Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news snippets from across the footballing world, including Lyon's refusal to sell Moussa Dembele in January, Steven Gerrard's thoughts on taking over from Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, and Roma's reported interest in Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi. Scroll down for more!
Chelsea target Dembele "will not leave" Lyon
© Reuters
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has ruled out the possibility of striker Moussa Dembele leaving the club this month, insisting that the former Celtic man wants to stay. Chelsea and Manchester United had both been linked with the 23-year-old.
"Moussa will not leave. On one hand, he wants to stay with Lyon. It's the best way for him to continue to improve his game. There have been offers for him and other players, but no one we want to keep will leave in January," Aulas is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail.
Roma join Batshuayi race?
© Reuters
While Chelsea are looking to bolster their attacking options with the addition of Dembele, Michy Batshuayi continues to be linked with a move away from the club. The Daily Mail reports that Roma want the Belgian to provide competition for Edin Dzeko, although the likes of Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are also thought to be in the running.
Aston Villa considering Jay Rodriguez swoop?
© Reuters
Should Villa miss out on Batshuayi then The Athletic claims that they could turn to Burnley's Jay Rodriguez instead. Dean Smith is in the market for a new striker after seeing Wesley ruled out for the rest of the season through injury, and Rodriguez is one potential target alongside Batshuayi and Krzysztof Piatek.
Ryan Sessegnon flattered by Gareth Bale comparisons
© Reuters
Tottenham Hotspur wing-back Ryan Sessegnon has admitted that he is a long way off reaching Gareth Bale's level but is honoured to have been compared to the former Spurs favourite. In a wide-ranging interview the 19-year-old also revealed advice from Jose Mourinho and where he sees himself playing in the future.
"I think [the comparisons are] definitely a confidence boost. [Bale] was one of the players that I looked up to when I was younger, especially when he was at Southampton bombing up on the wing. He has attributes that I want to add to my game. In terms of attacking intent, the mentality to get in behind on the left flank and dribble with the ball, I'm trying to add a little bit of that into my game," he told Sky Sports News.
"If I could ever become as great as he has become it would be a massive achievement. I'm so far off at the moment. I set my standards very high, so I've got a lot of improvement to do, I'm still learning the game.
"I think at this moment in time I don't have a preferred position, I see myself long term at full-back. When I watch myself in clips, the way I play, my body shape, I feel like I am more suited to an attacking left-back role. But I always have it in my mind to be strong defensively as well. It's just getting the balance between attacking and defending.
"I think [Mourinho] wants to vary me in different positions. If I am playing at full-back or wing-back he wants me to be aggressive off the ball - that's something I have been working on in my game. (He wants me to) be more positive on the ball as well. I've been a bit disappointed in myself, the way I have been playing recently. It's an honest assessment from me looking back at it. I'm usually a very positive player with the ball but the last few games I haven't exploited areas which I usually would. For the upcoming games, if I am involved, I will have to do better."
Gerrard admits following Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool will be tough
© Reuters
Liverpool legend and Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has admitted that Jurgen Klopp's success on Merseyside has made things more difficult for any future Liverpool managers. Gerrard has long been tipped as a future manager of the club he served so loyally as a player and believes that the standards Klopp has set would leave him with big shoes to fill.
"It would be harder. I had a conversation with Jurgen when he took the job and he thought he could sort the problems out. If I took over now from Jurgen, it would be a tougher job than if I replaced Brendan Rodgers or Roy Hodgson. I would probably have a better chance of winning, though," Gerrard told The Greatest Game podcast.
Kylian Mbappe refuses to discuss future
© Reuters
An example of Liverpool's increased standing in world football is the persistent rumours linking them with a move for Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe. Real Madrid are also thought to be interested in signing the 21-year-old World Cup winner, but he insists that he is fully focused on his football for the remainder of the season.
"I simply want to play football and focus on the season. It is January, it's the start of the final sprint where there are titles to play for. Therefore it's not the moment to make waves. The club is calm and serene, everyone is pulling in the same direction, so talking about things that are off the pitch is not very realistic and not very beneficial for the team," Mbappe told reporters.
Celtic want Scott Hogan?
© Reuters
The Birmingham Mail claims that Celtic are interested in signing Aston Villa striker Scott Hogan, who is currently on loan at Stoke City. Hogan has only scored three goals in 15 appearances for the Potters and has only made one Championship appearance since November, but Neil Lennon has reportedly earmarked him as a potential target this month.
Reiss Nelson 'was set for Arsenal exit'
© Reuters
Reiss Nelson was reportedly on the verge of leaving Arsenal last summer before then-manager Unai Emery stepped in to block the exit. The Athletic claims that Crystal Palace were keen on signing the £20m-rated 20-year-old, who has since become a regular in the Arsenal team under new boss Mikel Arteta.
