Aston Villa plan January loan move for Real Madrid striker Endrick

The January window is starting to produce its first serious moves and the Premier League is setting the pace once again. Aston Villa are working on a formula to sign Brazilian forward Endrick from Real Madrid, while Liverpool are seriously weighing up a move for young Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal. Everton, Arsenal and Newcastle are also active as clubs across the division search for attacking reinforcements.

• Aston Villa want a January loan deal for Real Madrid striker Endrick.
• Liverpool are considering a move for Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal, 19.
• Arsenal, Aston Villa and Newcastle are chasing Norway forward Antonio Nusa, valued at £60m.
• Dominic Solanke has no plans to leave Tottenham despite the club's attacking plans.
• Everton are leading the interest in Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul.

Aston Villa's January plan: a loan move for Endrick

Unai Emery wants to strengthen his attack and has turned his attention to one of Brazilian football's most highly rated young forwards. Aston Villa are seriously considering an offer to bring Endrick to Birmingham for the second half of the season, with the move structured as a loan from Real Madrid. The 20-year-old arrived at the Spanish club with the reputation of a future star, and Villa believe a spell in the Premier League would accelerate his development at the highest level of European football.

Competition for a place in Real Madrid's forward line is fierce, and a loan could give the Brazilian the regular minutes he needs to keep growing. At Villa Park there is confidence that his pace and ability to run in behind would fit the team's attacking style, which has established them as contenders for European places in recent seasons.

Liverpool keep close watch on Barcelona starlet Marc Bernal

Liverpool's midfield has been going through a rebuild and Anfield's scouts are keeping a close eye on Marc Bernal. The 19-year-old central midfielder, capped by Spain at youth level, is one of the most exciting prospects to emerge from Barcelona's academy, and his name has moved firmly onto Arne Slot's list of targets for upcoming windows.

Bernal combines composure on the ball, arrival in the box and a maturity rarely seen at his age. Those qualities match the profile of the modern midfielder Liverpool have been looking to add since the departure of some of their long-serving core. The English club is assessing the timing and conditions of what would not be a straightforward operation, given how highly Barcelona value the young players developed at La Masia.

Three Premier League giants battle for Antonio Nusa

Norwegian winger Antonio Nusa has become one of the most sought-after names in the market. Arsenal, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are all tracking his progress at RB Leipzig, a club that will not make any exit easy and has reportedly placed a £60m price tag on him. His ability to beat defenders out wide and his room for improvement make him an appealing option for teams looking for direct running and a goal threat.

A bidding battle looks likely. The three English clubs all need to add depth to their squads to sustain the pace of a long season, and Nusa's profile suits each of them. Everything will depend on whether one side is willing to get close to the numbers Leipzig are asking for, or whether they wait for the market to develop before making their move.

Dominic Solanke committed to Tottenham stay

Despite Tottenham planning to strengthen their forward line in January, Dominic Solanke is not considering a move away. The 29-year-old England striker is settled in north London and has no intention of entertaining offers, even with the possibility of direct competition arriving for his place. His commitment to Ange Postecoglou's project and his role in the starting eleven point firmly towards continuity.

Kevin Viveros: Aston Villa's alternative attacking target

Aston Villa's planning does not begin and end with Endrick. The Birmingham club has also set aside around £18m for a potential move for Colombian striker Kevin Viveros, the 26-year-old forward currently playing for Athletico Paranaense. It is a move for a more experienced profile who would offer physicality, goals and a different tactical alternative to what the squad already has.

The deal is still at an early stage, but the interest is genuine and confirms that Villa do not want to rely on a single attacking addition. With two demanding competitions ahead, Emery is looking for squad depth to keep the team performing at its best during the second half of the campaign.

Everton lead the race for Rennes forward Esteban Lepaul

Everton are currently the best-placed club to sign Esteban Lepaul. The 26-year-old French forward, who has been performing well for Rennes, is also on the radar of Aston Villa, Brentford, Brighton and Leeds United, but the Goodison Park side lead the chase. His ability to play with his back to goal and finish in the box makes him an attractive target for a team that needs more firepower.