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Manchester United se to lose out to Aston Villa in bid to sign Loftus-Cheek on loan from AC Milan - Paper Round
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Published 21/01/2026 at 22:44 GMT
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Aston Villa may beat Manchester United to a loan deal for AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, while Everton are struggling to get players in on loan after missing out on five targets. Elsewhere, Chelsea are looking to sign Sheffield Wednesday’s teenage left-back Yisa Alao, and Randal Kolo Muani’s loan spell at Tottenham might be cancelled after his struggles this season.
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Villa make move for Loftus-Cheek
Manchester United were offered former Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, but it may be Aston Villa who land the AC Milan man.
The 29-year-old is available on a loan deal after falling down the pecking order in Italy, and Villa have made contact.
The Mirror reports: "Aston Villa are said to have made an enquiry for Ruben Loftus-Cheek - just days after the former Chelsea midfielder was 'offered' to Manchester United.
"Loftus-Cheek, 29, is no stranger to Premier League teams after coming through the academy ranks at Stamford Bridge and boasts over 150 top-flight appearances from his time with the Blues and loan spells at Crystal Palace and Fulham. The midfielder, who was handed an England recall by Thomas Tuchel last September, moved to AC Milan in the summer of 2023.
"Loftus-Cheek has gone on to make over 90 appearances for the Italian giants but could be loaned out this month after falling down the pecking order at the San Siro, with Villa now considering a move to bring him in."
Everton set to miss out on Man Utd duo
Everton are now unlikely to sign either of Manchester United duo Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo, and will probably miss out on other targets.
Fenerbahce forward Youssef En-Nesyri, Genoa defender Brooke Norton-Cuffy, and West Ham’s Callum Wilson were all targets, but other players are now being chased for loan deals.
The i Paper writes: "The i Paper understands that they investigated the financials around a move for Fenerbahce striker Youssef En-Nesyri, who was offered to the club, but at this stage a move for the 28-year-old is rated as unlikely.
"Similarly Everton were one of a number of clubs interested in Callum Wilson but senior officials at West Ham now appear to have blocked his exit. Sources close to the former England striker intimated that he wants to be a regular starter, something Everton might have been reluctant to guarantee with Thierno Barry’s upturn in form.
"The Toffees have also been made aware of Brooke Norton-Cuffy’s availability at Genoa, although the Serie A side don’t want to allow the 22-year-old to leave on loan. With Juventus and West Ham also interested in the right-back, they would prefer a permanent deal at around the £17m mark.
"Interest in loan moves for either Joshua Zirkzee or Kobbie Mainoo – both floated a few weeks ago – has dwindled with the managerial machinations at Manchester United."
Chelsea aim to beat Man Utd to Alao deal
Chelsea hope to beat Manchester United to the signing of Sheffield Wednesday’s young defender, Yisa Alao.
Chelsea have offered a deal that could be worth more than ÂŁ1 million for the 17-year-old left-back, but United may still have a say.
The Athletic explains: "Chelsea are close to finalising a deal to sign Sheffield Wednesday’s 17-year-old left-back Yisa Alao.
"Manchester United, however, are also in talks over the talented prospect, with further negotiations ahead.
"The final figure, including major add-ons, could significantly surpass ÂŁ1 million, but the initial fee is a six-figure sum.
"Alao has made five appearances for Wednesday’s first-team this season, playing a total of 186 minutes in the Championship, FA Cup and EFL Cup, and is anticipated to leave in this transfer window.
"United had a bid in the region of ÂŁ450,000 rejected by Wednesday before Christmas, but are still trying to recruit the player."
Kolo Muani facing Spurs exit
Randal Kolo Muani could be on his way back to Paris Saint-Germain, according to a report in The Sun.
The French striker has struggled to make an impression in the Premier League with Tottenham, meaning his loan could now be cancelled.
The paper states: "Tottenham star Randal Kolo Muani could have his loan terminated early after a dismal start to life in North London.
"The Frenchman, 27, joined the club on a season-long loan from PSG last summer and was tipped to strengthen Spurs’ struggling front line.
"With Dominic Solanke returning from fitness – and scoring against Dortmund on his first start of the season – Kolo Muani will likely have fewer chances to start up front for Spurs.
"The club do not have an obligation to sign the France international and there is next to no chance they will snap him up permanently in the summer."
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