Three Spanish coaches in line for Chelsea job, Manchester United target wants Real Madrid move - Euro Transfer News
Published 02/01/2026 at 18:05 GMT
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Chelsea's managerial search leads the continental transfer headlines, with Liam Rosenior the frontrunner, but three Spaniards are also linked. Elsewhere, Angers expect teenage star Sidiki Cherif to leave amid Crystal Palace and Paris FC interest, Ruben Neves is willing to take a huge pay cut to join Real Madrid, and Fabio Silva could depart Borussia Dortmund on loan as he seeks more minutes.
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Three Spanish coaches in line for Chelsea job
While Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior is widely reported to be the leading contender to take over as Chelsea manager, Marca has claimed that Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, Como’s Cesc Fabregas and ex-Barcelona boss Xavi are all also in contention.
The publication adds that Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and Marseille boss Roberto de Zerbi are also of interest.
On his future, Iraola said on Friday: "I am very happy at Bournemouth. My issues is not about these things".
Rosenior, however, appears to be the most likely candidate, with the Strasbourg boss having admitted to having had conversations with Chelsea.
"You never know what tomorrow will bring," Rosenior said in a press conference on Friday.
"I’m just doing my job. There’s already been speculation. I don’t want to guarantee how long I’ll be here, but I enjoy myself here every day. I intend to continue doing so as long as I’m here. I love this club, but I can’t guarantee anything. Nobody can.
"I want to do my job here, it’s simple. The reality today is that I am the manager of Strasbourg and I am focused on my position.
"There are exchanges because we are part of the same group… I’m honest, you can never control everything in life. I could say I’m going to stay here for years and then get fired."
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SAINT-ETIENNE, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 2: Strasbourg Head Coach Liam Rosenior prior to the Ligue 1 McDonald's match between Saint Etienne and Strasbourg at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard on November 2, 2024 in Saint-Etienne, France. (Photo by Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
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Angers expect Palace and Paris FC target to leave
SCO Angers boss Alexandre Dujeux has confirmed that 19-year-old attacker Sidiki Cherif is likely to leave this January amid reported interest from Crystal Palace and Paris FC.
The 19-year-old broke into the Angers first-team this season, netting four goals in 16 appearances, but is likely to depart due to the club’s financial situation.
According to transfer insider Mohamed Toubache-Ter, Angers have turned down two bids for Cherif from Paris FC, and are reportedly holding out for a €30 million (£26m) total transfer package.
"With the bids we’re getting, we expect Sidiki Cherif to leave," Dujeux said on Friday. "That’s how it is, I’ve accepted it. It’s important for the long-term stability of the club. This is not good news for me as a coach, but for the club, it is essential."
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Sidiki Chérif (Angers)
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Neves wants Real Madrid transfer
According to Fichajes, Ruben Neves wants to sign for Real Madrid and is willing to take a 60% pay cut to push through any deal.
Neves’ Al Hilal deal expires at the end of the season, with the former Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder having also been linked to Manchester United.
The Fichajes report reads: "Although major clubs like Man Utd are closely monitoring his situation, the player's primary desire is clear: to sign for Real Madrid.
"The Portuguese midfielder believes that wearing the white shirt would be the definitive step in his career and a unique opportunity to compete for the biggest titles in European football.
"At the Santiago Bernabeu, they value his profile highly. Neves fits the bill for a midfielder with authority, experience, and excellent ball control, capable of providing balance and leadership in a key area of the pitch.
"Furthermore, the possibility of signing him without a transfer fee is a significant factor within the club's financial strategy.
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Josh Cullen of Republic of Ireland, Ruben Neves of Portugal during the World Cup Qualifier match between Portugal v Republic of Ireland at the Estadio Jose Alvalade on October 11, 2025 in Lisbon Portugal
Image credit: Getty Images
"However, it's not all smooth sailing. Real Madrid's sporting planning is demanding, competition in midfield is fierce, and the club carefully analyses every move, even when it seems like a clear opportunity.
"Aware of the difficulties, Ruben Neves is willing to take a step that is unusual in modern football. The player has expressed his willingness to accept a salary reduction of over 60% in order to facilitate his move to Real Madrid. This bold gesture has been met with surprise and respect within the club."
Silva linked with Dortmund exit
Another former Wolves player, Fabio Silva, looks to be on the move in January.
The Portuguese striker joined Borussia Dortmund from Wolves in the summer, but has since featured mainly off the bench.
And according to transfer guru Rudy Galetti, a spate of clubs are interested in signing Silva this January.
Galetti has said in a post on X: "Besiktas, AS Roma, Real Betis and several other Spanish clubs have requested updated info on Fabio Silva for a possible loan until the season’s end.
"The BVB striker wants more minutes in the second half of the season and is open to all options."
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