Kane closes on Bayern extension until 2029 and Güler commits to Real Madrid

The January window is approaching and major European clubs are already making plans behind the scenes. Harry Kane has reached an agreement in principle with Bayern Munich to extend his contract through the summer of 2029, a move that puts any speculation about his future to rest. At Real Madrid, Arda Güler has committed his future to the club, while Liverpool have positioned themselves as favourites to land Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, a player valued at £100m.

• Harry Kane, 33, has an agreement in principle with Bayern Munich to extend until 2029.
• Arda Güler, 21, agrees a new Real Madrid contract after summer interest from Arsenal and Manchester City.
• Liverpool lead the race for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, a 23-year-old England international.
• Jacob Murphy is close to agreeing a one-year extension at Newcastle United.
• Several Premier League clubs are tracking young Austrian midfielder Jacob Hodl.

Kane moves closer to Bayern Munich contract extension

Harry Kane's future at Bayern Munich now looks settled. The England striker, who arrived from Tottenham in 2023, has given the green light to a new deal that would extend his current agreement until 2029. The Bavarian club are now finalising the remaining paperwork to make official the signature of their main attacking reference for another five years.

Since landing in the Bundesliga, Kane has established himself as one of the most reliable goalscorers on the continent. The extension is Bayern's response to any potential approach from the Premier League and confirms that keeping their star forward was a top priority in the club's sporting planning.

Arda Güler agrees new Real Madrid deal

Real Madrid have made their move with Arda Güler. The 21-year-old Turkish playmaker has reached an agreement to extend his stay at the Spanish club, a development that comes after Arsenal and Manchester City showed interest during the last summer window. The Ottoman talent, who arrived at the Bernabéu with a huge reputation, secures a key role in the Madrid project.

Despite fierce competition for attacking places in Carlo Ancelotti's squad, Güler has demonstrated in his appearances that he has the quality to succeed in white. The renewal dismisses any exit speculation and underlines the club's commitment to one of the most sought-after young talents in world football.

Liverpool take pole position in Alex Scott chase

Liverpool are looking to strengthen their engine room and Alex Scott is the name making most noise. The 23-year-old Bournemouth midfielder, capped by England, has become a prime target for the Reds, who currently lead the race for a player valued at £100m.

Scott has grown considerably in the Premier League and his ability to combine defensive work with late runs into the box fits perfectly with the style Arne Slot wants at Anfield. Competition for the midfielder is strong, but Liverpool are in a privileged position to try and close the operation when the transfer window opens.

More movement across the English market

The transfer news does not stop with those three big names. At Newcastle United, Jacob Murphy is on the verge of extending his contract. The 31-year-old English winger sees his current deal expire next summer and talks over a one-year extension are well advanced.

Several Premier League clubs are keeping an eye on Issa Doumbia, the 22-year-old Italian midfielder Sporting Lisbon signed from Venezia this summer for 26m euros. His release clause stands at 80m euros, a figure that has not discouraged his suitors. Interest is also growing in Jacob Hodl, a 19-year-old Austrian midfielder from Sturm Graz who was watched by English scouts at the Vitality Stadium during a match against Bournemouth.

Pressure mounts on Parkinson and Gerrard waits in the wings

In the Championship, the Wrexham dugout is under scrutiny. Phil Parkinson is facing increasing criticism after recent results and his future at the helm is not guaranteed. Should a vacancy open up, Steven Gerrard would be open to taking the role.

The former Liverpool captain, who knows British football well after spells in charge of Rangers and Aston Villa, appears an attractive option for a club that keeps growing and dreams of climbing the English football pyramid. Meanwhile, Lukas Nmecha has yet to renew at Leeds United. The 27-year-old German striker, out of contract in the summer, wants more playing time before committing his future.