Transfer gossip round-up: Liverpool monitoring Thiaw - Wednesday's gossip

The BBC gossip feed has churned out a fresh batch of transfer chatter, and the rumour mill is humming louder than a Premier League derby.

In the north‑west, Liverpool and Manchester United are both said to be keeping tabs on Germany defender Malick Thiaw, according to Caught Offside, while Newcastle is reportedly firm on keeping the 25‑year‑old, with no intention of selling him. The same source notes that Newcastle is also understood to be eyeing continuity for midfielder Joe Willock, 27, with a new contract on the table if he stays in form under Matthias Jaissle, as reported by Football Insider.

Further up the coast, Bournemouth’s young winger Rayan, 20, is linked to a massive £130 million release clause that would trigger in the summer of 2027, per David Ornstein via the Athletic. That clause could be the catalyst for Chelsea’s interest in another Bournemouth asset – English midfielder Alex Scott, 23 – a move that Teamtalk says the Blues are ready to make in January.

South of the border, Fulham are reportedly set to start contract talks with defender Calvin Bassey, 26, as Teamtalk notes, even as the Irish centre‑back draws interest from Inter Milan. Meanwhile, Sunderland’s 21‑year‑old winger Chemsdine Talbi is said to be close to sealing a deal with Saudi Pro League side Al‑Ittihad, according to Football Insider.

On the continent, former Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez, 35, is reportedly in talks to join Serie B side Avellino, with Marca highlighting the club’s connection to ex‑Italy defender Alessandro Nesta as their manager.

All told, the day’s gossip paints a picture of clubs juggling renewal and ambition, from England’s top flight to the sands of Saudi Arabia and the lower tiers of Italian football. The transfer market may be a week away from any firm signings, but the stories are already sparking plenty of conversation.