New Jersey Devils goalie Jacob Markstrom will be out for weeks with a lower-body injury -- though it's not as bad as the team initially feared, sources told ESPN on Thursday.

Markstrom was injured in Wednesday's game against the Bruins after Boston forward Justin Brazeau collided with him in his crease. Markstrom underwent imaging Thursday, and the team will provide an update Friday. A source said Markstrom's participation in February's 4 Nations Face-Off tournament for Team Sweden would be "a challenge." Sweden is dealing with other injury concerns too, as Ottawa Senators goalie Linus Ullmark and Vegas Golden Knights forward William Karlsson also are sidelined.

Markstrom, 34, has been a steadying force for New Jersey in his first season with the team after a June trade from Calgary that involved a first-round pick and defenseman Kevin Bahl headed to the Flames. The Devils inherited the final two years of Markstrom's contract.

In 36 games, Markstrom has a 2.20 goals against average with a .912 save percentage and three shutouts. The Devils won Wednesday against the Bruins after Jake Allen came on in relief, and they sit in third place in the Metropolitan Division with a 27-17-6 record. Allen also has been solid for New Jersey. In 15 games, the 34-year-old has a 2.66 GAA, a .901 save percentage and two shutouts.

NHL teams will be taking a break in the middle of February for the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, featuring star players from each team playing for the United States, Canada, Sweden and Finland.

But before that event begins, which games are the most intriguing? As part of this week's updated edition of the Power Rankings, we've identified the top captivating contest for all 32 teams -- whether it's a game against a rival, one that takes on added value in the playoff races, or something else entirely.

How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors sends in a 1-32 poll based on the games through Wednesday, which generates our master list.

Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the previous edition, published Jan. 17. Points percentages and paces are through Thursday's games.

1. Washington Capitals

Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 73.96%

Feb. 1 vs. Jets. Not only is this a potential Stanley Cup Final preview -- sponsored by the letter W? -- but thanks to their heritage as the Southeast Division's Atlanta Thrashers, the Jets franchise is the team against which Alex Ovechkin has scored the most goals in his career (55). How many will he get in this one?

Next eight days: @ VAN (Jan. 25), @ CGY (Jan. 28), @ OTT (Jan. 30)

2. Winnipeg Jets

Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 68.37%

Jan. 28 at Canadiens. Maybe this isn't for the entire team, but just for a couple of Jets in particular: Connor Hellebuyck and Kyle Connor. Though this game against the Canadiens obviously counts in the NHL standings, Hellebuyck and Connor will hit this same ice at the Bell Centre on Feb. 15 as the U.S. takes on Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off, the first best-on-best clash between these two countries since the semifinal round of the 2014 Olympics.

Next eight days: vs. UTA (Jan. 24), vs. CGY (Jan. 26), @ MTL (Jan. 28), @ BOS (Jan. 30)

3. Vegas Golden Knights

Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 66.67%

Jan. 26 vs. Panthers. For any team that has its sights set on a long playoff run, games against the defending Cup champs take on extra meaning. The Knights lost a 4-3 overtime contest against the Cats on Oct. 19. How will this game end up?

Next eight days: @ DAL (Jan. 24), vs. FLA (Jan. 26), vs. DAL (Jan. 28), vs. CBJ (Jan. 30)

4. Edmonton Oilers

Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 65.63%

Feb. 1 vs. Maple Leafs. No Canadian team has won the Stanley Cup since the Canadiens in 1993, though the Oilers were just one win away in 2024. Along with the Jets, these two clubs represent the country's best chance of breaking that streak, and the cross-continent clash will give us a preview of what a Cup Final between the two could look like.

Next eight days: vs. BUF (Jan. 25), vs. SEA (Jan. 27), vs. DET (Jan. 30)

5. Carolina Hurricanes

Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 64.29%

Feb. 4 at Jets. A potential Stanley Cup Final preview? This matchup might not set any viewership records, but it would be superb hockey.

Next eight days: @ NYI (Jan. 25), @ NYR (Jan. 28), vs. CHI (Jan. 30)

6. Toronto Maple Leafs

Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 63.27%

Feb. 6 at Kraken. For years, Yanni Gourde tormented the Maple Leafs as a member of the Lightning. With the veteran center's name being floated in trade rumors -- and the Leafs always looking for ways to improve the team -- could they be playing this game against a future teammate?

Next eight days: @ OTT (Jan. 25), vs. MIN (Jan. 29)

7. Minnesota Wild

Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 62.50%

Jan. 30 at Canadiens. Future Hall of Famer Marc-Andre Fleury has announced he'll retire at the end of this season, so -- barring a Stanley Cup Final matchup between these teams -- this will be his last visit as a pro to his home province.

Next eight days: vs. CGY (Jan. 25), @ CHI (Jan. 26), @ TOR (Jan. 29), @ MTL (Jan. 30)

8. Dallas Stars

Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 62.77%

Jan. 24 vs. Golden Knights; Jan. 28 at Golden Knights. The Stars have had some epic postseason showdowns with the Knights recently -- and both appear playoff-bound again this season -- so this pair of games will be a treat. Will the intensity match what we've seen in springs past?

Next eight days: vs. VGK (Jan. 24), @ STL (Jan. 25), @ VGK (Jan. 28)

9. Florida Panthers

Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 60.20%

Feb. 8 vs. Senators. There's a possible future world in which the Panthers and Senators face off in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs -- ensuring us at least four games of Tkachuk-on-Tkachuk combat. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Any game in which Brady and Matthew face off has the potential for viral highlights.

Next eight days: @ SJ (Jan. 25), @ VGK (Jan. 26), vs. LA (Jan. 29)

10. Los Angeles Kings

Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 63.33%

Feb. 7 vs. Stars. On some nights, the Kings look as if they could beat any team in the NHL; other nights, not so much. So this matchup against the perennial contender Stars will be a litmus test ahead of the 4 Nations break.

Next eight days: @ CBJ (Jan. 25), @ DET (Jan. 27), @ FLA (Jan. 29), @ TB (Jan. 30)

11. New Jersey Devils

Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 60.00%

Feb. 6 vs. Golden Knights. Because of some wonkiness with the schedule, this is the first meeting between these two playoff-bound clubs (they'll face off again in Vegas on March 2).

Next eight days: @ MTL (Jan. 25), @ PHI (Jan. 27), vs. PHI (Jan. 29)

12. Colorado Avalanche

Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 59.18%

Feb. 7 at Oilers. Once the 4 Nations Face-Off begins, Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar will be teammates of Connor McDavid's for Canada. But on this night, they'll be battling hard for two points as the Western Conference bracket remains tight.

Next eight days: @ BOS (Jan. 25), @ NYR (Jan. 26), @ NYI (Jan. 28)

13. Tampa Bay Lightning

Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 57.61%

Feb. 4, 6 vs. Senators. For the past few preseasons, there has been some thought that the Lightning would regress and one of the rising Atlantic teams would take their spot in the playoffs. So far, that hasn't proven to be the case -- but this back-to-back set against one of those rising teams will go a long way (one way or another).

Next eight days: @ CHI (Jan. 24), @ DET (Jan. 25), vs. CHI (Jan. 28), vs. LA (Jan. 30)

14. Calgary Flames

Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 57.61%

Jan. 26 at Jets. Every game is important for a team like the Flames on the cusp of a wild-card berth. But, we'll circle this one as an old-school Smythe Division rivalry renewed, featuring two elite American goaltenders: leading Vezina Trophy candidate Connor Hellebuyck and Calder Trophy candidate Dustin Wolf.

Next eight days: @ MIN (Jan. 25), @ WPG (Jan. 26), vs. WSH (Jan. 28), vs. ANA (Jan. 30)

15. Ottawa Senators

Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: 54.17%

Jan. 25 vs. Maple Leafs. The Battle of Ontario continues! The Sens took Round 1 this season in Toronto, and the two clubs will face off again on March 15. These games are never boring, especially with both teams in the playoff hunt.

Next eight days: vs. TOR (Jan. 25), vs. UTA (Jan. 26), vs. WSH (Jan. 30)

16. Montreal Canadiens

Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 54.17%

Feb. 9 vs. Lightning. Despite modest expectations entering this season, the Canadiens remain within shouting distance of a wild-card berth. A win against their division rivals from central Florida would greatly aid in that quest.

Next eight days: vs. NJ (Jan. 25), vs. WPG (Jan. 28), vs. MIN (Jan. 30)

17. Columbus Blue Jackets

Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: 54.08%

Feb. 8 vs. Rangers. For a team on the wild-card bubble, every point matters. But games against division rivals matter more -- especially if a team can hand that rival a regulation loss. This game will make a statement (one way or another) for the Blue Jackets.

Next eight days: vs. LA (Jan. 25), @ VGK (Jan. 30)

18. Boston Bruins

Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 54.00%

Feb. 1 vs. Rangers. Have the Rangers turned a corner back to being a true contender after a midseason swoon? Perhaps. Whether the trend sticks or not, this is a pivotal game for the Bruins to use as a measuring stick (and the two teams will face off again four days later at MSG.)

Next eight days: vs. COL (Jan. 25), @ BUF (Jan. 28), vs. WPG (Jan. 30)

19. New York Rangers

Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: 54.17%

Jan. 28 vs. Hurricanes. Although the Rangers won their second-round playoff series against the Canes last spring, Carolina has beaten them in regulation in both matchups this season. A win here would really signal that the Blueshirts have turned around their fortunes.

Next eight days: vs. COL (Jan. 26), vs. CAR (Jan. 28)

20. Vancouver Canucks

Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 53.19%

Jan. 31 at Stars. If the various reports are true, the Canucks are seeking out the best new home for disgruntled center J.T. Miller. Well, on this night, they'll be visiting one of those potential options, as the Stars are on the prowl for a veteran center to replace injured Tyler Seguin.

Next eight days: vs. WSH (Jan. 25), @ STL (Jan. 27), @ NSH (Jan. 29)

21. St. Louis Blues

Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 51.02%

Feb. 4 vs. Oilers. There are some who considered Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner a snub from Canada's 4 Nations Face-Off roster. One of the netminders who did make it? The Blues' Jordan Binnington. Perhaps Binnington will have extra motivation in this one to show that Hockey Canada made the right call.

Next eight days: vs. DAL (Jan. 25), vs. VAN (Jan. 27)

22. Philadelphia Flyers

Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: 51.02%

Feb. 8 vs. Penguins. Although the Keystone State battles are a little more captivating when the Flyers and Penguins are both in line for playoff berths, the matchups are typically enthralling; to wit, their matchup on Dec. 23 ended 7-3.

Next eight days: @ NYI (Jan. 24), vs. NJ (Jan. 27), @ NJ (Jan. 29), vs. NYI (Jan. 30)

23. Utah Hockey Club

Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 52.13%

Jan. 29 vs. Penguins. It's a big deal any time a superstar comes to town, but Penguins games are particularly notable for UHC center Logan Cooley, who participated in Sidney Crosby's "Little Penguins" program as a youth player.

Next eight days: @ WPG (Jan. 24), @ OTT (Jan. 26), vs. PIT (Jan. 29)

24. Detroit Red Wings

Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: 51.04%

Jan. 25, Feb. 8 vs. Lightning. Given the ties between the franchises -- including current Detroit GM/former Tampa Bay GM Steve Yzerman -- games between the two are always must-see affairs. And with the Red Wings currently chasing the Lightning in the standings, these will matter even more.

Next eight days: vs. TB (Jan. 25), vs. LA (Jan. 27), @ EDM (Jan. 30)

25. Pittsburgh Penguins

Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: 48.00%

Feb. 8 at Flyers. A stretch in late January (at the Kraken, Sharks and Utah) might wield more influence on the Penguins' playoff hopes, but a win here against the rival Flyers might mean more heading into the break.

Next eight days: @ SEA (Jan. 25), @ SJ (Jan. 27), @ UTA (Jan. 29)

26. New York Islanders

Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: 48.91%

Jan. 24 vs. Flyers, Jan. 30 at Flyers. The Islanders' playoff hopes remain alive, and the Flyers are one of the teams over which they'll have to climb if they want to extend their postseason streak.

Next eight days: vs. PHI (Jan. 24), vs. CAR (Jan. 25), vs. COL (Jan. 28), @ PHI (Jan. 30)

27. Seattle Kraken

Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 45.92%

Jan. 28 vs. Ducks. Things haven't gone as well as planned in Dan Bylsma's first season behind the Kraken bench, and the team is closer to the bottom of the standings than the top. As a result, this matchup against another struggling Pacific Division club could have outsized impact on Seattle's ultimate spot in the draft order.

Next eight days: vs. PIT (Jan. 25), @ EDM (Jan. 27), vs. ANA (Jan. 28), vs. SJ (Jan. 30)

28. Nashville Predators

Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: 45.74%

Feb. 1 at Penguins. A rematch of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final! But as both GMs have continually been asked by reporters about their plans for the trade deadline, perhaps this will be a preview of some players who will find themselves skating elsewhere by March 7.

Next eight days: @ ANA (Jan. 25), vs. VAN (Jan. 29)

29. Buffalo Sabres

Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: 42.71%

Jan. 31 vs. Predators. It's looking more likely that the Sabres will miss the playoffs again, meaning that their rise up the draft lottery board is of no small amount of interest. Games against fellow struggling teams like the Preds will have an outsized impact.

Next eight days: @ EDM (Jan. 25), vs. BOS (Jan. 28)

30. Anaheim Ducks

Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: 45.83%

Feb. 8 at Kings. The Ducks are mainly looking at their spot in the draft lottery standings at this point, but their final game before the break will be against the rival Kings, a matchup that always raises the proverbial temperature.

Next eight days: vs. NSH (Jan. 25), @ SEA (Jan. 28), @ CGY (Jan. 30)

31. Chicago Blackhawks

Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: 36.17%

Feb. 5 vs. Oilers. At one point, Connor McDavid was a generational star playing for a team that wasn't winning a ton of games. Will this matchup be a look into the future for Connor Bedard?

Next eight days: vs. TB (Jan. 24), vs. MIN (Jan. 26), @ TB (Jan. 28), @ CAR (Jan. 30)

32. San Jose Sharks

Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: 33.33%

Jan. 30 at Kraken. At some point, these are going to be really great matchups given the wealth of young talent on both of these rosters (and in the pipelines). For now, it's all about the nautical theming.

Next eight days: vs. FLA (Jan. 25), vs. PIT (Jan. 28), @ SEA (Jan. 30)

Arne Slot's dad wasn't impressed with Liverpool's midweek win over Lille in the Champions League.

The Liverpool manager mentioned his dad's reaction when discussing how difficult it is to break down defensive-minded opponents.

"That is difficult for fans [having to be patient]. My father is a fan as well," Slot said. "When I called him after the [Lille] game, he [said] 'it wasn't as exciting as other games of Liverpool.'

"Then I have to try to explain to him that these games, you can easily lose if you are starting to force all kinds of difficult balls. But he's not always agreeing with me."

Slot noted how Bayern Munich dominated possession, attempts at goal and other stats but still lost 3-0 to Feyenoord -- Slot's old team -- in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Against Lille, midfielder Curtis Jones played a risky ball near the halfway line, Slot noted, and it turned into a scoring opportunity for the French team after it recovered the ball and counterattacked.

"So that's the risk you have if you play against a low-block team," he said. "[Nottingham] Forest is probably the best in the league if you play these stupid balls -- which I call stupid balls which my father would love to see us playing a bit more -- that is the risk of them creating many more chances."

Ipswich were routed 6-0 by Manchester City last weekend. Kieran McKenna's team heads to Anfield in 18th place, behind Wolverhampton Wandereres only on goal difference.

Liverpool are past the halfway point of what's turning into a dream first season under Slot, a Dutchman who replaced the charismatic Jurgen Klopp.

Slot's side lead both the Premier League and Champions League, and they are alive in the FA Cup and League Cup. But fans should not expect a scoring frenzy Saturday.

"It's a balance we have to find. I can understand that it's sometimes difficult for fans as well that come to the stadium to see us winning but hopefully us scoring a lot of goals and an exciting match," Slot said.

"But you need two teams for that, and the better we do the less likely it is that teams come to Anfield and say 'OK let's go to a high press and press them all over the place.'"

Mikel Arteta has said his Arsenal players "recognise" the need for a new signing this month and he is talking to his squad about possible targets.

Sources have told ESPN that the Gunners are scouring the January market for reinforcements after their decision not to sign a forward last summer was compounded by serious injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal are weighing up multiple options in the attacking positions and midfielder Declan Rice hinted at the feeling among his teammates when, after the win over Tottenham Hotspur, he suggested he's "not surprised if we are going to do something" before the window closes on Feb. 3.

Asked whether the players had spoken to him about wanting a new addition, Arteta said: "Not like that, but we have all been there, we all look at each other. We have very, very short numbers for many, many weeks and they recognise the situation, we all do.

"That's why we are trying to do what is right for the club, the team, that's our intention."

Pushed on whether he consults players over possible signings, he continued: "Sometimes yes, especially if they know them because that's getting us away from the computer and what the data is saying and it is real.

"I have seen it, I sense it. A player can score a lot of goals, great. How does this player react when he hasn't scored for six or seven games? This is what I am interested in. Watch an interview with a player who hasn't scored for six games, and then what kind of goals does he score?

"Against which teams in which context? Is it first half or second half? Is it only with his right foot, only headers, only in open spaces? Does he like the physical contact of this league? There are a lot of things. So when you have a player that has spent a lot of days with him, that is really valuable information to have."

When asked if he was doing that now, Arteta replied: "I always do it. If we can get the right player, that's why we are actively looking at it. Any player, no. Someone that makes us better and has an impact in the team.

"It is clear that in the period that we lost them, ideally we need some help. We were short already and now we are even shorter. The team still copes with that. We have to do what is right for the club.

"That's an option. It doesn't just depend on Arsenal, on Mikel or our will. It depends on the market and a lot of different factors."

Arteta added that there was a chance Myles Lewis-Skelly (knee) and William Saliba (hamstring) could be fit to face Wolves at Molineux on Saturday. Both players face late fitness tests.

Carlo Ancelotti has insisted Vinícius Júnior is "very happy" and "wants to make history at Real Madrid" despite interest in the star forward from the Saudi Pro League.

ESPN has reported that representatives of the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund contacted Vinícius' entourage last month to assure them that they remain keen on the player, after first making an approach last summer.

Vinícius said this week that he is focused on "continuing to develop, and helping the biggest club in the world" after scoring twice in Madrid's 5-1 Champions League win over RB Salzburg, although he will be suspended for their trip to Real Valladolid in LaLiga on Saturday.

"As far as I'm aware, and I have direct information from the player, he's very happy here and he wants to make history at Real Madrid," Ancelotti said in a news conference on Friday, ahead of the Valladolid game.

"He's like everyone who works here, we all think the same way -- we're happy here and want to make history."

Vinícius -- who finished second in the 2024 men's Ballon d'Or voting and won FIFA's The Best award -- has already scored 17 goals in all competitions this season, but there have also been suggestions that Madrid are less reliant on him since the arrival of Kylian Mbappé.

"People forget that with Vinícius we won the Champions League in Paris [in 2022] and we won the Champions League in London [in 2024]," Ancelotti said. "People have forgotten that. He's unquestionable as a player."

Vinícius is serving a two-game ban in LaLiga after being sent off at Valencia on Jan. 3. He is also now suspended in the Champions League for Madrid's trip to Brest next week after picking up his third yellow card of the European campaign against RB Salzburg.

"He won't play tomorrow [Saturday], but it's good for him to recover, and to work in training," Ancelotti said.

"He'll make the most of it, and the player will be fresh when it comes to the most important part of the season."

Ancelotti said he wasn't annoyed by constant speculation about Vinícius' future.

"I don't know if that [Saudi] offer will come or not," he said. "I have to say what I see, which is a player who's happy here... Lately I've been thinking I've been getting too angry in news conferences! I should stay calm. So no, I don't get annoyed by questions about Vinícius."

Ancelotti eulogised midfielder Federico Valverde as "the most complete player in football right now" and also praised forward Rodrygo after his brace against Salzburg made it eight goals in nine appearances.

"What stands out now is [Rodrygo's] consistency," Ancelotti said.

"He's scoring a lot of goals, providing a lot of assists. For a forward, it's normal, you have ups and downs. But when you can get the numbers he's getting consistently now, that's what stands out."

Ruben Amorim has said all options remain on the table regarding Marcus Rashford's future at Manchester United with just a week to go before the transfer deadline.

Rashford was omitted from the squad again for Thursday's 2-1 win over Rangers in the Europa League.

United chose to name nine substitutes instead of the permitted 12 and left Rashford watching from his private box at Old Trafford.

Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund are among the teams to have expressed an interest in signing Rashford on loan. But Amorim said he "doesn't know" how the situation will unfold in the final days of the window.

"I really don't know," Amorim said. "Guys, it's eight days [until the deadline]. We will see in the end of the window what happened. And then we will talk about that in the moment."

Rashford hasn't featured for United since the 2-1 win over FC Viktoria Plzen on Dec. 12.

It is likely he will miss out again when Amorim takes his team to play Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday.

The United boss will also have to decide whether to reinstate André Onana or keep faith with Altay Bayindir.

Onana's mistake contributed to Brighton's 3-1 win at Old Trafford and he was left out of the team against Rangers in favour of Bayindir.

"It's always an even fight but this [Bayindir playing against Rangers] was rotation, it was prepared," Amorim said. "I also think about the mistake [against Brighton] and then the idea I send to you guys and the fans but the rotation was done, everything was prepared and we deal with that normally.

"We think we have two really good goalkeepers. They need time to play, they need the space in the team, so this rotation was prepared. But that mistake was my concern but, in the end, we continue with the same plan that we did last week."

The transfer window is open across Europe as clubs look to do some midseason business. But what are ESPN's reporters hearing about some of the deals that could be done, and which clubs are hoping to make moves?

Every Friday during January we'll bring you the latest updates and insights on the biggest transfer news.

Could Marcus Rashford join Barcelona on loan?

Barcelona are certainly the first choice for Marcus Rashford and his representatives if he leaves Manchester United this month, but there's an acceptance that it's hard to do from a financial perspective. United would be keen, too, because if Rashford performs well at a club the size of Barcelona then his transfer value will go up ahead of the summer.

Milan are out of the question now that they've signed right-back Kyle Walker from Manchester City. Borussia Dortmund have asked to be kept informed of developments over Rashford and there are lots of other interested clubs, but the finances involved are proving problematic for everyone. United will have to drop their demands if they really want him to leave, which means this one could go right down to the wire on deadline day. -- Rob Dawson

Barça would like to sign Rashford, but hopes of raising or saving enough money to register him within their spending cap imposed by LaLiga are decreasing. Winger Ansu Fati has had the door open to leave, but remains reluctant to depart for now, while defender Eric García is also currently set to stay despite interest from Girona and Como.

Barça were also hoping Celta Vigo's Óscar Mingueza would join Aston Villa this month -- as they retain 50% of any future transfer the defender makes -- but the Premier League club's signing of Levante's Andrés García has closed that avenue. -- Sam Marsden

It's pretty simple: Rashford has been offered to every top club in France, Spain and Italy. In Ligue 1, Paris Saint-Germain, AS Monaco and Marseille have been contacted. L'OM are managed by Roberto De Zerbi -- who knows the England international well since facing him in the Premier League with Brighton -- so they looked into whether it was feasible, but Rashford's wages proved to be a big stumbling block. The winger would also rather join a team playing in a Europe, which is not the case for Marseille this season. -- Julien Laurens

Will there be some good news from Barcelona soon?

There was already good news on Thursday, as the club announced that defender Ronald Araújo had extended his contract until 2031. Barça's focus is very much on improving and prolonging contracts at the moment, which also hampers any move for Rashford, as young midfielders Pedri and Gavi are next in line for new deals.

Both players should sign extensions to their deals, which run until 2026, before the end of February, although Saudi Arabian clubs have tried to tempt Pedri in recent weeks. They saw how acclaimed he was at the Spanish Supercopa earlier this month and sounded out a possible move. The money on the table was dizzying as the league looks for a star signing in the peak of their career, with Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior another target, though Pedri's appeal, quality and contract situation made him an interesting option. -- Sam Marsden

Why is the Salah contract saga still rumbling on?

With the end of the January transfer window now in sight, there has been little indication that Liverpool are close to resolving Mohamed Salah's contract saga, or that of his teammates Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Egypt international's impassioned celebration following his goal against Lille midweek left little room for doubt about where his heart lies. The player wants to stay at Liverpool, but hammering out the details of a new contract is proving a convoluted process. -- Beth Lindop

Each day that passes without Salah signing a new contract is good news for the Saudi Pro League dealmakers, who are desperate to land him. His most likely destination is Al Hilal, as they look to move on Neymar, and there have been whispers in Saudi that they would love for Salah to be part of their squad for this summer's expanded Club World Cup. -- Dawson

Any movement on Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid?

After missing out on one long-term full-back target in Alphonso Davies -- who is close to signing a new contract at Bayern Munich -- Madrid are determined to not let their No. 1 priority, Alexander-Arnold, slip through their fingers too. Madrid had been hopeful of landing both on free transfers this summer but, with Davies now almost out of reach, it's all about Alexander-Arnold.

The club still haven't entirely given up on landing him this month, but the clock is ticking, with no sign that Liverpool are willing to sanction a deal. -- Alex Kirkland

Manchester City have signed three players already, but will there be a fourth?

City have spent more than 150m million to sign three players -- forward Omar Marmoush (70m), defenders Abdukodir Khusanov (48m) and Vitor Reis (35m) -- already and City sources are indicating they might not be done yet. They still need a central midfielder and they're still actively looking.

Éderson at Atalanta is probably out of reach in January, but Douglas Luiz is possible if Juventus look to offload him in the last week of the window. Pep Guardiola is a big fan, and he's a proven player in the Premier League after starring for Aston Villa last season. There have also been repeated links with Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso, whose transfer could cost up to 80m. -- Dawson

Meanwhile, City's women's team are struggling with injuries but have signed Brazil forward Kerolin from North Carolina Courage. However, forward Chloe Kelly remains at an impasse with the club over a potential move. The 26-year-old is seeking an exit due to a lack of playing time, especially with Euro 2025 looming, and despite an injury to teammate Lauren Hemp, the England international has started just once in the WSL this season.

Manchester United have shown interest in signing Kelly on loan for the final six months of her contract, with Everton also making inquiries about a temporary move. However, given City's recent 4-2 defeat to United and their drop to fourth in the table, it seems unlikely Kelly will leave this month, as the club are reluctant to strengthen a direct rival. -- Emily Keogh

Could Atletico Madrid sign Kieran Trippier?

Trippier isn't playing much at Newcastle and hasn't ruled out a move away from the club this month. He would be open to a return to Atletico Madrid, where he played from 2019-2022, but it looks like a long shot. -- Dawson

Trippier was a standout in Madrid, and a key part of Atletico's title win in 2021. The team have moved on, though, and manager Diego Simeone already has two reliable options at right-back in Nahuel Molina and Marcos Llorente. In any case, Atletico aren't in a position to sign any players. They'd need to make room in the squad, and a player would have to leave before they are able to bring someone else in. So far there's no sign of that happening, unless an unexpected exit occurs between now and the close of the window. -- Kirkland

Could the San Diego Wave sign a replacement for Chelsea-bound Naomi Girma?

With USWNT defender Girma poised to become the women's game's first $1m transfer when she moves to Chelsea in the coming days, San Diego Wave are looking to strengthen their squad. The club have already brought in several new players recently, but Chelsea defender Ève Périsset and Aston Villa midfielder Kenza Dali have both attracted interest from the NWSL side.

Dali, notably, confirmed her departure from Villa last week. A source told ESPN that the Wave are targeting a "world-class player" to fill the gap left by Jaedyn Shaw and Alex Morgan's absences in attack, raising the possibility that Chelsea could see one of their forwards move to North America before the transfer window closes. -- Keogh

How close is Neymar to leaving Al Hilal?

Neymar's father, and the player himself, are eager for him to return to Brazil and play for his boyhood club Santos. As a result, Neymar Sr. has been constantly urging Al Hilal to speak to their owners to figure out how that can happen, and has already pointed out to the Santos president that if his son's contract -- which is valid until the Club World Cup -- is cancelled, a deal with Santos could happen quickly.

Al Hilal are showing patience because they know the 32-year-old's future depends on them. The main stumbling blocks are coming from the Saudi Public Investment Fund, which still wants Neymar to be the poster boy for the Saudi Pro League, and the player's desire not to give up the 65m in wages owed to him. -- Pedro Ivo Almeida, ESPN Brazil

Any other interesting deals in the works?

- Fikayo Tomori's future at AC Milan is in doubt heading into the final week of the transfer window, after the former Chelsea defender rejected a move to Juventus. Milan and Juventus had agreed a loan deal with an obligation to make the transfer permanent in the summer, but the 27-year-old has opted to stay at San Siro after returning to the first team under recently appointed coach Sérgio Conceição. Milan still need to raise funds to sign a striker, but with Tomori turning Juve down and teammate Strahinja Pavlovic rejecting a move to Fenerbahce, a move for the former England centre-back could still materialise before the Feb. 3 deadline if a new offer emerges. -- Mark Ogden

- Jonathan David is out of contract at Lille in the summer and although there has been interest this month, a source told ESPN that a move in January is "not the priority." He's likely to move on a free transfer in the summer, with a number of clubs already expressing interest. Man United looked at him very closely last summer before signing Joshua Zirkzee. -- Dawson

- Nottingham Forest are looking to aid their Champions League charge by bolstering their forward options. They have been heavily linked with Yoane Wissa at Brentford and will continue exploring other options to add some competition up front. -- Tom Hamilton

- Liverpool forward Ben Doak will remain on loan at Middlesbrough for the rest of the season despite interest from Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town. -- Lindop

- Westerlo and United States men's national team defender Bryan Reynolds continues to draw interest from European teams, including those from Czechia, the Netherlands and the English Championship. But Westerlo, having prevented Reynolds from taking part in last summer's Olympic games, is reluctant to let the former FC Dallas product leave. Reynolds has made 22 league and cup appearances this season, scoring two goals. -- Jeff Carlisle

- Reynolds' American teammate, Griffin Yow, is also on the radar of European clubs, but Westerlo are reluctant to move him on because of the difficulty of finding a replacement given that the club are mired in a relegation battle. A summer move now seems more likely. An injury slowed Yow's progress during the first half of the year, but the midfielder has still managed to make 16 appearances, scoring three goals. -- Carlisle

- Frankfurt have stepped up their chase to sign Marseille forward Elye Wahi, which could mean more disappointment for West Ham, who were keen on the France U21 international after not reaching a deal for Aston Villa's Jhon Durán. The German club, who sent Omar Marmoush to Manchester City for 70m this week, are nearing an agreement to land Wahi on a 4-year contract for a fee of around 30m. -- Laurens

- Juventus' Brazilian centre-back Danilo agreed to Flamengo's offer and will negotiate his release with the Italian club, where he is under contract until the end of the 2024-25 season. Santos also showed interest in the veteran defender, but Flamengo's wage offer was higher. He is expected to be available for coach Filipe Luis' squad ahead of the Supercopa do Brazil final, against Botafogo, on Feb. 2. -- Daniela Boaventura, ESPN Brazil

- Former Barcelona forward Louie Barry's stock is high after a superb loan spell at Stockport County, and Aston Villa are keen not to err with their next move. The youngster has been recalled for now and will sign a new deal at the Premier League club, who must then decide whether to keep him or loan him out again this month. Celtic and Lens have both made offers of over 5m, but Villa are not considering a permanent transfer. At some point, all 24 Championship sides have asked to be kept informed of Barry's situation and Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday currently lead the way if Unai Emery does decide to send him out again this month. -- Marsden

- Palmeiras have rejected a bid (reportedly around 8m) from Torino to sign 19-year-old striker Thalys. City Football Group had also shown interest, but the Brazilian club, who are in good financial shape after Vitor Reis' move to Manchester City, have set a fee in the region of 25m. Thalys has a contract with Palmeiras until July 2028. -- Vinicius Nicoletti, ESPN Brazil

- Owen Gene, a 21-year-old French midfielder from Amiens in Ligue 2, is going to sign with Minnesota United in MLS, sources have told ESPN. The Paris-born talent has impressed this season in France's second tier, and while a few German clubs were interested, he decided to go to the U.S. instead. The transfer fee will be around $3m. -- Laurens

- Reports in the Italian media claimed this week that there is an agreement in principle between AC Milan and Feyenoord to sign Mexico forward Santiago Giménez, though sources told ESPN Netherlands that there is still nothing between the two clubs. Milan are keen to sign a striker after poor seasons for Álvaro Morata and Tammy Abraham in front of goal so far. -- ESPN NL.