Transfer rumours are always fun to have. However, respective fans wait keenly for the rumours to get permanent. Some of the biggest and unexpected transfers already took place in this window, however, rumours still hover around some of the biggest players in Europe. This article is more of a football gossip than facts. Hence, we will look into the top 5 new transfer rumours surrounding big players of the current transfer window.

Also Read: Top 10 most expensive transfers in the Premier League

#5 Lorenzo Insigne

Insigne has been the man for Italy in the Euros. He has scored some of the most prolific goals in his career in Euro 2020. As a result, many top clubs have shown interest in the Napoli ace striker. However, Napoli isn't just ready to let him go. Inter Milan and Zenit Saint-Petersburg have shown a long time interest in the striker however, the latest to join the race are Everton. The Dogs of War are keen on signing the Italian international and might even win the race ahead of Inter Milan.

#4 Philippe Coutinho

Coutinho has been one of the biggest transfers in history but failed to produce performance anywhere near the price tag. The Brazilian midfielder has been linked with a return to Liverpool from Barcelona, the club he left Merseyside to join for £142m in January 2018. Everton, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and Leicester City have all recently shown interest in the 29-year-old.

Also Read: 10 biggest and unexpected football transfers of all time

#3 Manuel Locatelli

The Italian star has impressed everyone with his skills in Euro 2020. Every big team in need of a versatile mid-fielder were targeting Locatelli as their next big transfer however, it seems Juventus might have the last laugh. The Turin giants are very close to land the current Sassuolo player. A deal could be struck as soon as Friday, which would be a huge boost for Massimiliano Allegri's men ahead of the start of the 2021-22 Serie A season.

#2 Harry Kane

Transfer Rumours surrounding Harry Kane gets stronger as the Tottenham ace move closer to Manchester City. Although many clubs are interested in the English striker, Manchester City appears as the favourites to sign him. According to the latest reports, Manchester City is prepared to pay €150m (£127m) to sign England striker Harry Kane, 28, from Tottenham.

Also Read: Transfer News: Players with more than €100m transfer tag

#1 Kylian Mbappe

Transfer Rumours goes wild whenever someone talks about Kylian Mbappe. The young sensation has blown away every critic with his performance. Although both the French star and his club has turned down every rumour surrounding Mbappe, the inclusion of Leo Messi in the team could make a twist in the story. According to various reports, Mbappe is not keen to play alongside Messi and is eyeing a move to Madrid. The deal might be going under the pen this season or the next, as rumours suggest that Mbappe is not interested in renewing his contract.

Kylian Mbappe has issued an apologetic statement on Instagram claiming responsibility for Real Madrid's frustrating 1-2 defeat against Athletic Bilbao in LalIga last night. Bilbao keeper Julen Agirrezabala saved Mbappe's attempt from the penalty spot in the 68th minute, ruining a huge chance for Madrid to grab an equalizer. Following the defeat, Mbappe posted a message to the fans on Instagram to convey an apology. 

Kylian Mbappe has issued this message after #RealMadrid's 2-1 defeat at Athletic Club this evening (via IG). pic.twitter.com/IkGrQaG8zM

— Football España (@footballespana_) December 4, 2024

Real Madrid faces a tough defeat 

Real Madrid spoiled a golden opportunity to decrease the points gap between them and league-leaders Barcelona, who are currently atop with 37 points in 16 matches. Real Madrid has accumulated 33 points so far, playing one game less than their eternal rivals. 

🔚 FINAL I GOOOOOAAAAAAZEEEEEEEEEN!

Enorme victoria del Athletic sobre el @realmadrid en un auténtico partidazo en San Mamés.

👏 ZORIONAK, MUTILAK! #AthleticRealMadrid #AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/uOq8lnB1lo

— Athletic Club (@AthleticClub) December 4, 2024

The match against Athletic Bilbao has been a rollercoaster ride for Los Blancos, as Kylian Mbappe's early goal was ruled out for offside in the 12th minute. Both teams failed to produce any goal in the first half. Alejandro Remiro scored in the 53rd minute to hand Bilbao the lead. 15 minutes later, Kylian Mbappe took the penalty in search of the equalizer but Julen Agirrezabala came out on top to deny his strike. Jude Bellingham found the equalizer in the 78th minute of the game, but all their efforts remained unfruitful as Gorka Guruzeta scored the winning goal for Bilbao, only two minutes after Bellingham found the net. 

Real Madrid have already faced 5 defeats across all competitions this season, compared to their two defeats in the whole 2023-24 season. Athletic Bilbao has also found the winning ways against Real Madrid since March of 2015. 

Mbappe's woes continue

What should have been a dream take-off, turned into a dreadful dream for Kylian Mbappe. The French superstar has struggled to find his form for the Los Blancos. Although he has scored 10 goals in 20 games across all competitions, it does not equal or surpass the calibre he once provided in PSG and France shirts. 

This penalty miss against Athletic is Mbappe's second missed penalty in his Real Madrid career, while the first one came last week against Liverpool in Madrid's Champions League outing. On the other hand, Mbappe found the in the 12th minute but the flag was up for offside. Mbappe has been caught offside 22 times so far this season including last night!

However, these lackluster and inconsistent performances from Kylian Mbappe since the start of this season have taken a toll on his mental health. According to L'Equipe's reports in November 2024, Kylian Mbappe has been dealing with a psychological problem and emotionally devastated. Antoine Simonneau, a correspondent for 'L'Equipe' in Madrid, revealed to Carrusel Deportivo that Mbappe is the focus of many people’s anger in France. 

Mbappe also faced an unpleasant experience while dealing with France's national team coach Didier Deschamps. Deschamps dropped Mbappe from France's squad for their UEFA Nations League clashes against Israel and Italy in November due to his poor form. 

However, Mbappe has issued a message via his Instagram story and offered hope for the fans. He said:

"Bad result. A big mistake in a match where every detail counts. I take FULL responsibility for it. A difficult moment but it’s the best time to change this situation and show WHO I AM”.

Ancelotti backs Mbappe

Real Madrid gaffer Carlo Ancelotti has expressed his confidence in Mbappe. However, he admitted that the French superstar has yet to showcase his utmost potential. 

"He is at a lot more than just 1% (of his potential), but he's not at his best," Ancelotti told a press conference.

"However, we have to give him time to adapt (to Real Madrid). He has scored 10 goals and is working hard to improve and to do better.

"I haven't spoken to him yet. It was a complicated, even, hard-fought, competitive game. We missed a penalty... I don't evaluate a player's game because of a missed penalty... sometimes you score and sometimes you miss. Obviously, he's sad, disappointed, but we have to keep going."

via The Business Standard

Harry Kane has touched the benchmark of scoring 50 goals in Bundesliga and he has done it in a very special way. Kane became the fastest-ever player to score 50 Bundesliga goals as he completed the feat in 43 Bundesliga games. 

Kane reached the 50-goal tally in Bundesliga after his scintillating hat-trick in Bayern's 3-0 victory over Augsburg in the Bundesliga last night. 

The Bayern forward is in formidable form this season, having already scored 20 goals in 17 games across all competitions for Bayern Munich.

Harry Kane recreated the Bundesliga logo 😅 pic.twitter.com/hBgj3efB2c

— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) November 22, 2024

The English goal-machine 

Harry Kane joined Bayern Munich in 2023 following his departure from Tottenham. In his first season, Kane scored 36 goals in 32 Bundesliga matches for the German side and registered 8 goals in the UEFA Champions League last season.

Harry Kane finished as the top scorer in both cases and earned the European Golden Shoe Award for his brilliance. 

However, Kane is eyeing another Golden Boot win, as he has already registered 20 goals so far this season in 17 games, whereas he has now scored 14 goals in 11 Bundesliga games while also providing 7 assists. 

However, Harry Kane has broken Erling Haaland's record of scoring 50 goals in 50 Bundesliga games for Borussia Dortmund, before he opted to move to Manchester City in 2022. 

Kane has also scored 5 penalties among the 14 he scored. He spoke to DAZN after the Augsburg game regarding the penalties: 

"I work on them a lot, they're a big part of the game. They helped us again today.

"Of course I've missed many at training, but that's the time to miss them."

Kane's dream scoring spree continues as he has already scored three hat-tricks in Bundesliga including the Augsburg match last night, and it will be very interesting to see where Kane's goalscoring tally reaches this season! 

All eyes will be on Wembley as England take on Ireland in a highly anticipated UEFA Nations League clash. As the two footballing nations collide, fans can expect a great contest today.

The Boys in Green arrive at Wembley as underdogs but with no shortage of fighting spirit. Ireland will rely on their team’s work ethic and tactical discipline to frustrate England and create opportunities on the break. Players like Evan Ferguson and Matt Doherty will be crucial in providing defensive solidity and a cutting-edge in attack.

Match Details

Match: England vs Ireland

Date: 17 November 2024

Time: 10:30 PM IST

Venue: Wembley Stadium, London, England.

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Streaming Details

Indian viewers can stream the game live on the SonyLIV app and website. The TV broadcast will be on Sony Sports Network channels.

Head-to-head Stats 

Matches Played: 6

England wins: 2

Ireland wins: 1

Draws: 3

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Previous Records

Last time out against Republic of Ireland ⏪

👏 @JackGrealish pic.twitter.com/ADp0hbL6WB

— England (@England) November 17, 2024

England delivered a dominant display on Thursday, securing a comfortable 3-0 victory over former group leaders Greece in Athens.

Ollie Watkins, preferred over Harry Kane, struck early to open the scoring within seven minutes, followed by an own goal from Odysseas Vlachodimos that doubled England's advantage. Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones capped off the performance with a stunning backheeled goal on his debut.

This marks England’s fourth win in five games under interim manager Lee Carsley, who will step down after Sunday’s match.

Historically, England remain unbeaten against the Republic of Ireland since their 1988 European Championship loss, though six of their last eight encounters have ended in draws

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Team News and Injury Update

Wembley 📍 pic.twitter.com/AmTSiwzFl7

— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) November 16, 2024

England still has some key players out as a result of injury but Lee Carsely still boasts of a formidable side that can compete against Ireland to secure all 3 points while Ireland is not without any significant absentees a tough test still awaits them at Wembley.

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Possible Starting XI

England predicted XI: Pickford; Lewis, Guehi, Harwood-Bellis, Hall; Gallagher, Gomes; Bowen, Bellingham, Rogers; Kane.

Ireland predicted XI: Kelleher; Doherty, Collins, Scales, O’Dowda; Ebosele, Cullen, Molumby, Johnston; Szmodics, Ferguson.

The stage is set for an epic showdown as Italy takes on France in what promises to be an exciting Nations League clash. With a storied history of rivalries and memorable encounters, both teams come into this match with high stakes.

Italy secured their spot in the Nations League knockout phase on Thursday night with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Belgium, thanks to Sandro Tonali’s early strike. The Azzurri’s fourth win in five matches came after overcoming a few nervy moments, extending their unbeaten run since their disappointing Euro 2024 exit.

Luciano Spalletti's men have shown remarkable improvement, previously defeating Israel twice and holding Belgium to a draw in Rome despite being reduced to 10 men for nearly an hour. The campaign began on a high in September when Italy bounced back from conceding in just 13 seconds to beat arch-rivals France at Parc des Princes.

Now through to the quarter-finals in March, Italy could secure top spot in Group 2 with a result on Sunday. They need to avoid a loss by two goals or more. Meanwhile, although France has also qualified for the next round, their November camp has been far from smooth.

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Match Details

Match: Italy vs France

Date: 17 November 2024

Time: 1:15 AM IST

Venue: San Siro Stadium, Milan, Italy

Streaming Details

Indian viewers can stream the game live on the SonyLIV app and website. The TV broadcast will be on Sony Sports Network channels.

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Head-to-Head Stats

Matches Played: 13

France wins: 7

Italy wins: 5

Draws: 1

Read Also| Paul Pogba terminates contract with Juventus after mutual agreement

Team News and Injury Update

🌅🍂 pic.twitter.com/TW4qYHuQik

— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) November 16, 2024

With qualification already secured, Italy may opt for some changes to their lineup, potentially rotating their attack. 

Italy's injury concerns include Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori, Torino midfielder Samuele Ricci, and long-term absentees Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini. Manuel Locatelli has been called up to replace Ricci and will compete with Nicolo Rovella for a midfield spot.

😶‍🌫️ pic.twitter.com/iMh21A0kB7

— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) November 16, 2024

On the other hand, France will be without Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappé, whose absence remains unexplained, as well as injured players Wesley Fofana, Ousmane Dembélé, Loïc Badé, and Aurélien Tchouaméni.

AC Milan duo Theo Hernandez and Mike Maignan are expected to start on familiar ground at San Siro. At the same time, Inter Milan's Marcus Thuram will contend with Randal Kolo Muani for the central striker role. Kingsley Coman, brought in to replace the injured Dembélé, is in the mix alongside Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola for starting spots in France's attacking lineup.

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Possible Starting XI

Italy's possible starting lineup: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Buongiorno, Bastoni; Cambiaso, Frattesi, Locatelli, Tonali, Dimarco; Barella; Retegui

France possible starting lineup: Maignan; Kounde, Konate, Saliba, Hernandez; Kante, Rabiot; Olise, Zaire-Emery, Barcola; Thuram

England is set to face Greece in their UEFA Nations League group game scheduled to kick off at 1.15 AM IST on 15 November 2024. This match will take place at Spiros Louis Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece.

Greece has won all four of their games, continuing their outstanding run of play. The team leads the group with 12 points and an 8-goal edge.

Despite losing one game, the Englishmen have not played poorly either, sitting second in the standings with nine points out of a possible twelve.

Fans should anticipate a very difficult match as a result of the coaching change for the English men's national team, which will bring a mix of new ideas and playing styles.

Read Also| Belgium vs Italy UEFA Nations League: Where to watch, Previous records, Head-to-head stats

Match Details

Match: Greece vs England

Date: 15 November 2024

Time: 1:15 AM IST

Venue: Spiros Louis Olympic Stadium, Athens, Greece

Streaming Details

Indian viewers can stream the game live on the SonyLIV app and website. The TV broadcast will be on Sony Sports Network channels.

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Head-to-head Stats

Matches Played: 10

Greece wins: 1

England wins: 7

Draws: 2

Previous Records

England goals against Greece don't come much better than this 🥹 pic.twitter.com/otSsJesJD5

— England (@England) November 14, 2024

The three lions of England have always had the better of the Greek national team the UEFA Nations League matches between these sides comes after an 18 year stint of not playing against each other.

Greece got their first ever win against England last month with a narrow 2-1 result. It remains to be seen if they can repeat the same feat in this reverse fixture. With 7 wins from 10 England are the sure favourities in this game.

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Team News and Injury Updates

England

Hard work continues 💯 pic.twitter.com/P5QyDvlGJN

— England (@England) November 12, 2024

The absence of several important players, such as Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka of Arsenal, has delivered Lee Carsely a severe blow. Additionally, Grealish, Cole Palmer, Trent Alexander Arnold, and John Stones will not be playing.

His team's setup will undoubtedly be impacted by these injuries since he will need to adjust formations and employ new tactics to guarantee his team's victory.

Greece

All set for tomorrow 🔑

Ready to give it all 🛡️for tomorrow’s match #lasttraining #weareready pic.twitter.com/8ZMPTP2hNn

— Ethniki Omada (@EthnikiOmada) November 13, 2024

Luckily enough for the home team there would not be much to worry about as they are only dealing with the absence of Kourbelis and this is due to suspension and not any other reason. It is expected that they will field their strongest side.

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Possible Starting XI

England

Pickford(GK) Lewis, Guehi, Konsa, Walker, Gallagher,Gomes,  Gordon, Bellingham, Madueke, Kane

Greece

Vlachodimos(GK) Rota, Mavropanos, Koulierakis, Tsimkas, Sopis, Mantalos, Masouras, Bakasetas, Tzolis, Pavlidis