In the upcoming January transfer window, Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund are set to compete in their pursuit of Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen.

City and Dortmund Battle for Maatsen

Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund are set to go head-to-head in the race to sign Chelsea full-back Ian Maatsen. The 21-year-old was close to leaving in the summer, and according to The Sun, there will be renewed interest in January.

Borussia Dortmund has emerged as a surprise contender to sign Maatsen, who is believed to be available for transfer next month. Chelsea is looking to sell academy graduates to boost their spending power, and Maatsen could be one of the players on the move. Tottenham is also said to be keen on Conor Gallagher, another potential sale for the Blues.

Varane’s Contract Situation at Manchester United

Raphael Varane’s contract at Manchester United will not be extended, allowing the central defender to negotiate a free transfer in 2024. The Independent reports that United has chosen not to exercise their 12-month extension option, putting them at risk of losing the £41m signing on a free transfer.

Varane’s current deal expires at the end of the season, and unless United triggers the extension or agrees on a new contract, the Frenchman will be free to discuss a move abroad. This development comes amidst confusion over the transfer window due to changes in FIFA agent rules.

Mbappe’s Mother Takes on Agent Role

Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe has appointed his mother, Fayza Lamari, as his agent once again. The Daily Mail suggests that this move could have implications for Mbappe’s potential transfer to Real Madrid.

With his PSG contract set to expire in six months, Mbappe’s mother is expected to play a central role in deciding his future. It is widely anticipated that the 25-year-old will sign for Real Madrid in the summer, after turning down the club in 2022 to extend his stay at PSG. Negotiations with Real will officially begin on January 1.

Tottenham’s Pursuit of Todibo Hits a Snag

Tottenham’s pursuit of OGC Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo may have hit a stumbling block. The Mirror reports that talks between Tottenham and Nice over a potential deal have stalled.

Manchester United has held positive discussions with Todibo and his representatives, but Nice, owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, are reluctant to part ways with their prized defender midway through the season. As a result, Tottenham may turn their attention to Genoa’s Radu Dragusin as an alternative option.