Juventus have successfully reached an agreement with Newcastle United to sign defender Lloyd Kelly on loan, with an obligation to buy for €18 million plus additional bonuses.

The centre-back had been a long-standing target during the January transfer window, though interest appeared to cool when alternative options such as Kevin Danso from RC Lens gained prominence.

One of the key hurdles in negotiations was Newcastle’s insistence on an obligatory purchase clause rather than a simple loan deal. Initially reluctant, Juventus ultimately decided to move forward with the deal as the transfer deadline approached.

Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the agreement has been sealed for a fee of €18 million, with bonuses included and a sell-on percentage.

Kelly is expected to arrive in Turin over the weekend to undergo medical examinations before finalizing the move.

According to DAZN, the total cost of the deal could rise to around €20 million, structured as a loan with an option to buy, which converts into an obligation if specific conditions are met.

Sky Sport Italia provides further details, reporting that Juventus will initially pay €3 million for the five-month loan, followed by a mandatory purchase fee of €14 million, along with additional performance-based bonuses.

The 26-year-old, who developed through the Bristol City academy before moving to Bournemouth, joined Newcastle United on a free transfer in the summer of 2024.

This season, he has made 14 competitive appearances and registered one assist.

Manchester United are exploring the possibility of securing Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey as they seek reinforcements in attack before the January transfer window closes.

With Marcus Rashford on the verge of finalizing a loan switch to Aston Villa, United are actively searching for a replacement. The England international is set to join Villa on a temporary deal until the end of the season, with the Birmingham-based club agreeing to cover 70 percent of his £325,000-a-week wages.

Furthermore, Villa have negotiated an option to make Rashford’s move permanent in the summer, with a reported transfer fee of £40 million.

United have already expressed interest in Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel as a potential attacking addition, though the young forward recently declined an offer from Tottenham Hotspur. However, according to The Athletic, Bailey has emerged as another potential target for Erik ten Hag’s side, with a loan move being considered if Aston Villa are open to letting him leave.

The 27-year-old Jamaican international was one of Villa’s standout performers last season, registering 10 goals and nine assists in the Premier League. However, his form this term has been less prolific, contributing just one goal and two assists in league play so far.

Bailey joined Aston Villa from Bayer Leverkusen in 2021 for a fee of £25 million and has been an important part of Unai Emery’s squad.

Following Villa’s 2-0 defeat to Wolves on Saturday night, Emery acknowledged the club’s need to reinforce their squad before the transfer window shuts.

“We need to replace Diego Carlos, Emi Buendía, and Jhon Durán,” Emery stated. “It’s not easy because we don’t want just any replacements—we want players who can truly improve us. We are being selective and strategic.”

Villa have already taken steps to strengthen their squad, reaching an agreement with Paris Saint-Germain to sign Marco Asensio on loan for the remainder of the season. Meanwhile, Rashford is scheduled to undergo his medical on Sunday as he prepares for his move to Villa Park.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has intensified the anticipation ahead of Sunday’s crucial encounter with Manchester City, as the Gunners strive to maintain pressure on Liverpool in the Premier League title race.

Odegaard believes the competition between Arsenal and City has driven both teams to greater heights in their pursuit of the championship.

Their rivalry saw tempers flare during their last meeting at the Etihad in September, when City striker Erling Haaland delivered his now-famous “stay humble” remark.

Reflecting on the fierce competition, Odegaard remarked: “It’s normal in high-stakes matches to have a heated rivalry. You’re competing to be the best, and sometimes that intensity is needed.

“Our battles with Man City for the title over the past few years have made us stronger. This rivalry pushes us to perform at our highest level, and that’s our aim again this season.

“It’s difficult to compare, but the past two seasons, particularly last year’s dramatic final-day finish, have made this rivalry even more significant. Fans and players alike carry those memories into the match, adding to the excitement and pressure.

“But we thrive on this. We love the big games, just like the North London Derby, and we’re all looking forward to this challenge.”

Their previous meeting saw Mikel Arteta clash with Haaland, while Arsenal endured a tough second half with ten men following Leandro Trossard’s red card before City secured a last-minute equalizer.

The tension between the two clubs has only grown, particularly between Arteta and City boss Pep Guardiola, despite their past close relationship when Arteta was a coach at the Etihad.

Haaland is set to be a prime target for Arsenal fans at the Emirates, but Odegaard revealed that he remains close friends with his Norwegian teammate.

“We have a great friendship,” Odegaard shared. “A few of us from the national team keep in touch through a group chat, and we check in with each other now and then. We haven’t spoken about this match specifically, but we’re still good friends.

“In football, emotions run high in matches like these, and adrenaline takes over. Things can happen on the pitch, but once the game is over, we move on. It’s not something I dwell on.

“A lot of players know each other from international duty—whether it’s England, Brazil, or me and Erling with Norway—so there’s a different dynamic on and off the pitch. But once the whistle blows, it’s all about the battle.”