Semenyo ready for 'next step' in club career, says Ghana head coach

Ghana head coach Otto Addo has said that Antoine Semenyo is ready to take the next step in his club career and that a transfer away from Bournemouth is 'natural' for him, according to The Athletic.

He has done very well at Bournemouth, but with all the respect for Bournemouth and what theyre doing, surely it is natural for him to take the next step, said Addo.

Whether its in the winter or summer, it is a difference question but it wont make a difference for us. Im looking forward to him showing more of what he can to the world.

Semenyo has a 65million release clause, which is only active until a specific date in the January window.

Slot aware of Elliott's lack of game time at Villa but not in regular contact

Liverpool boss Arne Slot says he is aware of Harvey Elliott's lack of game time at Aston Villa but hasn't been in regular contact with the midfielder. 

Elliott is on loan at Villa Park from Liverpool but has only played 97 minutes in the Premier League this season. 

Asked about Elliott's frustrating first few months in the Midlands, Slot said: "I haven't had contact with him a lot. Only once or twice and that was before he played Feyenoord away and after. 

"I am aware of his situation, of course. I think I know how he feels but you should ask those questions at Villa about his playing time."

Slot says Salah still in his plans amid reports Saudi clubs poised to move

Liverpool boss Arne Slot says Mohamed Salah is still in his plans, amid reports Saudi Pro League clubs are in position to move for the forward, should he want to leave Anfield. 

On Friday morning, The Telegraph reported Saudi clubs are poised to fund a deal for Salah, after he was left out of the starting line-up for Liverpool's last two games. 

His absence from the win at West Ham and sub role in the draw with Sunderland left pundits questioning whether Salah could leave in January. 

However, Reds boss Slot said in a press conference on Friday that Salah remains in his thoughts to start against Leeds on Saturday. 

"Every player is in my mind to start because we have so many good players," said Slot. "Mo has been an exceptional player for us. He is always in my mind to start or come in.

"He's been so influential for this club and for me and for his team-mates for six or seven years. It's normal that if I don't play players who just came to the club we talk about it, so it's completely normal that people talk about it when he isn't playing."

Brighton eye Villa's Bogarde as Baleba replacement

Brighton are monitoring Aston Villa midfielder Lamare Bogarde as they assess a succession plan for 100m-rated Carlos Baleba, say The Telegraph

Chelsea closing on deal for youngster wanted by Man City, Man Utd

Chelsea are working on a deal for highly-rated Burkina Faso youngster Mohamed Zongo ahead of competition from Manchester City and Manchester United, according to the Daily Mail.

Papers: Saudi Pro League ready to fund Salah move if he wants Liverpool exit

The top stories and transfer rumours from Friday's newspapers...

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Nigeria captain Troost-Ekong announces retirement ahead of AFCON

Nigeria national team captain William Troost-Ekong has announced his retirement from international football ahead of this months African Cup of Nations.

It means he wont take part in the tournament, with the Nigeria squad expected to be formally announced on Sunday.

The former Watford defender made his debut in 2015  and went on to represent the Super Eagles 83 times and first captained Nigeria in 2021. 

He played in five major tournaments and won three medals with Nigeria A bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, a bronze in AFCON 2019 and a silver in the most recent AFCON, where he captained the side to the final. 

In 2023, he became the highest-scoring defender in AFCON history.

Former Leicester midfielder Wilfried Ndidi is expected to be named the new Nigeria captain.

West Ham eyeing deal for David

Latest from SportsNews News' Rob Dorsett and Chris Reidy:

West Ham are interested in a possible deal for striker Promise David at Belgian side Union SG.

SportsNews News understands he is one of a number of options being considered, with a move possible in the January window. 

The 24-year-old Canada international has scored nine goals this season for club and country, and is being monitored by a number of clubs elsewhere in Europe.

West Ham are prioritising the signing of a striker next month, with Niclas Fullkrug expected to leave the London Stadium. 

The German forward has been plagued by injuries since his move from Borussia Dortmund 18 months ago, and he has yet to score for the Hammers this season. 

Sky Germany reported that Eintracht Frankfurt are no longer considering a possible deal for the 32-year-old, although Wolfsburg do retain an interest in him.

Elsewhere, West Hams attacking options are limited. 

Callum Wilson scored three Premier League goals in November, but he has also struggled with injuries, missing a total of 29 matches for Newcastle last season because of back and hamstring issues. Wilson turns 34 in February. 

Meanwhile, 21-year-old Callum Marshall has only made two substitute appearances for Nuno Espirito Santos team this season.

Arsenal sign Quintero twins from Ecuador

Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign twins Edwin and Holger Quintero, with the 16-year-olds set to join the club when they turn 18 in August 2027. 

The Ecuador U17 internationals currently play for Independiente del Valle. 

Edwin is a left-footed right winger, while Holger is a right-footed attacking midfielder.