NEW YORK -- Igor Shesterkin made 20 saves en route to a shutout, and even entered into a fight behind his own net in the third period, as the New York Rangers blanked the Ottawa Senators 5-0 on Tuesday night.

With 12:51 remaining in the game and New York leading 3-0, a scrum ensued in front of Shesterkin's net, centered around Ottawa captain Brady Tkachuk. Shesterkin appeared injured as he knelt in his crease while the scrum gravitated toward the boards. About halfway through the fracas, however, Shesterkin leaped to his skates and charged after Tkachuk before the former Vezina Trophy winner was greeted by a left hand from the fiery Senator.

"I just got a couple punches from Tkachuk," Shesterkin said with a laugh after the win. "To be honest, there was a hit on me [before the whistle], and I didn't really enjoy it. ... So, I just wanted to go over and hold him, and if he wanted to fight, it's tough for me, because I cannot drop my gloves."

Rangers forward Matt Rempe, who is known for fighting and has no problem dropping his gloves, was a part of the mix behind the net, as well.

"I was a little nervous because I don't want anything to happen to him," Rempe said of seeing his goaltender involved in the scrap. "But I love it because he's a competitor, and I just wanted to make sure I get in there and nothing happens to him."

Rangers coach Peter Laviolette enjoyed the moment, as well, telling reporters after the win, "That's hockey, man."

Alexis Lafreniere had a goal and an assist in the New York win, and Arthur Kaliyev, Rempe, Artemi Panarin and Will Cuylle also scored. The Rangers are now 7-1-3 since Jan. 2 and have won three straight at home. The shutout was Shesterkin's third this season and the 18th of his career.

Lafreniere beat Ottawa netminder Leevi Merilainen for his 13th goal at 18:48 of the first. Kaliyev made it 2-0 at 1:50 of the middle period with his second goal as a Ranger since being claimed off waivers from Los Angeles on Jan. 6.

Kaliyev appeared to score again at 4:59 but the goal was waved off for offside. Rangers forward Sam Carrick had a goal negated for the same reason just before Lafreniere's goal.

Anton Forsberg replaced Merilainen in net for Ottawa after the challenge on Kaliyev's play. Merilainen made 14 saves before his departure. Forsberg finished with 10 saves.

Rempe scored his first this season at 3:34 of the third, depositing a backhand past Forsberg. Panarin made it 4-0 with his 20th goal on the power play at 9:01 before Cuylle completed the scoring at 9:57.

The Senators entered the contest on a 5-0-1 stretch in their past six games.

"We've been playing some good hockey," Ottawa coach Travis Green said. "But we weren't good enough to win [tonight]. We fought the puck all night; we weren't good enough with the puck."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Washington Capitals goalie Logan Thompson said he was distracted by a tray of cheese-covered nachos thrown on the ice while Oilers winger Corey Perry scored on him in Edmonton on Tuesday night.

"That's a first," said Capitals coach Spencer Carbery, whose team hung on for a 3-2 win. "We just talked about that in the coaches' office. I don't think I've ever seen a nachos-on-the-ice National Hockey League game. Did they save them? Maybe we can bring them into the locker room."

Less than five minutes into the third period, the Oilers skated into the Capitals' zone with the nachos already having been tossed onto the ice by a fan. Center Leon Draisaitl passed the puck to Perry, who blasted a shot a few feet away from the concessions tray, beating Thompson to cut the deficit to 3-2.

The Capitals goalie immediately started pointing at the nachos with his glove while complaining to the on-ice officials. Some of his teammates joined in the protest.

"I've never seen that before. Obviously, I've got to play to the whistle. That one's on me," said Thompson, who made 30 saves in the win.

"I didn't even notice them, and then guys were yelling, 'There's nachos on the ice!'" Carbery said. "I was like, 'I don't know, can we challenge that?'"

Rule 63.5, which covers objects thrown onto the ice and spectator interference, states: "In the event that objects are thrown on the ice that interfere with the progress of the game, the referee shall blow the whistle and stop the play and the puck shall be faced-off at a face-off spot in the zone nearest to the spot where play is stopped."

The nachos didn't interfere with the Oilers' skaters.

"I didn't even see them," Perry said. "I was focused on the play."

Carbery said he didn't believe there was much the officials could have done on the play. Thompson said he wasn't sure whether the rulebook covered his dilemma, and he reiterated that he just needed to play to the whistle.

"I saw the guy that threw them. Wasn't too happy. But credit to him. He got them a goal," Thompson said.

The Capitals goalie improved to an incredible 22-2-3 this season for the league's top team. He helped Washington kill a 6-on-4 power play in the final two minutes of the game for Edmonton, which was without Connor McDavid as the star center served a three-game suspension for cross-checking.

"In true Caps fashion, he delivers when we need a big save. When we need to preserve the win, he delivers," Carbery said of Thompson.

Or, to put it another way: Logan Thompson told the Edmonton Oilers it was nacho night.

The Professional Women's Hockey League Players Association on Wednesday announced the hiring of Malaika Underwood to take over as executive director starting in March.

Underwood has 20 years of experience as a sports consultant and working with numerous players associations, while specializing in brand marketing and licensing initiatives. She will replace Brian Burke, who viewed his role as the PWHLPA's head as temporary when the league launched some 18 months ago.

"From day one, it was imperative that the union find long-term leadership capable of sustaining and building on what the players have fought to create," Burke said in a statement. "Malaika Underwood is that leader. Her vision, expertise, and commitment to players make her the perfect choice. I am excited to support her transition into this role and look forward to seeing women's hockey continue to thrive."

The 69-year-old Burke is a long-time booster of women's hockey while previously serving in various roles as an NHL executive for numerous teams.

Underwood's hiring comes two months into the PWHL's second season and as the six-team league seeks to expand by as many as two franchises by next season. The PWHL is centrally controlled with all teams operated by the league and financially backed by Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter.

The PWHLPA is a separate entity representing the players who helped launch the league by approving an eight-year collective bargaining agreement in June 2023.

The PWHLPA said Underwood's duties will include protecting players' rights and focus on "sustainable growth, empowering the union's membership, and building strategic partnerships to elevate professional women's hockey and the athletes who drive its success."

Though she has no previous ties to hockey, Underwood most recently served as a partner at High Tide Consulting, where she advised sports organizations, governing bodies and brands on strategic initiatives, the PWHLPA said. Previously, Underwood served as interim CEO of OneTeam Partners, which represented the commercial interests of numerous players associations, including those representing NFL, MLB, NWSL players.

"When I think about the players of the PWHL, I see trailblazers who have achieved historic milestones and redefined what's possible in professional women's sports," Underwood said. "I'm committed to amplifying their voices, protecting their rights, and celebrating their contributions to the game."

Bayer Leverkusen winger Jeremie Frimpong has apologised for kicking a bouquet of flowers laid ceremonially by the pitch at Atlético Madrid's Metropolitano stadium, saying he got "carried away with excitement."

Visitors Leverkusen went ahead in the 46th minute in Tuesday's Champions League game through defender Piero Hincapié, and as Frimpong went to join his celebrating teammates, he kicked the flowers, angering the home fans and Atlético's players.

The flowers have been placed by a corner flag at Atlético's stadium -- now the Metropolitano, and previously the Vicente Calderón -- since 1996 by fan Margarita Luengo, as a tribute to club legend Milinko Pantic, who was famed for his corner deliveries.

"After the game yesterday, I learned about the tradition of the bouquet of flowers at the Metropolitano," Frimpong posted on X on Wednesday. "I didn't know about it and at the time of the goal, I got carried away with excitement and I made a mistake. Sorry to Atletico's fans, and especially to Margarita."

Frimpong's actions led to angry scenes on pitch, as Atlético defender José María Giménez sought to confront him. Atletico then fought back to win the match 2-1, with Julián Álvarez scoring twice, including a dramatic 90th minute winner.

Luengo first placed four carnations by the pitch in January 1996, in a game which saw Atlético beat Athletic Club 4-1, ensuring the act became a tradition, with a bouquet of flowers laid by the corner flag for every home game, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Creative midfielder Pantic starred for Atlético in the 1995-96 season, which was one of the most successful in the club's history, winning a league and cup double.

MANCHESTER, England -- Ruben Amorim has said he regrets saying his Manchester United team might be the worst in the club's history and insisted he was pointing the finger of blame at himself rather than his players.

Amorim made the comment in the aftermath of the 3-1 defeat to Brighton on Sunday.

Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, the 39-year-old clarified his statement.

But he went on to say he would be "delusional" if he didn't acknowledge that he has significant problems after a run of seven defeats from his 15 games in charge.

"First of all, I want to talk about that," Amorim began after being asked about his suggestion that this is the worst United team in history.

"I was talking more about myself than the players. I also said in the same response that I was not helping my players. If you look around every time I speak and every time you push about the players are not good enough, I never put the spot on my players.

"So I understand I give you that headline and I am frustrated sometimes. Sometimes I should not say it in those terms, but it is what it is and that's it.

"Sometimes it's really hard to hide the frustration in the moment. But the good thing is I said the same things in a different way in the dressing room five minutes before. The response was quite normal because I'm really blunt with my players."

Amorim changed his normal routine after the defeat to Brighton, addressing his players in the dressing room immediately afterwards rather than waiting until the next day to hold his debrief.

There have been reports that the former Sporting CP coach was so angry that he damaged a TV.

"I'm a young guy and sometimes I make a mistake," Amorim said. "And that's why I don't [usually] talk after the game. This game, I needed to talk and maybe it was a mistake and then I get more nervous and go to the [news] conference really nervous and say things I shouldn't say, that's it. Sometimes I'm a young guy and I make mistakes.

"I'm saying the obvious. If you want, I can be delusional and say different things. I said to the players and I said to you, I think it's a good thing to be really honest with you."

United face Rangers in the Europa League at Old Trafford on Thursday having lost four of their last five home games.

During the run, Amorim's team have put in good performances at Liverpool and Arsenal and he accepts that, at the moment, his players are finding it easier to play away from home.

"I could say different things and say no, no, it's the same thing, we have the support of the fans," he said.

"No, we are more nervous playing at home than away. We lost four games in five, so it's getting harder. But we can improve. If we don't suffer the first goal like in the fourth minute, 10th minute or 15th minute, it's really hard to calm down the team.

"The first thing in my mind is they cannot score, we need to score the first one. If we score the first one I think that will change and we will improve. It is really clear. We are really anxious, especially playing at home. It's getting harder for everyone to play at Old Trafford."

United have conceded the first goal in their last five games at Old Trafford against Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, Newcastle, Southampton and Brighton.

They've also conceded first against Arsenal, FC Viktoria Plzen, Manchester City, Tottenham and Wolves since the start of December.

"The first goal against Forest was a set play and against Bournemouth, these aren't things that are tactical, they're about being focused," Harry Maguire said. "We're not mentally focused to make sure we go the whole way. We know things can turn, tomorrow [against Rangers] is an opportunity to get a win and then go into Sunday [against Fulham]."

Marcus Rashford's representatives have held face-to-face talks with Barcelona about the possibility of a move before the transfer deadline, sources have told ESPN.

Rashford is available this month after being frozen out at Old Trafford by head coach Ruben Amorim.

Sources said that United are willing to listen to loan offers, although they will demand that any interested club must pay at least a portion of the 27-year-old's salary.

Barcelona were offered the chance to sign Rashford before the window opened, according to sources.

They have asked to be kept informed about developments regarding his future, but have financial issues to sort out before beginning formal talks with United.

It's likely that Barcelona would have to secure exits for Eric García and Ansu Fati to give themselves the financial flexibility to move for Rashford.

Sources have told ESPN that there are doubts at the club about whether they need Rashford because the position on the left is covered by Raphinha, but president Joan Laporta is believed to be a fan of the England international.

Rashford hasn't featured for United since the 2-1 win over FC Viktoria Plzen on Dec. 12 amid criticism from Amorim about his performances in training.

He trained as normal with the United squad at Carrington on Wednesday morning ahead of the Europa League clash against Rangers on Thursday.

Borussia Dortmund have also been linked with Rashford, but there are doubts about whether the Bundesliga side could afford to pay a significant part of his wage.

With news Monday that Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Uzbekistan international defender Abdukodir Khusanov, ESPN's Julien Laurens and Tor-Kristian Karlsen tell you what you need to know about the 19-year-old starlet heading to the English Premier League.

The Lens scout who travelled to the Under-20 Asian Cup in Uzbekistan in March 2023 went with one mission: to confirm the talent of 19-year-old Uzbekistan centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov. Through stats and research, Lens' recruitment team had already identified Khusanov, who had been impressing in the Belarus top flight with Energetik-BGU Minsk, as a player to keep a close eye on. Believing he was one of the most promising defenders of his generation, the club needed to see him in action.

Lens didn't have to wait long for an answer as his performance at the tournament, which was won by the host nation, confirmed it. He was arguably the best player on show and Lens were keen to sign him before he took part in the Under-20 FIFA World Cup two months later, as scouts from bigger clubs would be there and would surely notice him.

Lens had to wait until July to get their man, securing the transfer for a measly 100,000 -- it was still the biggest transfer fee Energetik-BGU had ever received -- with the view that he could be moved on for a significant profit in the future. The idea was to give him some time to adapt to Ligue 1, play in the Champions League a bit, and develop his potential.

The club had a three-year plan to make Khusanov into one of the best centre-backs in France, but it took only 18 months. Called "Kodir" by his teammates, he made a few mistakes along the way, like his red card against Paris Saint-Germain in November. His ill discipline was something to note, with five yellow cards in 11 Ligue 1 games last season. But he has course-corrected since and has been much more focused this year (two yellows in 13.)

After missing out on 40m in transfer fees last summer when exits for Kevin Danso and Neil El Aynaoui collapsed, Lens needed to bring in funds to balance their books this January. Ideally, they wanted to keep Khusanov for another 18 months -- even six additional months could have seen them bank more money -- but the necessity to do the deal now was apparent and the club was always clear that he would not leave for less than 40m. In the end, they reached a deal for 48m, including add-ons related to performance.

One of the world's top agents, Jorge Mendes, brokered the transfer and Manchester City moved quickly this month to bolster their ailing defence. For a player who was earning only 35,000 a week, a move to the Premier League -- where he will be the first Uzbek to play in the league -- is life-changing. -- JL

Position

The 18-time Uzbekistan international has predominantly featured in the middle or to the left in Lens' back three. On a few occasions he's also played in a back-four partnership, but it's evident that having two more experienced centre-backs alongside him (Danso, Jonathan Gradit or Facundo Medina) has helped his development. With slightly less space to defend, being "boxed in" and more protected in a back three, Khusanov can focus on his core responsibilities -- i.e. defending -- and leave the construction of play from defence to those more comfortable on the ball. -- TK

Strengths

For those unacquainted with Khusanov's style, his first warmup should give a few clues as to what he's all about. His 6-foot-1 frame -- compact, powerful with strong legs and broad shoulders -- means that he is built to defend. A cool 2.35 interceptions per 90 minutes -- putting him in the top 1% of Ligue 1 centre-backs -- confirms what is evident just from watching him: He plays on the front foot, is proactive and looks to snuff out danger at the first opportunity.

He is quick, too -- very quick. In December, a clip of him sprinting the length of the pitch (at 37 kmph) to chase down Reims winger Junya Ito went viral.

Khusanov is too fast! @RCLens pic.twitter.com/JKlNsLnoRV

Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) December 8, 2024

Khusanov's impressive game-reading skills and physical style of defending should make him well equipped to deal with the intensity of the Premier League, but there's a flip-side to his eagerness to compete and tackle (73% successful per 90 minutes). It means he operates on small margins and his appetite for a last-ditch interception can cause unnecessary fouls.

Yet compared to his under-20 centre-back peers, his qualities as a one-on-one defender stand out. Khusanov is extremely tenacious and is happy to defend by whatever means needed: body, head, blocks -- which is something of a dying art for young defenders. -- TK

How he can improve

The most obvious area is his on-the-ball composure and distribution. Though Lens are one of the most possession-heavy sides in Ligue 1 (54% per game on average), Khusanov usually leaves the high-risk passing to his defensive colleagues and generally picks out his wing-back, who typically receives the ball with more space and less pressure out wide.

While a similar organisation of responsibilities will no doubt be the case at City too, it'll be interesting to see how quickly he can improve his distribution to the point where he is confident enough to play in a side whose entire game plan is based on building from the back.

Khusanov is by no means a liability with the ball (his long passes are improving), but as Pep Guardiola tends to prefer "possession experts" as centre-backs, the arrival of a less-cultured defender does represent somewhat unchartered territory. Mind you, Ruben Dias was similar when he arrived and no one expected Guardiola to sign an out-and-out centre-forward to fit into his system, but Erling Haaland has worked out fine. -- TK

In quotes

Lens boss Will Still told Yahoo Sports: "He's calm, powerful, he's fast. He doesn't talk but he's good. When I arrived, with the departure of 'Kev' [Danso] in sight, Jean-Louis Leca [Lens' sports coordinator] told me: 'Don't worry, there's 'Kodir' who is here, and he's ready.' He wasn't wrong. He has very, very impressive potential."

Who else were linked?

Rumours linking the defender away from Lens have persisted for months. Liverpool and Manchester United were said to be early admirers of Khusanov from the moment he made his Ligue 1 debut. But recently, Real Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have been mentioned, too. -- TK

How will he fit at Manchester City?

Khusanov's meteoric rise proves that top talent can be found anywhere. His calm, level-headed personality has served him well, but with only 20 Ligue 1 starts to his name, it remains to be seen whether he has been signed as a future project or will be thrown into action straight away.

Given that his transfer cost 48m, it's fair to assume that Khusanov will be getting some game time soon. And given City's recent defensive woes, Guardiola could certainly do with a centre-back who thinks "defence first."

With veteran right-back Kyle Walker set to depart this month, City's need for a defender with sufficient speed to keep up in long-distance sprint duels -- being caught in defensive transitions has been one of Guardiola's chief concerns this season -- is at the point of being precarious. So Khusanov's pace should prove to be a valuable asset in that regard.

In terms of assimilation, Khusanov is learning English, though he is not the most talkative even in his own language. But his main challenge will be to learn how to play in a back four, which relies on being comfortable on the ball. -- TK

Manchester United have seen their opening offer for left-back Patrick Dorgu rejected by Lecce as the club hold out for 40m, while Nottingham Forest will compete with Arsenal and others for Matheus Cunha. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumors and gossip from around the globe.

Transfers homepage | Done deals | Men's January grades | Women's January grades

TOP STORIES

- Dortmund sack Sahin after poor start to season
- Source: No Pogba deal imminent despite European offers
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TRENDING RUMORS

- Manchester United have seen their opening offer for Lecce left-back Patrick Dorgu rejected, according to Sky Sport Italia. Ruben Amorim is eager to strengthen in this area before the window closes, and the report says that United directors are in Italy to try to get this deal over the line, as well as hold talks over Alejandro Garnacho's future. United are said to have offered 30m plus 5m in add-ons for the 20-year-old. Lecce are expecting an improved bid in the coming days and want a fee of 40m. However, Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Napoli hope to muscle in, creating a transfer triangle.

- Nottingham Forest have made Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha their priority for the January transfer window, reports the Daily Mail. They will face plenty of competition for the 25-year-old, who has also been linked with Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, while the Brazilian has also held talks about a contract renewal at Molineux.

- Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araújo is set to sign a new contract at the club, reports Fabrizio Romano. It is reported that the 25-year-old has agreed to a deal that secures his future at Camp Nou until the summer of 2031, with the official signing lined up to take place on Thursday. Araujo had previously been linked with an exit as the Blaugrana looked to remain aligned with Financial Fair Play (FFP), but he will now remain a long-term part of their project.

- A full agreement has been reached between AC Milan and Manchester City over a deal for defender Kyle Walker, reports Calciomercato. The 34-year-old is said to be set to complete his move to the San Siro on Thursday ahead of his medical, joining on a loan that can be made permanent for a fee in the region of 5m. The Rossoneri are believed to be keen to keep him beyond the end of the season with plans to offer him a contract until the summer of 2027.

- Talks are ongoing between Napoli and Borussia Dortmund over a move for winger Karim Adeyemi, reports Matteo Moretto. It is reported that BVB are open to parting ways with the 23-year-old in the current transfer window, with the Serie A club having identified him as a replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who recently joined Paris Saint-Germain. Adeyemi has contributed to five goals in nine Bundesliga appearances so far this season.

COMPLETED TRANSFERS

- Former Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Keylor Navas has signed for Argentine club Newell's Old Boys. Read

- Former Premier League star Wilfried Zaha has joined Charlotte FC as a Designated Player on loan from Turkish giants Galatasaray for the 2025 MLS season. Read

- Manchester City women have announced the permanent signing of forward Kerolin Nicoli, 25, from NWSL side North Carolina Courage, with the Brazil international penning a contract through to the summer of 2028.

- Former Belgium international and Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan has come out of retirement to sign for KSC Lokeren.

- Brentford have signed Denmark international attacking midfielder Mikkel Damsgaard to a new contract until the summer of 2030 with the option of a further year.

We're delighted to welcome @kerolinnicolii to the Club on a permanent deal pic.twitter.com/mHBE13LOPR

Manchester City Women (@ManCityWomen) January 22, 2025

EXPERT TAKE

ESPN's Mark Ogden considers if Alejandro Garnacho will leave Manchester United this month, and whether Chelsea or Napoli could win the race.

Alejandro Garnacho is the big-name player (Antony doesn't count as he is no more than an expensive fringe player) most likely to leave Manchester United during this transfer window.

United have firm interest in the Argentina winger from Napoli and Chelsea and any permanent transfer would be crucial in enabling United to immediately reinvest in Ruben Amorim's squad.

That's the attraction to United. As a home-grown player (Garnacho came through the United academy after being signed as a 16-year-old from Atletico Madrid), United could claim any transfer fee as pure profit within profit and sustainability (PSR) rules, so the downside of offloading a young player with potential is offset by the need to sign new players for key areas right now.

United's preference would be a transfer to Napoli as it would diminish the threat of him embarrassing the club by thriving elsewhere in the Premier League. However, Chelsea will help inflate any fee United could get from Napoli.

Chelsea's interest is intriguing considering their wealth of young attacking options. But at 20, Garnacho is a classic Chelsea target because he has potential to grow and improve and ensure the prospect of a profit if he was to move on in the years ahead.

United coach Ruben Amorim has shown himself to be lukewarm about Garnacho's value to his team, so a deal is likely to happen before the deadline.

OTHER RUMORS

- Real Valladolid have released a statement to announce that Juma Bah hasn't turned up for training and has paid the release cause in his contract. The LaLiga outfit blame Manchester City for the move, with the 18-year-old centre-back linked with the Premier League club. (Real Valladolid)

- Manchester United could face a busy end to the transfer window with up to nine players moved on and four new faces coming in. (Daily Mirror)

- Chelsea are ready to enter the race to sign Douglas Luiz on loan from Juventus. The former Aston Villa midfielder has been linked with Manchester City. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

- Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany has already approved a potential summer move for Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens. Initial talks with the 20-year-old's management have already taken place and he is among Bayern's favoured options. (Florian Plettenberg)

- AC Milan and Man City have agreed terms over a loan deal for Kyle Walker, which includes the option to make it permanent for a fee of 5m. (Calciomercato)

- Al Hilal are still seriously interested in Mohamed Salah, but Paris Saint-Germain do not intend to try to sign the Egypt international, who is into the final six months of his Liverpool contract. (Florian Plettenberg)

- Lazio have made Chelsea duo Cesare Casadei and Renato Veiga key transfer targets. The deal for Casadei is close, and they are now ready to rival Juventus for Veiga. (Sky Sport Italia)

- Marseille have entered the race to sign Brighton & Hove Albion forward Evan Ferguson on loan. OM boss Roberto De Zerbi, who used to manage Brighton, sees the 20-year-old as an alternative to No. 1 target Santiago Giménez of Feyenoord. (RMC Sport)

- And it looks like Marseille will have to look elsewhere. AC Milan have agreed outline personal terms with Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez, but a transfer fee has yet to be agreed. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

- Marseille are also trying to persuade France international Aymeric Laporte to leave Al Nassr and move to Ligue 1. (L'Équipe)

- Jesus Vallejo has rejected the chance to leave Real Madrid for Turkish side Trabzonspor. (Relevo)

- Palmeiras hope to sign Barcelona misfit Vitor Roque in the summer. Roque is currently on loan at Real Betis, and the Brazilian club could offer 27m for 80% of his rights, giving Barca a small profit on the 30m they paid a year ago. (Diario Sport)

- Pablo Torre won't leave Barcelona in this window, and will stay and fight for his spot. (Mundo Deportivo)

- Barcelona have been considering a move for Benfica left-back Alvaro Carreras, who is also linked with Manchester United, but have been put off by the 50m asking price. (Diario Sport)

- Ronald Araujo and Pedri are close to putting pen to paper on contracts which will keep them at Barcelona until 2030. (Marca)

- West Ham will look to sign two players before the Feb.3 transfer deadline with a centre-back and a centre-forward the priority. (Football Insider)

- Celtic could be out of the running to sign Aston Villa's Louie Barry after a structured deal worth a total of 10m for the 21-year-old was turned down by the Premier League club. Barry has been recalled from a loan at Stockport County and is most likely to go out to a Championship club on another temporary move. (Football Insider)

- "It's pretty clear ... I'm not leaving. This is my team, this is my club!" -- Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott has moved to end speculation he could leave the club in this window. (Amazon Prime)

- Fenerbahce have agreed terms to sign central defender Milan Skriniar on loan from Paris Saint-Germain for the rest of the season. (Fabrice Hakwins)

- Danilo is in negotiations to terminate his Juventus contract in order to move to Flamengo. (ESPN Brazil)

- Chelsea will hold new talks over Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho. (Daily Telegraph)

- Barcelona is Marcus Rashford's favoured option for a January move. (Relevo)

- Arsenal are closely monitoring the situation of Brentford forward Yoane Wissa as the Gunners look to strengthen their attacking options in the winter window. (Football Insider)

- Juventus have made a loan offer for Chelsea defender Renato Veiga. (Fabrizio Romano)

- A 10m deal has been agreed by West Ham to sign OH Leuven midfielder Ezechiel Banzuzi. (Sky Sports)

- Arsenal remain in contact with RB Leipzig over a potential move for striker Benjamin Šeško. (AS)

- Chelsea have no plans to recall midfielder Andrey Santos from his loan at Strasbourg amid bright form in Ligue 1. (TeamTalk)

- RB Leipzig are lining up a move for Nordsjælland left-back Daniel Svensson, who could reportedly be signed for a fee in the region of 7m. (Sky Sports Deutschland)