Manager speaks out on Arsenal and Liverpool-linked £40m man as report reveals what Chelsea need to sign Declan Rice

The Mali international has been linked with a whole host of clubs this window, including Arsenal, Liverpool Monaco and even Real Madrid.

Brighton boss Graham Potter, however, has told the Independent that there has been no official interest in his £40million-rated man, though that is unlikely to stop the speculation or Bissouma’s agent from keeping an eye on the situation.

The Seagulls themselves have so far been quiet, with financial restraints affecting all clubs this window, but the market seems to be hotting up a little.

West Ham United look to be in the mood for business with striker Sebastain Haller set for a move to Ajax for around £20million less than the £41million fee they paid for him just 18 months ago.

And the Hammers have also been linked with a move for Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard. The forgotten man of Old Trafford has been linked with a move to link up again with his former manager David Moyes.

Sheffield United had been keen on Lingard, as revealed by the Star last month, and Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce has also been linked with a move for Lingard as he looks to add some creativity and energy to his midfield ranks this month.

But it could be London rather than Yorkshire or the North East that is the destination for the £100,000-a-week schemer.

This potential deal has lit up social media. Lingard is one of those players that divides opinion among football fans, but despite some of the comments he remains a player who at his best was starring for England in their run to the semi-finals of the World Cup not long ago.

If Lingard joins the Hammers, could it be as a replacement for Declan Rice? The England midfielder has been constantly linked with a switch to Chelsea, where his big pal Mason Mount plays, but the Athletic claim that any deal could be dependent on whether Frank Lampard keeps his job.

Newcastle are definitely looking for reinforcements in the centre of the park, but Bruce – who has admitted he will have to do loan deals only – is also reportedly keeping an eye on two other fringe players, defenders Brandon Williams and Phil Jones. The Shields Gazette reported that a framework agreement is in place for full-back Williams.

They have been linked with a move for former Everton full-back Djibril Sidibe today, with the Monaco man apparently avaialble for as little as £7million according to Foot Mercato. and have now freed up some wages after Rolando Aarons today joined Huddersfield Town.

Leeds United have been linked with a defender too this month but may keep their powder dry too. YEP writer Graham Smyth told the Inside Elland Road podcast: “As it stands, we’re told that Marcelo Bielsa is content with his squad, he’s told us himself that he wasn’t expecting to buy a defender. Interestingly he didn’t rule it out, bringing someone in in January, because situations arise and opportunities arise and Victor Orta has a way of working that normally benefits the team.”

Here’s some other deals being mooted today: