December is here which means one thing – the transfer window will soon be open.
The rumour mill is in top gear as clubs look to get deals set-up ahead of January 1.
Here, we examine the three big transfer stories dominating headlines around Europe today.
Will any of the following deals happen?
Let us know your thoughts via Twitter and Facebook.
ROSS BARKLEY
Chelsea are ready to launch another bid to sign Everton midfielder Ross Barkley, according to the Daily Mail.
The 24-year-old was believed to be close to a move to Stamford Bridge in the summer but pulled the plug on a switch with Antonio Conte’s side now keen to revive their efforts to sign him.
RATING: 7/10
VERDICT
Barkley preferred a switch to Tottenham but their hesitancy over a serious hamstring injury saw Chelsea jump to the front of the queue.
However, the England international was concerned about the prospect of sitting on the Blues bench and so with Barkley two weeks away from full fitness, Spurs may still be his No1 choice.
Ross Barkley is yet to feature for Everton this season
MESUT OZIL
Arsenal are preparing one final offer in a last-ditch effort to keep hold of Manchester United target Mesut Ozil, reports the Mirror.
Ozil is out of contract in the summer but Arsene Wenger “is not giving up hope” and the Gunners will table an offer that would make the German playmaker the best-paid player in the club’s history.
RATING: 6/10
VERDICT
Ozil has already reportedly turned down a deal worth £275,000-a-week contract and it seems silverware rather than money in his pocket is the motivation for a move away.
Barcelona and Man United have been registered with an interest and it remains to be seen whether Wenger has the sway to convince Ozil the trophy cabinet can be filled with the Gunners.
DANIEL STURRIDGE
Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge could be heading abroad with the Daily Mail suggesting Real Betis and Valencia are keen on a January move.
Injury problems have blighted his time at Anfield and a switch to Spain could be the remedy for his career ahead of England’s World Cup campaign in Russia.
RATING: 7/10
VERDICT
The difficulty of securing a long-term replacement in January will likely mean Sturridge will only be allowed to leave on loan, if at all.
It’s a move which the Reds will be reluctant to agree to but at the same time the 28-year-old has fallen down the pecking order in a World Cup year and will be angling for consistent first-team football.
Daniel Sturridge has started just five EPL games this term
