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Chelsea set to beat Manchester United and Liverpool to wonderkid signing, Douglas Luiz could also join Blues - Paper Round
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Updated 23/01/2026 at 08:28 GMT
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Chelsea hope to further add to their squad after striking a deal to sign Yisa Alao from Sheffield Wednesday as they line up Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz, who is on loan at Nottingham Forest. Elsewhere, West Ham want a better offer from Flamengo to sell Lucas Paqueta, and Crystal Palace are still hoping to sign teenage Angers forward Sidiki Cherif.
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Chelsea keen on Luiz swoop
Chelsea are weighing up a move for Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz to boost Liam Rosenior’s squad.
The 27-year-old Brazilian could be available for the rest of the season, though he is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest.
The Sun reports: "Chelsea are considering a shock loan swoop for Douglas Luiz, according to reports.
"The Brazilian midfielder, 27, is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest from Juventus.
"But the 18-cap international has only made 13 appearances for Forest this term.
"And he is seen as someone who could provide added experience into Liam Rosenior’s midfield for the rest of the season."
Chelsea win race for Alao
Yisa Alao is set to join Chelsea from Sheffield Wednesday despite offers from Manchester United and Liverpool.
The 17-year-old left-back will cost an initial £600,000, but the ultimate fee could be around 10 times that figure.
The Daily Mail states: "Yisa Alao is very close to reaching an agreement to join Chelsea from Sheffield Wednesday in a £600,000 deal that could rise to £6million with performance related add-ons.
"As Daily Mail Sport reported, the left-back had interest from Manchester United and Liverpool, who both made offers to Wednesday for the teenager, who has yet to sign a professional contract.
"He made his full debut for Wednesday earlier this month, in their FA Cup clash with Brentford and then made his first league start against Portsmouth last Saturday."
Paqueta future in doubt
West Ham forward Lucas Paqueta’s future is in the balance after he asked not to be considered for Saturday's match against Sunderland, which is live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
The 28-year-old Brazilian was the subject of a £30.3m offer from Flamengo, who are offering him a return home.
The Athletic writes: "Paqueta’s long-term future remains uncertain after West Ham rejected a bid in the region of €35m (£30.3m; $40.9m) from Brazilian club Flamengo.
"The Brazil international, who joined West Ham from French club Lyon in August 2022 for an initial €43m plus €17m in potential bonuses, is keen to return to his boyhood club.
"Paqueta scored 18 goals across 95 appearances for Flamengo from 2016 through to 2019. In the summer of 2024, the Brazilian club made an unsatisfactory offer to sign Paqueta that West Ham sources described as ‘laughable’."
Palace chase Mateta replacement
The i Paper reports that Crystal Palace remain favourites for 19-year-old Angers forward Sidiki Cherif, but negotiations are not close to being finalised.
Palace are looking for reinforcements up front after Jean-Philippe Mateta made a transfer request to leave Selhurst Park.
The paper explains: "Crystal Palace are in the market for a striker in the January window, whatever happens regarding Jean-Philippe Mateta’s uncertain future.
"The top target is 19-year-old Angers forward Sidiki Cherif, but the move has stalled as negotiations between the two clubs have been leisurely.
"Palace remain front-runners for the attacker’s signature, with the France youth international communicating that his favoured destination is Selhurst Park.
"Meanwhile, Mateta is trying to force a move away from Crystal Palace this month and has lodged a verbal transfer request, sources have told The i Paper."
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