Latest transfer news and rumors: Al-Nassr's 'secret' Nunez pursuit

The January window may be closed, but the rumors never stop swirling. Check in every day for all the latest transfer buzz from across the soccer world.

Top story: Al-Nassr nearly signed Nunez

Prior to signing Jhon Duran from Aston Villa for around €75 million up front, Al-Nassr were on the verge of landing Darwin Nunez during the latter stages of the January transfer window after "secret" negotiations. The Saudi club engaged in three rounds of talks with the Uruguay forward's representatives, and discussions over his contract and salary were "very advanced."

Al-Nassr submitted two official bids to Liverpool and came very close to matching the Reds' valuation, but the deal ultimately fell through because the Premier League leaders felt they didn't have enough time to find a suitable replacement. (Fabrizio Romano)

Other rumors

Feb. 11

'Fight' for Huijsen: Manchester United and Real Madrid are ready to "fight" to sign Dean Huijsen this summer. The 19-year-old center-back has been a revelation since joining Bournemouth. (AS)

Man United eye another left-back: Despite signing Patrick Dorgu in January, Manchester United are considering a summer move for Barcelona's Alejandro Balde. The Red Devils are prepared to offer €40 million. (El Nacional)

Swap in the works: Juventus boss Thiago Motta wants to reunite with Joshua Zirkzee, who he coached at Bologna. Douglas Luiz could be offered to Manchester United in a potential swap deal. (Tuttosport)

Kane's release clause: Harry Kane has a release clause in his Bayern Munich contract. It was active during the recent January transfer window and will kick in again in January 2026, when it'll be set at €60 million. (ESPN)

Man City's summer splurge: Manchester City want to load up this summer and are targeting an audacious £200-million approach for Bayer Leverkusen duo Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong. (Caught Offside)

New full-backs for Pep: Manchester City's gaze isn't focused exclusively on the Bundesliga. Pep Guardiola is also keen on Serie A duo Andrea Cambiaso and Theo Hernandez of Juventus and AC Milan. (Football Insider)

Chelsea sticking to the plan: Chelsea, who've made a point to scoop up as much young talent as possible, are monitoring Dario Essugo. The 19-year-old midfielder is on loan at Las Palmas from Sporting CP. (Fabrizio Romano)

Newcastle want another winger: Newcastle are preparing a €40-million summer offer for Johan Bakayoko. The Belgian international, 21, continues to impress with PSV Eindhoven. (Tuttosport)

Asensio could stay at Villa: Though Marco Asensio's January loan move to Aston Villa didn't come with a purchase option, PSG are willing to negotiate and sanction a permanent sale at the end of the season. (Fabrizio Romano)

Feb. 10

Jota not untouchable: Liverpool are willing to listen to offers for Diogo Jota because of the Portuguese forward's injury history. Arsenal are among the clubs interested in signing the 28-year-old. (Anfield Watch)

Kelleher's next step: Chelsea and Newcastle are both considering a move for Caoimhin Kelleher, who isn't planning on extending his Liverpool contract because he wants to be a first-choice goalkeeper elsewhere. (Football Insider)

Kean a hot commodity: Enjoying the best season of his career, Moise Kean is generating interest from Arsenal and Tottenham. The Fiorentina striker has a €52-million release clause that can be triggered in July. (Nicolo Schira)

Fermin didn't want to leave: Manchester United and Aston Villa were ready with €70-million offers for Fermin Lopez in January, but the Spanish midfielder didn't want to leave Barcelona. (Sport)

Tonali too expensive: Sandro Tonali's agent has rubbished rumors that Italian clubs are interested in bringing the midfielder back to his homeland, claiming that no Serie A teams can afford the 24-year-old. (The Chronicle)

Inter's youth movement: Inter will look to sign young and emerging players this summer to reduce the average age of their squad. Bologna's Santiago Castro, 20, is atop the list of targets. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Feb. 9

Semenyo in demand: Antoine Semenyo, one of the protagonists powering Bournemouth's exceptional season, is catching the eye of England's wealthiest teams. Chelsea are preparing a €50-million offer. (Fichajes)

Mateta in Madrid: Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Jean-Philippe Mateta from Crystal Palace. The Spanish club views the 27-year-old striker as a potential replacement for Antoine Griezmann. (TEAMtalk)

Defensive rebuild: Real Madrid want to sign two center-backs in the summer as they look to reload a positional group that's been rocked by injuries. Arsenal's William Saliba headlines the list of targets. (Relevo)

Don't discount familiarity: Liverpool are monitoring Feyenoord defender David Hancko ahead of a possible summer offer. Arne Slot coached the versatile Slovakian international while at the Dutch club. (Caught Offside)

Kolo Muani an instant hit: Juventus are so pleased with Randal Kolo Muani, who has five goals in three games since his January move, that they're already planning talks with PSG to make his loan permanent. (Tuttosport)

Former MVP on the move: FC Dallas and San Jose are in serious talks to sign Luciano Acosta. Should the 2023 MLS MVP depart, FC Cincinnati will quickly make a move for Portland forward Evander. (Tom Bogert)

Feb. 8

Negotiating with Vini: Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid have opened talks to extend his contract, which is currently set to expire in 2027. However, the Brazilian international rejected the club's first offer. (The Athletic)

Liverpool in talks for De Jong: Liverpool have engaged in talks with Barcelona sporting director Deco over a move for Frenkie de Jong. Barca want €40 million for the Dutch midfielder. (El Nacional)

Always have a backup plan: If Manchester United can't land one of Viktor Gyokeres or Victor Osimhen in the summer, they'll consider making a move for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap. (GiveMeSport)

More midfielders for Man City: Despite spending €60 million to land Nico Gonzalez in January, Manchester City are already setting their sights on standout Atalanta midfielder Ederson for the summer window. (Fichajes)

Vlahovic allowed to leave: Juventus are ready to sell Dusan Vlahovic during the summer transfer window. The Serbian striker, who has a contract until 2026, is no longer central to Thiago Motta's project. (Nicolo Schira)

Poor results have consequences: Borussia Dortmund will have to sell Jamie Gittens if they don't qualify for the Champions League. Liverpool, Manchester United, and Chelsea are keeping tabs on the situation. (Caught Offside)

Feb. 7

Arsenal underwhelmed: Arsenal wanted to bring in a forward during the January window but, after considering four different players, decided to stand pat because none of the options would improve the squad. (Daily Mail)

Cunha's release clause: There's a £62.5-million release clause in the new contract Matheus Cunha recently signed with Wolves. There are no restrictions as to which clubs can trigger the clause. (The Telegraph)

Chelsea confident about Guehi: Chelsea believe Crystal Palace center-back Marc Guehi, when presented with the choice this summer, will decide to join the Blues over London rivals Tottenham. (TBR Football)

Isak's price keeps rising: Newcastle value Swedish forward Alexander Isak at no less than £150 million and are bracing for multiple bids from Europe's top clubs in the summer. (Fichajes)

Building an English core: Tottenham have identified Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and Southampton's Tyler Dibling as key targets for the summer window. The Englishmen are 21 and 18, respectively. (Football Transfers)