (Sacha Tavolieri)

Happy in Madrid: Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez continues to be linked with many of Europe's top teams, but club president Enrique Cerezo says the Argentine wants to stay with the Spanish side. (Mundo Deportivo)

Nov. 26

Man United's summer plans: Manchester United want to sign at least one top-level midfielder. Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba, and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton are the most prominent Premier League players who could be targeted. (ESPN)

Rash decision: Marcus Rashford is enjoying life on loan at Barcelona, but the club might not trigger its €35-million option to buy due to financial concerns. Paris Saint-Germain could swoop in with a €50-million offer to Manchester United. (Fichajes)

Santi course: Sunderland director of football Florent Ghisolfi, who previously worked in a similar role at Roma, is strongly pursuing AC Milan striker Santiago Gimenez. Brentford are also interested. (Calciomercato)

Roma refresh frontline: Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee has verbally approved a loan move to Roma in January. The Giallorossi are also looking at Midtjylland's free-scoring striker Franculino Dju, who's also on Tottenham Hotspur's radar. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Kees to Willock deal: Crystal Palace are weighing up a summer approach for Joe Willock. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe could entertain the midfielder's exit if his club manages to sign AZ Alkmaar's Kees Smit. (The Telegraph)

Promising development: West Ham United are ahead of Leeds United and Wolves in the race to sign Canadian striker Promise David. Union Saint-Gilloise will consider offers in the region of €20 million. (TEAMtalk)

Half-season Harv: Unai Emery is yet to decide whether on-loan midfielder Harvey Elliott will remain with Aston Villa beyond January. The Liverpool youngster has struggled to make an impact at Villa Park. (Jacob Tanswell)