Arsenal and Manchester United are keeping a close eye on Porto right-back Alberto Costa, while Chelsea are pressing hard to sign Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde, according to the latest transfer reports. The 22-year-old Costa, who made the Primeira Liga team of the season after a breakthrough campaign, has a 65 million euro release clause in a contract that runs until 2030, with Paris Saint-Germain also monitoring the situation.

No club has yet made a formal approach, and scouting remains at an early stage. Elsewhere, Chelsea’s pursuit of 22-year-old Barcelona left-back Balde is gathering pace, with AC Milan also keen and Liverpool in the mix.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are reported to be in contact with the representatives of Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, the 25-year-old French international. With the January window approaching, the gossip mill is warming up, though clubs remain cautious about triggering big release clauses mid-season. Porto are under no pressure to sell, with the youngster tied down until 2030 and Juventus holding a 10 per cent sell-on clause on any future profit.